Extracellular Matrix News Volume 4.07 | Feb 21 2013

Topical Administration of Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells Seeded in a Collagen Scaffold Augments Wound Healing and Increases Angiogenesis in the Diabetic Rabbit Ulcer
Investigators hypothesized that topically applied allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) would improve wound healing by augmenting angiogenesis. Allogeneic non-diabetic bone-marrow derived MSCs were seeded in a collagen scaffold. [Diabetes] Abstract

A Feeder-Free, Defined Three-Dimensional Polyethylene Glycol-Based Extracellular Matrix Niche for Culture of Human Embryonic Stem Cells
The authors report optimization of a serum- and feeder-free, three-dimensional niche created with a synthetic polyethylene glycol-based extracellular matrix for self-renewal of human embryonic stem cells. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Hyaluronic Acid-Gelatin Hydrogels
Researchers generated hybrid hydrogels with tunable physical and biological properties by using different concentrations of hyaluronic acid and gelatin. The physical properties of the fabricated hydrogels including swelling ratio, degradation, and mechanical properties were investigated. [Biomacromolecules] Abstract

HIF-1 Promotes Extracellular Matrix Remodeling under Hypoxic Conditions by Inducing P4HA1, P4HA2, and PLOD2 Expression in Fibroblasts
Scientists demonstrated that hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a critical regulator of extracellular matrix remodeling by fibroblasts under hypoxic conditions. HIF-1 activates expression of genes encoding collagen prolyl (P4HA1 and P4HA2) and lysyl (PLOD2) hydroxylases. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article

High-Fidelity Tissue Engineering of Patient-Specific Auricles for Reconstruction of Pediatric Microtia and Other Auricular Deformities
Researchers sought to combine digital photogrammetry with CAD/CAM techniques to develop collagen type I hydrogel scaffolds and their respective molds that would precisely mimic the normal anatomy of the patient-specific external ear as well as recapitulate the complex biomechanical properties of native auricular elastic cartilage while avoiding the morbidity of traditional autologous reconstructions. [PLoS One]
Abstract | Press Release

Improvements of Osteoblast Adhesion, Proliferation, and Differentiation In Vitro via Fibrin Network Formation in Collagen Sponge Scaffold
The authors added fibrin networks to collagen sponges scaffolds by using a fibrinogen cross-linking reaction and evaluated the proliferation, differentiation, and adhesion of MG-63 cells on these scaffolds. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

Fucosterol Inhibits Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression and Promotes Type-1 Procollagen Production in UVB-Induced Immortalized Human Keratinocyte Cells
Investigators showed that fucosterol attenuated ultraviolet-induced matrix metalloproteinase and inflammatory cytokine expression by deactivating mitogen-activated protein kinases induced by reactive oxygen species. Fucosterol also increased type I procollagen and antioxidant enzyme expression. [Photochem Photobiol] Abstract

Absence of Immune Responses with Xenogeneic Collagen and Elastin
The effects of xenogeneic (porcine, bovine) collagen type I and elastin as the two main components of heart valve extracellular matrix were analyzed in comparison to their human equivalents. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Vascular Extracellular Matrix in Atherosclerosis
Due to the crucial role of extracellular matrix (ECM) in cardiovascular repair, the regenerative potential of ECM could be successfully utilized in constructing engineered scaffolds and vessels that mimic properties of the natural ECM and consist of the native ECM components or composite biomaterials. These scaffolds possess a great promise in vascular tissue engineering. [Cardiol Rev] Abstract

Defining the Extracellular Matrix Using Proteomics
The authors review advances in proteomic approaches that have been applied to furthering the understanding of the extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment. They surveyed recent studies that have addressed challenges in the analysis of ECM and discuss major outcomes in the context of health and disease. [Int J Exp Pathol] Abstract

Reproductive Stem Cell Differentiation: Extracellular Matrix, Tissue Microenvironment, and Growth Factors Direct the Mesenchymal Stem Cell Lineage Commitment
The authors discuss the main effects of extracellular matrix or tissue environment and growth factors in the cell lineage commitment, including the reproductive stem cells. [Reprod Sci] Abstract

USC launches Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Initiative
A new University of Southern California (USC) initiative has been introduced to support collaborative research in regenerative medicine and stem cell biology across the university, facilitating the critical move from basic research into clinical applications. [University of Southern California] Press Release

New $10.1 Million Imaging Facility Will Unlock Medical, Engineering Secrets
Supported by $10.1 million in funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the BC Knowledge Development Fund, and University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Dentistry, a facility and state-of-the-art imaging equipment will enable researchers from medicine to earthquake engineering to capture two- and three-dimensional information and perform in-depth analyses into the structure of specimens – from human tissue to rocks. [The University of British Columbia] Press Release

Eight Professors Receive Romnes Faculty Fellowships
Eight promising young University of Wisconsin-Madison faculty have been honored with Romnes Faculty Fellowships. The Romnes awards recognize exceptional faculty members who have earned tenure within the last four years. Selected by a Graduate School committee, winners receive an unrestricted $50,000 award for research, supported by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. [University of Wisconsin-Madison] 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 Israstem 2013
April 22-23, 2013
Ramat Gan, Israel

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)

Postdoctoral Position (University of Bergen)

Senior Scientist (Spiber Technologies AB)

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