Extracellular Matrix News Volume 5.27 | Jul 17 2014

Caveolin-1 Is Required for TGF-β-Induced Transactivation of the EGF Receptor Pathway in Hepatocytes through the Activation of the Metalloprotease TACE/ADAM17
Researchers show that immortalized Cav1^−/− hepatocytes were more sensitive to the pro-apoptotic effects induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), showing a higher activation of caspase-3, higher decrease in cell viability and prolonged increase through time of intracellular reactive oxygen species. [Cell Death Dis]
Full Article

Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzyme Complex Uev1A-Ubc13 Promotes Breast Cancer Metastasis through Nuclear Factor-κB Mediated Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Gene Regulation
Scientists investigated roles of different UEV1 splicing variants, and its close homolog MMS2, in promoting tumorigenesis and metastasis in breast cancer cells. They experimentally manipulated the UEV1 and MMS2 levels in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and monitored their effects on cell invasion and migration, as well as tumor formation and metastasis in xenograft mice. [Breast Cancer Res] Abstract | Full Article

Localized Micro- and Nano-Scale Remodeling in the Diabetic Aorta
Scientists found that the medial aortic layer underwent significant thickening in diabetic animals but without significant changes in collagen or elastin composition (or abundance). Scanning acoustic microscopy demonstrated that such tissue remodeling was associated with a significant decrease in acoustic wave speed in the inter-lamellar spaces of the vessel wall. [Acta Biomater] Full Article

Rapid Prototyping Amphiphilic Polymer/Hydroxyapatite Composite Scaffolds with Hydration-Induced Self-Fixation Behavior
Researchers demonstrate the feasibility of rapid prototyping biphasic PLA-PEG-PLA (PELA)/hydroxyapatite-PELA scaffolds for potential guided bone regeneration where an osteoconductive scaffold interior encouraging osteointegration and a non-adhesive surface discouraging fibrous tissue encapsulation is desired. [Tissue Eng Part C Methods] Abstract

Targeted Injection of a Biocomposite Material Alters Macrophage and Fibroblast Phenotype and Function following Myocardial Infarction: Relation to LV Remodeling
The effects of calcium hydroxyapatite injections upon key cell types responsible for the myocardial infarction remodeling process, the macrophage and fibroblast, were examined. [J Pharmacol Exp Ther] Abstract

Mechanical Checkpoint for Persistent Cell Polarization in Adhesion-Naive Fibroblasts
Using nonadhered round fibroblast cells, scientists show that stiffness sensing through single localized integrin-mediated cues are necessary and sufficient to trigger and direct a shape polarization. [Biophys J] Abstract

Processing Large-Diameter Poly(L-Lactic Acid) Microfiber Mesh/Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Constructs via Resin Embedding: An Efficient Histologic Method
Scientists performed a complete histologic analysis of constructs based on large diameter poly-L-lactic acid microfibers obtained via dry-wet spinning and rat mesenchymal stromal cells differentiated towards the osteogenic lineage, using acrylic resin embedding. [Biomed Mater] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix Remodeling during Retinal Development
The authors discuss the current state of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and its function during retinal development. In addition, they illustrate how ECM components control axonal growth and guidance of retinal ganglion cells and focus on ECM modulation during de- and regeneration processes. [Exp Eye Res] Abstract

Alginate Composites for Bone Tissue Engineering: A Review
Alginate composites show enhanced biochemical significance in terms of porosity, mechanical strength, cell adhesion, biocompatibility, cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase increase, excellent mineralization and osteogenic differentiation. The authors provide a broad overview of alginate preparation and its applications towards bone tissue engineering. [Int J Biol Macromol] Abstract

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

ACell Initiates Post-Market Study of MatriStem^® Pelvic Floor Matrix
ACell, Inc. announced enrollment of the first patient in a U.S. Phase IV clinical trial evaluating the safety and long-term effectiveness of ACell’s MatriStem^® pelvic floor matrix device as compared to native tissue repair for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. [ACell, Inc.] Press Release

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

NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Mechanisms that Contribute to Metastases of Breast Cancer Cells (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)

Research Associate – Differentiation Protocols for Generation of Laminated Neural Retinae (Newcastle University)

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Role of the Basement Membrane in Regulation of Cell and Tissue Behavior in Health and Disease (University of Liverpool)

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

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.)

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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