Extracellular Matrix News Volume 5.46 | Nov 27 2014

Enzymatic Turnover of Macromolecules Generates Long-Lasting Protein-Water-Coupled Motions beyond Reaction Steady State
Scientists used integrated X-ray- and terahertz- based time-resolved spectroscopic tools to study protein-water dynamics during proteolysis of collagen-like substrates by a matrix metalloproteinase. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract | Press Release

Signals from the Surface Modulate Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells through Glycosaminoglycans and Integrins
Using defined surfaces programmed to engage specific cell-surface ligands (i.e., glycosaminoglycans and integrins), the contribution of specific matrix signals can be dissected. The data indicate that integrin-activating surfaces stimulate Akt signaling via integrin-linked kinase, which is antagonistic to endoderm differentiation. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Platelet Hyaluronidase-2: An Enzyme that Translocates to the Surface upon Activation to Function in Extracellular Matrix Degradation
Investigators show that human platelets degrade the pro-inflammatory matrix hyaluronan through the activity of hyaluronidase-2 (HYAL2) and that platelet activation causes the immediate translocation of HYAL2 from a distinct population of α-granules to platelet surfaces, where it exerts its catalytic activity. [Blood] Abstract

New Mechanistic Insights of Integrin β1 in Breast Cancer Bone Colonization
Although it is well-known that integrins mediate adhesion of malignant cells to bone extracellular matrix, their role during bone colonization remains unclear. The role of β1 integrins in bone colonization was investigated using tissue-engineered humanized in vitro and in vivo bone models. [Oncotarget] Full Article

Pro-Inflammatory sPLA-IIA Induces Integrin Activation through Direct Binding to a Newly Identified Binding-Site (Site 2) in Integrins αvβ3, α4β1, and α5β1
Scientists describe that secreted phospholipase A2 type IIA (sPLA2-IIA) directly activated purified soluble integrin αvβ3 and transmembrane αvβ3 on the cell surface. They suggest that sPLA2-IIA activates αvβ3 through binding to site 2. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article

Differential Effects of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α on Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Expression in Human Myometrial and Uterine Leiomyoma Smooth Muscle Cells
Researchers found that tumor necrosis factor-α up-regulates matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression and stimulates cell migration through the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway in leiomyoma smooth muscle cells (SMCs), but not in normal myometrial SMCs. [Hum Reprod] Abstract

Long-Term Reduction of T-Cell Intracellular Antigens Reveals a Transcriptome Associated with Extracellular Matrix and Cell Adhesion Components
The authors suggest a role for T-cell intracellular antigens in the regulation and/or modulation of cellular homeostasis related to focal/cell adhesion, extracellular matrix and membrane and cytoskeleton dynamics. [PLoS One] Full Article

Increased Adipogenesis of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells on Polycaprolactone Fiber Matrices
Researchers investigated the adipogenesis of adipose derived stem cells on electro spun polycaprolactone matrices and compared functionality to conventional two-dimensional cultures as well as to human primary mature adipocytes. [PLoS One] Full Article

Composite Scaffolds Composed of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Matrix and Marrow Clots Promote Marrow Cell Retention and Proliferation
The authors investigated the retention, adhesion, proliferation, and cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) production of marrow clot-derived cells within a bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived ECM/marrow clot composite scaffold. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

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Brain Building with Stem Cells
Researchers are building brain tissue with living human stem cells to better understand, and ultimately to treat, neural diseases like schizophrenia. [Australian Research Council Center of Excellence for Electromaterials Science] Press Release

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Associate Professor – Physiology (University of Bergen)

Animal Surgery – Regenerative Medicine for Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Disease (Duke University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Physiology and Pharmacology of Human Skeletal Muscle Microtissues (Duke University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – In Vitro Modeling of Human Skeletal Muscle Disease (Duke University)

Head of Cellular and Molecular Therapies Laboratory (NHS Blood & Transplant)

Assistant Professor – Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology (Oregon Health & Science University)

Assistant Professor – Cell-Matrix Manipulation (Eindhoven University of Technology)

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)

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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