Extracellular Matrix News Volume 4.17 | May 2 2013

The Cancer Stem Cell Marker CD44 Promotes Bone Metastases by Enhancing Tumorigenicity, Cell Motility, and Hyaluronan Production
Microarray analysis revealed that the expression of hyaluronan (HA) synthase 2 was downregulated in CD44-knockdown cells. The localization of HA in the bone metastatic tumors was also markedly reduced. [Cancer Res] Abstract

LRIG1 Modulates Aggressiveness of Head and Neck Cancers by Regulating EGFR-MAPK-SPHK1 Signaling and Extracellular Matrix Remodeling
Gene expression profiling, quantitative RT-PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and western blot analysis demonstrated that LRIG1 modulated extracellular matrix remodeling and EGFR-MAPK-SPHK1 transduction pathway by suppressing expression of EGFR ligands/activators, MMPs and SPHK1. [Oncogene] Abstract

Mammary Epithelial Cell Interactions with Fibronectin Stimulate Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Using MCF-10A mammary epithelial cells, researchers showed that exposure to exogenous fibronectin (FN) induces an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) response including upregulation of the EMT markers FN, Snail, N-cadherin, vimentin, the matrix metalloprotease MMP2, α-smooth muscle actin and phospho-Smad2, as well as acquisition of cell migratory behavior. [Oncogene] Abstract

Hydrogels Derived from Demineralized and Decellularized Bone Extracellular Matrix
The authors aimed to apply a stringent decellularization process to demineralized bone matrix (DBM), prepared from bovine bone, and to characterize the structure and composition of the resulting extracellular matrix (ECM) materials and DBM itself. Additionally, they sought to produce a soluble form of DBM and ECM which could be induced to form a hydrogel. [Acta Biomater] Abstract

Isolation, Characterization and Aggregation of a Structured Bacterial Matrix Precursor
Despite the extensive study of the formation of amyloid fibers from their constituent subunits in humans, much less is known about the assembly of bacterial functional amyloid-like precursors into fibers. Using dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, circular dichroism and InfraRed spectroscopy, investigators showed that their unique purification method of a Bacillus subtilis major matrix protein component results in stable oligomers that retain their native alpha-helical structure. [J Biol Chem]
Abstract | Full Article

MMP-2 Mediates Local Degradation and Remodeling of Collagen by Annulus Fibrosus Cells of the Intervertebral Disc
While several matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been found to be more prevalent in degenerate discs, their coordination and function within the context of the disease process are still not well understood. Scientists sought to determine whether MMP-2 is associated with degenerative changes in the annulus fibrosus (AF), and to identify the manner by which AF cells utilize MMP-2. [Arthritis Res Ther]
Abstract | Full Article

Mineralization of Dense Collagen Hydrogel Scaffolds by Human Pulp Cells
While advances in biomineralization have been made in recent years, unanswered questions persist on bone- and tooth-cell differentiation, on outside-in signaling from the extracellular matrix, and on the link between protein expression and mineral deposition. Here the authors validate the use of a bioengineered three-dimensional dense collagen hydrogel scaffold as a cell-culture model to explore these questions. [J Dent Res] Abstract

Biological Characterization of Oxidized Hyaluronic Acid/Resveratrol Hydrogel for Cartilage Tissue Engineering
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that is caused by breakdown of cartilage, with eventual loss of the cartilage of the joints. The ability of self-repair in damaged cartilage tissue is limited; researchers aimed to fabricate and characterize an oxidized hyaluronic acid/resveratrol hydrogel for future applications in cartilage tissue engineering. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

Biopolymer-Based Hydrogels as Injectable Materials for Tissue Repair Scaffolds
The authors present a group of biopolymer-based materials as potential injectable scaffolds. In contrast to other studies involving collagen neutralization or additional incubation of gel in genipin solution, they propose collagen and collagen-chitosan gels crosslinked in situ with genipin. [Biomed Mater] Abstract

A Molecular Ensemble in the rER for Procollagen Maturation
This review describes the current understanding of the biosynthesis and folding of procollagens, which are the precursor molecules of collagens, in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER). [Biochim Biophys Acta] Abstract

Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the extracellular matrix research field.

European Medicines Agency Recommends Approval of Combined Advanced-Therapy Product
The European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use has recommended marketing authorization for MACI (matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation), an advanced-therapy medicinal product, for the repair of symptomatic, full-thickness cartilage defects of the knee of 3-20 cm² in skeletally mature adult patients. [European Medicines Agency] Press Release

AxoGen, Inc. Announces CE Mark Approval for AxoGuard^® Nerve Protector and AxoGuard^® Nerve Connector
AxoGen, Inc. announced European CE Mark approval for two of its nerve repair products, AxoGuard® Nerve Protector and AxoGuard^® Nerve Connector. AxoGuard^® Nerve Connector and AxoGuard^® Nerve Protector are derived from a porcine submucosa extracellular matrix. [AxoGen, Inc.] Press Release

STEMCELL Technologies Inc. Obtains License from iPS Academia Japan for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Technologies
STEMCELL Technologies Inc. has signed an agreement to license iPS Academia Japan’s induced pluripotent stem cell (iPS cell) technologies. This agreement will enable STEMCELL Technologies to develop media that are optimized for cellular reprogramming, further expanding its extensive portfolio of products designed to facilitate cutting-edge pluripotent stem cell research. [STEMCELL Technologies Inc.] Press Release

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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 Biomembranes: Molecular Architecture, Dynamics and Function
June 10-20, 2013
Corsica, France

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

PhD Position – Scaffolds Functionalization (FORTH-Ultrafast Laser Micro/Nano Processing)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Developing the Next Generation of Functionalized Biomaterials (NUI Galway Ireland)

Price Gilbert, Jr. Chair in Regenerative Engineering and Medicine (Georgia Institute of Technology)

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

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

Postdoctoral Position – Tissue Engineering (Weizmann Institute of Science)

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

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

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