Bioactive Films Produced from Self-Assembling Peptide Amphiphiles as Versatile Substrates for Tuning Cell Adhesion and Tissue Architecture in Serum-Free Conditions The authors developed new coating materials composed of the self-assembling peptide amphiphiles C16G3RGD and C16G3RGDS shown to control cell adhesion and tissue architecture while avoiding the use of serum. [J Mater Chem B] Abstract Angiotensin II Stimulates Cardiac Fibroblast Migration via the Differential Regulation of Matrixins and RECK Investigators hypothesized that elevated angiotensin II (Ang II), which is associated with fibrosis in the heart, differentially regulates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and reversion-inducing-cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) both in vivo and in vitro. Continuous infusion of Ang II into male C57Bl/6 mice for two weeks resulted in cardiac fibrosis, with increased expressions of MMPs 2, 7, 9 and 14, and of collagens Ia1 and IIIa1. [J Mol Cell Cardiol] Abstract The Mechanical Properties of Human Adipose Tissues and Their Relationships to the Structure and Composition of the Extracellular Matrix It is hypothesized that the matrix can inhibit cellular expansion and lipid storage. It is therefore important to fully characterize the extracellular matrix’s biomechanical properties and its interactions with cells. In this study the authors characterized and compared the mechanical properties of human subcutaneous and omental tissues, which have different physiological functions. [Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab] Abstract How Changes in Extracellular Matrix Mechanics and Gene Expression Variability Might Combine to Drive Cancer Progression Changes in extracellular matrix structure or mechanics can actively drive cancer progression; however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here researchers explored whether this process could be mediated by changes in cell shape that lead to increases in genetic noise, given that both factors have been independently shown to alter gene expression and induce cell fate switching. [PLoS One] Full Article Efficacy of Tendon Stem Cells in Fibroblast-Derived Matrix for Tendon Tissue Engineering Tenogenic differentiation of tendon stem cells (TSCs) needs an appropriate environment. More recently, the acellular extracellular matrix (ECM) generated from fibroblasts has been used to construct various engineering tissues. In this study, scientists successfully developed an engineered tendon tissue formed by seeding TSCs in de-cellularized fibroblast-derived matrix. [Cytotherapy] Abstract Investigating Differential Cell-Matrix Adhesion by Directly Comparative Single-Cell Force Spectroscopy The authors have recently demonstrated that atomic force microscopy-based single-cell force spectroscopy, performed on bifunctional, microstructured adhesion substrates, provides a useful tool for accurately quantitating differential matrix adhesion of single Chinese hamster ovary cells to laminin and collagen I. Here, they extended this approach to include additional extracellular matrix substrates, such as bifunctional collagen I/collagen IV surfaces, as well as adhesion-passivated control surfaces. [J Mol Recognit] Abstract Fibrous Hydrogel Scaffolds with Cells Embedded in the Fibers as a Potential Tissue Scaffold for Skin Repair A novel approach was undertaken to create a potential skin wound dressing. L929 fibroblast cells and alginate solution were simultaneously dispensed into a calcium chloride solution using a three-dimensional plotting system to manufacture a fibrous alginate scaffold with interconnected pores. [J Mater Sci Mater Med] Abstract Purified Hepatitis B Virus Induces Human Mesangial Cell Proliferation and Extracellular Matrix Expression In Vitro Hepatitis B virus (HBV) induces proliferation of human mesangial cells (HMCs), and extracellular matrix expression through the deposition of immune complexes in renal tissue. However, it is unclear whether HBV can directly affect HMCs. In this study, the effects of purified HBV on HMC proliferation and extracellular matrix expression in vitro was determined. [Virol J] Abstract | Full Article |