Extracellular Matrix News Volume 5.13 | Apr 10 2014

pH-Responsive Polymer-Liposomes for Intracellular Drug Delivery and Tumor Extracellular Matrix Switched-On Targeted Cancer Therapy
Investigators present a tumor-extracellular matrix pH-induced targeting liposome crosslinked from methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(N-2-hydroxypropyl methacrylamide-co-histidine)-cholesterol copolymers and biotin2-polyethylene glycol crosslinkers by hydrogen bonds to overcome the defects of liposomes. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Chondrogenic Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells in Combinatorial Hydrogels Containing Cartilage Matrix Proteins with Decoupled Mechanical Stiffness
Researchers report the development of an extracellular matrix (ECM)-containing hydrogel platform with largely decoupled biochemical and mechanical cues by modulating the degree of methacrylation of ECM molecules. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Matrix Composition and Mechanics Directs Pro-Angiogenic Signaling from Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Researchers showed how controlling the mechanical properties and protein composition of the extracellular matrix surrounding mesenchymal stem cells can guide pro-angiogenic signaling. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Cross-Linking of Collagen I by Tissue Transglutaminase Provides a Promising Biomaterial for Promoting Bone Healing
Scientists demonstrated that the cross-linking of collagen I by tissue transglutaminase causes an alteration in the morphology and rheological properties of the collagen fibers. Human osteoblasts attach, spread, proliferate, differentiate and mineralize more rapidly on this cross-linked matrix compared to native collagen. [Amino Acids] Abstract

Expansion on a Matrix Deposited by Nonchondrogenic Urine Stem Cells Strengthens the Chondrogenic Capacity of Repeated-Passage Bone Marrow Stromal Cells
Investigators found that the extracellular matrix (ECM) deposited by human urine-derived stem cells (hUSCs) (UECM) can greatly recharge repeated-passage hBMSCs toward chondrogenic differentiation, a result that might be explained by trophic factors released from hUSCs being immobilized in UECM. [Cell Tissue Res] Abstract

Artificial Matrices with High-Sulfated Glycosaminoglycans and Collagen Are Anti-Inflammatory and Pro-Osteogenic for Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
The influence of artificial extracellular matrices on the interleukin-1β-induced pro-inflammatory response of human mesenchymal stromal cells was studied. [J Cell Biochem] Abstract

Short Laminin Peptide for Improved Neural Stem Cell Growth
The authors developed a novel peptide sequence with only 12 amino acids based on the Ile-Lys-Val-Ala-Val, or IKVAV, sequence: Ac-Cys-Cys-Arg-Arg-Ile-Lys-Val-Ala-Val-Trp-Leu-Cys. This short peptide sequence, similar to tissue-derived full laminin molecules, supported human neural stem/progenitor cells to attach and proliferate to confluence for continuous passage and subculture. [Stem Cells Transl Med] Abstract

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Dr. Mahendra Rao Joins NYSCF as VP for Regenerative Medicine
Dr. Mahendra Rao, who has directed the Center for Regenerative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health since 2010, will join The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Research Institute as its Vice President for Regenerative Medicine, a newly created position. [The New York Stem Cell Foundation] Press Release

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)

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Postdoctoral Position – Extracellular RNA Bioinformatics and Biology (University of California, Los Angeles)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Signaling Mechanisms of GPCRs and Wnts and Their In Vivo Functions (Yale University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Cell Biology, Protein Trafficking, Kidney Physiology (Harvard Medical School)

Postdoctoral Position – Macromolecule Stabilization (University of Minnesota)

Postdoctoral Position – Therapeutic Advantages of the Combined Use of Scaffold and Cells for Orthopedic Applications (Bone Therapeutics S.A.)

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Extracellular Microenvironment in Cancer (Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool)

Director of GMP/GLP Quality Operations (University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine)

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

Research Associate – Cell Separation (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.)

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