Extracellular Matrix News Volume 4.38 | Sep 26 2013

Bves and NDRG4 Regulate Directional Epicardial Cell Migration through Autocrine Extracellular Matrix Deposition
Studies reveal that Blood vessel epicardial substance/N-myc Downstream Regulated Gene 4 (Bves/NDRG4) interaction is required for trafficking of internalized fibronectin through the “autocrine extracellular matrix deposition” fibronectin recycling pathway. Importantly, the authors demonstrated that Bves/NDRG4-mediated fibronectin recycling is indeed essential for epicardial cell directional movement thus linking these two cell processes. [Mol Biol Cell] Abstract

miR-128 Regulates Non-Myocyte Hyperplasia, Deposition of Extracellular Matrix and Islet1 Expression during Newt Cardiac Regeneration
In-situ hybridization techniques revealed a localized expression pattern for miR-128 in the cardiomyocytes and non-cardiomyocytes in close proximity to the regeneration zone and in vivo knockdown studies revealed a regulatory role for miR-128 in proliferating non-cardiomyocyte populations and extracellular matrix deposition. [Dev Biol] Abstract

A Unique Tool to Selectively Detect the Chondrogenic IIB Form of Human Type II Procollagen Protein
Procollagens IIA/D can be re-expressed by dedifferentiating chondrocytes and in osteoarthritic cartilage. Therefore, investigators aimed to determine which isoform(s) is (are) synthesized in vivo in normal and pathological situations and in vitro, to fully assess the phenotype of cells producing type II collagen protein. [Matrix Biol] Abstract

Adenovirus Conducted Connective Tissue Growth Factor on Extracellular Matrix in Trabecular Meshwork and Its Role on Aqueous Humor Outflow Facility
Scientists detected the effect of adenovirus conducted connective tissue growth factor transfection on either the expression of extracellular matrix components or aqueous humor outflow facility. [Mol Biol Rep] Abstract

Effects of Carbon Nanotubes in a Chitosan/Collagen-Based Composite on Mouse Fibroblast Cell Proliferation
Researchers investigated the in vitro cytocompatibility of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a chitosan/collagen-based composite. Mouse fibroblasts were cultured on the surface of a novel material consisting of CNTs in a chitosan/collagen-based composite. Cell adhesion and proliferation were observed, and cell apoptosis was measured. [Cell Mol Neurobiol] Abstract

Structure and Barrier Properties of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Are Affected by Extracellular Matrix Protein Coating
The authors investigated the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins to the structure and function of human embryonic stem cell derived retinal pigment epithelial (hESC-RPE) cells during their differentiation and maturation from hESCs into RPE cells in adherent differentiation cultures on several human ECM proteins found in native human Bruch’s membrane namely collagen I, collagen IV, laminin, fibronectin, vitronectin, as well as on commercial substrates of xeno-free CELLstartTM and MatrigelTM. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Collagen XV: Exploring Its Structure and Role within the Tumor Microenvironment
The authors examined the structure of collagen XV, its functional domains, and its involvement in cell-surface receptor-mediated signaling pathways, which provide further insights into its role in the suppression of malignancy. [Mol Cancer Res] Abstract

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National Cancer Institute Awards $48.6 Million Grant to MD Anderson
Broad, deep and outstanding research in cancer science, treatment and prevention have earned The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center a $48.6-million, five-year grant from the National Cancer Institute and an “exceptional” ranking, the highest possible, from the National Cancer Institute’s extensive peer-review process. [The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center] Press Release

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PhD Studentship – Molecular Force Sensors for Measuring Forces in the Extracellular Matrix (Radboud University Nijmegen)

Postdoctoral Position – Development of Uni-Lamellar Scaffolds for Bio-Mineralization in Bone Repair (Fujifilm)

Postdoctoral Position – Electro-Spinning: Scaffolding and Drug Delivery for Regenerative Medicine Applications (Center for Nanomedicine and Tissue Engineering)

PhD Position – Biomaterial Imaging (Uppsala University)

Postdoctoral Position – Tissue Engineering (Weizmann Institute of Science)

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

Research Technologist – Mesenchymal Cell Research (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Technologist – Cell Culture Media & Matrices (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Associate/Scientist – Antibodies Group (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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