Extracellular Matrix News Volume 5.31 | Aug 14 2014

Synergistic Protein Secretion by Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Seeded in 3D Scaffolds and Circulating Leukocytes in Physiological Flow
Scientists aimed to identify the signaling factors secreted by preseeded cells in a biomaterial and their interaction with circulating leukocytes, in the presence of physiological biomechanical stimuli exerted by the hemodynamic environment. [Biomaterials] Abstract

In Vivo Assessment of Guided Neural Stem Cell Differentiation in Growth Factor Immobilized Chitosan-Based Hydrogel Scaffolds
Researchers demonstrate that a unique growth factor-biomaterial system can offer spatial control of growth factors with sustained signaling to guide the specific lineage commitment of neural stem/progenitor cells in vivo. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Hybrid Elastin-Like Polypeptide-Polyethylene Glycol (ELP-PEG) Hydrogels with Improved Transparency and Independent Control of Matrix Mechanics and Cell Ligand Density
Researchers designed a hybrid ELP-PEG hydrogel system that rapidly crosslinks with tris(hydroxymethyl) phosphine in aqueous solution via Mannich-type condensation. Human fibroblasts encapsulated in these hydrogels show high viability after seven days of culture. [Biomacromolecules] Abstract

Combinatorial Gene Therapy Accelerates Bone Regeneration: Non-Viral Dual Delivery of VEGF and BMP2 in a Collagen-Nanohydroxyapatite Scaffold
Vascularization and bone repair are accelerated by a series of gene-activated scaffolds delivering both an angiogenic and an osteogenic gene. Stem cell-mediated osteogenesis in vitro, in addition to increased vascularization and bone repair by host cells in vivo, was enhanced using all systems while the use of the nanohydroxyapatite vector to deliver both genes markedly enhances bone healing. [Adv Healthc Mater] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix Composition Is Modified by β₂-Agonists through cAMP in COPD
Researchers investigated the mechanism underlying the control of extracellular matrix modification by long acting β₂-agonists in primary human airway smooth muscle cells. [Biochem Pharmacol] Abstract

A Comparative Study of Matrix Remodeling in Chronic Models for COPD; Mechanistic Insights into the Role of TNFα
Scientists characterized and assessed similarities in alveolar and small airway wall matrix remodeling in chronic COPD models. From this comparative characterization of matrix remodeling they derived and elaborated underlying mechanisms to the matrix changes reported in COPD. [Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix Components of Adipose Derived Stromal Cells Promote Alignment, Organization and Maturation of Cardiomyocytes In Vitro
The juxtacrine role of adipose derived stromal cells (ADSC) and ADSC-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) on the organization and maturation of cardiomyocytes was investigated. Human ADSC synthesized and deposited a heterogenous and complex mixture of ECM components such as collagen I, III, IV, fibronectin, elastin as well as the matricellular protein periostin. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of a Novel Collagen/Cellulose Nanocrystal Scaffold for Achieving the Sustained Release of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor
Biodegradable gelatin microspheres containing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were fabricated and incorporated into a porous collagen/cellulose nanocrystal scaffold, as a platform for long-term release and consequent angiogenic boosting. The physicochemical properties of these scaffolds were examined and the in vitro release pattern of bFGF from scaffolds was measured by ELISA. [J Biomater Appl] Abstract

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Implants Based on Alginate for Use in Wound Care – Christine Lämmle Receives Research Prize from DGfW
Christine Lämmle has won this year’s research prize from the German Society for Wound Healing (DGfW). At the DGfW’s 17^th annual conference in Bochum, she was presented with the prize for “establishing an alginate implant colonized with stem cells for use in autologous soft tissue replacement”. [The Hohenstein Institute] Press Release

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PhD Position – Biomaterials/Cartilage Regeneration (Peking University)

PhD Student – Bioengineering (George Mason University)

Postdoctoral Position – Neural Extracellular Matrix (German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Roles of Extracellular Matrix in Regulating the Response of Tissues to Injury (University of California – San Francisco)

Postdoctoral Research Associate – 3D Tissue Biology and Modeling (University of Zurich)

Research Associate – Embryonic Development and Repair of Basement Membranes (King’s College London)

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

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.)

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