Extracellular Matrix News Volume 6.17 | May 7 2015

Collagen Degradation and MMP9 Activation by Enterococcus faecalis Contribute to Intestinal Anastomotic Leak
Researchers demonstrated that the commensal bacterium E. faecalis contributes to the pathogenesis of anastomotic leak through its capacity to degrade collagen and to activate tissue matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) in host intestinal tissues. [Sci Transl Med] Abstract | Press Release

Reinforcement of Hydrogels Using Three-Dimensionally Printed Microfibers
Investigators reinforced soft hydrogels with highly organized, high-porosity microfiber networks that are 3D-printed with a technique termed as melt electrospinning writing. Human chondrocytes embedded in the composites were viable, retained their round morphology and were responsive to an in vitro physiological loading regime in terms of gene expression and matrix production. [Nat Commun] Abstract

FOXO1 Differentially Regulates Both Normal and Diabetic Wound Healing
Scientists previously demonstrated that lineage-specific Foxo1 deletion in keratinocytes interfered with normal wound healing and keratinocyte migration. Surprisingly, the same deletion of Foxo1 in diabetic wounds had the opposite effect, significantly improving the healing response. [J Cell Biol] Abstract | Press Release

Systematic Optimization of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Media Using Design of Experiments
Using pluripotency and cell growth as read-outs, investigators determined the optimal concentration of both basic fibroblast growth factor and neuregulin-1 beta 1. The resulting formulation improved the maintenance and passage of human pluripotent stem cells in both normal and stressful conditions, and affected trimethylated histone 3 lysine 27 epigenetic status after genetic reprogramming. [Sci Rep] Full Article | Press Release

Islet Endothelial Cells Induce Glycosylation and Increase Cell-Surface Expression of Integrin β1 in
β-Cells
Islet-derived endothelial cell-induced pseudoislets were used to study the expression and posttranslational modification of the extracellular matrix receptor integrin β1. A wide array of integrin β subunits were detected in βTC3 and NIT-1 insulinomas, as well as in primary islets, with integrin β1 mRNA and protein detected in all three cell types. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article

Multiscale Fabrication of Biomimetic Scaffolds for Tympanic Membrane Tissue Engineering
A multiscale approach based on electrospinning and additive manufacturing was investigated to fabricate scaffolds, based on FDA approved copolymers, resembling the anatomic features and collagen fiber arrangement of the human tympanic membrane (TM). TM scaffolds were cultured in vitro with human mesenchymal stromal cells, which were viable, metabolically active and organized following the anisotropic character of the scaffolds. [Biofabrication] Abstract | Press Release

Differential β3 Integrin Expression Regulates the Response of Human Lung and Cardiac Fibroblasts to Extracellular Matrix and Its Components
Researchers hypothesized that extracellular matrix (ECM) structure and composition, fibroblast source, and integrin expression would influence fibroblast phenotype. Human cardiac fibroblasts and normal human lung fibroblasts were cultured on intact cardiac ECM, collagen gels and coatings composed of cardiac ECM, lung ECM, and individual ECM components for 48 hours. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Autologous Adipose Stromal Cells Seeded on a Human Collagen Matrix for Dermal Regeneration in Chronic Wounds: Clinical Proof of Concept
Researchers developed a biological dressing made of adipose-derived stromal cells (ASC) on a human acellular collagen matrix (HACM). In vitro, the genetic stability during early and late passages and vascular endothelial growth factor secretion were assessed. ASC adhesion and spreading on HACM were preliminarily studied. [Plast Reconstr Surg] Abstract

The (Dys)functional Extracellular Matrix
The authors provide an overview of the structural, compositional, and mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix that instruct cell behaviors. Case studies are reviewed that highlight mechanotransduction in the context of two distinct tissues: tendons and the heart. [Biochim Biophys Acta] Abstract

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

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Bone Biologics Corp Completes Financing with Hankey Capital, LLC
Bone Biologics, Corp. announced the completion of a $2M funding round with Hankey Capital, LLC. The company is developing a proprietary protein for use in bone regenerative medicine using the patented recombinant human protein known as UCB-1 for use with patients undergoing spinal fusion. [Bone Biologics, Corp. (PR Newswire Association LLC)] Press Release

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Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

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

NEW Postdoctoral Position – Cardiovascular Research (University of Oslo)

NEW PhD Position – Cartilage Regeneration in Joints (Cardiff University)

NEW PhD Position – Cartilage Regeneration in Joints (ProCore Bio Med Ltd.)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Neural Tissue Engineering (Nanyang Technological University)

Cell Biologist – Neurodegeneration (MedImmune LLC)

Postdoctoral Position – Cell Signaling (Columbia University Medical Center)

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