Extracellular Matrix News Volume 5.28 | Jul 24 2014

Influence of the Stiffness of Three-Dimensional Alginate/Collagen-I Interpenetrating Networks on Fibroblast Biology
Three-dimensional cultures of dermal fibroblasts encapsulated within matrices of different stiffness were shown to promote dramatically different cell morphologies, and enhanced stiffness resulted in upregulation of key-mediators of inflammation such as IL-10 and COX-2. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Poly(NaSS) Functionalization Modulates the Conformation of Fibronectin and Collagen Type I to Enhance Osteoblastic Cell Attachment onto Ti6Al4V
Researchers used quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation to elucidate the role of poly(sodium styrene sulfonate) (poly(NaSS)) in enhancing osteoblastic cell attachment. This was measured by following the cell attachment using the MC3T3-E1 cell line, on fetal bovine serum pre-adsorbed surfaces and on substrates adsorbed with a series of relevant proteins, bovine serum albumin, fibronectin, and collagen type I. [Langmuir] Abstract

Comparative Potential of Juvenile and Adult Human Articular Chondrocytes for Cartilage Tissue Formation in 3D Biomimetic Hydrogels
To comprehensively characterize the comparative potential of young, old and diseased chondrocytes, researchers examined cartilage formation by juvenile, adult and osteoarthritic chondrocytes in 3D biomimetic hydrogels composed of poly(ethylene glycol) and chondroitin sulfate. All three human articular chondrocytes were encapsulated in the 3D biomimetic hydrogels and cultured for three or six weeks to allow maturation and extracellular matrix formation. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Modulating Notochordal Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Using Natural Nucleus Pulposus Tissue Matrix
Researchers examined the effect of cell-nucleus pulposus matrix contact and culture medium on the differentiation, and assessed the functional differentiation ability of the generated notochordal cell-like cells. [PLoS One] Full Article

Soluble Lutheran/Basal Cell Adhesion Molecule Is Detectable in Plasma of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients and Modulates Cellular Interaction with Laminin-511 In Vitro
Lutheran (Lu)/basal cell adhesion molecule (B-CAM) is a specific receptor for laminin α5, a subunit of laminin-511 that is a major component of basement membranes in various tissues. Investigators examined the soluble Lu/B-CAM in culture media and in plasma of mice bearing HuH-7 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and patients with HCC. [Exp Cell Res] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix Signatures of Human Primary Metastatic Colon Cancers and Their Metastases to Liver
Scientists used enrichment of extracellular matrix (ECM) from human patient samples and proteomics to define the ECM composition of primary colon carcinomas and their metastases to liver in comparison with normal colon and liver samples. [BMC Cancer] Abstract | Full Article

Arginine Enhances Osteoblastogenesis and Inhibits Adipogenesis through the Regulation of Wnt and NFATc Signaling in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Scientists investigated whether the activation of cell signaling by arginine can induce osteogenic differentiation and modulate excessive adipogenic differentiation in human mesenchymal stem cells. Arginine potently induced the expression of type Iα1 collagen, osteocalcin, and ALP in a dose-dependent manner without causing cytotoxicity. [Int J Mol Sci] Abstract | Download Full Article

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Osteo Science Foundation Awards Nearly 200 Thousand Dollars in Research Grants
The Board of Directors of the Osteo Science Foundation has awarded its inaugural four research grants, totaling close to $200,000, to researchers at Columbia University, Indiana University, Rutgers University and UCLA. The research projects focus on applied developments and treatment concepts in regenerative medicine for clinical application in oral, cranial and maxillofacial surgery. [Osteo Science Foundation] Press Release

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