Extracellular Matrix News Volume 5.25 | Jul 3 2014

C-Terminal Propeptide Is Required for Fibrillin-1 Secretion and Blocks Premature Assembly through Linkage to Domains cbEGF41-43
Using HEK293T cells transiently transfected with GFP-tagged version of fibrillin-1 constructs, researchers show that the C-terminal propeptide is an essential requirement for the secretion of full-length fibrillin-1 from cells. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Hydrogel Depots for Local Co-Delivery of Osteoinductive Peptides and Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC)-laden osteogenic growth peptide (OGP)-alginate hydrogels were tested at an ectopic site in a xenograft mouse model. After four weeks, OGP-alginate hydrogels were more degraded and colonized by vascularized connective tissue than the control. hMSCs were able to proliferate, migrate outward the hydrogels, produce endogenous extracellular matrix and mineralize it. [J Control Release] Abstract

Conformational Remodeling of the Fibronectin Matrix Selectively Regulates VEGF Signaling
Researchers demonstrate that anastellin selectively inhibits microvessel cell signaling in response to VEGF₁₆₅ but not VEGF₁₂₁ by preventing the assembly of the VEGF receptor/Neuropilin-1 complex. [J Cell Sci] Abstract

Selective Regulation of Cytoskeletal Tension and Cell-Matrix Adhesion by RhoA and Src
Scientists investigated the relationship between the cytoskeletal tension and integrin α₅β₁ adhesion strength to the matrix (i.e. fibronectin) in the context of RhoA-Src crosstalk. [Integr Biol] Abstract

Endogenous MMP-9 and Not MMP-2 Promotes Rheumatoid Synovial Fibroblast Survival, Inflammation and Cartilage Degradation
Scientists investigated the effect of endogenous matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) on the invasive characteristics of RA synovial fibroblasts. [Rheumatology] Abstract

Predicting In Vivo Responses to Biomaterials via Combined In Vitro and In Silico Analysis
Principal component analysis and dynamic network analysis revealed a distinct in vitro macrophage response to extracellular matrix materials that corresponded to constructive remodeling and an increased M2 macrophage presence in vivo. [Tissue Eng Part C Methods] Abstract

Decellularized Tracheal Extracellular Matrix Supports Epithelial Migration, Differentiation and Function
Scientists examined the use of a decellularized graft in a murine model of tracheal replacement. Decellularized grafts supported complete reepithelialization by eight weeks, and motile cilia were observed. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Incorporation of Chitosan Microspheres into Collagen-Chitosan Scaffolds for the Controlled Release of Nerve Growth Factor
Microsphere-scaffold composite was developed by incorporating chitosan microspheres loaded with nerve growth factor into collagen-chitosan scaffolds with longitudinally oriented microchannels. The morphological characterizations, in vitro release kinetics study, neurite outgrowth assay, and bioactivity assay were evaluated. [PLoS One] Full Article

Inhibition of Leptin-Induced Vascular Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Remodeling by Adiponectin
Researchers evaluated the leptin-antagonist function of adiponectin and further elucidated the mechanisms through which adiponectin dampens leptin signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells, thus preventing excess ECM production in already established 3D co-culture vessel models. [J Mol Endocrinol] Abstract

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CorMatrix Completes Enrollment of Patients in RESTORE, First-In-Human Study with CorMatrix for Improvement of Myocardial Function
CorMatrix Cardiovascular Inc. and the Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior in Warsaw announced the successful enrollment and treatment of five patients in the first ever study evaluating the CorMatrix ECM delivered trans-epicardially for the improvement of myocardial function in patients at risk or suffering from congestive heart failure. [CorMatrix Cardiovascular, Inc. (Business Wire)]
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 Research Associate – Role of the Basement Membrane in Regulation of Cell and Tissue Behavior in Health and Disease (University of Liverpool)

Research Assistant – Studying Cell-Matrix Interactions by Advanced Imaging Methods (Mechanobiology Institute)

Independent Junior Research Group Leader – Biophysical Aspects of Cell Dynamics, Cell-Cell and/or Cell-Matrix Interactions (Cells in Motion)

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 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 – Skin Cell Research (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cell Media Development, High Throughput Screening (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Cell Culture Support Products (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Immunology/Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Associate – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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