Extracellular Matrix News Volume 6.37 | Sep 24 2015

3D Printed Anatomical Nerve Regeneration Pathways
In vivo studies examining the regeneration of bifurcated injuries across a 10 mm complex nerve gap in rats showed that the 3D printed scaffolds achieved successful regeneration of complex nerve injuries, resulting in enhanced functional return of the regenerated nerve. [Adv Funct Mater] Abstract | Press Release | Video

Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neural Constructs for Predicting Neural Toxicity
Human embryonic stem cell-derived neural progenitor cells, endothelial cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and microglia/macrophage precursors were combined on chemically defined polyethylene glycol hydrogels and cultured in serum-free medium to model cellular interactions within the developing brain. The precursors self-assembled into 3D neural constructs with diverse neuronal and glial populations, interconnected vascular networks, and ramified microglia. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract | Full Article | Press Release

Laser-Based Three-Dimensional Multiscale Micropatterning of Biocompatible Hydrogels for Customized Tissue Engineering Scaffolds
The authors present the use of relatively low-energy ultrafast laser pulses to generate 2D and 3D multiscale patterns in soft silk protein hydrogels without exogenous or chemical cross-linkers. Examples illustrating the materials, results, and the performance of the machined geometries in vitro and in vivo are presented to demonstrate the versatility of the approach. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract | Press Release

Extracellular Matrix Deposition of Bone Marrow Stroma Enhanced by Macromolecular Crowding
Human mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived extracellular matrices (ECM) was produced upon supplementation of standard culture medium with three different macromolecules of various size. Matrix secretion, ECM morphology and composition were compared for matrices obtained from crowded and non-crowded MSC cultures. [Biomaterials] Abstract

GLUT10 Deficiency Leads to Oxidative Stress and Non-Canonical αvβ3 Integrin-Mediated TGFβ Signaling Associated with Extracellular Matrix Disarray in Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome Skin Fibroblasts
To discern the molecular mechanisms underlying the arterial tortuosity syndrome etiology, investigators performed gene expression profiling and biochemical studies on skin fibroblasts. Transcriptome analyses revealed the dysregulation of several genes involved in TGFβ signaling and extracellular matrix homeostasis as well as the perturbation of specific pathways that control both the cell energy balance and the oxidative stress response. [Hum Mol Genet] Abstract | Full Article

Production of Decellularized Porcine Lung Scaffolds for Use in Tissue Engineering
A new decellularization technique is described that maintains the global tissue architecture, key matrix components, mechanical composition and cell-seeding potential of lung tissue while effectively removing resident cellular material. [Integr Biol] Abstract

Effect of Collagen-Glycosaminoglycan Scaffold Pore Size on Matrix Mineralization and Cellular Behavior in Different Cell Types
Scientists aimed to examine the effects of mean pore size on subsequent osteoblast differentiation and matrix mineralization, and to understand the mechanism by which pore size influences behavior of different cell types. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

The Emerging Roles of β-Arrestins in Fibrotic Diseases
Investigators survey the involvement of β-arrestins in various signaling pathways and highlight different aspects of their regulation of fibrosis. They also discuss the important roles of β-arrestins in the process of fibrotic diseases by regulating the inflammation and deposit of extracellular matrix. [Acta Pharmacol Sin] Full Article

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Northwestern Receives $5 Million for Nanoscale Research
Northwestern University has received a five-year, $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to establish, in collaboration with the University of Chicago, a new national resource that provides academic, small business and industry researchers access to cutting-edge nanotechnology facilities and expertise. [Northwestern University] Press Release

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European Medicines Agency (European Union)

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

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Junior Faculty Position – Bioengineering (Stanford University)

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Breast Cancer Invasion / Extracellular Matrix / Proteomics / Microscopy (University of Liverpool)

Assistant Professor – Stem Cell Biology (Stanford University)

Postdoctoral Fellowships – Embryonic Stem Cells, Bio-NEMS, Tissue Engineering (University of South Carolina)

Assistant Professor – Cell Biology or Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms (Washington University School of Medicine)

PhD Position – Materials Engineering (IFP Energies Nouvelles)

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

Scientific Writer – Cardiovascular Regeneration (Houston Methodist Research Institute)

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