Extracellular Matrix News Volume 5.49 | Dec 18 2014

Human Limbal Biopsy-Derived Stromal Stem Cells Prevent Corneal Scarring
When engrafted into mouse corneal wounds, limbal biopsy-derived stromal cells (LBSCs) prevented formation of light-scattering scar tissue containing fibrotic matrix components. The presence of LBSCs induced regeneration of ablated stroma with tissue exhibiting lamellar structure and collagen organization indistinguishable from that of native tissue. [Sci Transl Med] Abstract | Press Release

A Wnt-TGFβ2 Axis Induces a Fibrogenic Program in Muscle Stem Cells from Dystrophic Mice
By combining in vitro and in vivo results, investigators found that expression of transforming growth factor-β2 (TGFβ2) was induced in response to elevated canonical Wnt signaling in dystrophic muscles and that the resulting increase in TGFβ activity affected the behavior of satellite cells in an autocrine or paracrine fashion. [Sci Transl Med] Abstract | Press Release

Constitutive and Ligand-Induced ​EGFR Signaling Triggers Distinct and Mutually Exclusive Downstream Signaling Networks
Scientists report that overexpressed ​epidermal growth factor receptor (​EGFR) oscillates between two distinct and mutually exclusive modes of signaling. Non-canonical ​EGFR signaling activates the transcription factor ​IRF3 leading to expression of ​IFI27, ​IFIT1 and ​TRAIL. Ligand-mediated activation of ​EGFR switches off ​IRF3-dependent transcription, activates canonical extracellular signal-regulated kinase and Akt signals, and confers sensitivity to chemotherapy and virus-induced cell death. [Nat Commun] Abstract | Press Release

Granzyme B Mediates Both Direct and Indirect Cleavage of Extracellular Matrix in Skin after Chronic Low-Dose Ultraviolet Light Irradiation
Scientists hypothesized that granzyme B (GzmB) contributes to extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in the skin after ultraviolet light irradiation through both direct cleavage of ECM proteins and indirectly through the induction of other proteinases. GzmB deficiency significantly protected against the formation of wrinkles and the loss of dermal collagen density, which was related to the cleavage of decorin, an abundant proteoglycan involved in collagen fibrillogenesis and integrity. [Aging Cell] Full Article

Dipeptidyl Peptidase 9 Subcellular Localization and a Role in Cell Adhesion Involving Focal Adhesion Kinase and Paxillin
Researchers investigated the intracellular distribution of dipeptidyl peptidase 9 (DPP9) chimeric fluorescent proteins and consequent functions of DPP9. DPP9 was seen at the leading edge of the migrating cell and co-localized with the focal adhesion proteins, integrin-β1 and talin. [Biochim Biophys Acta-Mol Cell Res]
Abstract | Press Release

α Integrin Targeting for Radiosensitization of Three-Dimensionally Grown Human Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
Researchers assessed the role of β1 integrin-interacting α integrin subunits in more physiological three-dimensional extracellular matrix grown head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell cultures for evaluating cytotoxic and radiosensitizing potential. [Cancer Lett] Abstract

Involvement of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor β in Fibrosis through Extracellular Matrix Protein Production after Ischemic Stroke
Investigators examined whether platelet-derived growth factor receptor β, a well-known indispensable molecule for migration, proliferation, and survival of pericytes, was involved in the production of extracellular matrix proteins, fibronectin and collagen type I, which is crucial for fibrosis after ischemic stroke. [Exp Neurol] Abstract

The Systemic Delivery of an Oncolytic Adenovirus Expressing Decorin Inhibits Bone Metastasis in a Mouse Model of Human Prostate Cancer
Scientists created Ad.dcn, a recombinant oncolytic adenovirus carrying the human decorin gene. Infection of PC-3 and DU-145 with Ad.dcn or a non-replicating adenovirus Ad(E1-).dcn resulted in decorin expression. Adenoviral-mediated decorin expression inhibited Met, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling axis, vascular endothelial growth factor A, reduced mitochondrial DNA levels and inhibited tumor cell migration. [Gene Ther] Abstract

Melanoma Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-23 Is Associated with Blunted Tumor Immunity and Poor Responses to Immunotherapy
Investigators examined the association of matrix metalloproteinase-23 (MMP-23) with the anti-tumor immune response as assessed by the prevalence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and Foxp3⁺ regulatory T cells. They examined the association between MMP-23 expression and response to immunotherapy. [J Transl Med] Abstract | Full Article

Comparative Mechanisms of Cancer Cell Migration through 3D Matrix and Physiological Microtracks
Scientists previously reported the development of an in vitro model of patterned type I collagen microtracks that enable matrix metalloproteinase-independent microtrack migration. Now they show that collagen microtracks closely resemble channel-like gaps in native mammary stroma extracellular matrix and examine the extracellular and intracellular mechanisms underlying microtrack migration. [Am J Physiol Cell Physiol] Abstract

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Halozyme Therapeutics Enters a Global Collaboration with Janssen to Develop and Commercialize Subcutaneous Products Using ENHANZE™ Technology
Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. announced that it has entered into a worldwide Collaboration and License Agreement with Janssen Biotech, Inc. for the purpose of developing and commercializing products combining proprietary Janssen compounds with Halozyme’s ENHANZE™ technology. [Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.] Press Release

Bone Therapeutics Confirms Safety in ALLOB^® Phase I/IIa Trial for Delayed-Union Fractures
Bone Therapeutics announced that its Safety Monitoring Committee unanimously recommends the continuation of the Phase I/IIa trial with the allogeneic osteoblastic cell therapy product ALLOB^® following the treatment of four patients. [Bone Therapeutics] Press Release

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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 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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