Extracellular Matrix News Volume 4.06 | Feb 14 2013

Matrix Remodeling Maintains ESC Self-Renewal by Activating Stat3
The embryonic stem cell (ESC) matrix is continuously remodeled by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a process that the authors find is enhanced by the presence of mouse embryonic fibroblast feeders in a paracrine manner. Matrix remodeling by MMPs aids in the self-renewal of ESCs, as inhibition of MMPs inhibits the ability of ESCs to self-renew. [Stem Cells] Abstract | Full Article

Spatial Patterning of Endothelium Modulates Cell Morphology, Adhesiveness and Transcriptional Signature
Scientists demonstrated that both micropatterned and aligned nanofibrillar biomaterials could effectively guide endothelial cells organization along the direction of the micropatterned channels or nanofibrils, respectively. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix Inhibits Structural and Functional Plasticity of Dendritic Spines in the Adult Visual Cortex
Researchers showed that a prominent component of the extracellular matrix, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, restrains morphological changes of dendritic spines in the visual cortex of adult mice. [Nat Commun] Abstract

Molecular Design of a Highly Selective and Strong Protein Inhibitor against Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2)
The authors designed a fusion protein named APP-IP-TIMP-2, in which the ten amino acid residues sequence of APP-derived MMP-2-selective inhibitory peptide (APP-IP) is added to the N terminus of TIMP-2. The APP-IP and TIMP-2 regions of the fusion protein are designed to interact with the active site and the hemopexin-like domain of MMP-2, respectively. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article

Reconstitution of the Myocardium in Regenerating Newt Hearts Is Preceded by Transient Deposition of Extracellular Matrix Components
Scientists elucidated that the extracellular matrix is a critical guidance cue for outgrowing and branching trabeculae to reconstruct the trabeculated network, which represents a hallmark of uninjured cardiac tissue in newts. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

Cellular and Extracellular Matrix Changes in Anterior Cruciate Ligaments during Human Knee Aging and Osteoarthritis
The authors characterized the patterns and relationships of aging-related and osteoarthritis-associated changes in anterior cruciate ligament cells and extracellular matrix. [Arthritis Res Ther] Abstract | Full Article

Defective Alterations in the Collagen Network to Prostacyclin in COPD Lung Fibroblasts
Investigators studied the synthesis of prostacyclin and its effect on fibroblast activity and extracellular matrix production, and in particular collagen I and the collagen-associated proteoglycans biglycan and decorin. [Respir Res] Abstract | Full Article

Increased Extracellular Matrix Density Decreases MCF10A Breast Cell Acinus Formation in 3D Culture Conditions
Scientists showed that the density of the extracellular matrix directly influences the number, organization and function of breast acini. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med] Abstract

Gremlin Induces Cell Proliferation and Extracellular Matrix Accumulation in Mouse Mesangial Cells Exposed to High Glucose via the ERK1/2 Pathway
Researchers investigated the role of Gremlin on cell proliferation and accumulation of extracellular matrix in mouse mesangial cells, and explored the relationship between the Gremlin and the ERK1/2 pathways. [BMC Nephrol] Full Article

Neoproteoglycans in Tissue Engineering
A variety of synthetic and semi-synthetic molecules and polymers have been examined by tissue engineers that serve as structural, chemical and biological replacements for proteoglycans (PGs). These PG mimetics have been referred to as neoproteoglycans (neoPGs) and serve as functional and therapeutic replacements for natural PGs that are often unavailable for tissue engineering studies. This review focuses on the recent in vivo and in vitro tissue engineering applications of three basic types of neoPG structures, protein-glycosaminoglycan (GAG) conjugates, nano-GAG composites, and polymer-GAG complexes. [FEBS J] Abstract

Shire Regenerative Medicine Initiates Phase III Study of ABH001 for Patients with Epidermolysis Bullosa
Shire plc announced the initiation of a Phase III study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ABH001, its dermal substitute therapy, for the treatment of non-healing wounds in patients with Epidermolysis Bullosa, a group of rare genetic skin disorders that begin to manifest at birth or early childhood and occur in approximately 19 per 1 million live births in the US. [Shire plc] Press Release

Nanostructures with Living Cells
Aleksandr Ovsianikov is developing a laser system, which allows living cells to be incorporated into intricate taylor-made structures, similar to biological tissue, in which cells are surrounded by the extracellular matrix. This technology is particularly important for artificially growing biotissue, for finding new drugs or for stem cell research. Ovsianikov has been awarded the ERC Starting Grant from the European Research Council (ERC) of approximately 1.5 million Euros. [Vienna University of Technology] Press Release

National Institutes of Health (United States)

Food and Drug Administration (United States)

Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (United States)
 
European Medicines Agency (European Union)

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

NEW Asia Pacific Chapter of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS) 2013 Annual Conference
October 23-26, 2013
Shanghai & Wuzhen, China

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the extracellular matrix community.

Postdoctoral Position – Tissue Engineering (Weizmann Institute of Science)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Cell-Extracellular Matrix Interactions in Cardiovascular Development & Disease (Thomas Jefferson University)

Postdoctoral Position – Tissue Development, Homeostasis and Malignancy (University of Oulu)

Postdoctoral Position – Extracellular Matrix & Developmental Biology (Purdue University)

Postdoctoral Position (Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology)

PhD Fellowship (Ghent University)

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