Extracellular Matrix News Volume 4.44 | Nov 7 2013

The Structure of Integrin α1I Domain in Complex with a Collagen Mimetic Peptide
Scientists determined the structure of the human integrin α1I domain bound to a triple-helical collagen peptide. The structure revealed that the α1I domain undergoes a major conformational change upon binding of the collagen peptide. This involves a large movement in the C-terminal helix of the αI domain that has been suggested to be the mechanism by which signals are propagated in the intact integrin receptor. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Reduces Extracellular Matrix-Associated Protein Expression in Human Uterine Fibroid Cells
Using western blot analyses the authors found that at least 60% of uterine fibroids analyzed expressed low levels of vitamin D receptor (VDR). The biologically active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] function via binding to its nuclear VDR. They also found that 1,25(OH)2D3 induced VDR in a concentration-dependent manner, and reduced extracellular matrix-associated fibrotic and proteoglycans expressions in immortalized human uterine fibroid cell line. [Biol Reprod] Abstract

Down-Regulation of Nogo-A by Collagen Scaffolds Impregnated with Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Treatment after Traumatic Brain Injury Promotes Axonal Regeneration in Rats
The authors’ data showed that treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) with human marrow stromal cells (hMSCs) impregnated into collagen scaffolds significantly decreased TBI-induced Nogo-A protein expression and increased axonal density compared to saline and hMSC-alone treatments. [Brain Res] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix Composition and Interstitial pH Modulate NHE1-Mediated Melanoma Cell Motility
Resarchers conclude that B16V cells prefer to invade a dermis-like rather than a basement membrane-like matrix; the extracellular matrix (ECM) composition strongly impacts on NHE1-dependent in vitro cell motility and invasion; and the lungs are metastasis‑prone and impair the efficiency of cariporide due to their ECM composition and the pulmonary interstitial pH. [Int J Oncol] Abstract

Effect of Pore Size and Cross-Linking of a Novel Collagen-Elastin Dermal Substitute on Wound Healing
Different formulations of dermal substitutes with unidirectional pores were tested in porcine full-thickness wounds in combination with autologous split skin mesh grafts. Effect on wound healing was evaluated both macro- and microscopically. Collagen-elastin scaffolds with a pore size of 80 or 100 μm resulted in good wound healing after one-stage grafting. [J Mater Sci Mater Med] Abstract

Linear Ordered Collagen Scaffolds Loaded with Collagen-Binding Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Facilitate Recovery of Sciatic Nerve Injury in Rats
A natural biological functional scaffold was constructed using collagen tubes filled with collagen-binding basic fibroblast growth factor-loaded linear ordered collagen scaffold to promote regeneration in a 5-mm rat sciatic nerve transection model. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

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Instron Forms Strategic Partnership in Regenerative Medicine
Instron, a leading provider of testing equipment designed to evaluate mechanical properties of materials and components, is collaborating with Dr. Julie Phillippi & Dr. Thomas Gleason at the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. [Instron] Press Release

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Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (United States)

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Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

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Postdoctoral Research Fellows (Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine)

PhD Position – Extracellular Matrix Research (Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology)

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.)

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