Extracellular Matrix News Volume 6.42 | Oct 29 2015

Bioengineering Human Myocardium on Native Extracellular Matrix
Scientists aimed to translate previous work to human scale and clinically relevant cells, for the bioengineering of functional myocardial tissue based on the combination of human cardiac matrix and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. [Circ Res] Abstract

Matrix Metalloproteinase 10 Degradomics in Keratinocytes and Epidermal Tissue Identifies Bioactive Substrates with Pleiotropic Functions
To better understand the role of matrix metalloproteinase 10 (MMP10) in the epidermis, investigators employed multiplexed iTRAQ-based Terminal Amine Isotopic Labeling of Substrates and monitored MMP10-dependent proteolysis over time in secretomes from keratinocytes. [Mol Cell Proteomics] Abstract

Abnormal Mechanosensing and Cofilin Activation Promote the Progression of Ascending Aortic Aneurysms in Mice
Investigators used comparative proteomics analysis of Fbln4^SMKO aortas from postnatal day (P) 1 to P30 mice to identify key molecules involved in aneurysm initiation and expansion. At P14, the actin depolymerizing factor cofilin was dephosphorylated and thus activated, and at P7, the abundance of slingshot-1 phosphatase, an activator of cofilin, was increased, leading to actin cytoskeletal remodeling. [Sci Signal] Abstract

Chronic Activation of the Renin-Angiotensin System Induces Lung Fibrosis
Researchers showed that transgenic mice expressing active renin from the liver (RenTgMK) developed progressive pulmonary fibrosis leading to impaired pulmonary function. Histological analyses revealed a marked increase in extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and decrease in alveolar size in the lungs of RenTgMK mice compared to wild-type littermates, accompanied with increased expression of ECM proteins and fibrogenic factors. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Dickkopf-3 Regulates Prostate Epithelial Cell Acinar Morphogenesis and Prostate Cancer Cell Invasion by Limiting TGF-β-Dependent Activation of Matrix Metalloproteases
Investigators examined the effects of dickkopf-3 (Dkk-3) on the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteases, which mediate the effects of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β on extracellular matrix disassembly during tissue morphogenesis and promote invasion of tumor cells. [Carcinogenesis] Abstract

Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Has a Novel Function in the Regulation of Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 Expression
Scientists addressed whether interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) has a novel function in regulation of the extracellular matrix or adhesion molecules. Polymerase chain reaction array analysis demonstrated a ~5-fold increase in matrix metalloproteinase 13 mRNA expression of IL-1Ra siRNA-transfected Ca9-22 human oral squamous epithelial carcinoma cells compared with the control. [PLoS One] Full Article

Integrin β1 Gene Therapy Enhances In Vitro Creation of Tissue-Engineered Cartilage under Periodic Mechanical Stress
Researchers evaluated the effects of integrin β1 up-regulation on periodic mechanical stress-induced chondrocyte proliferation, matrix synthesis and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in chondrocyte monolayer culture, and evaluated the quality of tissue-engineered cartilage constructed in vitro under periodic mechanical stress combined with integrin β1 up-regulation. [Cell Physiol Biochem] Full Article

Nanofibrous Snake Venom Hemostat
Scientists describe a self-assembling nanofibrous peptide hydrogel (termed SLac) that on its own can act as a physical barrier to blood loss. In vitro evaluation of fibrin and whole blood clotting helped identify appropriate concentrations for hemostasis in vivo. [ACS Biomater Sci Eng] Abstract | Press Release

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Symic Biomedical Advances First Product Candidate, SB-030, into Clinical Development with Treatment of First Patient in SHIELD Trial
Symic Biomedical, a clinical-stage biotherapeutics platform company developing compounds that target the extracellular matrix, announced the treatment of the first patient in its Phase I/II clinical study in humans to investigate the efficacy and safety of luminal SB-030 delivery in peripheral artery disease. [Symic Biomedical, Inc.] Press Release

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NEW Postdoctoral Position – Stem Cell Engineering Research (Nanyang Technological University)

NEW Postdoctoral Position – hPSC-Derived Cardiomyocyte Grafts in Injured Hearts (University Health Network)

Faculty Position – Neuromuscular Bioengineering (Northwestern University)

Faculty Position – Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology)

Postdoctoral Position – Structural Studies of Bacterial Protein Secretion (University of Brussels)

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

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

Director – Oncology Research (Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research)

Director – Clinical Development (Novadip Biosciences)

Junior Faculty Position – Bioengineering (Stanford University)

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

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