Extracellular Matrix News Volume 5.17 | May 8 2014

Hyaluronan Deficiency Due to Has3 Knock-Out Causes Altered Neuronal Activity and Seizures via Reduction in Brain Extracellular Space
Hyaluronan, a large anionic polysaccharide (glycosaminoglycan), is a major constituent of the extracellular matrix of the adult brain. To address its function, investigators examined the neurophysiology of knock-out mice deficient in hyaluronan synthase (Has) genes. [J Neurosci] Abstract | Press Release

Cellular Contractility and Extracellular Matrix Stiffness Regulate Matrix Metalloproteinase Activity in Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Investigators sensitively measured matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity changes in response to specific extracellular matrix environments and cell contractility states. Cells of a pancreatic cancer cell line, Panc-1, up-regulate MMP activities between 3- and 10-fold with increased cell contractility. [FASEB J] Abstract

Integrin-Linked Kinase Regulates Tubular Aquaporin-2 Content and Intracellular Location: A Link between the Extracellular Matrix and Water Reabsorption
Scientists showed that the extracellular-to-intracellular scaffold protein integrin-linked kinase regulates expression of tubular water channel aquaporin-2 and its apical membrane presence in the renal tubule. [FASEB J] Abstract

Role of G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor 1 in Modulating Transforming Growth Factor-β Stimulated Mesangial Cell Extracellular Matrix Synthesis and Migration
Researchers investigated the effect of 17β-estradiol and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 agonist Fulvestrant on extracellular matrix production under transforming growth factor-β1 stimulation in human and rat mesangial cells. [Mol Cell Endocrinol] Abstract

Granzyme B Releases Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor from Extracellular Matrix and Induces Vascular Permeability
As granzyme B (GZMB) levels are elevated in chronic inflammatory diseases that are associated with increased vascular permeability, the role of GZMB in the regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor bioavailability and vascular permeability were assessed. [Lab Invest] Abstract

Human Epidermal Keratinocyte Cell Response on Integrin-Specific Artificial Extracellular Matrix Proteins
To mimic key integrin-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, artificial ECM proteins containing functional domains derived from laminin 5, type IV collagen, fibronectin, and elastin are prepared. [Macromol Biosci] Abstract

Study of Extracellular Matrix in Vocal Fold Biomechanics Using a Two-Phase Model
Scientists investigated the effects of selective enzymatic digestion of two extracellular matrix proteins, namely elastin and versican, on the elasticity of rabbit vocal fold tissue. [Biomech Model Mechanobiol] Abstract

Balance between Apical Membrane Growth and Luminal Matrix Resistance Determines Epithelial Tubule Shape
The authors present a simple mechanical model in which apical extracellular matrix elasticity, apical membrane growth, and their interaction are three vital parameters determining the stability of biological tubes. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

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C. Randal Mills Named as New President of California’s Stem Cell Agency
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine appointed C. Randal Mills, Ph.D., as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Mills, the former President and CEO of Osiris Therapeutics, was selected by the agency’s governing Board, the Independent Citizens Oversight Committee. [California Institute for Regenerative Medicine] Press Release

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PhD Studentship – 3D Printing of Hydrogel Scaffolds for 3D Dependent Cell Culture (Technical University of Denmark)

Postdoctoral Fellow – How Breast Cancer Cells Regulate Anchorage-Independent Survival to Overcome Anoikis (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)

Postdoctoral Position – 3D Structured Engineered Tissues (Nano Fiber Matrices B.V.)

PhD Position – Patterned Biomaterial Degradation to Guide Cell Response, Extracellular Matrix Deposition and In Vivo Tissue Regeneration (Universitaetsmedizin Berlin)

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

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.)

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 Technologist – hPSC (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Associate – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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

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

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