Extracellular Matrix News Volume 7.09 | Mar 10 2016

Three-Dimensional Bioprinting of Thick Vascularized Tissues
Investigators report a method for bioprinting 3D cell-laden, vascularized tissues that exceed 1 cm in thickness and can be perfused on chip for long time periods. They integrated parenchyma, stroma, and endothelium into a single thick tissue by coprinting multiple inks composed of human mesenchymal stem cells and human neonatal dermal fibroblasts within a customized extracellular matrix alongside embedded vasculature. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract | Full Article | Press Release | Video

The Initiator Methionine tRNA Drives Secretion of Type II Collagen from Stromal Fibroblasts to Promote Tumor Growth and Angiogenesis
To investigate how elevated stromal initiator methionine tRNA (tRNA_i^Met) contributes to tumor progression, scientists generated a mouse expressing additional copies of the tRNA_i^Met gene (2+tRNA_i^Met mouse). Extracellular matrix deposited by fibroblasts from 2+tRNA_i^Met mice supported enhanced endothelial cell and fibroblast migration. [Curr Biol] Abstract | Press Release

Inhibition of FAK Signaling by Integrin α6β1 Supports Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Self-Renewal
Scientists describe a signaling pathway in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) linking self-renewal and expression of pluripotency transcription factors to integrin α6β1 and inactivation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Disruption of this pathway results in hPSC differentiation. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Integrin-Linked Kinase Activity Modulates the Pro-Metastatic Behavior of Ovarian Cancer Cells
Investigators evaluated the expression and activity of integrin-linked kinase (ILK), a Ser/Thr protein kinase activated upon integrin-mediated adhesion. Results showed that ILK is co-expressed in epithelial ovarian cancer with the pro-metastatic enzyme membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase and catalyzed phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic tail of the proteinase. [Oncotarget] Full Article

The Synergistic Effects of Matrix Stiffness and Composition on the Response of Chondroprogenitor Cells in a 3D Precondensation Microenvironment
A biosynthetic hydrogel was developed containing RGD, hyaluronic acid and/or type-I collagen conjugated to poly(ethylene glycol) acrylate to recapitulate the precondensation microenvironment of the developing limb. Cell proliferation in these 3D matrices for 7 days prior to chondrogenic induction increased the rate of sGAG production in a stiffness-dependent manner. [Adv Healthc Mater] Abstract

Decellularized Extracellular Matrix Microparticles as a Vehicle for Cellular Delivery in a Model of Anastomosis Healing
Decellularized porcine peritoneum was mechanically dissociated into 200 µm microparticles, seeded with fibroblasts and cultured in a low gravity rotating bioreactor. The cells avidly attached and maintained excellent viability on the microparticles. When the seeded microparticles were placed in a collagen gel, the cells quickly migrated off the microparticles and through the gel. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Causes Malignant Melanoma Cells to Differentially Alter Extracellular Matrix Biosynthesis to Promote Cell Survival
Researchers used 3D biomimetic platforms to understand dynamics in extracellular matrix (ECM) biogenesis following pharmaceutical intervention against mitogen-activated protein kinases signaling. They further determined temporal evolution of secreted ECM components by isogenic melanoma cell clones. [BMC Cancer] Full Article

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$20 Million Gift Will Help Make Research Institute a Reality
An anonymous racehorse breeder has donated $20 million to Colorado State University to build a state-of-the-art regenerative medicine research facility, fulfilling a $65 million matching challenge from lead donors John and Leslie Malone. [Colorado State University] Press Release

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NEW Professor – Chemical and Biomedical Engineering (Nanyang Technological University)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Cell Biology and Regenerative Therapies in Cardiovascular Diseases (Universitätsmedizin Göttingen)

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 Position – Nanobiotechnology (University of Notre Dame)

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

Research Fellow – Biomedical Engineering (Nanyang Technological University)

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