Extracellular Matrix News Volume 4.50 | Dec 19 2013

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    Extracellular Matrix News 4.50 December 19, 2013

    Extracellular Matrix News

         In this issue: Publications | Reviews | Industry News | Policy News | Events | Jobs
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    TOP STORY
    Distinct Fibroblast Lineages Determine Dermal Architecture in Skin Development and Repair
    Researchers showed, using transplantation assays and lineage tracing in mice, that the fibroblasts of skin connective tissue arise from two distinct lineages. One forms the upper dermis, including the dermal papilla that regulates hair growth and the arrector pili muscle, which controls piloerection. The other forms the lower dermis, including the reticular fibroblasts that synthesize the bulk of the fibrillar extracellular matrix, and the preadipocytes and adipocytes of the hypodermis. [Nature] Abstract | Press Release
    Derivation of Metabolically Active Hepatocytes from Pluripotent Stem Cells - View On-Demand Webinar Now.

     
    PUBLICATIONS (Ranked by impact factor of the journal)
    The NuRD Chromatin-Remodeling Enzyme CHD4 Promotes Embryonic Vascular Integrity by Transcriptionally Regulating Extracellular Matrix Proteolysis
    Researchers showed that the NuRD ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling complex promotes vascular integrity by preventing excessive extracellualr matrix proteolysis in vivo. [PLoS Genet] Full Article

    Mutations in the Collagen XII Gene Define a New Form of Extracellular Matrix Related Myopathy
    In a cohort of 24 patients with a Bethlem myopathy-like phenotype, scientists first sequenced 12 candidate genes based on their function, including genes for known binding partners of collagen VI, and those enzymes involved in its correct post translational modification, assembly and secretion. Proceeding to whole exome sequencing, they identified mutations in the COL12A1 gene, a member of the FACIT collagens (fibril-associated collagens with interrupted triple helices) in five individuals from two families. [Hum Mol Genet] Abstract

    The Extracellular Matrix Glycoprotein Tenascin-R Regulates Neurogenesis during Development and in the Adult Dentate Gyrus of Mice
    The authors provide evidence that the extracellular matrix molecule tenascin-R – being predominantly expressed, among neurons, by subpopulation of interneurons – plays a role in the generation of GABAergic and granule neurons in the murine dentate gyrus by regulating fate determination of neural stem/progenitor cells. [J Cell Sci] Abstract

    Regulation on Mechanical Properties of Collagen: Enhanced Bioactivities of Metallofullerol
    This study is the first attempt to apply nanomedicines to manipulate the biophysical property of collagen matrix, providing a new sight to target extracellular matrix in cancer therapy. A simple approach to regulate the stiffness of collagen matrix by fullerol derivative nanoparticles is reported. [Nanomedicine] Abstract

    Short Stimulation of Electro-Responsive PAA/Fibrin Hydrogel Induces Collagen Production
    The ability of electro-responsive polyacrylic acid/fibrin hydrogel to promote collagen production and remodeling was investigated by 3D culturing and conditioning of smooth muscle cells. [Tissue Eng Part C Methods] Abstract

    Design and Characterization of an Injectable Tendon Hydrogel: A Scaffold for Guided Tissue Regeneration in the Musculoskeletal System
    Lyophilized decellularized tendons were milled and enzymatically digested to form an extracellular matrix (ECM) solution. The ECM solution properties were assessed by proteome analysis with mass spectrometry, and the material’s rheological properties were determined both as a function of frequency, temperature and time. In vivo application of the gel in a rat model was assessed for remodeling and host cell repopulation. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

    Bioactive Self-Assembled Peptide Nanofibers for Corneal Stroma Regeneration
    Researchers report a bioactive peptide nanofiber scaffold system for corneal tissue regeneration. These nanofibers are formed by self-assembling peptide amphiphile molecules containing laminin and fibronectin inspired sequences. [Acta Biomater] Abstract

    Histology of CorMatrix Bioscaffold 5 Years after Pericardial Closure
    CorMatrix is a non-crosslinked, acellular bioscaffold used for pericardial closure and cardiac tissue repair. A redo sternotomy 5 years after bypass grafting and pericardial reconstruction afforded the opportunity to explant the bioscaffold and examine it histologically. [Ann Thorac Surg] Abstract | Press Release

    Construction of a Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor-Tethered Multi-Functional Extracellular Matrix Protein through Coiled-Coil Structures for Neurite Outgrowth Induction
    An artificial multi-functional extracellular matrix (ECM) protein, tethered with a growth factor, was developed for neurite outgrowth induction. The designed ECM protein was comprised of an elastin-like peptide, as a structural unit, as well as the AG73 peptide sequence derived from the laminin and the C3 peptide sequence, which binds to neural cell adhesion molecules as functional units. [Biomed Mater] Abstract

    Brain Food: NeuroCult SM1 for Long-Term Primary Neuronal Culture

     
    REVIEWS
    Trafficking Mechanisms of Extracellular Matrix Macromolecules: Insights from Vertebrate Development and Human Diseases
    A broad spectrum of diseases from skeletal and cardiovascular to neurological deficits have been linked to extracelluar matrix (ECM) trafficking. The authors discuss the latest findings on mechanisms of ECM trafficking in vertebrates. [Int J Biochem Cell Biol] Abstract

    Role of the Extracellular Matrix in Whole Organ Engineering
    The authors review the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in normal development, the concept of ECM tissue specificity, and the effect of processing methods on eventual clinical outcomes. An overview of existing challenges and future directions will also be discussed. [J Cell Physiol] Abstract

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

     
    INDUSTRY NEWS
    Halozyme Therapeutics Announces Executive Transitions
    Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. announced that Helen Torley will assume the role of President and CEO; Gregory I. Frost to lead Intrexon’s Health Sector and will remain on Halozyme’s Scientific Advisory Board. [Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.] Press Release

    Stem Cell Agency Funds UC Davis Tissue-Engineering Research
    A University of Califronia (UC) Davis team received a $4.4 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to develop a stem cell-derived airway transplant to cure a difficult, life-threatening problem known as severe airway stenosis. [UC Davis Medical Center] Press Release

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

     
    POLICY NEWS
    National Institutes of Health (United States)

    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)

     
    EVENTS
    NEW The 2014 Tissue Engineering Congress
    June 2-4, 2014
    London, United Kingdom

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

     
    JOB OPPORTUNITIES
    NEW Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Mechanobiology, Fibroblasts and Matrix Biology (Mayo Clinic)

    Postdoctoral Position – Stem Cells and Bioengineering (Queensland University of Technology/Translational Research Institute)

    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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