Extracellular Matrix News Volume 6.07 | Feb 26 2015

Nerve Guides Manufactured from Photocurable Polymers to Aid Peripheral Nerve Repair
Scientists established a novel method for nerve guidance conduit manufacture. These were evaluated by SEM, in vitro neuronal, Schwann and dorsal root ganglion culture and in vivo using a thy-1-YFP-H mouse common fibular nerve injury model. [Biomaterials] Full Article | Press Release

In Vivo Generation of a Mature and Functional Artificial Skeletal Muscle
Scientists report a novel strategy based upon the use of mouse or human mesoangioblasts encapsulated inside PEG-fibrinogen hydrogel. Once engineered to express placental-derived growth factor, mesoangioblasts attract host vessels and nerves, contributing to in vivo survival and maturation of newly formed myofibres. [EMBO Mol Med] Full Article | Press Release

Desmoplasia in Primary Tumors and Metastatic Lesions of Pancreatic Cancer
Researchers assessed desmoplasia in metastatic lesions of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and compared it to that of primary tumors. They observed a significant negative correlation between patient survival and extracellular matrix deposition in primary tumors. [Clin Cancer Res] Abstract | Press Release

Integrin α6β1 Expressed in ESCs Instructs the Differentiation to Endothelial Cells
Researchers investigated the inductive role of binding of integrin α6β1 expressed in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to laminin-1 in mediating the differentiation of ESCs to endothelial cells. [Stem Cells] Abstract

The TLR4 Agonist Fibronectin Extra Domain A Is Cryptic, Exposed by Elastase-2; Use in a Fibrin Matrix Cancer Vaccine
By producing various fibronectin (FN) fragments containing the extra domain A (FNIII EDA), researchers found that FNIII EDA’s immunological activity depends upon its local intramolecular context within the FN chain. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Self-Assembling Multi-Functional Templates for the Bio-Fabrication and Controlled Self-Release of Cultured Tissue
The authors describe a biologically interactive coating that combines the fabrication and subsequent self-release of live purposeful tissues using template-cell-environment feedback. This multi-functional material was subsequently used not only to instruct human corneal or skin fibroblasts to adhere and deposit discreet multiple layers of native extracellular matrix, but also govern their own self-directed release from the template solely via the action of endogenous metalloproteases. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Integrin Mediated Adhesion of Osteoblasts to Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF/CCN2) Induces Cytoskeleton Reorganization and Cell Differentiation
Researchers used the MC3T3-E1 cell line to demonstrate that CTGF serves as an adhesive matrix for osteoblasts. Anti-integrin blocking experiments and co-immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that the integrin αvβ1 plays a key role in osteoblast adhesion to a CTGF matrix. [PLoS One] Full Article

Enhanced Invasion of Metastatic Cancer Cells via Extracellular Matrix Interface
Scientists investigated the environmental heterogeneity facilitating tumor cell invasion via a combination of in vitro cell migration experiments and computer simulations. Their results indicate that a heterogeneous in vitro extracellular matrix structure strongly guides and promotes aggressive cell invasion in the rigid matrigel space. [PLoS One] Full Article

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

RepliCel Submits Clinical Trial Application for Its Dermatological Clinical Trial
RepliCel Life Sciences Inc. announced the submission of a Clinical Trial Application to the German Competent Authority, the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, requesting clearance to initiate a Phase I clinical trial investigating the use of RCS-01 to treat patients suffering from aged and UV-damaged skin. [RepliCel Life Sciences Inc.] Press Release

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Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

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

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

Postdoctoral Position in Mechanobiology (CIC Nanogune)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Tumor Cells in Altered Matrix Environments (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)

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

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