Extracellular Matrix News Volume 5.48 | Dec 11 2014

Resolving Cancer-Stroma Interfacial Signaling and Interventions with Micropatterned Tumor-Stromal Assays
Researchers established a micropatterned tumor-stromal assay with laser capture microdissection to control the location of co-cultured cells and analyzed bulk and interfacial tumor-stromal signaling in driving cancer progression. [Nat Commun] Abstract

Fibroblasts Secrete Slit2 to Inhibit Fibrocyte Differentiation and Fibrosis
In healthy tissues, even though monocytes enter the tissue, for unknown reasons, very few monocytes differentiate into fibrocytes. Investigators show that fibroblasts from healthy human tissues secrete the neuronal guidance protein Slit2 and that Slit2 inhibits human fibrocyte differentiation. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Integrin αVβ3 Acting as Membrane Receptor for Thyroid Hormones Mediates Angiogenesis in Malignant T Cells
Researchers found that thyroid hormones (THs), acting as soluble integrin αvβ3 ligands, activated growth-related signaling pathways in T-cell lymphomas (TCL). Specifically, TH-activated αvβ3 integrin signaling promoted TCL proliferation and angiogenesis, in part, via the up-regulation of VEGF. [Blood] Abstract

Alpha Actinin-1 Regulates Cell-Matrix Adhesion Organization in Keratinocytes: Consequences for Skin Cell Motility
The authors assessed the role of alpha actinin-1, one of the two alpha actinin isoforms expressed in keratinocytes, in skin cell migration via an shRNA-mediated knockdown approach. [J Invest Dermatol] Abstract

Matrix Metalloproteinase-14 Both Sheds Cell Surface NG2 Proteoglycan on Macrophages and Governs the Response to Peripheral Nerve Injury
Using purified neuronal glial antigen 2 (NG2) ectodomain constructs, individual matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and primary macrophage (NG2-Mϕ) cultures, scientists demonstrated, for the first time, that MMP-14 performed as an efficient and unconventional NG2 sheddase, and that NG2-Mϕ infiltrated into the damaged peripheral nerve injury. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article

Development of a Sterile Amniotic Membrane Tissue Graft Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Exposure of amniotic membrane tissue to combined supercritical carbon dioxide and peracetic acid sterilization treatment did not significantly alter tissue architecture, the amounts of pertinent extracellular matrix proteins (type IV collagen, glycosaminoglycans, elastin) present in the tissue, or the biophysical properties of the tissue. [Tissue Eng Part C] Abstract

3D Collagen Alignment Limits Protrusions to Enhance Breast Cancer Cell Persistence
Scientists investigated the contribution of matrix stiffness and alignment to cell migration speed and persistence. They found that collagen alignment confers an increase in stiffness, but does not increase the speed of migrating cells. [Biophys J] Abstract

Cyclic Stretch Induced TGF-β1 and Fibronectin Expression Is Mediated by β1 Integrin through c-Src- and STAT3-Dependent Pathways in Renal Epithelial Cells
The authors investigated the mechanism by which mechanical stretch, an in vitro model for chronic obstructive nephropathy, regulates fibronectin and transforming growth factor-β1 expression in cultured human proximal tubular epithelium cells. [Am J Physiol Renal Physiol] Abstract

Proteomic Analysis of the Extracellular Matrix in Idiopathic Pes Equinovarus
Investigators analyzed the protein composition of the extracellular matrix in contracted tissue of patients with clubfoot. A total of 19 extracellular matrix proteins were identified. [Mol Cell Biochem] Abstract

Integrin-Mediated Adhesion and Mechano-Sensing in Cutaneous Wound Healing
Integrin receptors mediate the interactions between cells and the extracellular matrix. They not only provide anchorage and a physical linkage to the matrix but also participate in cell signaling and the regulation of diverse cellular functions. [Cell Tissue Res] Abstract

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An Unholy Alliance—Colon Cancer Cells In Situ Co-Opt Fibroblasts in Surrounding Tissue to Break Out
Using human colon cancer cells and primary human fibroblasts isolated from tumors and adjacent normal tissues, researchers addressed the question of whether the cancer cells or the carcinoma-associated fibroblast cells were responsible for the breakdown of the basement membrane that leads to cancer progression. [Press release from the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) discussing research presented at the 2014 ASCB/IFCB Meeting, Philadelphia] Press Release

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Pluristem Granted Patent in Singapore for Its 3D Cell Expansion Technology
Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. announced it has been granted a patent in Singapore titled “Methods for Cell Expansion and Uses of Cells and Conditioned Media Produced Thereby for Therapy.” [Pluristem Therapeutics Inc.] Press Release

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Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

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Research Associate – Biomaterials (DSM Biomedical)

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)

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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