Extracellular Matrix News Volume 4.25 | Jun 27 2013

Physical Limits of Cell Migration: Control by ECM Space and Nuclear Deformation and Tuning by Proteolysis and Traction Force
Using matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-degradable collagen lattices or nondegradable substrates of varying porosity, researchers quantitatively identified the limits of cell migration by physical arrest. MMP-independent migration declined as linear function of pore size and with deformation of the nucleus, with arrest reached at 10% of the nuclear cross section. [J Cell Biol] Abstract

The Extracellular Matrix Glycoprotein Tenascin-R Affects Adult but Not Developmental Neurogenesis in the Olfactory Bulb
Scientists showed that the extracellular matrix glycoprotein tenascin-R (TNR) is produced in the granule cell layer of the olfactory bulb (OB) and that its expression increases during postnatal development. Time-lapse video imaging and morphological analyses revealed that a lack of TNR decreases the radial migration of neuronal precursors in the adult, but not in the developing OB. [J Neurosci] Abstract

Integrin α3β1-CD151 Complex Regulates Dimerization of ErbB2 via RhoA
Integrin α3β1 regulates adhesive interactions of cells with laminins and have a critical role in adhesion-dependent cellular responses. Here, the authors examined the role of α3β1-integrin in ErbB2-dependent proliferation of breast cancer cells in three-dimensional laminin-rich extracellular matrix. [Oncogene] Abstract

Laminin β1a Controls Distinct Steps during the Establishment of Digestive Organ Laterality
Scientists identified a mutation affecting zebrafish laminin β1a (lamb1a) that disrupts left-right asymmetry of the liver and pancreas. In these mutants, the liver spans the midline and the ventral pancreatic bud remains split into bilateral structures. They showed that lamb1a regulates asymmetric left-right gene expression in the lateral plate mesoderm. Their results provide cellular and molecular mechanisms by which extracellular matrix proteins regulate left-right organ morphogenesis. [Development] Abstract

Microfluidics Embedded within Extracellular Matrix to Define Vascular Architectures and Pattern Diffusive Gradients
To generate temporally and spatially defined soluble gradients within a 3D cell culture environment, investigators developed an approach to patterning microfluidically ported microchannels that pass through a 3D extracellular matrix (ECM). Micromolded networks of sacrificial conduits ensconced within an ECM gel precursor solution are dissolved following ECM gelation to yield functional microfluidic channels. [Lab Chip] Abstract

Fibronectin and Integrin Alpha 5 Play Requisite Roles in Cardiac Morphogenesis
Fibronectin and its major receptor, integrin α5β1 are required for embryogenesis. These mutants have similar phenotypes, although, defects in integrin α5-deficient mice are milder. Scientists examined heart development in those mutants, in which the heart is formed, and discovered that both fibronectin and integrin α5 were required for cardiac morphogenesis, and in particular, for the formation of the cardiac outflow tract. [Dev Biol] Abstract

ROS-Major Mediators of Extracellular Matrix Remodeling during Tumor Progression
This review will focus on the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent modulations of tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) and how this in turn affects the insidious pathways of tumor progression and dissemination. [Food Chem Toxicol] Abstract

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

Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) Appoints Robert N. Klein to Board of Directors
Dr. Calvin Stiller, Chair of the Board of Directors of the OICR announced the appointment of Robert N. Klein to OICR’s Board of Directors. Mr. Klein initiated California’s Proposition 71, a $3 billion ballot initiative that established the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. [Ontario Institute for Cancer Research]
Press Release

New wallchart from our sponsor: Mesenchymal Stem Cells (A Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology collaboration). Request your free copy.  

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)  

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

Director of Cell Processing Facility (S L Collins Associates, Inc.)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Immune Regulation by Extracellular Matrix Proteins (Johns Hopkins University – School of Medicine)

PhD Position – 3D Structured Self-Assembled Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering (Delft University of Technology)

PhD Position – Tissue Engineering (Medizinische Hochschule Hannover)

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)

Postdoctoral Position – Tissue Engineering (Weizmann Institute of Science)

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.