Extracellular Matrix News Volume 4.19 | May 16 2013

Mutations in B3GALT6, which Encodes a Glycosaminoglycan Linker Region Enzyme, Cause a Spectrum of Skeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders
By exome sequencing, researchers found that B3GALT6 encoding an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of the glycosaminoglycan linker region is responsible for a severe skeletal dysplasia, spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with joint laxity type 1. [Am J Hum Genet] Abstract | Press Release

Topical Application of Recombinant Type VII Collagen Incorporates Into the Dermal-Epidermal Junction and Promotes Wound Closure
Patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa have incurable skin fragility, blistering, and skin wounds due to mutations in the gene that codes for type VII collagen (C7) that mediates dermal-epidermal adherence in human skin. Here the authors evaluated if topically applied human recombinant C7 could restore C7 at the dermal-epidermal junction and enhance wound healing. [Mol Ther] Abstract

Semaphorin 3C Is a Novel Adipokine Linked to Extracellular Matrix Composition
Alterations in white adipose tissue (WAT) function, including changes in protein (adipokine) secretion and extracellular matrix composition, promote an insulin-resistant state. Investigators set out to identify novel adipokines regulated by body fat mass in human subcutaneous WAT with potential roles in adipose function. [Diabetologia] Abstract

Defective Endochondral Ossification-Derived Matrix and Bone Cells Alter the Lymphopoietic Niche in Collagen X Mouse Models
Despite the appreciated interdependence of skeletal and hematopoietic development, the cell and matrix components of the hematopoietic niche remain to be fully defined. Utilizing mice with disrupted function of collagen X, a major hypertrophic cartilage matrix protein associated with endochondral ossification, the authors’ data identified a cytokine defect in trabecular bone cells at the chondro-osseous hematopoietic niche as a cause for aberrant B lymphopoiesis in these mice. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

Adenosine A2A Receptors Promote Collagen Production by a Fli1- and CTGF-Mediated Mechanism
Since expression of A2A receptors is increased in scleroderma fibroblasts, researchers examined the mechanisms by which the A2A receptor produces its fibrogenic effects. The effects of A2A receptor ligation on the expression of the transcription factor, Fli1, a constitutive repressor for the synthesis of matrix proteins, such as collagen, is studied in dermal fibroblasts. [Arthritis Res Ther] Abstract | Full Article

Inhaled Steroids Modulate Extracellular Matrix Composition in Bronchial Biopsies of COPD Patients: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Investigators compared major extracellular matrix components (elastic fibers, proteoglycans, collagens type I and III) in bronchial biopsies after 30-months inhaled steroids treatment or placebo; and between current and ex-smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). [PLoS One] Full Article

Overexpression of Smad7 Suppressed ROS/MMP9-Dependent Collagen Synthesis through Regulation of Heme Oxygenase-1
Scientists discovered that NADPH p47^phox-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) production contributed to MMP9 activation and collagen expression, which was suppressed by transfecting pcDNA3-Smad7 in cardiac fibroblasts. [Mol Biol Rep] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix Proteins Regulate Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Mammary Epithelial Cells
In rigid microenvironments, matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3) upregulates expression of Rac1b, which translocates to the cell membrane to promote induction of reactive oxygen species and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Investigators examined the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in this process. Their data showed that the basement membrane protein laminin suppresses the EMT response in MMP3-treated cells, whereas fibronectin promotes EMT. [Differentiation] Abstract

In Vivo Biocompatibility and Biodegradation of a Novel Thin and Mechanically Stable Collagen Scaffold
Scientists evaluated the in vivo biocompatibility and biodegradation of a novel, thin, mechanically stable and chemically non-crosslinked collagen cell carrier. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

Tuning Scaffold Mechanics by Laminating Native Extracellular Matrix Membranes and Effects on Early Cellular Remodeling
At approximately 50 μm thin, the human amniotic membrane (hAM) has been shown to be a versatile biomaterial with applications ranging from ocular transplants to skin and nerve regeneration. These investigations describe laminating layers of the hAM into a multilayered, conformation creating a thicker, more robust biomaterial for applications requiring more supportive structures. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

Fibroblast Morphogenesis on 3D Collagen Matrices: The Balance between Cell Clustering and Cell Migration
The authors summarize work on a new, highly tractable, cell clustering research model in which human fibroblasts are incubated on the surfaces of collagen matrices. [Exp Cell Res] Abstract

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

Parametrics Medical, LLC Announces the Release of Their Coll-e-Strong Line of Soft Tissue Allografts
Parametrics Medical, LLC announced its release of their Coll-e-Strong line of soft tissue allografts. Parametrics Medical utilizes Electron Beam sterilization to terminally sterilize the tissue without compromising the biomechanical properties of the collagen. [PR Newswire Association LLC] Press Release

Fibrocell Science Expands Potential Medical Applications for Azficel-T
Fibrocell Science, Inc. announced the initiation of a Phase II trial for azficel-T, an autologous fibroblast cellular product, for the treatment of restrictive burn scars. The Phase II double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study will enroll 21 participants with burn scars that restrict range of motion of jointed areas such as elbows, shoulders and fingers. [Fibrocell Science, Inc.] 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)

EVENT SPONSOR MSC 2013 – Adult Stem Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine

MSC 2013 will offer a forum for the exchange and discussion of research, ideas, and cutting-edge breakthroughs in translational regenerative medicine.

August 19-21, 2013
Cleveland, United States

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

Postdoctoral Fellow – Stem Cell and Cancer Biology (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine)

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

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)

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

Recruit Top Talent: Reach more than 50,000 potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.

Have we missed an important article or publication in Extracellular Matrix News? Click here to submit!

Comments or Suggestions? Email info@connexoncreative.com with your feedback.