A Collagen-Based Scaffold Delivering Exogenous MicroRNA-29B to Modulate Extracellular Matrix Remodeling Scientists hypothesized that delivery of microRNA-29B from a collagen scaffold will efficiently modulate the extracellular matrix remodeling response and reduce maladaptive remodeling such as aggressive deposition of collagen type I after injury. The release of RNA from the scaffold was assessed and its ability to silence collagen type I and collagen type II expression was evaluated in vitro. [Mol Ther] Abstract A Biomimetic Multi-Layered Collagen-Based Scaffold for Osteochondral Repair This study focuses on the development of a layered construct for osteochondral repair, fabricated through a novel “iterative layering” freeze-drying technique. The process involved repeated steps of layer addition followed by freeze-drying, enabling control over material composition, pore size and substrate stiffness in each region of the construct, while also achieving a seamlessly integrated layer structure. [Acta Biomater] Abstract Cellular Traction Stresses Mediate Extracellular Matrix Degradation by Invadopodia To determine the relationship between cellular traction stresses and invadopodia activity, researchers characterized the invasive and contractile properties of an aggressive carcinoma cell line utilizing polyacrylamide gels of different rigidities. They found that extracellular degradation and traction stresses were linear functions of matrix rigidity. [Acta Biomater] Abstract Stromal Fibroblasts Mediate Extracellular Matrix Remodeling and Invasion of Scirrhous Gastric Carcinoma Cells The authors investigated the role of stromal fibroblasts (SFs) in the invasion of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by scirrhous gastric carcinoma (SGC) cells. When SGC cells were cocultured with SFs derived from SGC tissue on three-dimensional Matrigel, they were attracted together to form large cellular aggregates that invaded within the Matrigel. [PLoS One] Full Article Quantification of Magnetically Induced Changes in ECM Local Apparent Stiffness Investigators describe an approach to manipulating the stiffness of extracellular matrix (ECM), whereby magnetic beads are embedded in the ECM through bioconjugation between the streptavidin-coated beads and the collagen fibers and then manipulated by an external magnetic field. [Biophys J] Abstract Albumin Fiber Scaffolds for Engineering Functional Cardiac Tissues Scientists fabricated aligned and randomly oriented electrospun albumin fibers and investigated their structure, mechanical properties, and chemical nature. Their measurements showed that the scaffolds have improved elasticity as compared to synthetic electrospun PCL fibers, and that they are capable of adsorbing serum proteins, such as laminin leading to strong cell-matrix interactions. [Biotechnol Bioeng] Abstract Impact of High-/Middle-Molecular-Weight Adiponectin on the Synthesis and Regulation of Extracellular Matrix in Dermal Fibroblasts The authors compared the mRNA levels of collagen type1, fibronectin 1, matrix metalloproteinase 1, -3, TIMP1, -3, TGF-β, and TGF-β receptor 2 in human normal dermal fibroblasts cultured with and without adiponectin, and assessed the degree of synthesis of extracellular matrices by immunofluorescent microscopy. [Exp Hematol] Abstract Crosslinking of Saphenous Vein ECM by Procyanidins for Small Diameter Blood Vessel Replacement To overcome the drawbacks of pure and glutaraldehyde-crosslinked vascular alternatives of small-diameter blood vessels, procyanidins, a naturally derived polyphenol with anti-inflammatory and platelet aggregation inhibiting bioactivities, was applied to crosslink the decellularized bovine saphenous vein extracellular matrix (ECM). [J Biomed Mater Res Part B] Abstract |