Extended Interaction Network of Procollagen C-Proteinase Enhancer-1 in the Extracellular Matrix Scientists searched for additional partners of procollagen C-proteinase enhancer 1 (PCPE-1) in the extracellular matrix, which could provide new insights into its biological roles. They identified seventeen new partners of PCPE-1 by surface plasmon resonance imaging. [Biochem J] Abstract | Full Article Glycosyltransferases and Glycosaminoglycans in Bleomycin and Transforming Growth Factor-β1-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis Researchers investigated the expression and regulation of proteoglycan core protein and key enzymes implicated in synthesis and sulfation of glycosaminoglycans in bleomycin and adenovirus-transforming growth factor-β1-induced lung fibrosis in rats. [Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol] Abstract Fenofibrate Attenuated Glucose-Induced Mesangial Cells Proliferation and Extracellular Matrix Synthesis via PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 The effect of fenofibrate on high-glucose induced cell proliferation and extracellular matrix exertion and its mechanisms were investigated in cultured rat mesangial cells by the methylthiazoletetrazolium assay, flow cytometry and western blot. [PLoS One] Full Article Molecular Properties and Fibril Ultrastructure of Types II and XI Collagens in Cartilage of Mice Expressing Exclusively the α1(IIA) Collagen Isoform Biochemical analyses showed that type IIA collagen extracted from ki/ki mouse rib cartilage can form homopolymers that are stabilized predominantly by hydroxylysyl pyridinoline cross-links at levels that differed from wild type rib cartilage. The findings indicate that mature type II collagen derived exclusively from type IIA procollagen molecules can form hetero-fibrils with type XI collagen and contribute to cartilage structure and function. [Matrix Biol] Abstract Crosslinking of Collagen Scaffolds Promotes Blood and Lymphatic Vascular Stability Although chemical crosslinking has been used to stiffen collagen and protect it against enzymatic degradation in vivo, it remains unclear how crosslinking alters the vascularization of collagen hydrogels. In this study, the authors examined how the crosslinking agents genipin and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide alter vascular stability and function in microfluidic type I collagen gels in vitro. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract Effects of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine on Adhesive Strength between Breast Cancer Cell and Extracellular Matrix Proteins after Ionizing Radiation Investigators evaluated the effect of N-acetyl-l-cysteine, a common reactive oxygen species scavenger, on the adhesive affinity between MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins after ionizing radiation. They focused mainly on fibronectin, a representative ECM protein. [Life Sci] Abstract Hrd1 Participates in the Regulation of Collagen I Synthesis in Renal Fibrosis Researchers examined the hypothesis that Hrd1 posttranslationally regulates collagen synthesis in renal interstitial fibrogenesis. Unilateral ureteral obstruction induced Hrd1 expression, predominantly in the renal interstitium and tubular epithelium of fibrotic kidneys. [Mol Cell Biochem] Abstract |