Extracellular Matrix News Volume 5.08 | Mar 6 2014

Topologically Defined Composites of Collagen Type I and V as In Vitro Cell Culture Scaffolds
Scientists aimed to provide an easy-accessible biomimetic in vitro platform of topologically defined collagen I matrices to dissect cell behavior under various conditions in vitro. The authors reconstituted covalently bound layers of three-dimensional networks of collagen type I and collagen type V with a defined network topology. [Acta Biomater] Abstract

Sulfatide-Mediated Control of Extracellular Matrix-Dependent Oligodendrocyte Maturation
Scientists investigated whether sulfatide interferes with extracellular matrix-integrin interactions and, in this manner, modulates oligodendrocyte (OLG) maturation. Their data reveal that disruption of laminin-2-sulfatide interactions impeded OLG differentiation and myelin-like membrane formation. [Glia] Abstract

Staurosporine and Extracellular Matrix Proteins Mediate the Conversion of Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Cells into a Neuron-Like Phenotype
Researchers showed that four out of five small cell lung carcinoma cell lines reversibly develop a neuron-like phenotype on extracellular matrix constituents such as fibronectin, laminin or thrombospondin upon staurosporine treatment in an RGD/integrin-mediated manner. [PLoS One] Full Article

Monitoring Fibrous Scaffold Guidance of Three-Dimensional Collagen Organization Using Minimally-Invasive Second Harmonic Generation
Electrospun fibers with a random or high degree of orientation, mimicking two types of tissue architecture found in the body, were used to culture human fibroblasts for controlling cell alignment. The minimally-invasive technique of second harmonic generation was used with the aim of monitoring and profiling the deposition and organization of collagen at different construct depths over time while construct mechanical properties were also determined over the culture period. [PLoS One] Full Article

Dentin Matrix Proteins (DMPs) Enhance Differentiation of BMMSCs via ERK and P38 MAPK Pathways
Non-collagenous DMPs were isolated from healthy human teeth and their effects on bone marrow stromal stem cells (BMMSCs) behavior were examined during in vitro culture. [Cell Tissue Res] Abstract

Repair of an Unusual Aortic Coarctation Using an Extracellular Matrix Patch
Investigators describe an aortic coarctation with an uncommon anatomic aspect treated with a CorMatrix (CorMatrix, Alpharetta, GA) extracellular matrix patch. [Ann Thorac Surg] Abstract

Galectin-1-Mediated Cell Adhesion, Invasion and Cell Death in Human Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: Regulatory Roles of Cell Surface Glycans
To elucidate the biological roles of galectin-1 in cell adhesion and invasion of human anaplastic large cell lymphoma, the authors performed cell adhesion and invasion assays using the anaplastic large cell lymphoma cell line H-ALCL, which was previously established in their laboratory. [Int J Oncol]
Abstract | Download Full Article

Myocardial Extracellular Matrix – An Ever-Changing and Diverse Entity
This review will discuss the fundamental role of the matrix in cardiac development, homeostasis, and remodeling, from a glycobiology point of view. Glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans are upregulated on cardiac injury and regulate key processes in the remodeling myocardium such as inflammation, fibrosis, and angiogenesis. [Circ Res] Abstract

Non-Collagenous ECM Proteins in Blood Vessel Morphogenesis and Cancer
This review will focus on the properties and the biological functions of non-collagenous extracellular matrix (ECM) especially on laminin and fibronectin that are currently emerging as important regulators of blood vessel formation and function in health and disease. [Biochim Biophys Acta] Abstract

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

UConn Stem Cell Lines Go Global
The University of Connecticut (UConn) signed an agreement with a global supplier of biological research tools to market stem cells developed here to investigators studying genetic disorders around the world. [University of Connecticut] Press Release

From our sponsor:
Learn About Groundbreaking Applications for Feeder-Free hESC & hiPSC Culture Watch Webinar Now

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)

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

NEW Senior Researcher – Cardiac Stem Cell-Matrix Interaction (International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital)

NEW PhD Position – 3D Structured Self-Assembled Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering (TU Delft)

Postdoctoral Position – Extracellular Matrix Biomechanics of Healthy and Diseased Skin (CNRS & ENS de Lyon)

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

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

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

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

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

Research Technologist – Particle Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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

Recruit Top Talent: Reach more than 50,000 potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.