Extracellular Matrix News Volume 6.22 | Jun 11 2015

Histidine-Rich Glycoprotein Blocks Collagen-Binding Integrins and Adhesion of Endothelial Cells through Low-Affinity Interaction with α2 Integrin
Investigators examined the mechanism of action of histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG)’s effect on endothelial cells (ECs). HRG suppressed adhesion, spreading and migration of ECs specifically on collagen I whereas ECs seeded on other extracellular matrix proteins were insensitive to HRG. [Matrix Biol] Full Article

Renal Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds from Discarded Kidneys Maintain Glomerular Morphometry and Vascular Resilience and Retains Critical Growth Factors
Resin casting and pulse-wave measurements showed that human renal extracellular matrices preserved the microvascular morphology and morphometry, and physiological function. Moreover, growth factors including vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors were retained within the matrices. [Transplantation]
Abstract | Press Release

Interactions between Skeletal Muscle Myoblasts and their Extracellular Matrix Revealed by a Serum Free Culture System
The authors describe the efficient decellularization of quadriceps muscle with the retention of matrix components and the use of this matrix for myoblast proliferation and differentiation under serum free culture conditions. [PLoS One] Full Article

Accelerated Extracellular Matrix Turnover during Exacerbations of COPD
Researchers hypothesized that the turnover of lung extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins were altered during exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Competitive ELISAs measuring circulating protein fragments in serum or plasma assessed the formation and degradation of collagen types III, IV, and VI, and degradation of elastin and versican. [Resp Res] Abstract | Full Article

Lentiviral Vector-Mediated FoxO1 Overexpression Inhibits Extracellular Matrix Protein Secretion under High Glucose Conditions in Mesangial Cells
The expression of major extracellular matrix proteins-FN and Col I- increased under high glucose conditions, consistent with the activation of TGF-β/Smad signaling. By contrast, overexpression of nucleus-localized forkhead transcription factor O1 (FoxO1) directly up-regulated the expressions of anti-oxidative enzymes, accompanied with inactivation of TGF-β/Smad3 pathway, as well as decreases of extracellular matrix proteins. [J Cell Biochem] Abstract

Wnt/β-Catenin and MEK-ERK Signaling Are Required for Fibroblast-Derived Extracellular Matrix-Mediated Endoderm Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells
Investigators determined the effect of a fibroblast-derived extracellular matrix (fd-ECM) on human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) differentiation. They demonstrated that growth of hESCs on fd-ECM results in hESCs losing their stemness and proliferation potential. [Stem Cell Rev] Abstract

Fibrin as a Scaffold for Delivery of GDNF Overexpressing Stem Cells to the Adult Rat Brain
Scientists sought to determine if a clinically used fibrin scaffold can be utilized as an adjunct to intra-cerebral cell transplantation without evoking an adverse host or stem cell response. They found that fibrin scaffold was adaptable to intra-cerebral delivery with successful polymerization of the fibrin scaffold in situ. [ACS Biomater Sci Eng] Abstract

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Creighton Researcher Earns NIH Grant to Study Gene, Stem Cell Therapy for Coronary Grafts
A Creighton University researcher has received a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant to study the effects of gene and stem cell therapy in coronary artery bypass grafts, a first-of-its-kind undertaking that could transform the procedure, increase survival rates and dramatically reduce the possibility of re-occlusion of the grafted arteries and veins in the procedure. [Creighton University] Press Release

Boston Surgeon Joseph P. Vacanti, MD, FACS, Receives the 2015 Jacobson Innovation Award of the American College of Surgeons
Joseph P. Vacanti, MD, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), was honored with this international surgical award in recognition of the work he has done in the field of tissue engineering. Dr. Vacanti developed an approach which used tissue-specific cells placed in scaffolds made of biodegradable polymers. [American College of Surgeons] Press Release

STEMCELL Technologies Named Company of the Year by BIOTECanada
STEMCELL Technologies Inc. will be presented with the Biotech Company of the Year award by BIOTECanada at this year’s BIO International Convention in Philadelphia. [BIOTECanada] Press Release

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NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Stem Cell Biology (INSERM)

NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Neural Tissue Engineering (Nanyang Technological University)

Postdoctoral Position – Proteoglycan and Dislocations (Inserm)

Assistant Professor – Instructive Biomaterials Engineering (Maastricht University)

PhD Studentship – Polymeric Biomaterials and their Biological Evaluation (Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht)

PhD Position – Tumor Biology (University of Duisburg-Essen)

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

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