Extracellular Matrix News Volume 6.12 | Apr 2 2015

Interactions of DPP-4 and Integrin β1 Influences Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
Scientists tested whether dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4-integrin β1 interactions have a role in endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in the renal fibrosis of diabetic nephropathy. [Kidney Int] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix Remodeling and Its Contribution to Protective Adaptation following Lengthening Contractions in Human Muscle
Researchers determined the contribution of extracellular matrix remodeling to the protective adaptation of human skeletal muscle known as the repeated-bout effect. [FASEB J] Abstract

Mechanical Interplay between Invadopodia and the Nucleus in Cultured Cancer Cells
Investigators showed that the core actin bundle of most invadopodia interacts with integrin-containing matrix adhesions at its basal end, extends through a microtubule-rich cytoplasm, and at its apical end, interacts with the nuclear envelope and indents it. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Fibulin1C Peptide Induces Cell Attachment and Extracellular Matrix Deposition in Lung Fibroblasts
Researchers identified the bioactive region/s of fibulin-1C which promotes fibrosis. Peptide effects on in vitro measures of fibrosis: cell attachment, proliferation and viability, and extracellular matrix deposition, were examined. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Integrin α3β1 Regulates Kidney Collecting Duct Development via TRAF6-Dependent K63-Linked Polyubiquitination of Akt
Investigators showed that α3 chain containing laminins promote normal ureteric bud branching morphogenesis and that laminin 332 is a better substrate than laminin 511 for stimulating integrin α3β1-dependent collecting duct cell functions. [Mol Biol Cell] Abstract | Full Article

Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Mediates Post-Hypoxic Vascular Pruning of Cerebral Blood Vessels by Degrading Laminin and Claudin-5
In light of the important role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in tissue remodeling, scientists examined the role of MMP-9 in remodeling of cerebral blood vessels, both in hypoxia-induced angiogenesis and in the vascular pruning that accompanies the switch from hypoxia back to normoxia. [Angiogenesis] Full Article

EMMPRIN Regulates β1 Integrin-Mediated Adhesion through Kindlin-3 in Human Melanoma Cells
The authors report that EMMPRIN can regulate melanoma cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix through an interaction with β1 integrin involving Kindlin-3. EMMPRIN knockdown in the human melanoma cell line M10 using siRNA decreased cell invasion and significantly increased cell adhesion and spreading. [Exp Dermatol] Abstract

Transglutaminase 2 Interactions with Extracellular Matrix Proteins as Probed with Celiac Disease Autoantibodies
Researchers characterized the microenvironment of transglutaminase 2 (TG2) in the extracellular matrix (ECM) in order to gain insight into the antigenic structures that are recognized by autoantibodies in celiac disease. A panel of TG2-specific monoclonal antibodies established from gut plasma cells of celiac disease patients was employed as probes to characterize the interactions between TG2 and ECM constituents. [FEBS J] Abstract

αII-Spectrin Regulates Invadosome Stability and Extracellular Matrix Degradation
FRAP and live-imaging analysis revealed that αII-spectrin is a highly dynamic component of invadosomes as actin present in the structures core. Knockdown of αII-spectrin expression destabilized invadosomes and reduced the ability of the remaining invadosomes to digest the extracellular matrix and to promote invasion. [PLoS One] Full Article

Mechanical Interactions and Crosstalk between Corneal Keratocytes and the Extracellular Matrix
The authors provide an overview of the biochemical and biophysical factors regulating the mechanical interactions between corneal keratocytes and the stromal ECM at the cellular level. [Exp Eye Res] Abstract

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

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Bone Therapeutics Treats First Patients in ALLOB^® Phase IIa Spinal Fusion Trial
Bone Therapeutics announced that the first four patients in the Phase IIa proof-of-concept study for spinal fusion procedures have been treated with Bone Therapeutics’ allogeneic osteoblastic (bone-forming) cell therapy product, ALLOB^®. [Bone Therapeutics S.A.] Press Release

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Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the extracellular matrix community.

NEW Cell Biologist – Neurodegeneration (MedImmune LLC)

NEW Postdoctoral Position – ECM Integrin Signaling (Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School)

Research Associate – Triple Negative Breast Cancer (King’s College London)

Postdoctoral Position – Cell Signaling (Columbia University Medical Center)

PhD Position – Early Human Brain Development Modeling with hiPSCs (University of Bonn)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Role of ECM Proteolysis in Normal and Pathological Corneal Repair (UCSF)

Associate Director – Cell Therapy (Stelfox)

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

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