Extracellular Matrix News Volume 6.10 | Mar 19 2015

​Notch1-​Dll4 Signaling and Mechanical Force Regulate Leader Cell Formation during Collective Cell Migration
Scientists used single-cell gene expression analysis and computational modeling to show that leader cell identity is dynamically regulated by ​Dll4 signaling through both ​Notch1 and cellular stress in a migrating epithelium. [Nat Commun] Abstract | Press Release

Toward Structured Macroporous Hydrogel Composites: Electron Beam-Initiated Polymerization of Layered Cryogels
The authors reported a technique for the modification of the pore size and stiffness of acrylamide-based cryogels is demonstrated via the regulation of an electron beam irradiation dose. The functionality of the prepared substrates was evaluated by in vitro cultivation of adipose-derived stem cells. [Biomacromolecules] Abstract

Self-Assembled Peptide Amphiphile Nanofibers and PEG Composite Hydrogels as Tunable ECM Mimetic Microenvironment
Researchers developed a facile fabrication method for a novel nanofibrous self-assembled peptide amphiphile and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) composite hydrogel system with independently tunable biochemical, mechanical, and physical cues without any chemical modification of polymer backbone or additional polymer processing techniques to create synthetic extracellular matrix (ECM) analogs. [Biomacromolecules]
Abstract | Graphical Abstract

In Vitro Epithelial Organoid Generation Induced by Substrate Nanotopography
Researchers examined the effect of substrate nanotopography on the morphogenesis of several types of epithelial cells and found that in response to the topography, Calu-3 and MDCK-II cells formed organoids that closely resemble their morphology in vivo. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Compaction, Fusion, and Functional Activation of Three-Dimensional Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Aggregate
Scientists investigated the role of actin in regulating three-dimensional human mesenchymal stem cells aggregate compaction, fusion, spreading and functional activation. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Effect of Co-Culturing Canine Notochordal, Nucleus Pulposus and Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for Intervertebral Disc
The regenerative potential of canine notochordal cells was assessed in long-term 3D co-culture with canine nucleus pulposus cells or mesenchymal stromal cells. [Arthritis Res Ther] Abstract | Full Article

A Membrane-Type-1 Matrix Metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) – Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 Axis Regulates Collagen-Induced Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells
To address the impact of type I collagen on the fate of tumor cells, human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells were cultured within three-dimensional type I collagen gels (3D COL1). Control and MT1-MMP expressing MCF-7 cells were cultured on two-dimensional plastic plates or within 3D COL1 and a global transcriptional time-course analysis was performed. [PLoS One] Full Article

In Vitro Elastogenesis: Instructing Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells to Generate an Elastic Fiber-Containing Extracellular Matrix Scaffold
Investigators seeded primary isolated human vascular smooth muscle cells onto 3D electrospun scaffolds and exposed them to defined laminar shear stress using a customized bioreactor system. Increased elastin expression followed by elastin deposition onto the electrospun scaffolds, as well as on newly formed fibers, was observed after six days. [Biomed Mater] Full Article

Varying RGD Concentration and Cell Phenotype Alters the Expression of Extracellular Matrix Genes in Vocal Fold Fibroblasts
Scientists investigated the effects of varying RGD integrin-binding peptide surface concentration on extracellular matrix gene expression of elastin, collagen type 3 alpha 1, decorin, fibronectin, hyaluronan synthase 2, and collagen type 1 alpha 2 in scarred and unscarred immortalized human vocal fold fibroblasts. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

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Texas Medical Center Team Aims to Improve Research of Gastrointestinal Disease
Thanks to a $5.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, tissue engineering researcher Jane Grande-Allen and colleagues at Baylor College of Medicine and MD Anderson Cancer Center are embarking on a five-year program to create a bioreactor that more closely simulates the complex tissues and dynamic movements of the intestinal track. [Rice University] Press Release

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