Extracellular Matrix News Volume 6.03 | Jan 29 2015

ADAM8 as a Drug Target in Pancreatic Cancer
Researchers show that ​ADAM8 expression is associated with increased migration and invasiveness of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells caused by activation of ​ERK1/2 and higher MMP activities. [Nat Commun] Abstract

Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment Normalizes Tuberculosis Granuloma Vasculature and Improves Small Molecule Delivery
Researchers identified a novel therapeutic target for tuberculosis, the abnormal granuloma-associated vasculature that contributes to the abnormal granuloma microenvironment. They attempted to “normalize” granuloma vasculature by blocking VEGF signaling, an approach originally shown to enhance cancer treatment. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract | Full Article | Press Release

TFIIH-Dependent MMP-1 Overexpression in Trichothiodystrophy Leads to Extracellular Matrix Alterations in Patient Skin
Investigators identified a trichothiodystrophy-specific overexpression of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), leading to collagen I degradation in patient skin. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Three-Dimensional Microenvironment Confers Enhanced Sensitivity to Doxorubicin by Reducing p53-Dependent Induction of Autophagy
Scientists evaluated the microenvironmental control of human breast cancer cells responses to doxorubicin using the three-dimensional laminin-rich extracellular matrix cell culture model. [Oncogene] Abstract

Collagen VI Regulates Pericellular Matrix Properties, Chondrocyte Swelling, and Mechanotransduction in Articular Cartilage
Investigators examined the hypothesis that type VI collagen is necessary for mechanotransduction in articular cartilage, by determining the effects of type VI collagen knockout on the activation of the mechano-osmosensitive calcium-permeable channel, transient receptor potential vanilloid 4, osmotically-induced chondrocyte swelling, and pericellular matrix mechanical properties. [Arthritis Rheumatol] Abstract

Self-Organization of Polarized Cerebellar Tissue in 3D Culture of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Researchers found that a polarized cerebellar structure self-organizes in 3D human embryonic stem cell culture. The addition of fibroblast growth factor 19 promotes spontaneous generation of dorsoventrally polarized neural-tube-like structures at the level of the cerebellum. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract | Press Release

In Vitro Expansion of Corneal Endothelial Cells on Biomimetic Substrates
Investigators hypothesized that a bioengineered substrate recapitulating chemo-mechanical properties of Descemet’s membrane would improve the in vitro expansion of corneal endothelial (CE) cells while maintaining phenotype. Results show that bovine CE cells cultured on a polydimethylsiloxane surface with elastic modulus of 50 kPa and collagen IV coating achieved >3000-fold expansion. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Engineering an In Vitro Air-Blood Barrier by 3D Bioprinting
The authors report on the biofabrication of a human air-blood tissue barrier analogue composed of an endothelial cell, basement membrane and epithelial cell layer by using a bioprinting technology. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Engineering Vascularized Adipose Tissue Using the Stromal-Vascular Fraction and Fibrin Hydrogels
Vascularized adipose tissue constructs were generated using uncultured cells from the stromal-vascular fraction of adipose tissue (SVF) as an alternative cell source to adipose-derived stem cells. SVF cell behavior and tissue formation were compared in a stable fibrin formulation developed by researchers and a commercial fibrin sealant upon direct subcutaneous implantation in a nude mouse model. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Pushing the Envelope in Tissue Engineering: Ex Vivo Production of Thick Vascularized Cardiac ECM Constructs
Investigators previously reported the successful preservation of main vascular conduits in isolated thick acellular porcine cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM). They now unveil this scaffold’s potential in supporting human cardiomyocytes and promoting new blood vessel development ex vivo, providing long-term cell-support in the construct bulk. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Multilevel Regulation of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Tissue Homeostasis Indicates Their Molecular Specificity In Vivo
The authors provide a new perspective and fresh interpretation of old and recent literature in light of emerging concepts about matrix metalloproteinases regulation in vivo. [Matrix Biol] Full Article

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

New Animal Models Faithfully Reproduce the Tumor of Each Patient
A team from the Catalan Institute of Oncology and Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute has developed new animal models that reproduce faithfully the evolution and malignancy of different human tumors. [Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute] Press Release

Johns Hopkins Launches $15-Million Award Program to Enhance Faculty-Led Research
The Johns Hopkins University announced two new award programs that together will provide an additional $15 million to advance innovative faculty-led research over the next three years. [Johns Hopkins University] Press Release

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Director (California Institute for Regenerative Medicine)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Vascular Bioengineering (University of Pittsburgh)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Cancer Bioengineering and Cancer Biology (University of Minnesota)

PhD Studentship – Cell and Matrix Biology (Cardiff University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Wnt Signaling in Development and Disease (Van Andel Research Institute)

Postdoctoral Training Fellow – Extracellular Matrix Proteomics (Institute of Cancer Research)

Postdoctoral Scientist – Extracellular Matrix and Cell/Tissue Stiffness (University of Pennsylvania)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Integrin Mediated Tumor Invasion and Metastasis (Stony Brook University)

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cell Media Development, High Throughput Screening (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Cell Culture Support Products (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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