Extracellular Matrix News Volume 7.06 | Feb 18 2016

Cell-Free Multi-Layered Collagen-Based Scaffolds Demonstrate Layer Specific Regeneration of Functional Osteochondral Tissue in Caprine Joints
The long term ability of a multi-layered biomimetic collagen-based scaffold to repair osteochondral defects was investigated in a large animal model: namely critical sized lateral trochlear ridge and medial femoral condyle defects in the caprine stifle joint. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Extracellular Lumican Augments Cytotoxicity of Chemotherapy in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cells via Autophagy Inhibition
Scientists investigated the role of extracellular lumican in chemotherapy-mediated cancer therapy. Lumican secretion was increased by chemotherapeutic agents in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells, and especially in pancreatic stellate cells, and appeared to be linked to the extent of cells’ response to chemotherapy-induced growth inhibition. [Oncogene] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix Microarrays to Study Inductive Signaling for Endoderm Specification
Using embryonic stem cells as a model system, investigators derived definitive endoderm progenitors and applied them to an extracellular matrix (ECM) array platform to study the influence of ECM, including the interactions of ECM with growth factor signaling, on the specification of definitive endoderm cells towards the liver and pancreas fates. [Acta Biomater] Abstract

ECM Microenvironment Unlocks Brown Adipogenic Potential of Adult Human Bone Marrow-Derived MSCs
Macromolecular crowding created a 3D extracellular matrix (ECM) architecture enshrouding maturing adipocytes in a collagen IV cocoon that was engaged by paxillin-positive focal adhesions also at the apical side of cells, without contact to the stiff support structure. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Extracellular Matrix Rigidity-Dependent Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Secretion Regulates Metastatic Cancer Cell Invasion and Adhesion
The authors report that secretion of spingsine-1-phosphate and its regulator, SphK1 expression is dependent of the substrate rigidity, which is critical for the balance between cancer cell invasion and adhesion. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Proportion of Collagen Type II in the Extracellular Matrix Promotes the Differentiation of Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Nucleus Pulposus Cells
Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were cultured as a micromass or in a series of gradual proportion hydrogels of a mix of collagen types I and II. Cell proliferation and cytotoxicity were detected using CCK-8 and LDH assays respectively. [Biofactors] Abstract

Release of Matrix Metalloproteinases-2 and 9 by S-Nitrosylated Caveolin-1 Contributes to Degradation of Extracellular Matrix in tPA-Treated Hypoxic Endothelial Cells
Researchers report an important role of caveolin-1 s-nitrosylation in matrix metalloproteinase-2 and 9 secretion from tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)-treated ischemic endothelial cells. [PLoS One] Full Article

Odontogenic Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells on Hydrogel Scaffolds Derived from Decellularized Bone Extracellular Matrix and Collagen Type I
Researchers aimed to evaluate the level of odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells on hydrogel scaffolds derived from bone extracellular matrix (bECM) in comparison to those seeded on collagen I, one of the main components of dental pulp ECM. [PLoS One] Full Article

Mucin-Inspired Thermoresponsive Synthetic Hydrogels Induce Stasis in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells and Human Embryos
The authors report cellular stasis for both human pluripotent stem cell colonies and preimplantation embryos immersed in a wholly synthetic thermoresponsive gel comprising poly(glycerol monomethacrylate)-poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate) diblock copolymer worms. [ACS Cent Sci] Full Article | Press Release

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Dr. William Fissell’s Artificial Kidney
Vanderbilt University Medical Center nephrologist and Associate Professor of Medicine Dr. William H. Fissell IV, is making major progress on a first-of-its kind device to free kidney patients from dialysis. He is building an implantable artificial kidney with microchip filters and living kidney cells that will be powered by a patient’s own heart. [Vanderbilt University] Press Release | Video

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