Extracellular Matrix News Volume 4.39 | Oct 3 2013

Mouse Basophils Reside in Extracellular Matrix-Enriched Bone Marrow Niches which Control Their Motility
Basophils co-express FcεRIα and CD49b, the α-2 chain of integrin-type receptor VLA-2, which recognizes type-1 collagen as a major natural ligand. The physiological relevance of this integrin for interactions with extracellular bone marrow matrix remains unknown. Herein, researchers examined the expression of several receptors of this family by bone marrow-derived basophils sorted either ex-vivo or after culture with IL-3. [PLoS One] Abstract

Customized Biomimetic Scaffolds Created by Indirect Three-Dimensional Printing for Tissue Engineering
To create patient-specific scaffolds that match precisely to a patient’s external contours, scientists integrated our indirect 3DP technique with imaging technologies and successfully created custom scaffolds mimicking human mandibular condyle using polycaprolactone and chitosan for potential osteochondral tissue engineering. [Biofabrication] Abstract

Type-1 Pericytes Participate in Fibrous Tissue Deposition in Aged Skeletal Muscle
Transplantation studies in young animals indicate that type-2 pericytes are myogenic, while type-1 pericytes remain in the interstitial space. In older mice, however, the muscular regenerative capacity of type-2 pericytes is limited, and type-1 pericytes produce collagen, contributing to fibrous tissue deposition. [Am J Physiol Cell Physiol] Abstract

Complete Horizontal Skin Cell Resurfacing and Delayed Vertical Cell Infiltration into Porcine Reconstructive Tissue Matrix Compared to Bovine Collagen Matrix and Human Dermis
The authors used a human skin organ culture model to study whether porcine reconstructive tissue matrix is effective as a dermal tissue replacement. Skin cells or split-thickness skin grafts were seeded onto human deepidermized dermis, Strattice, and Matriderm. Cellular resurfacing and matrix infiltration were monitored by live fluorescence imaging, histology, and electron microscopy. [Plast Reconstr Surg] Abstract

Epicardial Infarct Repair with Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor-Enhanced CorMatrix-ECM Biomaterial Attenuates Postischemic Cardiac Remodeling
The authors propose a novel surgical procedure leveraging a commercially available extracellular matrix (ECM) biomaterial for the treatment of ischemic heart failure. Epicardial infarct repair using CorMatrix-ECM biomaterial patch was compared with sham in a rat myocardial infarction model. [J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg] Abstract

Injectable Small Intestine Submucosal Extracellular Matrix in an Acute Myocardial Infarction Model
The mechanisms involved in myocardial regeneration and cardiac remodeling were examined by injecting porcine-derived small intestine submucosal extracellular matrix, with and without circulating angiogenic cells, in a mouse model of acute myocardial infarction. [Ann Thorac Surg] Abstract

Curcumin Modulates Cannabinoid Receptors in Liver Fibrosis In Vivo and Inhibits Extracellular Matrix Expression in Hepatic Stellate Cells by Suppressing Cannabinoid Receptor Type-1 In Vitro
Investigators examined the curcumin effect on cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) system and its relevance to inhibition of extracellular matrix expression in hepatic stellate cells. Their in vivo data demonstrated that curcumin ameliorated fibrotic injury, and downregulated CBR1 but upregulated CBR2 at both mRNA and protein levels in rat fibrotic liver caused by carbon tetrachloride. [Eur J Pharmacol] Abstract

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Commercial Launch of Herceptin SC in EU Triggers Milestone Payment to Halozyme from Roche
Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. announced that the commercial launch of Herceptin^® SC in Europe has triggered a $10 million milestone payment to Halozyme under the License and Collaboration Agreement between Halozyme and Roche. This time-saving subcutaneous formulation of Herceptin using Halozyme’s recombinant human hyaluronidase received marketing authorization from the European Commission for the treatment of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer and was launched upon approval. [Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.] Press Release

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