Extracellular Matrix News Volume 4.42 | Oct 24 2013

A Biomimetic Extracellular Matrix for Cartilage Tissue Engineering Centered on Photocurable Gelatin, Hyaluronic Acid and Chondroitin Sulfate
The authors encapsulated human chondrocytes in Gel-methacrylamide-based hydrogels, and showed that with the incorporation of small quantities of photocrosslinkable hyaluronic acid methacrylate, and to a lesser extent chondroitin sulfate methacrylate, chondrogenesis and mechanical properties can be enhanced. [Acta Biomater] Abstract

BMP-2 Induces Versican and Hyaluronan that Contribute to Post-EMT AV Cushion Cell Migration
Scientists explored the role of BMP-2 in the regulation of valvulogenic extracellular matrix components, versican and hyaluronan, and cell migration during post-EMT atrioventricular (AV) cushion distal outgrowth/expansion. [PLoS One] Full Article

Heparin-Dependent Regulation of Fibronectin Matrix Conformation
Using their dual antibody approach, researchers showed that heparin and mechanical strain co-regulate fibronectin (Fn) conformation in matrix fibrils, which is the first demonstration of heparin-dependent regulation of Fn in its physiologically-relevant fibrillar state. [Matrix Biol] Abstract

Preparation of Cardiac Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds by Decellularization of Human Myocardium
Myocardial extracellular matrix (ECM) from animals has been produced by whole-organ perfusion or immersion processes, but methods for preparation of human myocardial ECM for therapy and research have not been defined, yet. Investigators analyzed the impact of decellularization processes on human myocardial ECM, and tested its ability to serve as a scaffold for cell seeding. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

Nanoscale Architecture and Cellular Adhesion of Biomimetic Collagen Substrates
The authors demonstrated the production of synthetic human collagen using yeast strains that were engineered with human prolyl hydroxylase α and β genes integrated into the genome and a codon-optimized collagen gene carried on a plasmid. To understand the extent to which this synthetic collagen can mimic native human collagen, they examined the relationships between the structural topology and physical stability with the ability to support adhesion of HT-1080 cells. [J Biomater Appl] Abstract

Coating with Artificial Matrices from Collagen and Sulfated Hyaluronan Influences the Osseointegration of Dental Implants
Dental titanium implants were coated with an artificial extracellular matrix consisting of collagen type I and either one of two regioselectively low sulfated hyaluronan derivatives and compared to commercial pure titanium implants. [J Mater Sci Mater Med] Abstract

Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the extracellular matrix research field.

SWOG Initiates Randomized Phase II Clinical Trial of Halozyme’s PEGPH20 in Combination with Modified FOLFIRINOX for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. announced the initiation of a Phase Ib/II randomized clinical trial of Halozyme’s investigational drug PEGPH20 (PEGylated Recombinant Human Hyaluronidase) in combination with modified FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy (mFOLFIRINOX) compared to mFOLFIRINOX treatment alone in patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. [Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.] Press Release

From our sponsor:
Pluripotent cell isolation for regenerative medicine. Request a free wallchart from Nature.

Food and Drug Administration (United States)

Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (United States)

European Medicines Agency (European Union)

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the extracellular matrix community.

PhD Studentship – Molecular Force Sensors for Extracellular Matrix (Radboud University Nijmegen)

PhD Studentship – Collagen IV and Angiogenesis (University of East Anglia)

Assistant Professor – Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy (Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science)

Postdoctoral Position – Tissue Engineering (Weizmann Institute of Science)

PhD Position – Molecular Cell Biology (Weizmann Institute of Science)

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

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

Scientist – Particle Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Associate – Particle Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Recruit Top Talent: Reach more than 50,000 potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.