Extracellular Matrix News Volume 5.34 | Sep 4 2014

Nanoscale Integrin Ligand Patterns Determine Melanoma Cell Behavior
In an α_Vβ₃ integrin-dependent fashion, human melanoma cells spread, formed focal contacts, and reorganized cytoskeletal fibers on a physiologically relevant arginine-glycine-aspartic acid density of 349 sites/μm². [ACS Nano] Abstract

Integrins Regulate Epithelial Cell Differentiation by Modulating Notch Activity
Little is known about the developmental signals that regulate the cell cycle exit-to-differentiation switch. Signals downstream of two key developmental pathways, Notch and Salvador-Warts-Hippo, and of myosin activity regulate this switch during the development of the follicle cell epithelium of the Drosophila ovary. Investigators identified a fourth player, the integrin signaling pathway. [J Cell Sci] Abstract

Enhanced Cell-Induced Articular Cartilage Regeneration by Chondrons; The Influence of Joint Damage and Harvest Site
Chondrons and chondrocytes were isolated from stifle joints of goats in which cartilage damage was surgically induced in the right knee. After four weeks of regeneration culture, DNA content and proteoglycan and collagen content and release were determined. [Osteoarthritis Cartilage] Abstract

Blocking Ligand Occupancy of the αVβ3 Integrin Inhibits the Development of Nephropathy in Diabetic Pigs
Hyperglycemia stimulates secretion of αVβ3 ligands from vascular cells including endothelial cells resulting in activation of the αVβ3 integrin. Researchers determined if blocking ligand occupancy of αVβ3 would inhibit the development of diabetic nephropathy. [Endocrinology] Abstract

CD97 Inhibits Cell Migration in Human Fibrosarcoma Cell by Modulating TIMP-2/MT1-MMP/MMP-2 Activity
Researchers report that CD97 expression in HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells enhanced TIMP-2 secretion, leading to reduced MT1-MMP and MMP-2 activities. This, in turn, impaired cell migration and invasion in vitro and lung macrometastasis in vivo. [FEBS J] Abstract

Single Blastomere Removal from Murine Embryos Is Associated with Activation of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Janus Kinase/Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription Pathways of Placental Inflammation
Scientists aimed to determine the molecular mechanisms through which placental signaling is deregulated by blastomere removal. Four-cell stage murine embryos produced by in vitro fertilization were subjected to removal of a single blastomere (biopsied) or to the same manipulations without the blastomere removal (controls). [Mol Hum Reprod] Abstract

CCL2 Promotes Integrin-Mediated Adhesion of Prostate Cancer Cells In Vitro
Since chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) is significantly up-regulated in patients with prostate cancer, researchers assessed whether CCL2 contributes to invasive behavior of prostate cancer cells in vitro. [World J Urol] Abstract

Differential Subcellular and Extracellular Localizations of Proteins Required for Insulin-Like Growth Factor- and Extracellular Matrix-Induced Signaling Events in Breast Cancer Progression
Researchers investigated the prognostic potential of insulin-like growth factor- and extracellular matrix interaction-induced proteins in the early identification of breast cancers with a propensity to metastasize using patient-derived tissue microarrays. [BMC Cancer] Abstract | Full Article

Cell and Matrix Modulation in Prenatal and Postnatal Equine Growth Cartilage, Zones of Ranvier and Articular Cartilage
Samples of the distal radius were collected from prenatal and postnatal equine growth plates, zones of Ranvier and articular cartilage with the aim of identifying Notch signaling components and cells with stem cell-like characteristics and to follow changes in matrix protein localization during joint development. [J Anat] Abstract

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Boise State Receives $10 Million COBRE Grant from NIH
A $10 million grant over five years from the National Institutes of Health will establish a prestigious Institutional Development Award Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) in Matrix Biology at Boise State University. [Boise State University] Press Release

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Postdoctoral Fellow – Cardiac Differentiation of Pluripotent Stem Cells (Stanford University)

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 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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