Extracellular Matrix News Volume 5.42 | Oct 30 2014

B-LINK: A Hemicentin, Plakin, and Integrin-Dependent Adhesion System that Links Tissues by Connecting Adjacent Basement Membranes
Using live-cell imaging and electron microscopy, researchers identified an adhesion system that connects the uterine and gonadal tissues through their juxtaposed basement membranes at the site of anchor cell invasion in Caenorhabditis elegans. [Dev Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Developing Functional Musculoskeletal Tissues through Hypoxia and Lysyl Oxidase-Induced Collagen Cross-Linking
Direct administration of exogenous lysyl oxidase (LOX) was applied in native cartilage and neocartilage generated using a scaffold-free, self-assembling process of primary chondrocytes. Exogenous LOX was found to enhance native tissue tensile properties 1.9-fold. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

LKB1 Loss in Melanoma Disrupts Directional Migration toward Extracellular Matrix Cues
Using a microfluidic gradient chamber system and time-lapse microscopy scientists uncover a new function for LKB1 as a directional migration sensor of gradients of extracellular matrix but not soluble growth factor cues. [J Cell Biol] Abstract

Tenascin-C Mimetic Peptide Nanofibers Direct Stem Cell Differentiation to Osteogenic Lineage
Scientists achieved control of stem cell fate towards osteogenic commitment by using a single extracellular matrix element despite the contradictory effect of mechanical stiffness. For this purpose, they mimicked bone extracellular matrix by incorporating functional sequence of fibronectin type III domain from native tenascin-C on self-assembled peptide nanofibers. [Biomacromolecules] Abstract

Influence of the Mechanical Environment on the Engineering of Mineralized Tissues Using Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells and Silk Fibroin Scaffolds
Researchers evaluated the mineralization potential of human dental pulp stem cells seeded on porous silk fibroin scaffolds in a mechanically dynamic environment provided by spinner flask bioreactors. [PLoS One]
Full Article

Multiple Roles of Extracellular Fibroblast Growth Factors in Lung Cancer Cells
Scientists aimed to determine whether extracellular fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) can affect the biology of lung cancer cells and to understand how extracellular FGFs affect the biology of lung cancer cells, including non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer cells. [Int J Oncol] Abstract

Smad2 Protects against TGF-β1/Smad3-Mediated Collagen Synthesis in Human Hepatic Stellate Cells during Hepatic Fibrosis
Researchers demonstrate that knockdown of Smad2 in human hepatic stellate cells increased expression of collagen I, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 whereas decreasing expression of the matrix metalloproteinases-2 in presence of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) compared with control group. [Mol Cell Biochem] Abstract

Three-Dimensional Constructs Using Hyaluronan Cell Carrier as a Tool for the Study of Cancer Stem Cells
U87 astrocytoma cells were grown on polycaprolactone (PCL)-2 dimensional flat substrates and PCL-3 dimensional scaffolds (3D) eventually containing hyaluronic acid (HA). Cell viability, growth patterns, morphology, and cell surface marker expression were studied to assess the effect of 3D culture and presence of HA. [J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix-Immobilized Nanotopographical Substrates for Enhanced Myogenic Differentiation
Researchers demonstrate extracellular matrix immobilization on polyurethane acrylate substrate fabricated in 24 well-plate platforms to effectively differentiate C2C12. They demonstrate that co-immobilization of fibronectin (FN) and laminin (LMN) was found to enhance myogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells compared to single immobilization of either FN or LMN alone. [J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater] Abstract

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

Celltex Announces ‘Joint’ Partnership with Arthritis Foundation South Central Region
Celltex Therapeutics Corporation announced a partnership with the Arthritis Foundation South Central Region. The coming together of these organizations marks a milestone for the future of regenerative medicine for people who are living with arthritis. [Celltex Therapeutics] Press Release

New wallchart from our sponsor:
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (a Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology collaboration).

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Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (United States)

European Medicines Agency (European Union)

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

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

Postdoctoral Fellow – Collaborative Training Program in Musculoskeletal Health Research (Western University)

Postdoctoral Position – Proteases and Extracellular Matrix (GENYO)

Research Associate Position – Skeletal Research Center (Case Western Reserve University)

Postdoctoral Position – Musculoskeletal Genetics (Henry Ford Health System)

Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Biomimetic Tissue Constructs (Johns Hopkins University)

Postdoctoral Position – Matrix Biology (Boise State University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Diabetes / Kidney Disease / Extracellular Matrix (Vanderbilt University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Cell Matrix Interactions and Progression of Kidney Disease (F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG)

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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