Genipin Cross-Linked Decellularized Tracheal Tubular Matrix for Tracheal Tissue Engineering Applications Scientists investigated the mechanical, pro-angiogenic and in vivo biocompatibility properties of decellularized airway matrices cross-linked with genipin. [Sci Rep] Full Article Bioprinting Three-Dimensional Cell-Laden Tissue Constructs with Controllable Degradation Researchers report a novel study of the 3D printing of human corneal epithelial cells/collagen/gelatin/alginate hydrogel incubated with a medium containing sodium citrate to obtain degradation-controllable cell-laden tissue constructs. [Sci Rep] Full Article Fluid Shear Stress Induces Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in Hep-2 Cells Researchers examined the time-expressions of signaling cascades, and demonstrated that fluid shear stress induces the EMT and enhances cell migration depending on integrin-ILK/PI3K-AKT-Snail signaling events. [Oncotarget] Full Article CRISPR/Cas9 Knockout of HAS2 in Rat Chondrosarcoma Chondrocytes Demonstrates the Requirement of Hyaluronan for Aggrecan Retention Using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing approach, a model system was developed by generating hyaluronan (HA)-deficient chondrocyte cell lines. The results suggest that HA is essential for aggrecan retention and maintaining cell separation during tissue formation. [Matrix Biol] Abstract Gene Delivery of TGF-β3 and BMP2 in a MSC Laden Alginate Hydrogel for Articular Cartilage and Endochondral Bone Tissue Engineering Researchers developed gene-activated alginate hydrogels capable of supporting nanohydroxyapatite-mediated non-viral gene transfer to control the phenotype of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for either cartilage or endochondral bone tissue engineering. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract Spaceflight Activates Lipotoxic Pathways in Mouse Liver Scientists investigated altered hepatic lipid metabolism in mice following short duration spaceflight. Although the 13-day flight duration was too short for frank fibrosis to develop, retinol loss plus changes in markers of extracellular matrix remodeling raised the concern that longer duration exposure to the space environment may result in progressive liver damage, increasing the risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. [PLoS One] Full Article | Press Release Screening for and Validation of a Hepatic Fibrosis-Related Pathway Induced by Insulin-Like Growth Factor-Binding Protein-Related Protein 1 Scientists investigated the effect of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-related protein 1 (IGFBPrP1) on gene expression in the hepatic fibrosis-related pathway. IGFBPrP1-overexpressing rats showed an increase in α-smooth muscle actin expression and collagen and hydroxyproline content in the liver. [Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol] Abstract Collagen/Gold Nanoparticle Nanocomposites: A Potential Skin Wound Healing Biomaterial Nanocomposite collagen scaffolds incorporating gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were prepared for wound healing applications. Upon confirming in vitro biocompatibility of the scaffolds with cytotoxicity assays, cell attachment and proliferation tests and the in vivo efficacy for healing of full-thickness skin wounds were investigated by applying collagen sponges and AuNP-incorporated nanocomposites cross-linked with glutaraldehyde or a commercial product onto defect sites and covering with Ioban® drapes. [J Biomater Appl] Abstract |