Extracellular Matrix News Volume 4.27 | Jul 11 2013

Engineered Neural Tissue for Peripheral Nerve Repair
Self-alignment of Schwann cells within a tethered type-1 collagen matrix, followed by removal of interstitial fluid produces a stable tissue-like biomaterial that recreates the aligned cellular and extracellular matrix architecture associated with nerve grafts. Sheets of this engineered neural tissue supported and directed neuronal growth in a co-culture model, and initial in vivo tests showed that a device containing rods of rolled-up sheets could support neuronal growth during rat sciatic nerve repair. [Biomaterials]
Abstract | Press Release

Sum of the Parts: Composition and Architecture of the Bacterial Extracellular Matrix
Investigators developed an approach that integrates non-perturbative preparation of the extracellular matrix with electron microscopy, biochemistry and solid-state NMR spectroscopy to define the chemical composition of the intact and insoluble extracellular matrix of a clinically important pathogenic bacterium-uropathogenic E. coli. [J Mol Biol] Abstract

Biomimetic Aggrecan Reduces Cartilage Extracellular Matrix from Degradation and Lowers Catabolic Activity in Ex Vivo and In Vivo Models
The use of a biomimetic proteoglycan is presented, which functionally mimics aggrecan but lacks the known cleavage sites, protecting the molecule from proteolytic degradation. The authors tested the efficacy of this molecule in ex vivo (human osteoarthritis synovial fluid) and in vivo (Sprague-Dawley rats) osteoarthritic models. [Macromol Biosci] Abstract

Mechanotransduction of Mesenchymal Melanoma Cell Invasion into 3D Collagen Lattices: Filopod-Mediated Extension-Relaxation Cycles and Force Anisotropy
Using high-resolution 3D confocal reflectance and fluorescence microscopy in GFP/actin expressing melanoma cells, scientists employed time-resolved subcellular coregistration of cell morphology, interaction and alignment of actin-rich protrusions engaged with individual collagen fibrils. [Exp Cell Res] Abstract

Injectable Extracellular Matrix Hydrogel Developed Using Porcine Articular Cartilage
This work was first development of a delivery system capable of maintaining a sustained release of protein drugs at specific sites by using potentially biocompatible porcine articular cartilage. [Int J Pharm] Abstract

Electric Field Stimulation through a Substrate Influences Schwann Cell and Extracellular Matrix Structure
The authors demonstrated electric field exposure can control Schwann cell alignment and morphology, change extracellular matrix (ECM) bulk/surface architecture, and align ECM structures. [J Neural Eng] Abstract

Systemic Sclerosis with Multiple Nodules: Characterization of the Extracellular Matrix
Researchers present the case of a female patient with diffuse systemic sclerosis, who developed multiple subcutaneous nodules. Histological analysis of biopsies was combined with ultrastructural analysis by transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, using antibodies against different collagens and non-collagenous extracellular matrix proteins. [Arch Dermatol Res] Abstract

Biomimetic Materials and Scaffolds for Myocardial Tissue Regeneration
This review focuses on the strategies adopted to design and realize polymeric scaffolds for heart tissue engineering/regenerative medicine. The implementation of different polymers and the design of scaffold architecture are described. [Macromol Biosci] Abstract

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

SpinalCyte, LLC Receives Japanese Patent for Spinal Disc Tissue Engineering
SpinalCyte, LLC announced the Japan Patent Office issued a Certificate Of Patent on its patent application “Methods and Compositions For Repair Of Cartilage Using An In Vivo Bioreactor” to regrow the spinal disc, using human dermal fibroblasts. The allowed claims include the use of human dermal fibroblasts from the patient’s own body, to regrow the nucleus of the spinal disc in vivo. [SpinalCyte, LLC] Press Release

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

Research Assistant/Associate – Thrombospondin Research (The University of Bristol)

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

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

Postdoctoral Position – Tissue Engineering (Weizmann Institute of Science)

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