Extracellular Matrix News Volume 4.49 | Dec 12 2013

α SNAP Regulates Matrix Adhesion and Integrin Processing in Human Epithelial Cells
The authors found that siRNA-mediated knockdown of N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein alpha (αSNAP) induced detachment of intestinal epithelial cells, while overexpression of αSNAP increased extracellular matrix adhesion and inhibited cell invasion. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article

The Critical Role of Sestrin 1 in Regulating the Proliferation of Cardiac Fibroblasts
With knockdown of Sestrin 1 by siRNA, investigators surveyed the effect of Sestrin 1 on cardiac fibroblast proliferation. Downregulation of Sestrin 1 promotes Ang II-induced proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts, leading to increased DNA synthesis and collagen production. [Arch Biochem Biophys] Abstract

Periodically-Perforated Core-Shell Collagen Biomaterials Balance Cell Infiltration, Bioactivity, and Mechanical Properties
Scientists used indentation analyses to demonstrate that collagen-glycosaminoglycan (CG) membranes, while less permeable than porous CG scaffolds, show similar permeability to dense materials such as small intestine submucosa. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

Human Collagen-Based Multi-Layer Scaffolds for Tendon-to-Bone Interface Tissue Engineering
Researchers developed a human collagen-based multi-layer scaffold mimicking the tendon-to-bone region. The multi-layer scaffold provided a gradual transition of the physical, chemical, mechanical environment and supported the adhesion and proliferation of human fibroblasts, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts towards each corresponding matrix. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

Fibronectin Alters the Rate of Formation and Structure of the Fibrin Matrix
Scientists examined the influence of fibronectin on the kinetics of formation, structural characteristics and composition of reconstituted fibrin clots or fibrin matrices. Fibrin matrices were formed by adding thrombin to 1, 2 or 4 mg/ml fibrinogen supplemented with 0-0.4 mg/ml fibronectin. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract

In Vitro Synthesis of Tensioned Synoviocyte Bioscaffolds for Meniscal Fibrocartilage Tissue Engineering
Investigators compared meniscal -like extracellular matrix content of hyperconfluent synoviocyte cell sheets and hyperconfluent synoviocyte sheets which have been tensioned over wire hoops (tensioned synoviocyte bioscaffolds) and cultured for one month. [BMC Vet Res] Full Article

Matrix Identity and Tractional Forces Influence Indirect Cardiac Reprogramming
The authors identified matrix identity and cell-generated tractional forces as key determinants of the dedifferentiation and differentiation stages during reprogramming. Cell proliferation, matrix mechanics, and matrix microstructure are also important, but play lesser roles. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Defining Synthetic Surfaces for Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Culture
The authors summarize the recent reports of defined surfaces for human pluripotent stem cells culture and focuses on the cell adhesion molecules and extracellular matrix proteins involved. [Cell Regen] Full Article

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Osiris Therapeutics Announces Leadership Transition
Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. the leading stem cell company focused on developing and marketing products to treat conditions in orthopedic, sports medicine and wound care markets announced C. Randal Mills, PhD. will be stepping down as President and Chief Executive Officer of the company for personal reasons. Dr. Mills will remain as a strategic advisor to the company. [Osiris Therapeutics, Inc.] Press Release

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Postdoctoral Fellow – Wound Healing/Fibrosis Research (University of Connecticut Health Center)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Liver Tissue Engineering (Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School)

PhD Position – Recombinant Collagen Scaffold Design for Tuned Drug Release in Bone Repair (Fraunhofer)

Postdoctoral Research Fellows (Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine)

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.)

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