Extracellular Matrix News Volume 6.18 | May 14 2015

Tailoring Material Properties of Cardiac Matrix Hydrogels to Induce Endothelial Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Scientists explored the feasibility of tailoring material properties of cardiac matrix hydrogels using a natural compound, genipin, to promote endothelial differentiation of stem cells. [ACS Appl Mater Interfaces] Abstract

Perlecan Heparan Sulfate Deficiency Impairs Pulmonary Vascular Development and Attenuates Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension
Researchers explored the effects of perlecan heparan sulfate deficiency on pulmonary vascular development and in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. [Cardiovasc Res] Abstract | Full Article

Finding and Tracing Human MSC in 3D Microenvironments with the Photoconvertible Protein Dendra2
A simple and reliable imaging technique was developed to study mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) dynamical behavior in natural and bioengineered 3D matrices. Human MSC were transfected to express a fluorescent photoswitchable protein, Dendra2, which was used to highlight and follow the same group of cells for more than seven days, even if removed from the microscope to the incubator. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells in Lymph Nodes Increase Nodal Collagen Density
The authors investigated extracellular matrix molecules such as collagen I fibers in the lymph nodes of mice bearing orthotopic human breast cancer xenografts. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Optimization of Surface-Immobilized Extracellular Matrices for the Proliferation of Neural Progenitor Cells Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
A protein array was fabricated with nine extracellular matrices and used to screen substrates suitable for the expansion of neural progenitor cells derived from mouse induced pluripotent stem cells. The results showed that neural progenitor cells efficiently proliferated on substrates with immobilized laminin-1, laminin-5, or Matrigel. [Biotechnol Bioeng] Abstract

Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Regulates Human Cardiac Myofibroblast-Mediated Extracellular Matrix Remodeling
Investigators examined the effects of low molecular weight fibroblast growth factor on human cardiac myofibroblast-mediated extracellular matrix dysregulation and remodeling. [J Transl Med] Abstract | Full Article

The Collagen I Mimetic Peptide DGEA Enhances an Osteogenic Phenotype in Mesenchymal Stem Cells When Presented from Cell-Encapsulating Hydrogels
In order to enhance osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), alginate hydrogels were prepared that present the DGEA ligand derived from collagen I. The osteogenic differentiation of MSCs encapsulated within alginate hydrogels presenting the DGEA ligand was enhanced when compared with unmodified alginate hydrogels and hydrogels presenting the RGD ligand. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

Transdifferentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells into the Islet-Like Cells: the Role of Extracellular Matrix Proteins
Scientists evaluated the influence of extracellular matrix proteins like collagen, laminin, and vitronectin on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells transdifferentiation into islet-like cells in vitro. [Arch Immunol Ther Exp] Abstract

Union Is Strength: Matrix Elasticity and Microenvironmental Factors Codetermine Stem Cell Differentiation Fate
The authors briefly discuss the effect of matrix elasticity on stem cell lineage specification and then summarize recent advances in the study of the combined effects of extracellular matrix elasticity and other cues on the differentiation of stem cells, focusing on two aspects: biophysical and biochemical factors. [Cell Tissue Res] Abstract

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Multipotent Cell-Secreted Extracellular Matrix Supports Cartilage Formation
Histogen, Inc. will present new research on its human extracellular matrix material in the promotion of cartilage regeneration. [Press release from Histogen, Inc. discussing research presented at the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) 2015 Meeting, Chicago] Press Release

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Human Regenerative Technologies (HRT) Announces Successful One Year Anniversary of Industry’s First Room Temperature Pre-Mixed Flowable Placental Tissue Matrix
HRT’s advanced HydraTek^® process has produced an extensive allograft product offering, including a variety of amniotic membrane configurations, a cryo-preserved flowable placental tissue matrix and the world’s first ambient temperature flowable placental tissue matrix. [Human Regenerative Technologies, LLC (PRWeb)] Press Release

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Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (United States)

European Medicines Agency (European Union)

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

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NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Disseminated Tumor Cell Biology (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)

Postdoctoral Position – Cardiovascular Research (University of Oslo)

PhD Position – Cartilage Regeneration in Joints (Cardiff University)

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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