Extracellular Matrix News Volume 4.10 | Mar 14 2013

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    Extracellular Matrix News 4.10 March 14, 2013
         In this issue: Publications | Industry News | Policy News | Events | Jobs
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    TOP STORY
    Genome-Wide Analysis Points to Roles for Extracellular Matrix Remodeling, the Visual Cycle, and Neuronal Development in Myopia
    The authors’ findings point toward multiple genetic factors involved in the development of myopia and suggest that complex interactions between extracellular matrix remodeling, neuronal development, and visual signals from the retina may underlie the development of myopia in humans. [PLoS Genet
    Full Article | Press Release

    Culture primary neurons independent of substrate with NeuroCult™ SM2

    PUBLICATIONS (Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

    Assembly of Complex Cell Microenvironments Using Geometrically Docked Hydrogel Shapes
    Investigators report a method for docking numerous cellularized hydrogel shapes (100-1,000 µm in size) into hydrogel templates to construct 3D cellular microenvironments. Each shape can be uniquely designed to contain customizable concentrations of cells and molecular species, and can be placed into any spatial configuration, providing extensive compositional and geometric tunability of shape-coded patterns using a highly biocompatible hydrogel material. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract | Press Release

    The Modulation of Endothelial Cell Morphology, Function, and Survival Using Anisotropic Nanofibrillar Collagen Scaffolds
    Scientists developed aligned nanofibrillar collagen scaffolds that mimic the structure of collagen bundles in blood vessels, and examined the effects of these materials on endothelial cell alignment, function, and in vivo survival. [Biomaterials] Abstract

    Breast Fibroblasts Modulate Early Dissemination, Tumorigenesis, and Metastasis through Alteration of Extracellular Matrix Characteristics
    Investigators used a premalignant mammary model to examine how fibroblasts, and the extracellular matrix proteins they secrete, influence progression to malignancy. [Neoplasia] Abstract | Full Article

    Differences in Non-Enzymatic Glycation and Collagen Cross-Links between Human Cortical and Cancellous Bone
    Accumulation of collagen cross-links (AGEs) produced by non-enzymatic glycation deteriorates bone’s mechanical properties and fracture resistance. Although a single AGE, pentosidine, is commonly used as a representative marker, it is unclear whether it quantitatively reflects total fluorescent AGEs in bone. The goal of this study was to establish the relationship between pentosidine and total AGEs in cancellous and cortical bone. [Osteoporos Int] Abstract

    Novel Ternary Vanadium-Betaine-Peroxido Species Suppresses H-Ras and Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Expression by Increasing Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Apoptosis in Cancer Cells
    Scientists reveal that vanadium imparts a significant decrease in cancer cell viability, reducing H-ras and matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression by increasing reactive oxygen species-mediated apoptosis, distinctly emphasizing the nature, structure and properties of ternary ligands on vanadium anti-tumor activity and its future potential as a metallodrug. [Cancer Lett] Abstract

    Raloxifene Upregulated Mesangial Cell MMP-2 Activity via ER-β through Transcriptional Regulation
    Researchers examined the effect of raloxifene on mesangial cell matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Raloxifene increased the MMP-2 level in a dose-dependent and receptor-mediated manner. An antibody against estrogen receptor-β (ER-β) blocked the effect of raloxifene on MMP-2 expression, suggesting that the effect of raloxifene on MMP-2 activity was mediated by ER-β. [Cell Biochem Biophys] Abstract

    Improved Fibronectin-Immobilized Fibrinogen Microthreads for the Attachment and Proliferation of Fibroblasts
    The authors fabricated fibrinogen (Fbg) microfibers with different structural characteristics for the development of 3-D tissue-engineering scaffolds. Fabricated Fbg microfibers were investigated for their biomolecule encapsulation, cell adhesion, and proliferations. [Int J Nanomed] Abstract

    A Novel Three-Dimensional Scaffold for Regenerative Endodontics: Materials and Biological Characterizations
    A novel three-dimensional nanocomposite scaffold composed of polydioxanone and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) was designed and fabricated by electrospinning. Morphology, structure, mechanical properties and cell compatibility studies were carried out to evaluate the effects of HNTs incorporation. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med] Abstract

    Human Fibroblast-Derived Extracellular Matrix Constructs for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications
    Researchers exploited the biomimetic approach to generate constructs composed of synthetic biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic and extracellular matrix derived from adult human dermal fibroblasts in complete xeno-free culture conditions. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

    Biomimetic Engineering of Nanofibrous Gelatin Scaffolds with Non-Collagenous Proteins for Enhanced Bone Regeneration
    The authors integrated non-collagenous proteins from bone extracellular matrix (ECM) with three-dimensional nanofibrous gelatin scaffolds to form an artificial matrix mimicking both the nano-structured architecture and chemical composition of natural bone ECM. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

    Don't Lose Sleep Over Mouse Mammary Tissue Dissociation (New Enzymes: Learn More)

    INDUSTRY NEWS

    Oncomatrix Launches a New Immunohistochemistry Kit to Diagnose and Prognose Tumor Invasiveness
    Oncomatrix has developed and clinically validated a new immunohistochemistry-based kit to diagnose and prognose the invasiveness of different tumors, such as pancreas, breast, lung, colon and head & neck: DMTXinvaScan. Oncomatrix has developed and clinically validated a monoclonal antibody that detects collagen XI-α1. This antibody is the main component of DMTXinvaScan, the Oncomatrix kit that enables an accurate diagnosis and prognosis of invasive tumors, facilitating the selection of patient cancer treatment. [Business Wire] Press Release

    Histogen Creates PUR Biologics, a Joint Venture Developing Next-Generation, Biologic Solutions in Orthopedic Applications

    Histogen Inc. has partnered with a Southern California medical device executive management and investment group to establish PUR Biologics, LLC. PUR is a joint venture focused on the emerging field of biologics for musculoskeletal conditions, including spine, dental and medical device applications. Under this joint venture, PUR Biologics has acquired exclusive worldwide rights to Histogen’s human multipotent cell conditioned media and extracellular matrix materials for use in the orthopedic areas of bone, cartilage, spinal disc and ligament regeneration, as well as device coatings. [Histogen Inc.] Press Release

    POLICY NEWS

    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)

    EVENTS

    NEW 25th European Conference on Biomaterials and 10th Young Scientific Forum 
    September 8-12, 2013
    Madrid, Spain

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

    JOB OPPORTUNITIES

    Postdoctoral Position – Tissue Engineering (Weizmann Institute of Science)

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

    Postdoctoral Position – Mechanisms of Immune Evasion and Adhesion Developed by Bacterial Pathogens (Lund University)

    PhD Fellowship (Ghent University)

    PhD Studentship – Single-Molecule Mechanobiology (CIC nanoGUNE Consolider Research Center)

    Postdoctoral Position (Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU))

    Postdoctoral Fellow – Extracellular Microenvironment in Blood Vessel Morphogenesis (Thomas Jefferson University Medical College)

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