Extracellular Matrix News Volume 7.05 | Feb 11 2016

Perlecan/HSPG2 and Matrilysin/MMP-7 as Indices of Tissue Invasion: Tissue Localization and Circulating Perlecan Fragments in a Cohort of 288 Radical Prostatectomy Patients
Investigators analyzed prostate cancer (PCa) tissue and serum from 288 prostatectomy patients of various Gleason grades to decipher the relationship between perlecan and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-7 in invasive PCa. [Oncotarget] Full Article

Extracellular Matrix Mediators of Metastatic Cell Colonization Characterized Using Scaffold Mimics of the Pre-Metastatic Niche
Researchers sought to identify and validate novel contributors to tumor cell colonization using extracellular matrix-coated poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffolds as mimics of the pre-metastatic niche. [Acta Biomater] Abstract

Development of 3D Microvascular Networks within Gelatin Hydrogels Using Thermoresponsive Sacrificial Microfibers
A 3D microvascularized gelatin hydrogel was produced using thermoresponsive sacrificial poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) microfibers. The capillary-like microvascular network allows constant perfusion of media throughout the thick hydrogel, and significantly improves the viability of human neonatal dermal fibroblasts encapsulated within the gel at a high density. [Adv Healthc Mater] Abstract | Press Release | Video

Extracellular Matrix Stiffness Dictates Wnt Expression through Integrin Pathway
Scientists observed that stiff extracellular matrix significantly enhanced the expression level of several members of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in both bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and primary chondrocytes. [Sci Rep] Full Article

First Trimester Human Placenta Prevents Breast Cancer Cell Attachment to the Matrix: The Role of Extracellular Matrix
Investigators explored the effect of placenta-induced extracellular matrix (ECM) manipulations on breast cancer cells (BCCL). During experiments, BCCL were cultured on placenta/BCCL-conditioned ECM. [Mol Carcinog] Abstract

Covalent Immobilization of Stem Cell Inducing/Recruiting Factor and Heparin on Cell-Free Small-Diameter Vascular Graft for Accelerated In Situ Tissue Regeneration
Investigators present the development of an acellular tissue-engineered vessel based on electrospun poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) scaffolds. Substance P was released in a sustained manner from scaffolds and recruited human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

High Mannose-Binding Pseudomonas fluorescens Lectin (PFL) Downregulates Cell Surface Integrin/EGFR and Induces Autophagy in Gastric Cancer Cells
The strength of MKN28 cell adherence in vitro to the extracellular matrix was impaired by PFL treatment, consistent with the observation that PFL induces rapid downregulation of surface integrins. PFL also was found to bind to cell surface epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). [BMC Cancer] Full Article

A Combined In Vitro Imaging and Multi-Scale Modeling System for Studying the Role of Cell Matrix Interactions in Cutaneous Wound Healing
Investigators report the development of an image-based multi-scale mechanical model that predicts the short-term, structural reorganization of a fibrin gel by fibroblasts. These predictive models are based on an in vitro experimental system where clusters of fibroblasts were spatially arranged into a triangular geometry onto the surface of fibrin gels that were subjected to either Fixed or Free in-plane mechanical constraints. [PLoS One] Full Article

Combining Regenerative Medicine Strategies to Provide Durable Reconstructive Options: Auricular Cartilage Tissue Engineering
The authors highlight the limitations of autologous auricular reconstruction, including donor site morbidity, technical considerations and long-term complications. [Stem Cell Res Ther] Full Article

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NIH Awards $2.8 Million to FAU Researchers and Collaborators
Researchers will work to define the mechanisms governing how cells decide whether to become a mature cell or whether to die. Their work will shed light on how to make transplantable tissues to cure diseases. [Florida Atlantic University] Press Release

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NEW PhD Studentship – 3D Tissue Models for Studying Microbial Infections (University of Würzburg)

NEW Postdoctoral Position – Nanobiotechnology (University of Notre Dame)

NEW Field Application Engineer/Scientist – Single Cell Genomics (Berkeley Lights, Inc.)

Postdoctoral Position – Neurology, Pediatrics, and Genetics (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)

Research Fellow – Biomedical Engineering (Nanyang Technological University)

Postdoctoral Positions – Physics and Engineering of Brain Imaging (Cardiff University)

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Postdoctoral Positions – Cancer Bioengineering and Biology (University of Minnesota)

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