Extracellular Matrix News Volume 6.24 | Jun 25 2015

Cross-Scale Integrin Regulation Organizes ECM and Tissue Topology
Investigators elucidated a cross-scale mechanism for tissue assembly and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling involving cadherin 2, the ECM protein fibronectin, and its receptor integrin α5. [Dev Cell]
Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Alkaline Phosphatase-Mimicking Peptide Nanofibers for Osteogenic Differentiation
The authors report enhanced bone regeneration efficiency through peptide nanofibers carrying both catalytic and matrix-regulatory functions of alkaline phosphatase, a versatile enzyme that plays a critical role in bone formation by regulating phosphate homeostasis and calcifiable bone matrix formation. [Biomacromolecules] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Immunomodulatory Polymeric Scaffold Enhances Extracellular Matrix Production in Cell Co-Cultures under Dynamic Mechanical Stimulation
Researchers determined if a tubular degradable polyurethane scaffold could be used in a co-culture system along with dynamic biomechanical stimulus conditions in order to direct monocytes to enhance tissue generation, and to better comprehend the different ways in which monocytes/macrophages may contribute to new tissue production. [Acta Biomater] Abstract

Mechanical Overloading Causes Mitochondrial Superoxide and SOD2 Imbalance in Chondrocytes Resulting in Cartilage Degeneration
A genetically manipulated model revealed that Sod2 deficiency in chondrocytes resulted in mitochondrial superoxide overproduction and dysfunction, thus leading to cartilage degeneration. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells Provide Considerable Advantages in Epidermal Regeneration: B7H4 Creates a Moderate Inflammation Microenvironment to Promote Wound Repair
Researchers examined the advantages of using human amniotic fluid stem (hAFS) cells in skin wound healing. During wound repair, hAFS cells did not directly secrete repair-related factors, such as bFGF, VEGF, CXCL12, TGF-β1 and KGF, and provided a moderate inflammation reaction with lower expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, Cox2 and Mac3. [Sci Rep] Full Article

The Role of iNOS in Cholesterol-Induced Liver Fibrosis
The authors investigated the role of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in cholesterol-induced liver fibrosis by feeding wild-type and iNOS-deficient mice with control or high-cholesterol diet for six weeks. Enhanced liver fibrosis in the presence of iNOS was associated with hypoxia-inducible factor-1α stabilization, matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression, and enhanced hepatic DNA damage. [Lab Invest] Abstract

Postinfarction Functional Recovery Driven by a Three-Dimensional Engineered Fibrin Patch Composed of Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Researchers examined the ability of a three-dimensional engineered fibrin patch filled with human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells to induce recovery of cardiac function after myocardial infarction. [Stem Cells Transl Med] Abstract | Press Release

Laminin Peptide-Immobilized Hydrogels Modulate Valve Endothelial Cell Hemostatic Regulation
Investigators used a poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate hydrogel platform to evaluate the effects of substrate stiffness and cell adhesive ligands on valve endothelial cells phenotype and expression of hemostatic genes. [PLoS One] Full Article

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Ontario Invests in Better Health and Economic Opportunity through Support for Ontario Institute for Regenerative Medicine
A new $25 million commitment positions Ontario to be an early adopter of new treatments and technologies emerging from research and commercial developments in regenerative medicine. [Ontario Institute for Regenerative Medicine] Press Release

A Better Way to Build Bones
A team of researchers at the New York University Polytechnic School of Engineering, NYU School of Medicine, and Stanford University School of Medicine have received a $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Veterans Health Administration’s Office of Rehabilitation Research and Development to pioneer a novel approach to harnessing the body’s own chemical signals to speed bone regeneration and improve repair. [New York University Polytechnic School of Engineering] Press Release

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