Extracellular Matrix News Volume 6.30 | Aug 6 2015

Cadherin Switch during EMT in Neural Crest Cells Leads to Contact Inhibition of Locomotion via Repolarization of Forces
By comparing pre-migratory and migratory neural crest cells, researchers showed that the switch from E- to N-cadherin during EMT is essential for acquisition of contact inhibition of locomotion behavior. Loss of E-cadherin leads to repolarization of protrusions, via p120 and Rac1, resulting in a redistribution of forces from intercellular tension to cell-matrix adhesions, which break down the cadherin junction. [Dev Cell]
Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Extracellular Matrix-Based Biohybrid Materials for Engineering Compliant, Matrix-Dense Tissues
The authors discuss biohybrid materials that incorporate polymer components with extracellular matrix-derived proteins to produce a substrate with desired mechanical and degradation properties as well as actively guide tissue remodeling. [Adv Healthc Mater] Abstract

Validated Prediction of Pro-Invasive Growth Factors Using a Transcriptome-Wide Invasion Signature Derived from a Complex 3D Invasion Assay
Invading fibroblasts contribute to fibrotic extracellular matrix formation and the initiation, progression, or resistance of cancer. To construct transcriptome-wide signatures of fibroblast invasion, researchers used a multiplex phenotypic 3D invasion assay using lung fibroblasts. [Sci Rep] Full Article

α-5 Laminin Synthesized by Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Promotes Self-Renewal
Investigators identified α-5 laminin as a signature extracellular matrix component endogenously synthesized by undifferentiated human pluripotent stem cells cultured on defined substrates. [Stem Cell Rep]
Full Article | Graphical Abstract | Press Release

Bone Regeneration Using Hydroxyapatite Sponge Scaffolds with In Vivo Deposited Extracellular Matrix (ECM)
ECM was incorporated into hydroxyapatite by implanting sponge replica scaffolds in subcutaneous pockets in rats and the implants were tested for bone regeneration potential. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

PDGF-D Promotes Dermal Fibroblast Invasion in 3-Dimensional Extracellular Matrix via Snail-Mediated MT1-MMP Upregulation
Investigators generated a recombinant plasmid expressing human platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-D and transfected the plasmid to dermal fibroblasts to examine the effects on cell invasive activities in 3D type I collagen gels. [Tumor Biol] Abstract

Schwann Cells Increase Prostate and Pancreatic Tumor Cell Invasion Using Laminin Binding A6 Integrin
Tumor and nerve cell co-culture conditions were used to determine if myelinating or non-myelinating Schwann cell phenotype was equally likely to promote integrin-dependent cancer cell invasion and migration on laminin. [J Cell Biochem] Abstract

Directed Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells into Prostate Organoids In Vitro and Its Perturbation by Low-Dose Bisphenol A Exposure
The authors report the construction of a pioneer in vitro human prostate developmental model to study the effects of Bisphenol-A. The directed differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into prostatic organoids in a spatial system was accomplished with precise temporal control of growth factors and steroids. [PLoS One]
Full Article | Press Release | Video

Modeling the Formation of Cell-Matrix Adhesions on a Single 3D Matrix Fiber
Investigators simulated different local extracellular matrix properties in order to unravel the fundamental mechanisms that regulate the formation of cell-matrix adhesions in 3D. [J Theor Biol] Abstract

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Moerae Initiates Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) Challenge Study of Inhaled MMI-0100 for Pulmonary Disease Following Encouraging Safety and Tolerability Observed in Single Ascending Dose Phase I Study
Moerae Matrix Inc. announced the initiation of its second Phase I clinical trial with MMI-0100, a first-in-class inhibitor of MAPKAP kinase 2 that is being developed for pulmonary disorders characterized by inflammation and fibrosis. [Moerae Matrix Inc. (PR Newswire Association LLC)] Press Release

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NEW PhD Position – Materials Engineering (IFP Energies Nouvelles)

NEW Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Ex Vivo Tumor Organoid Models (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)

Assistant Professor – Cell-Based Therapies (Utrecht University)

Faculty Positions – Biomedical Engineering/Mechanical Engineering (University of California, Davis)

Scientific Writer – Cardiovascular Regeneration (Houston Methodist Research Institute)

Research Fellow – Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine (National Cancer Centre Singapore)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Stem Cell Biology (INSERM)

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