Extracellular Matrix News Volume 4.33 | Aug 22 2013

Regulation of PDGFC Signaling and Extracellular Matrix Composition by FREM1
Investigators showed that Fras1 related extracellular matrix protein 1 (FREM1) binds to PDGFC and that this interaction regulates signaling downstream of PDGFRα. Fibroblasts from Frem1-mutant mice respond to PDGFC stimulation, but with a shorter duration and amplitude than wild type cells. [Dis Model Mech]
Abstract | Full Article

Hyaluronic Acid Fragments Enhance the Inflammatory and Catabolic Response in Human Intervertebral Disc Cells through Modulation of Toll-Like Receptor 2 Signaling Pathways
Human intervertebral disc cells isolated from patient biopsies were stimulated with hyaluronic acid fragments and their effect on cytokine and matrix degrading enzyme production was assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. [Arthritis Res Ther]
Abstract | Full Article

Homotypic Versican G1 Domain Interactions Enhance Hyaluronan Incorporation into Fibrillin Microfibrils
The authors clarified the role of Versican G1 domain-containing fragments (VG1Fs) in the extracellular macrocomplex, specifically in mediating the recruitment of hyaluronan (HA) to microfibrils. Sequential extraction studies suggested that the VG1Fs were not associated with dermal elements through HA binding properties alone. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article

Laminin and Collagen Modulate Expression of the Small Leucine-Rich Proteoglycan Fibromodulin in Rat Anterior Pituitary Gland
Scientists investigated whether fibromodulin expression is modulated by major anterior pituitary extracellular matrix components such as laminin and type I collagen. Using transgenic rats expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) specifically in folliculostellate (FS) cells, they examined fibromodulin expression in GFP-positive FS cells and GFP-negative cells. [Cell Tissue Res] Abstract

Thrombin Weakens the Amnion Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Directly Rather than through Protease Activated Receptors
Researchers determined whether thrombin weakens the isolated amnion through thrombin receptor-protease activated receptors (PARs 1,2,3,4), activation of previously secreted ECM enzymes, or by direct action on the ECM. [Placenta] Abstract

Age-Dependent Alterations of Decorin Glycosaminoglycans in Human Skin
Investigators quantified transcripts of 20 known interstitial proteoglycans in human skin and found that decorin was the most highly expressed. Decorin was predominantly produced by dermal fibroblasts. Decorin was localized in dermal extracellular matrix with glycosaminoglycan bound to type I collagen fibrils. [Sci Rep]
Full Article

Evaluating Extracellular Matrix Influence on Adherent Cell Signaling by Cold Trypsin Phosphorylation-Specific Flow Cytometry
Phosphorylation-specific flow cytometry necessitates trypsinization of adherent cells to accommodate flow cytometric analysis. To address this researchers developed a cold trypsin-phosphorylation-specific flow cytometry protocol, where adherent cells are prepared for flow cytometric analysis on ice, a temperature where trypsin retains activity but where intracellular kinases are inactive. [BMC Cell Biol] Full Article

Influence of Cartilage Extracellular Matrix Molecules on Cell Phenotype and Neocartilage Formation
The authors examined the influence of cartilage zone-specific extracellular matrix on neocartilage formation by human articular chondrocytes in 2D and 3D environments. [Tissue Eng Part A] Full Article

Sanguine BioSciences Announces Distribution Partnership with AMS Biotechnology
Sanguine BioSciences, a biotechnology company enabling personalized medicine research, announced a distribution partnership with AMS Biotechnology to make its products and services available to researchers in Europe. Sanguine collects and de-identifies biospecimen, medical history and other data from patients diagnosed with severe and chronic diseases for use in biomarker research. [PR Newswire Association LLC] Press Release

BioTime Announces the Appointment of Lesley Stolz as Executive Vice President of Corporate Development
BioTime, Inc., a biotechnology company that develops and markets products in the field of regenerative medicine, announced the expansion of its senior management team with the appointment of Lesley Stolz, Ph.D. as Executive Vice President, Corporate Development. Dr. Stolz has more than 18 years of life science industry experience in corporate and business development. [BioTime, Inc.] Press Release

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Research Technologist – Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Products (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

PhD Student – Coronary Artery Research (Erasmus MC)

PhD Position – Molecular Biomechanics of α-Actin Remodeling (Eindhoven University of Technology)

PhD Position – Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine (Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia)

Postdoctoral Position – Tissue Engineering (Weizmann Institute of Science)

PhD Position – Molecular Cell Biology (Weizmann Institute of Science)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Mechanisms Contributing to Metastases of Breast Cancer Cells (Mount Sinai Medical Center/Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)

Assistant/Associate Professor Position – Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy (Universite de Montreal)

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

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

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