Extracellular Matrix News Volume 6.39 | Oct 8 2015

Functionalization of a Collagen–Hydroxyapatite Scaffold with Osteostatin to Facilitate Enhanced Bone Regeneration
Researchers examined the chemical immobilization of osteostatin, a pentapeptide of the parathyroid hormone, within a collagen–hydroxyapatite scaffold. In vitro characterization demonstrated that this cross-linking method of immobilization supports a pro-osteogenic effect on osteoblasts. [Adv Healthc Mater] Abstract

A Combinatorial Approach towards the Design of Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Chondrogenesis
Investigators built a library of hybrid collagen-polymer fibrous scaffolds with nanoscale dimensions and screened them for their ability to grow chondrocytes for cartilage repair. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Bladder Regeneration using a Smart Acellular Collagen Scaffold with Growth Factors VEGF, FGF-2 and HB-EGF
The authors investigated whether smart acellular collagen-heparin scaffolds with growth factors VEGF, FGF2 and HB-EGF enhance bladder tissue regeneration and bladder capacity in a large animal model of diseased bladder. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) Promotes Extracellular Matrix Synthesis and Wound Repair in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells
As epithelial cell responses are fundamental drivers of asthma, including abnormal repair-restitution linked to changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis, scientists tested the hypothesis that HMGB1 promotes bronchial epithelial cell wound repair via toll-like receptor 4 and/or receptor for advanced glycated end products signaling that regulates ECM and integrin protein abundance. [Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol] Abstract

Non-Fouling Biodegradable Poly(ϵ-Caprolactone) Nanofibers for Tissue Engineering
An approach for the modification of poly(ϵ-caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibers to prevent protein fouling from biological fluids and subsequent cell adhesion is introduced. A biomimetic polydopamine (PDA) layer was deposited on the surface of the PCL nanofibers and four types of antifouling polymer brushes were grown by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization from initiator moieties covalently attached to the PDA layer. Cell adhesion was assessed with mouse embryonic fibroblasts. [Macromol Biosci] Abstract

Hepatocyte Growth Factor/C-Met Promotes Proliferation, Suppresses Apoptosis, and Improves Matrix Metabolism in Rabbit Nucleus Pulposus Cells In Vitro
Scientists investigated the effects of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on nucleus pulposus (NP) cell abnormality caused by reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines by using primary NP cells isolated from rabbit intervertebral disc. HGF significantly enhanced the proliferation of NP cells. [J Orthop Res] Abstract

Rho/Rock Signal Transduction Pathway Is Required for MSC Tenogenic Differentiation
As the Rho/ROCK signal transduction pathway plays a critical role in both stress fiber formation and in cell sensation, researchers examined whether the activation of this pathway was required when inducing mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) tendon differentiation using rope-like silk scaffolds. [Bone Res] Full Article

Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the extracellular matrix research field.

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NUS Making Waves in the Brave New World of Synthetic Biology
The National University of Singapore (NUS) announced the launch of a new research initiative called the NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI) to further develop research capacity and capabilities in the emerging and fast-growing field. [National University of Singapore] Press Release

Avita Medical Announces U.S. FDA Doubles Patient Numbers Permitted for Compassionate Use of ReCell^®
Avita Medical Ltd. announced approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the expansion of its compassionate use investigational device exemption program for ReCell®. [Avita Medical Ltd.] Press Release

Food and Drug Administration (United States)

Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (United States)

European Medicines Agency (European Union)

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the extracellular matrix community.

NEW Postdoctoral Position – Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (Northwestern University)

NEW Postdoctoral Position – Biomaterials for Cell Reprogramming (Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering)

Director – Oncology Research (Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research)

Director – Clinical Development (Novadip Biosciences)

Postdoctoral Position – Mechanisms of Leukocyte Extravasation (University Hospital of Münster)

Assistant Professor – Stem Cell Biology (University of South Carolina)

Junior Faculty Position – Bioengineering (Stanford University)

Assistant Professor – Stem Cell Biology (Stanford University)

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

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