Extracellular Matrix News Volume 6.23 | Jun 18 2015

Artificial Membrane-Binding Proteins Stimulate Oxygenation of Stem Cells during Engineering of Large Cartilage Tissue
Scientists showed that pre-treating human mesenchymal stem cells with synthetic membrane-active myoglobin-polymer–surfactant complexes can provide a reservoir of oxygen capable of alleviating necrosis at the center of hyaline cartilage. [Nat Commun] Full Article | Press Release

Targeting of β1 Integrins Impairs DNA Repair for Radiosensitization of Head and Neck Cancer Cells
Researchers examined the impact of β1 integrin targeting on the repair of radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). β1 integrin targeting impaired repair of radiogenic DSB in vitro and in vivo and reduced the protein expression of Ku70, Rad50 and Nbs1. [Oncogene] Abstract

Stromal miR-200s Contribute to Breast Cancer Cell Invasion through CAF Activation and ECM Remodeling
Investigators found that miR-200s, which are generally downregulated in activated cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in breast cancer tissues and in normal fibroblasts (NFs) activated by breast cancer cells, are direct mediators of NF reprogramming into CAFs and of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. [Cell Death Differ] Full Article

Simple Coating with Fibronectin Fragment Enhances Stainless Steel Screw Osseointegration in Healthy and Osteoporotic Rats
The authors present a simple coating strategy based on passive adsorption of FN7-10, a recombinant fragment of human fibronectin encompassing the major cell adhesive, integrin-binding site, onto 316-grade stainless steel (SS). FN7-10 coating on SS surfaces promoted α5β1 integrin-dependent adhesion and osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells. [Biomaterials] Abstract

A 3D Human Neural Cell Culture System for Modeling Alzheimer’s Disease
Scientists provide instructions for the generation and analysis of 3D human neural cell cultures, including the production of genetically modified human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) with familial Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mutations, the differentiation of the hNPCs in a 3D matrix and the analysis of AD pathogenesis. [Nat Protoc] Abstract

Quantification of Regenerative Potential in Primary Human Mammary Epithelial Cells
Researchers present an organoid regeneration assay in which freshly isolated human mammary epithelial cells are cultured in adherent or floating collagen gels, corresponding to a rigid or compliant matrix environment. In both conditions, luminal progenitors form spheres, whereas basal cells generate branched ductal structures. [Development] Abstract | Full Article | Press Release

Skin Rejuvenation with Non-Invasive Pulsed Electric Fields
The authors report on a new, non-invasive, non-thermal technique to rejuvenate skin with pulsed electric fields. The fields destroy cells while simultaneously completely preserving the extracellular matrix architecture and releasing multiple growth factors locally that induce new cells and tissue growth. [Sci Rep]
Full Article | Press Release

Synoviocyte Derived-Extracellular Matrix Enhances Human Articular Chondrocyte Proliferation and Maintains Re-Differentiation Capacity at Both Low and Atmospheric Oxygen Tensions
Porcine synoviocyte-derived extracellular matrix and low oxygen tension were assessed for their ability to enhance human articular chondrocyte expansion and maintain re-differentiation potential. Human chondrocytes expanded twice as fast on devitalized synoviocyte matrix vs. tissue culture plastic, and cells retained their re-differentiation capacity for twice the number of population doublings. [PLoS One] Full Article

Nitric Oxide Regulates Cell Behavior on an Interactive Cell-Derived Extracellular Matrix Scaffold
Researchers investigated the regulatory effect of nitric oxide (NO) on human mesenchymal stem cells in an interactive extracellular matrix (ECM)-rich microenvironment. In order to mimic the in vivo stromal environment in wound site, a cell-derived ECM scaffold that was able to release NO within the range of in vivo wound fluid NO level was fabricated. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

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AxoGen, Inc. Announces Completion of a Pilot Clinical Study Assessing Cavernous Nerve Reconstruction with Avance^® Nerve Graft following Radical Prostatectomy
AxoGen, Inc. announced results from a pilot clinical study of cavernous nerve reconstruction during radical prostatectomy procedures using its Avance^® Nerve Graft. [AxoGen, Inc.] Press Release

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Associate Scientist – Biomedical Engineering (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Stem Cell Biology (INSERM)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Neural Tissue Engineering (Nanyang Technological University)

Postdoctoral Position – Proteoglycan and Dislocations (Inserm)

Assistant Professor – Instructive Biomaterials Engineering (Maastricht University)

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

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

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