Extracellular Matrix News Volume 5.33 | Aug 28 2014

Molecular Mobility of Scaffolds’ Biopolymers Influences Cell Growth
Scientists investigated the correlation of fibroblast cell growth on different gelatin scaffolds with their morphological, mechanical as well as surface molecular properties. [ACS Appl Mater Interfaces] Abstract

Investigating the Spatial Distribution of Integrin β1 in Patterned Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Using Super-Resolution Imaging
Researchers report the distinct recruitment of active integrin beta 1 in human mesenchymal stem cells when they were committed towards the cardiomyogenic lineage on micropatterned surface. [ACS Appl Mater Interfaces] Abstract

Adiponectin Modulates Focal Adhesion Disassembly in Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells: Implication for Reversing Hepatic Fibrosis
Scientists postulate a novel molecular mechanism, whereby adiponectin targets focal adhesion kinase activity and disrupts key features of the fibrogenic response. [FASEB J] Abstract

A Chromatin Modifier Regulates Sertoli Cell Response to Mono-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate (MEHP) via Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2) Signaling
Researchers report the potential signaling events related to up-regulation of metastasis associated protein 1, a master chromatin modifier, during MEHP-induced Sertoli cells injury. [Biochim Biophys Acta] Abstract

miR-130b Suppresses Prostate Cancer Metastasis through Down-Regulation of MMP2
Using a mouse model, researchers reveal that miR-130b-expressed prostate cancer cells displayed significant reduction in tumor metastasis. Furthermore, they identified and validated matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) as a direct target of miR-130b. [Mol Carcinog] Abstract

Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Is Downregulated in Sciatic Nerve by Streptozotocin Induced Diabetes and/or Treatment with Minocycline: Implications for Nerve Regeneration
Scientists show that matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is expressed constitutively in the sciatic nerve in vivo and treatment with minocycline or diabetes leads to downregulation of MMP-2 expression and activity. [Exp Neurol] Abstract

JNK and Akt Signaling Pathways Regulating TNF-α-Induced IL-32 Expression in Human Lung Fibroblasts: Implications in Airway Inflammation
Scientists examined the expression of IL-32 by TNF-α in primary human lung fibroblasts. Human lung fibroblasts were cultured in the presence or absence of TNF-α and/or other cytokines/TLR ligands or various signaling molecule inhibitors to analyze the expression of IL-32 by quantitative RT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. [Immunology] Abstract

Immunogenicity of Intensively Decellularized Equine Carotid Arteries Is Conferred by the Extracellular Matrix Protein Collagen Type VI
Researchers demonstrate the residual immunogenicity of an extensively decellularized equine carotid artery and identify the involved immunogenic components. [PLoS One] Full Article

Dual-Functioning Phage-Derived Peptides Encourage Human Bone Marrow Cell-Specific Attachment to Mineralized Biomaterials
Researchers aimed to measure apatite binding affinity, human bone marrow stromal cell (hBMSC) adhesion strength, and peptide specificity to hBMSCs when the apatite and cell-specific peptides are combined into a dual-functioning peptide. [Connect Tissue Res] Abstract

Sulfated Sugars in the Extracellular Matrix Orchestrate Ovarian Cancer Development ‘When Sweet Turns Sour’
The authors focus on the various functions of chondroitin sulfate in tumor growth, angiogenesis, dissemination and immunosilencing of ovarian cancer. [Gynecol Oncol] Abstract

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

Sorrento Awarded NIH Grant to Advance Immunotherapy Targeting Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc. announced that it has received funding to advance an immunotherapy targeting WNT1-Inducible Signaling Protein-1 for the potential treatment of IPF. [Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc.]
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NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Cardiac Animal Surgery (Stanford University)

Postdoctoral Position – Proteases and Extracellular Matrix (GENYO)

PhD Position – Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Biology (Dublin City University)

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)

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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