Extracellular Matrix News Volume 5.43 | Nov 6 2014

Cartilaginous Extracellular Matrix-Modified Chitosan Hydrogels for Cartilage Tissue Engineering
Researchers investigated the incorporation of type-II collagen and chondroitin sulfate into injectable chitosan hydrogels designed to gel upon initiation by exposure to visible blue light in the presence of riboflavin. Unmodified chitosan hydrogel supported proliferation and deposition of cartilaginous extracellular matrix by encapsulated chondrocytes and mesenchymal stem cells. [ACS Appl Mater Interfaces] Abstract

Shared Molecular Pathways and Gene Networks for Cardiovascular Disease and Type 2 Diabetes in Women across Diverse Ethnicities
Investigators report that eight top pathways and gene networks related to cardiomyopathy, calcium signaling, axon guidance, cell adhesion, and extracellular matrix appeared to be commonly shared between cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes across three ethnic groups. [Circ Cardiovasc Genet] Abstract | Press Release

CLIC4 Regulates Cell Adhesion and β1 Integrin Trafficking
Investigators show that in HeLa and MDA-MB-231 cells, chloride intracellular channel (CLIC) protein CLIC4 knockdown decreases cell-matrix adhesion, cell spreading and integrin signaling, while increasing cell motility. [J Cell Sci] Abstract

Cauda Equina-Derived Extracellular Matrix for Fabrication of Nano-Structured Hybrid Scaffolds Applied to Neural Tissue Engineering
Scientists prepared cauda equina-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) material for producing scaffolds. Cauda equina ECM was blended with poly(l-lactide-co-glycolide) to fabricate nano-structured scaffolds by electrospinning. The incorporation of ECM increased the hydrophilicity of scaffolds. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Membrane-Induced Structural Rearrangement and Identification of a Novel Membrane Anchor in Talin F2F3
Utilizing a novel membrane mimetic model, researchers present a reproducible model of membrane-bound talin observed across multiple independent simulations. They characterized both local and global membrane-induced structural transitions that successfully reconcile discrepancies between biochemical and structural studies and provide insight into how talin might modulate integrin function. [Biophys J] Abstract

Osteocalcin/Fibronectin-Functionalized Collagen Matrices for Bone Tissue Engineering
Scientists constructed a rhOCN/FN_III9-10 fusion protein and rhOCN/FN_III9-10-functionalized collagen matrices and investigated the potential value for bone tissue engineering. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

3D Reconstitution of the Patterned Neural Tube from Embryonic Stem Cells
Scientists show that single mouse embryonic stem cells directly embedded in Matrigel or defined synthetic matrices under neural induction conditions can clonally form neuroepithelial cysts containing a single lumen in 3D. [Stem Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract | Press Release

Controlling Expansion and Cardiomyogenic Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells in Scalable Suspension Culture
Human pluripotent stem cells expansion as matrix-independent aggregates in suspension culture was combined with cardiomyogenic differentiation using chemical Wnt pathway modulators. [Stem Cell Rep]
Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Extracellular Matrix as a Driver for Lung Regeneration
The authors critically examine the role of engineered and native extracellular matrix in tissue and lung regeneration, and provide insights into directions for future research and translation. [Ann Biomed Eng] Abstract

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

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City of Hope Awarded $8 Million to Launch Stem Cell Therapy Clinic Focused on Fighting Incurable Disease
Identifying cures for currently incurable diseases and providing patients safe, fast, and potentially life-saving treatments is the focus of City of Hope’s new Alpha Clinic for Cell Therapy and Innovation. The clinic is funded by an $8 million, five-year grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. [City of Hope] Press Release

Food and Drug Administration (United States)

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.

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

Studentship – Cell Migration (University of East Anglia)

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)

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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