Extracellular Matrix News Volume 5.21 | Jun 5 2014

Thermally Triggered Release of a Pro-Osteogenic Peptide from a Functionalized Collagen-Based Scaffold Using Thermosensitive Liposomes
Investigators describe a collagen-based externally controlled drug-eluting scaffold which consists of drug encapsulated thermoresponsive liposomes covalently attached to the surface of a functionalized collagen-based scaffold. [J Control Release] Abstract

Role of Intrafibrillar Collagen Mineralization in Defining the Compressive Properties of Nascent Bone
In order to investigate the molecular origins of bone’s unique compressive properties, researchers performed full atomistic simulations of the three-dimensional molecular structure of a mineralized collagen fibril, focusing on the role of intra-fibrillar mineral densities in dictating the mechanical performance under compressive loading. [Biomacromolecules] Abstract

Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells Are Dependent on Self Collagen, Cleaved by Membrane Type 1-Matrix Metalloproteinase for Their Growth
Scientists disclose the fact that hepatic stellate cells, normal diploid cells acquired dependence on collagen for their growth during the transition from quiescent to active states. The intra-molecular RGD motifs of collagen were exposed by cleavage with their own membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase. [J Biol Chem]
Abstract | Full Article

Inner and Outer Annulus Fibrosus Cells Exhibit Differentiated Phenotypes and Yield Changes in Extracellular Matrix Protein Composition In Vitro on a Polycarbonate Urethane Scaffold
Researchers aimed to determine whether inner annulus fibrosus (IAF) cells, when grown on polycarbonate urethane scaffolds in vitro, will produce extracellular matrix molecules characteristic of IAF cells and different from outer annulus fibrosus cells. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Synthetic Polyamine BPA-C8 Inhibits TGF-β1-Mediated Conversion of Human Dermal Fibroblast to Myofibroblasts and Establishment of Galectin-1-Rich Extracellular Matrix In Vitro
Scientists tested the effect of the synthetic polyamine BPA-C8 on the transition of human dermal fibroblasts to myofibroblasts induced either by TGF-β1 alone or by TGF-β1 together with adhesion/growth-regulatory galectin-1. BPA-C8 also reduced the occurrence of an extracellular matrix around the activated fibroblasts. [Chembiochem] Abstract

Accelerated Postero-Lateral Spinal Fusion by Collagen Scaffolds Modified with Engineered Collagen-Binding Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 in Rats
To investigate a delivery system on postero-lateral spinal fusion, both engineered human bone morphogenetic protein-2 with a collagen binding domain and collagen scaffolds were developed and their combination was implanted into Sprague-Dawley rats to study lumbar 4-5 posterolateral spine fusion. [PLoS One] Full Article

Effect of MicroRNA-145 on IL-1β-Induced Cartilage Degradation in Human Chondrocytes
The functional role of miR-145 in interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)-induced extracellular matrix degradation of osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage has never been clarified. Scientists showed that miR-145 expression increased in OA chondrocytes and in response to IL-1β stimulation. [FEBS Lett] Abstract

Intervertebral Disc and Stem Cells Co-Cultured in Biomimetic Extracellular Matrix Stimulated by Cyclic Compression in Perfusion Bioreactor
An extracellular matrix structure-mimetic scaffold, co-cultured human intervertebral disc (IVD) cells and mesenchymal stem cells, and mechanical stimulation were used to biofabricate a tissue-engineered IVD. [Spine J] Abstract

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

Conrad T. Prebys Gives $25 Million to Salk Institute to Support Scientific Research
The Salk Institute for Biological Studies has received a $25 million gift from San Diego philanthropist and former Salk trustee Conrad T. Prebys to support cutting-edge biological research on a wide range of diseases. [The Salk Institute for Biological Studies] Press Release

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

NEW Postdoctoral Associate – Mechanisms of Pathogenesis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) on Extracellular Matrix (University of Minnesota – Twin Cities)

PhD Research Fellow – Cellular Interactions with the Extracellular Matrix of Tumor Microenvironment (Norwegian University of Science and Technology)

Postdoctoral Position – Proteases and Extracellular Matrix (GENYO)

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.)

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

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

Scientist – Immunology/Cell Separation (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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