Extracellular Matrix News Volume 7.08 | Mar 3 2016

Single-Cell Differences in Matrix Gene Expression Do Not Predict Matrix Deposition
Researchers showed that both chondrocytes and chondrogenically induced mesenchymal stem cells exhibit substantial mRNA expression heterogeneity. Surprisingly, this variability does not correlate with cell-to-cell differences in cartilage-like matrix production. [Nat Commun] Full Article

Oncogenic Ras Differentially Regulates Metabolism and Anoikis in Extracellular Matrix-Detached Cells
Scientists discovered that oncogenic Ras facilitates the survival of extracellular matrix-detached cancer cells by using distinct effector pathways to regulate metabolism and block anoikis. [Cell Death Differ] Abstract

SPARC Promotes Cell Invasion In Vivo by Decreasing Type IV Collagen Levels in the Basement Membrane
Using the model of anchor cell invasion through the basement membrane (BM) extracellular matrix in Caenorhabditis elegans, researchers found that secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) overexpression is highly pro-invasive and rescues BM transmigration in mutants with defects in diverse aspects of invasion, including cell polarity, invadopodia formation, and matrix metalloproteinase expression. [PLoS Genet] Full Article

Three-Dimensional Characterization of Mechanical Interactions between Endothelial Cells and Extracellular Matrix during Angiogenic Sprouting
Researchers studied the three-dimensional cell-extracellular matrix interactions of endothelial cells that form multicellular structures called sprouts. They analyzed data collected in-situ from angiogenic sprouting experiments and identified the differentiated interaction behavior exhibited by the tip and stalk cells. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Tumor-Induced Remote ECM Network Orientation Steers Angiogenesis
Investigators used automated sequential microprinting of tumor and endothelial cells in extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds to study its mechanical aspects. Quantitative reflection microscopy shows that tumor spheroids induce radial orientation of the surrounding collagen fiber network up to a distance of five times their radius. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Collagen VI-NG2 Axis in Human Tendon Fibroblasts under Conditions Mimicking Injury Response
Scientists investigated the molecular basis of the interaction between collagen VI and the cell membrane both in tissue sections and fibroblast cultures of human tendon, and analyzed the deposition of collagen VI during migration and myofibroblast trans-differentiation, two crucial events for tendon repair. [Matrix Biol] Full Article

BMP7 Enhances the Effect of BMSCs on Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in a Rabbit Model of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
The authors investigated the efficacy and feasibility of stem cell therapy using bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-7-transduced bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to promote extracellular matrix remodeling of degenerated intervertebral discs. [FEBS J] Abstract

Fluid-Induced, Shear Stress-Regulated Extracellular Matrix and Matrix Metalloproteinase Genes Expression on Human Annulus Fibrosus Cells
Researchers investigated the expression of the extracellular matrix and matrix metalloproteinase genes in human annulus fibrosus cells following fluid-induced shear stress in a custom-fabricated bio-microfluidic device. [Stem Cell Res Ther] Full Article

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McMaster Awarded More than $2.3 Million for Projects that Grow Economy
McMaster researchers have been awarded more than $2.3 million from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council to work with industry to grow the economy and create jobs. One project will improve delivery of drugs and agricultural chemicals, generate 3D cell scaffolds maintaining high cell viability, and more. [McMaster University] Press Release

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NEW Faculty Position – Bioengineering (Caltech)

Postdoctoral Positions – Human Stem Cells and Heart Regenerative Medicine (University of Pittsburgh)

PhD Positions – Cancer, Microbiology and Stem Cell Engineering (Virginia Commonwealth University)

PhD Positions – Tendon Repair and Regeneration (NUI Galway)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Biomedical Engineering (University of Hull)

Postdoctoral Position – Nanobiotechnology (University of Notre Dame)

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 – Cancer Bioengineering and Biology (University of Minnesota)

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