Extracellular Matrix News Volume 6.09 | Mar 12 2015

Integrin β1 Controls ​VE-Cadherin Localization and Blood Vessel Stability
By investigating the ​integrin β1-subunit with inducible and endothelial-specific gene targeting in the postnatal mouse retina, researchers showed that ​β1 integrin promoted endothelial sprouting but was a negative regulator of proliferation. In maturing vessels, ​integrin β1 was indispensable for proper localization of ​VE-cadherin and thereby cell-cell junction integrity. [Nat Commun] Abstract

Renal Fibrosis Is Not Reduced by Blocking Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling in Matrix-Producing Interstitial Cells
While in vitro data suggest that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced matrix production is mediated by renal fibroblasts, the role of these cells in TGF-β-dependent tubulointerstitial fibrosis following renal injury is not well defined. To address this, investigators deleted the TGF-β type II receptor in matrix-producing interstitial cells using two different inducible Cre models. [Kidney Int] Abstract

Hypoxia-Mimicking Bioactive Glass/Collagen Glycosaminoglycan Composite Scaffolds to Enhance Angiogenesis and Bone Repair
Resorbable bioactive glass particles with cobalt ions incorporated into the glass network were used to create bioactive glass/collagen-glycosaminoglycan scaffolds optimized for bone tissue engineering. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Precision Assembly of Complex Cellular Microenvironments Using Holographic Optical Tweezers
The authors present a holographic optical tweezers based technology to accurately generate bespoke cellular micro-architectures. Using embryonic stem cells, three-dimensional structures of varying geometries were created and stabilized using hydrogels and cell-cell adhesion methods. [Sci Rep] Full Article | Press Release

Repair of Spinal Cord Injury by Implantation of bFGF-Incorporated HEMA-MOETACL Hydrogel in Rats
Investigators performed experiments to evaluate the synergic effect of implanting hydroxyl ethyl methacrylate trimethylammonium chloride (HEMA-MOETACL) hydrogel incorporated with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) into the site of surgically induced spinal cord injury. Results showed that the bFGF/HEMA-MOETACL transplant provided a scaffold for the ingrowth of regenerating tissue eight weeks after implantation. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Peroxidase Enzymes Regulate Collagen Extracellular Matrix Biosynthesis
The authors report novel findings that show peroxidase enzymes possess a well-conserved profibrogenic capacity to stimulate the migration of fibroblastic cells and promote their ability to secrete collagenous proteins to generate a functional extracellular matrix both in vitro and in vivo. [Am J Pathol] Abstract

Clumps of a Mesenchymal Stromal Cell/Extracellular Matrix Complex Can Be a Novel Tissue Engineering Therapy for Bone Regeneration
Studies are required to develop a mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) transplant method for bone regeneration because the use of an artificial scaffold restricts the number of transplanted cells and their function. Furthermore, regulating the degree of cell differentiation in vitro is desirable for a more effective regenerative therapy. To address these unresolved issues, with the use of a self-produced extracellular matrix (ECM), scientists developed clumps of an MSC/ECM complex. [Cytotherapy] Abstract

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Athersys and Chugai Enter License Agreement and Collaboration to Develop MultiStem^® Cell Therapy for Ischemic Stroke in Japan
Athersys, Inc. and Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. have announced a partnership and license agreement to exclusively develop and commercialize MultiStem^® cell therapy for ischemic stroke in Japan. [Athersys, Inc.] Press Release

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

Associate Director – Cell Therapy (Stelfox)

Senior Scientist – Cell Biology CMC (Selvita)

PhD Studentship – Cell Migration (MOCA Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy)

Postdoctoral Position – Fibrosis Research (Boston University School of Medicine)

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)

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