β1 Integrin Is a Crucial Regulator of Pancreatic β-Cell Expansion Researchers showed that ablation of the β1 integrin gene in developing pancreatic β-cells reduces their ability to expand during embryonic life, during the first week of postnatal life, and thereafter. [Development] Abstract Dermatopontin Regulates Fibrin Formation and Its Biological Activity Scientists examined the role of dermatopontin (DP) on fibrin function. DP interacted with both the fibrin monomer and fibrils, and was incorporated into the fibrils during fibrin formation. [J Invest Dermatol] Abstract The Small GTPase N-Ras Regulates Extracellular Matrix Synthesis, Proliferation and Migration in Fibroblasts Researchers investigated some of the mechanisms involved in the development of renal fibrosis, assessing the individual role of N-Ras in basal and transforming growth factor-β1-mediated extracellular matrix synthesis, proliferation, and migration in immortalized N-Ras deficient fibroblasts. [Biochim Biophys Acta] Abstract ECM-Incorporated Hydrogels Crosslinked via Native Chemical Ligation to Engineer Stem Cell Microenvironments Limiting the precise study of the biochemical impact of whole molecule extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins on stem cell differentiation is the lack of 3D in vitro models that can accommodate many different types of ECM. Here researchers sought to generate such a system while maintaining consistent mechanical properties and supporting stem cell survival. [Biomacromolecules] Abstract Surface α-Enolase Promotes Extracellular Matrix Degradation and Tumor Metastasis and Represents a New Therapeutic Target The authors demonstrated that surface α-enolase promotes extracellular matrix degradation and invasion of cancer cells and that targeting surface α-enolase is a promising approach to suppress tumor metastasis. [PLoS One] Full Article Extracellular Matrix Composition Significantly Influences Pancreatic Stellate Cell (PSC) Gene Expression Pattern: Role of Transgelin in PSC Function The authors aimed to compare PSC gene expression after culture on plastic, Matrigel™ and collagen I; validate the gene array data for transgelin, the most highly dysregulated gene in PSCs grown on activating versus non-activating matrices, at mRNA and protein levels; examine the role of transgelin in PSC function; and assess transgelin expression in human chronic pancreatitis sections. [Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol] Abstract Polypropylene Surgical Mesh Coated with Extracellular Matrix Mitigates the Host Foreign Body Response A method for applying a porcine dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel coating to a polypropylene mesh is described herein with the associated effects upon the host tissue response and biaxial mechanical behavior.[J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract A New Method to Determine Rate-Dependent Material Parameters of Corneal Extracellular Matrix The biomechanical properties of the cornea are largely governed by the composition and structure of the stromal layer which is an extracellular matrix composed of collagen fibrils embedded in a hydrated soft matrix. In the present study, unconfined compression experiments were used to investigate the influence of loading rates on compressive behavior of nineteen porcine corneal specimens. [Ann Biomed Eng] Abstract |