Extracellular Matrix News Volume 4.21 | May 30 2013

β₁– and α_v-Class Integrins Cooperate to Regulate Myosin II during Rigidity Sensing of Fibronectin-Based Microenvironments
Researchers report the functional analysis of β₁– and α_v-class integrins expressed in pan-integrin-null fibroblasts seeded on fibronectin. Reconstitution with β₁-class integrins promotes myosin-II-independent formation of small peripheral adhesions and cell protrusions, whereas expression of α_v-class integrins induces the formation of large focal adhesions. [Nat Cell Bio] Abstract

Modification of the Secretion Pattern of Proteases, Inflammatory Mediators and Extracellular Matrix Proteins by Human Aortic Valve Is Key in Severe Aortic Stenosis
Investigators designed a method to validate the origin of secreted proteins, demonstrating their synthesis and release by the tissue and ruling out blood origin. The nLC-MS/MS analysis showed the labeling of 61 proteins, 82% of which incorporated the label in only one group. Western blot and SRM differential analysis, revealed a notable role of the extracellular matrix. [Mol Cell Proteomics] Abstract

The Potentiation of Myeloperoxidase Activity by the Glycosaminoglycan-Dependent Binding of Myeloperoxidase to Proteins of the Extracellular Matrix
Researchers investigated myeloperoxidase (MPO) binding to extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from aortic endothelial cells, aortic smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts, and to purified ECM proteins, and the modulation of these associations by glycosaminoglycans. The oxidizing and chlorinating potential of MPO upon binding to ECM proteins was tested. [Biochim Biophys Acta] Abstract

Glioma Initiating Cells Form a Differentiation Niche via the Induction of Extracellular Matrices and Integrin αV
Gene Ontology analysis revealed that the expression of cell adhesion molecules, including integrin subfamilies, such as α2 and αV, and extracellular matrices, such as collagen IV, laminin α2, and fibronectin 1, was significantly upregulated during serum-induced glioma initiating cells differentiation. [PLoS One]
Full Article

Engineering 3D Collagen-IKVAV Matrix to Mimic Neural Microenvironment
Scientists aimed to engineer neural microenvironment through fabrication of three dimensional (3D) engineered-collagen matrices mimicking in vivo-like conditions. Collagen was chemically modified with a pentapeptide epitope consisting of Isolucine-Lysine-Valine-Alanine-Valine (IKVAV) to mimic laminin structure supports of the neural extracellular matrix. [ACS Chem Neurosci] Abstract

Syndecan-2 Is Upregulated in Colorectal Cancer Cells through Interactions with Extracellular Matrix Produced by Stromal Fibroblasts
Syndecan-2 has been found to be highly expressed in colorectal cancer cell lines and appears to be critical for cancer cell behavior. Investigators examined the effect of stromal fibroblast-produced extracellular matrix on the production of proteoglycans by colorectal cancer cell lines. [BMC Cell Biol] Abstract | Full Article

Measuring Collective Cell Movement and Extracellular Matrix Interactions Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Collective cell behaviors in migration and force generation were studied at the mesoscopic-level using cells grown in a 3D extracellular matrix simulating tissues. Magnetic resonance imaging was applied to investigate dynamic cell mechanics at this level. [Sci Rep] Abstract

Attachment-Regulated Signaling Networks in the Fibroblast-Populated 3D Collagen Matrix
Fibroblasts in the attached collagen matrix are in a pro-survival, pro-proliferative state relative to fibroblasts in the released collagen matrix, such that matrix cell number increases in the former over time. Gene array data from attached vs. released matrices were analyzed for putative networks that regulated matrix cell number. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Mechanosensitivity and Compositional Dynamics of Cell-Matrix Adhesions
The authors provide an overview of the compositional dynamics of cell-matrix adhesions, discuss the most prevalent functional domains in adhesome proteins and review literature and concepts about mechanosensing mechanisms that operate at the adhesion site. [EMBO Rep] Abstract

Skeletal Diseases Caused by Mutations that Affect Collagen Structure and Function
Investigators summarize the pathomechanisms of molecular and cellular consequences of mutations that alter collagen structure and function. Moreover, they discuss the prospects and limitations of therapeutic approaches to minimize the effects of mutations that affect collagens of skeletal tissues. [Int J Biochem Cell Biol] Abstract

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

Dr. Warren Haggard Receives ASTM International Award of Merit for Contributions to Surgical Implant Standards
Warren Haggard, Ph.D., professor and Herff chair of excellence in biomedical engineering at the University of Memphis has received the ASTM International Award of Merit from Committee F04 on Medical and Surgical Materials and Devices. Haggard was honored for his “outstanding leadership and high productivity in fostering the development and promulgation of surgical implant standards.” At the University of Memphis, Haggard pursues and directs tissue engineering material research and teaches and mentors students. [ASTM International] Press Release

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Announce Academic Collaboration
The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute announced an affiliation agreement to collaborate on educational programs, research, and development of new diagnostic tools and treatments that promote human health. The institutions launched the initiative to use their expertise – Rensselaer’s in engineering and invention prototyping and Mount Sinai’s in biomedical research and patient care-to provide synergy in their promotion of human health. Initially, key areas of focus will be genomics, imaging, tissue engineering, and neuroscience. [Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute] Press Release

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NEW Anatomical Society Meeting on Form and Function in Regenerative Medicine
July 4-5, 2013
Dublin, Ireland

NEW Gordon Research Conferences: Collagen – In the Context of Matrix, Cells and Regenerative Medicine
July 14-19, 2013
New London, United States

NEW Gordon Research Conference on Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering – Inductive Signals for Tissue Regeneration and Clinical Challenges
July 28-August 2, 2013
Holderness, United States

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

NEW PhD Position – Tissue Engineering (Medizinische Hochschule Hannover)

PhD Studentship – ECM Components in Human Genetic Disorders (McGill University)

Postdoctoral Studentship – Molecular Biomechanics of α-Actin Remodeling (Eindhoven University of Technology)

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 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)

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