Drosophila miR-9a Targets the ECM Receptor Dystroglycan to Canalize Myotendinous Junction Formation The authors find that precise levels of the extracellular matrix (ECM) receptor Dystroglycan (Dg) are required for myotendinous junctions formation in Drosophila and that Dg levels in this process are controlled by miR-9a. In the embryo, Dg is enriched at the termini of the growing muscles facing the tendon matrix and absent from miR-9a-expressing tendons. [Dev Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract Scaffold-Mediated Lentiviral Transduction for Functional Tissue Engineering of Cartilage This study aimed to generate a self-contained bioactive scaffold capable of mediating stem cell differentiation and formation of a cartilaginous extracellular matrix using a lentivirus-based method. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract | Press Release IL-6 Trans Signaling Drives a STAT3 Dependant Pathway that Leads to Hyperactive TGF-β Signaling Promoting SMAD3 Activation and Fibrosis via Gremlin Using healthy dermal fibroblasts in vitro researchers analyzed the signaling pathways that underscore the IL-6 mediated induction of collagen. They showed that IL-6 trans signaling is important and that the effect is dependent on STAT3, however the effect is indirect and mediated through enhanced TGF-β signaling and the classic downstream cellular mediator Smad3. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article Conformational Transitions of the Crosslinking Domains of Elastin During Self-Assembly Model elastin polypeptides were used to determine the structure of crosslinking domains during the assembly process and the effect of sequence alterations in these domains on assembly and structure. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article Visualization of Extracellular Matrix Components within Sectioned Salmonella Biofilms on the Surface of Human Gallstones The authors describe a method for sectioning and direct visualization of extracellular matrix components of the Salmonella biofilm on the surface of human cholesterol gallstones and provide a description of the major matrix components observed therein. [PLoS One] Full Article Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Transplantation as a Potential Therapy for Collagen VI-Related Congenital Muscular Dystrophy Scientists developed a procedure for isolation of human stem cells from the adipose layer of neonatal skin. The adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) were examined for expression of extracellular matrix and related genes using gene expression array analysis. The therapeutic potential of ADSC was assessed after a single intramuscular transplantation in collagen VI-deficient mice. [Stem Cell Res Ther] Full Article Covalently Tethered TGF-β1 with Encapsulated Chondrocytes in a PEG Hydrogel System Enhances Extracellular Matrix Production Chondrocytes were encapsulated in PEG hydrogels functionalized with transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) with the goal of increasing proliferation and matrix production. Tethered TGF-β1 was found to be distributed homogenously throughout the gel, and its bioactivity was confirmed with a TGF-β1 responsive reporter cell line. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card! Connexon Creative is evaluating reader interest in a new social media platform. Fill out this quick survey for your chance to win 1 of 4 $25 gift cards! Take survey here |