Extracellular Matrix News Volume 5.07 | Feb 27 2014

Interaction of the Vinculin Proline-Rich Linker Region with Vinexin α in Sensing Extracellular Matrix Stiffness
Scientists showed that the proline-rich linker (PRL) region of vinculin and the PRL region-binding protein vinexin are involved in sensing stiffness of extracellular matrix (ECM) substrates. A rigid substrate increases cytoskeleton-associated vinculin, and the fraction of vinculin stably localizing at focal adhesions is larger on rigid ECM than on soft ECM. [J Cell Sci] Abstract

A Functional Polyester Carrying Free Hydroxyl Groups Promotes the Mineralization of Osteoblast and Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Extracellular Matrix
Investigators examined the use of poly(sebacoyl diglyceride) (PSeD) to promote biomineralization for application in bone tissue engineering. PSeD promoted more mineralization of extracellular matrix secreted by human mesenchymal stem cells and rat osteoblasts than poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), which is currently widely used in bone tissue engineering. [Acta Biomater] Abstract

Collagen-GAG Scaffold Biophysical Properties Bias MSC Lineage Choice in the Presence of Mixed Soluble Signals
Scientists examined the role of biomaterial physical properties (relative density, mineral content) on human mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) phenotype in the presence of mixed soluble signals to drive osteogenesis or chondrogenesis. They tested a series of 3D collagen-glycosaminoglycan scaffolds with properties inspired by extracellular matrix characteristics across the osteotendinous interface (tendon, cartilage, and bone). [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Microporous Dermal-Like Electrospun Scaffolds Promote Accelerated Skin Regeneration
The authors aimed to synthesize skin substitutes that blend native extracellular matrix molecules (ECM) with synthetic polymers that have favorable mechanical properties. To this end, scaffolds were electrospun from collagen I and polycaprolactone, and then pores were introduced mechanically to promote fibroblast infiltration, and subsequent filling of the pores with ECM. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Dendritic Cells: In Vitro Culture in Two- and Three-Dimensional Collagen Systems and Expression of Collagen Receptors in Tumors and Atherosclerotic Microenvironments
The authors have previously shown that the interaction of dendritic cells (DCs) with various extracellular matrix components modifies the immune properties and angiogenic potential of these cells. Building on those studies, they analyzed the angiogenic profile of murine myeloid DCs upon interaction with 2D and 3D type-I collagen environments. [Exp Cell Res] Abstract

The Predicted Secretomes of Monosiga brevicollis and Capsaspora owczarzaki, Close Unicellular Relatives of Metazoans, Reveal New Insights into the Evolution of the Metazoan Extracellular Matrix
Researchers analyzed all predicted secretory signal-peptide-containing proteins of M. brevicollis for extracellular matrix (ECM) domains. Nine domains that are widespread in metazoan ECM proteins are represented, with EGF, fibronectin III, laminin G, and von Willebrand Factor_A domains being the most numerous. [Matrix Biol] Abstract

Redirection of Neurite Outgrowth by Coupling Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans to Polymer Membranes
Researchers examined the potential of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) to guide dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurite outgrowth when freely available in the media or presented from a polymeric membrane. Soluble CSPGs added to the media of DRG explant cultures inhibited neurite outgrowth without spatial bias, caused retraction of axons, and decreased neurite extension in a dose-dependent manner. [Ann Biomed Eng] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix Components Mark the Territories of Circumventricular Organs
Scientists investigate tenascin-R and the lecticans: aggrecan, brevican, neurocan, and versican in the median eminence, the area postrema, the vascular organ of the lamina terminalis, the subfornical organ, the pineal body and the subcommissural organ of the rat applying immunohistochemical methods, and lectin histochemistry, using Wisteria floribunda agglutinin. [Neurosci Lett] Abstract

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

Experimental Biology 2014 Programming at a Glance
Six scientific societies will hold their joint scientific sessions and annual meetings, known as Experimental Biology (EB), from April 26-30, 2014, in San Diego. This meeting, EB 2014, brings together the leading researchers from dozens of life-science disciplines. [Newswise, Inc.] Press Release

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

NEW Investigator – Fibrosis Discovery Performance Unit (GlaxoSmithKline)

NEW Scientific Communications & Publishing Coordinator (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Mechanism of Remodeling in Heart and Vascular Diseases (University of Alberta)

Faculty Position – Cervical Biology (Wayne State University School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Mechanisms of Angiogenesis and Vasculogenesis during Development and Retinal Diseases (State University of New York)

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

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

Research Technologist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Technologist – Particle Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Technologist – PSC Biology and Bioengineering (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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