Extracellular Matrix News Volume 5.47 | Dec 4 2014

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Form Vascular Tubes when Placed in Fibrin Sealant and Accelerate Wound Healing In Vivo
Researchers developed a fibrin formulation that allows adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ADSCs) to form tubular structures in vitro. The tubular structures express markers of endothelium, including CD31 and VE-cadherin, as well as the pericyte marker NG2. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 Regulates Collagen Expression and Promotes the Outgrowth of Experimental Metastases
Researchers found that loss of host matrix metalloproteinase (MMP2) reduces the proliferation of experimental metastases in the lungs and identified fibroblasts in tumor-bearing lungs as the major source of MMP2. [J Pathol] Abstract

Surface-Templated Hydrogel Patterns Prompt Matrix-Dependent Migration of Breast Cancer Cells towards Chemokine-Secreting Cells
The authors describe a novel technique for fabricating spatially defined cell-laden collagen hydrogels, using patterned, non-adhesive polyacrylamide-coated PDMS surfaces as a template. Precisely patterned embedded co-cultures of breast cancer cells and chemokine-producing cells generated with this technique revealed matrix-dependent and chemokine isoform-dependent migration of cancer cells. [Acta Biomater] Abstract

Collagen Matrix-Induced Expression of Integrin αVβ3 in Circulating Angiogenic Cells Can Be Targeted by Matricellular Protein CCN1 to Enhance Their Function
Researchers found that human circulating angiogenic cell function was enhanced by using the matricellular protein CCN1 to target integrin αV and β3, which are up-regulated on matrix. [FASEB J] Abstract

Matrix-Specific Anchors: A New Concept for Targeted Delivery and Retention of Therapeutic Cells
Scientists explored the possibility of improving the retention of cells in target sites by employing a site-specific anchor expressed on surfaces of therapeutic cells. They engineered artificial collagen specific anchor (ACSA) able to specifically bind collagen I. In comparison to the control, the cells expressing the ACSA were characterized by superior attachment to collagen I and their retention in sites of seeding was greatly improved. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Tissue Engineering of Rat Bladder Using Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Bladder Acellular Matrix
Investigators proposed the use of bladder acellular matrix seeded with marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for bladder tissue engineering. When MSCs were seeded on acellular matrix scaffold, they remained viable and proliferative while adopting a cellular phenotype consistent with their microenvironment. [PLoS One] Full Article

Contributions of the Integrin β1 Tail to Cell Adhesive Forces
To examine the contributions of the β1 integrin cytoplasmic tail to adhesive forces, scientists generated cell lines expressing wild-type and tail mutant β1 integrins in β1-null fibroblasts. Deletion of β1 significantly reduced cell spreading, focal adhesion assembly, and adhesive forces, and expression of hβ1 integrin in these cells restored adhesive functions [Exp Cell Res] Abstract

A 3D Tension Bioreactor Platform to Study the Interplay between ECM Stiffness and Tumor Phenotype
Scientists validated the biological application of the tension bioreactor with oncogenically transformed mammary epithelial cell organoids embedded in a three-dimensional (3D) collagen I hydrogel, either uniformly stiffened or calibrated to create a gradient of extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffening, to visually demonstrate the impact of ECM stiffening on transformation and tumor cell invasion. [J Biotechnol] Abstract

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DFG to Fund Eight New Collaborative Research Centers
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) will establish eight new collaborative research centers. Topics range from near-wall multiphase flows to discourses of weakness and resource regimes and regenerative potential after acute trauma. [Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft] Press Release

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NEW Postdoctoral Research Associate – Immunology (University of Edinburgh)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Cell-Matrix and Cell-Cell Interactions during Cancer Metastasis and Bacteremia/Sepsis (UCSD)

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)

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

Postdoctoral Position – Proteases and Extracellular Matrix (GENYO)

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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