Extracellular Matrix News Volume 4.34 | Aug 29 2013

Perivascular Fibroblasts Form the Fibrotic Scar after Contusive Spinal Cord Injury
Using genetic lineage tracing, light sheet fluorescent microscopy, and antigenic profiling, the authors identified collagen1α1 cells as perivascular fibroblasts that are distinct from pericytes. Results identified collagen1α1 cells as a novel source of the fibrotic scar after spinal cord injury and shift the focus from the meninges to the vasculature during scar formation. [J Neurosci] Abstract

Celiac Disease Patient IgA Antibodies Induce Endothelial Adhesion and Cell Polarization Defects via Extracellular Transglutaminase 2
Researchers observed that celiac IgA reduced endothelial cell numbers by affecting adhesion without increasing apoptosis. Endothelial cells in the presence of celiac IgA showed weak attachment, a high susceptibility to detach from fibronectin, and a disorganized extracellular matrix due to a reduction of protein cross-links. [Cell Mol Life Sci] Abstract

Borrelia burgdorferi BbHtrA Degrades Host ECM Proteins and Stimulates Release of Inflammatory Cytokines In Vitro
Scientists recently reported that a surface-exposed B. burgdorferi protease, which is expressed during human disease and is conserved within the major Lyme disease spirochete species, degrades the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteoglycan, aggrecan. Here they demonstrated that BbHtrA also degrades fibronectin and numerous proteoglycans found in skin, joints and neural tissues. [Mol Microbiol] Abstract

Improved MIN6 β-Cell Function on Self-Assembled Peptide Amphiphile Nanomatrix Inscribed with Extracellular Matrix-Derived Cell Adhesive Ligands
To create an extracellular matrix (ECM) mimic holding bioinductive cues for β-cells, self-assembled peptide amphiphiles inscribed with four selected ECM-derived cell adhesive ligands were synthesized. [Macromol Biosci] Abstract

αV-Integrins Are Required for Mechanotransduction in MDCK Epithelial Cells
The authors studied the functions of RGD-binding αV-integrins in a Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cell model and found that αV-integrins regulate the maturation of focal adhesions (FAs) and cell spreading. αV-integrin-deficient MDCK cells bound collagen I substrate via α2β1-integrins but failed to efficiently recruit FA components such as talin, focal adhesion kinase, vinculin and integrin-linked kinase. [PLoS One] Full Article

Deposition of Collagen IV and Aggrecan in Leptomeningeal Arteries of Hereditary Brain Hemorrhage with Amyloidosis
Scientists aimed to increase understanding of the cerebral vascular pathology of Hereditary Cystatin C Amyloid Angiopathy patients with an emphasis on structural changes within the arterial wall of affected leptomeningeal arteries. Examination of post-mortem samples revealed extensive changes in the walls of affected arteries characterized by deposition of extracellular matrix constituents, notably collagen IV and the proteoglycan aggrecan. [Brain Res] Abstract

Paeoniflorin, the Main Active Constituent of Paeonia lactiflora Roots, Attenuates Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice by Suppressing the Synthesis of Type I Collagen
In mice treated with bleomycin, paeoniflorin significantly prolonged the survival periods, attenuated infiltration of inflammatory cells, interstitial fibrosis, and deposition of extracellular matrix in lung tissues. [J Ethnopharmacol] Abstract

Breast Cancer Cell Behaviors on Staged Tumorigenesis-Mimicking Matrices Derived from Tumor Cells at Various Malignant Stages
Scientists prepared “staged tumorigenesis-mimicking matrices” which mimic in vivo extracellular matrix (ECM) in tumor tissue at each malignant stage to understand the roles of ECM in tumor progression. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract

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BioLife Solutions HypoThermosol® Embedded in Two Intercytex Clinical Trials of Cell-Based Wound Care
BioLife Solutions, Inc. announced that its HypoThermosol, a pre-formulated, cGMP, serum-free, protein-free cell and tissue storage/shipping medium, is currently incorporated into on-going US and European clinical trials of ICX-RHY-013, a proprietary cell-based therapy developed by Intercytex Ltd. [PR Newswire Association LLC] Press Release

Australian PM Unveils $250M Fund to Back Regenerative Med Effort
Prime Minister (PM) Kevin Rudd has unveiled a $250 million public/private fund to back new work in regenerative medicine research, taking a stake in early-stage labor. [Fierce Biotech] Press Release

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