Extracellular Matrix News Volume 5.00 | Jan 9 2014

Engineering Cell Matrix Interactions in Assembled Polyelectrolyte Fiber Hydrogels for Mesenchymal Stem Cell Chondrogenesis
Scientists demonstrated the significance of oriented ligand presentation for mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) chondrogenesis, and the importance of facilitating an orderly sequence of differentiation events, initiated by proximal interactions between MSCs and the extracellular matrix for robust neocartilage formation. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Proteomic Analysis of Tendon Extracellular Matrix Reveals Disease Stage-Specific Fragmentation and Differential Cleavage of COMP
Researchers investigated the proteomic composition of injured tendons during early and late disease stages to identify disease-specific cleavage patterns of the extracellular matrix protein Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article

SMAD4 Mutations Causing Myhre Syndrome Result in Disorganization of Extracellular Matrix Improved by losartan
Scientists showed that losartan normalizes metalloproteinase and related inhibitor transcript levels and corrects the extracellular matrix deposition defect in fibroblasts from Myhre syndrome patients. [Eur J Hum Genet] Abstract

Influence of Extracellular Matrix Temporal Deposition on the Swelling and Mechanical Properties of TE Cartilage
Using a computational approach, researchers aimed to quantify possible effects of temporal variations in the deposition of glycosaminoglycan at given collagen synthesis rates on the mechanical stiffness of cartilage tissue engineered (TE) constructs. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Expression of Modulators of Extracellular Matrix Structure after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
The authors quantified the expression of genes for collagen I and III, decorin, tenascin-C, and alpha smooth muscle actin, as well as matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -13 gene expression within multiple tissues of the knee joint after anterior cruciate ligament injury in a large animal model over a 2-week post injury period. [Wound Repair Regen] Abstract

PI3K/Akt1 Signaling Specifies Foregut Precursors by Generating Regionalized Extra-Cellular Matrix
The authors found that PI3K signaling promotes the transition from naïve endoderm precursors into committed anterior endoderm. PI3K promoted commitment via an atypical activity that delimited epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Akt1 transduced this activity via modifications to the extracellular matrix (ECM) and appropriate ECM could itself induce anterior endodermal identity in the absence of PI3K signaling. [eLife]
Full Article | Press Release

Collagen Matrix Support of Pancreatic Islet Survival and Function
This review outlines the critical role played by native collagens I and IV and their receptors in maintaining islet function. The advantages of using collagens I and IV as culture gels/scaffolds and islet encapsulation vehicles for transplantation will be described. [Front Biosci] Abstract

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

AxoGen Receives Product Innovation Leadership Award from Frost & Sullivan
AxoGen, Inc. has been awarded the 2014 North American New Product Innovation Leadership Award for Peripheral Nerve Repair by the global research organization, Frost & Sullivan. The award is based on the findings of Frost & Sullivan’s Best Practices Research Team which studied the nearly one million peripheral nerve injury repair procedures performed every year in the United States and recognized AxoGen for developing and commercializing the Avance^® Nerve Graft. [AxoGen, Inc.] Press Release

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

NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Extracellular Matrix-Integrin Signaling and Trafficking of Membrane Transporters (Massachusetts General Hospital)

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

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)

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.)

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