Definition of a Consensus Integrin Adhesome and Its Dynamics during Adhesion Complex Assembly and Disassembly Researchers integrated several integrin adhesion complex (IAC) proteomes and generated a 2,412-protein integrin adhesome. Analysis of this data set revealed the functional diversity of proteins in IACs and established a consensus adhesome of 60 proteins. [Nat Cell Biol] Abstract The Matrix Protein Fibulin-5 Is at the Interface of Tissue Stiffness and Inflammation in Fibrosis Investigators showed that the loss of fibulin-5, an elastic fiber component, not only decreased tissue stiffness, but also diminished the inflammatory response and abrogated the fibrotic phenotype in a mouse model of cutaneous fibrosis. [Nat Commun] Full Article | Press Release Improvement of Diaphragmatic Performance through Orthotopic Application of Decellularized Extracellular Matrix Patch The authors demonstrated that orthotopic transplantation of a decellularized diaphragmatic muscle from wild animals promoted tissue functional recovery in an established atrophic mouse model. The extracellular matrix supported a local immunoresponse activating a pro-regenerative environment and stimulating host muscle progenitor cell activation and migration. [Biomaterials] Full Article Interplay of Endosomal pH and Ligand Occupancy in Integrin α5β1 Ubiquitination, Endocytic Sorting, and Cell Migration Scientists showed that fibronectin (FN) binding to α5β1 integrin triggered ubiquitination and internalization of the receptor complex. Acidification facilitated FN dissociation from integrin α5β1 in vitro and in early endosomes, promoting receptor complex deubiquitination by the USP9x and recycling to the cell surface. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract Carcinogenic Parasite Secretes Growth Factor that Accelerates Wound Healing and Potentially Promotes Neoplasia Scientists showed that Opisthorchis viverrini secreted proteins accelerated wound resolution in human cholangiocytes, an outcome that was compromised following silencing of expression of the fluke-derived gene encoding the granulin-like growth factor, Ov-GRN-1. [PLoS Pathog] Full Article | Press Release Novel Insights from 3D Models: The Pivotal Role of Physical Symmetry in Epithelial Organization Investigators studied the mechanical environment created in two 3D models, the overlay protocol (OP) and embedded protocol (EP). Finite element analysis and active microrheology demonstrated that OP created a physically asymmetric environment with non-uniform mechanical stresses in radial and circumferential directions. Further contrasting with EP, acini in OP displayed cooperation between ErbB2 signaling and matrix crosslinking. [Sci Rep] Full Article Bioprinting of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells and Their Directed Differentiation into Hepatocyte-Like Cells for the Generation of Mini-Livers in 3D The authors report the first investigation into the bioprinting of human induced pluripotent stem cells, their response to a valve-based printing process as well as their post-printing differentiation into hepatocyte-like cells. [Biofabrication] Full Article | Press Release Protease Inhibitors Enhance Extracellular Collagen Fibril Deposition in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Researchers investigated the fate of collagen when it is in contact with mesenchymal stem cells and hypothesized that protease inhibition would enhance their extracellular deposition of collagen fibrils. [Stem Cell Res Ther] Full Article Generation of Tissue-Engineered Small Intestine Using Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Human Intestinal Organoids Scientists investigated the ability of human embryonic stem cells or human intestinal organoids to populate acellular porcine intestinal matrices and artificial polyglycolic/poly L lactic acid scaffolds, and examined the ability of matrix/scaffolds to thrive when transplanted in vivo. [Biol Open] Full Article |