Extracellular Matrix News Volume 7.11 | Mar 24 2016

Identification of a Novel Agrin-Dependent Pathway in Cell Signaling and Adhesion within the Erythroid Niche
Researchers identified the proteoglycan agrin as a novel regulator of Eph receptor signaling and characterized a novel mechanism controlling cell–cell adhesion and red cell development within the erythroid niche. [Cell Death Differ] Full Article

Perlecan Expression Influences the Keratin 15-Positive Cell Population Fate in the Epidermis of Aging Skin
Investigators found that perlecan expression decreased during chronological skin aging. Their in vitro studies revealed reduced perlecan transcript levels in aged keratinocytes. [Aging-US] Full Article

Vaginal Fibroblastic Cells from Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse Produce Matrices with Increased Stiffness and Collagen Content
Since altered matrix production influences tissue quality, and myofibroblasts are involved in normal and pathological soft tissue repair processes, researchers evaluated matrix production of cells derived from pre- and post-menopausal pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and non-POP control anterior vaginal wall tissues. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Substrate Engagement of Integrins α₅β₁ and α_vβ₃ Is Necessary, but Not Sufficient, for High Directional Persistence in Migration on Fibronectin
Scientists characterized fibroblast adhesion and migration on the extracellular matrix glycoproteins fibronectin and vitronectin, focusing on the role of α₅β₁ and α_vβ₃ integrins. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Long Noncoding RNAs Expressed in Human Hepatic Stellate Cells Form Networks with Extracellular Matrix Proteins
The authors identified over 3600 long noncoding RNAs that are expressed in human hepatic stellate cell myofibroblasts. Many are regulated by transforming growth factor beta, a major fibrotic signal, and form networks with genes encoding key components of the extracellular matrix, which is the substrate of the fibrotic scar. [Genome Med] Full Article

Impact of Elastin Incorporation into Electrochemically Aligned Collagen Fibers on Mechanical Properties and Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotype
Based on the principles of isoelectric focusing, two different types of elastin (soluble and insoluble) were incorporated into highly oriented electrochemically aligned collagen (ELAC) fibers and the effect of elastin incorporation on the mechanical properties of the ELAC fibers and smooth muscle cell phenotype was investigated. [Biomed Mater] Abstract

The Three Dimensional Microstructural Network of Elastin, Collagen and Cells in Achilles Tendons
Researchers hypothesized the elastic fibers, as another fibrillar component in the extracellular matrix, have a unique role in mechanical functions and microstructural arrangement in Achilles tendons. Using confocal and second harmonic generation imaging techniques, they examined the three-dimensional microstructure of the collagen, elastin and cells in the mid-portion of hydrated rabbit Achilles tendons. [J Orthop Res] Abstract

Collagen Matrix Remodeling in Stented Pulmonary Arteries after Transapical Heart Valve Replacement
Scientists investigated the impact of the stent on matrix remodeling of the pulmonary artery in a sheep model, focusing on matrix composition and collagen (re)orientation of the host tissue. [Cells Tissues Organs] Abstract

Inhibitors of RGD-Binding Integrins Reduce Development of Pancreatic Fibrosis in Mice
Pancreatic tissues of mice expressed mRNAs encoding subunits of Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-binding integrins. Cerulein administration increased expression of these integrins, altered pancreatic cell morphology and induced fibrosis. [Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol] Abstract | Press Release

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CorMatrix^® Cardiovascular, Inc. Treats First Patient in Its US Clinical Study for CorMatrix^® ECM^® Tricuspid Valve
CorMatrix Cardiovascular, Inc. announced treatment of the first patient to receive their tissue engineered regenerative CorMatrix^® ECM^® Tricuspid Valve. The company received approval for the CorMatrix^® ECM^® Tricuspid Heart Valve as an early feasibility study approved through the FDA Investigational Device Exemption. [CorMatrix^® Cardiovascular, Inc.] Press Release

Food and Drug Administration (United States)

Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (United States)

European Medicines Agency (European Union)

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

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Associate Director for Research (Georgia Institute of Technology)

PhD Student – Extracellular Matrix Proteins in Zebrafish Fin Regeneration (TU Dresden)

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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