Extracellular Matrix News Volume 6.05 | Feb 12 2015

Transplantation of Bovine Adrenocortical Cells Encapsulated in Alginate
Scientists created a bioartificial adrenal with 3D cell culture conditions by encapsulation of bovine adrenocortical cells (BACs) in alginate. They found that, compared with BACs in monolayer culture, encapsulation in alginate significantly increased the life span of BACs. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract | Full Article

Stretching Fibroblasts Remodels Fibronectin and Alters Cancer Cell Migration
Researchers investigated the role of mechanical stimuli on human prostatic fibroblasts using a microfluidic platform. Stretched normal tissue-associated fibroblasts exhibited an enhanced capability for directing co-cultured cancer cell migration in a persistent manner. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Fibronectin Promotes Cell Proliferation and Invasion through mTOR Signaling Pathway Activation in Gallbladder Cancer
Investigators found that fibronectin (FN) was overexpressed in gallbladder cancer (GBC) tissues and was associated with a worse prognosis in GBC patients. In vitro experimental studies indicated that exogenous FN significantly enhanced cell proliferation, invasion and active MMP-9 secretion in human GBC cell lines.
[Cancer Lett] Abstract

Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Is Essential for Physiological Beta Cell Function and Islet Vascularization in Adult Mice
Researchers investigated the effects of the extracellular matrix-degrading enzyme gelatinase B/matrix metalloproteinase-9 (Mmp-9) on islet function in mice. Islet function of Mmp9-deficient mice and their wild-type littermates was evaluated both in vivo and in vitro. [Am J Pathol] Abstract | Full Article

Substrate Stiffness and Composition Specifically Direct Differentiation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Investigators determined the effect that the stiffness and protein composition of the underlying substrate has on the differentiation of induced-pluripotent stem cells, and the potential synergy with specific soluble cues. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Maintenance of HL-1 Cardiomyocyte Functional Activity in PEGylated Fibrin Gels
Scientists cultured HL-1 cardiomyocytes either on top of plated polyethylene glycol (PEG) fibrin or embedded in 3D gels and evaluated cardiomyocyte function by assessing the expression of cardiomyocyte specific markers, sarcomeric α-actin and connexin 43, as well as contractile activity. [Biotechnol Bioeng] Abstract

Profilin1 Regulates Invadopodium Maturation in Human Breast Cancer Cells
Researchers showed that depletion of profilin1 leads to an increase in the number of mature invadopodia and these assemble and disassemble more rapidly than in control cells. They found that loss of profilin1 expression increased the levels of PI(3,4)P₂ at the invadopodium and as a result, enhanced recruitment of the interacting adaptor Tks5. [Eur J Cell Biol] Abstract | Press Release

Photo-Crosslinkable Biopolymers Targeting Stem Cell Adhesion and Proliferation: The Case Study of Gelatin and Starch-Based IPNs
The authors focused on the development of biomaterials that support the adhesion and the proliferation of adipose-tissue derived stem cells. An in vitro cellular assay revealed that the hydrogels developed are biocompatible and supported cell adhesion of adipose-tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells. [J Mater Sci-Mater M] Abstract

Substrate Stiffness Affects Human Keratinocyte Colony Formation
Researchers investigated the role of substrate elasticity (stiffness) on keratinocyte colony formation in vitro during the process of nascent epithelial sheet formation as triggered by the calcium switch model of keratinocyte culture. [Cell Mol Bioeng] Abstract

Acellular Lung Scaffolds Direct Differentiation of Endoderm to Functional Airway Epithelial Cells: Requirement of Matrix-Bound HS Proteoglycans
Scientists examined the role of the lung extracellular matrix in differentiation of pluripotent cells in vitro and demonstrated the robust inductive capacity of the native lung matrix alone. [Stem Cell Reports]
Full Article | Graphical Abstract

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BrainStorm Receives Notice of Allowance for Its NurOwn™ Technology Platform from Israel’s Patent Office
BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. announced that it has received a notice of allowance from Israel’s Patent Office for its patent application titled “Isolated Population of Cells, Methods of Generating Same, and Uses Thereof in the Treatment of CNS Diseases.” [BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.] Press Release

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

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

Director – Vector Production (Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.)

Senior Process Development Engineer (Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.)

PhD Studentship – Experimental Biophysics (ibidi GmbH)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Vascular Bioengineering (University of Pittsburgh)

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

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)

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