Extracellular Matrix News Volume 7.17 | May 5 2016

Surface-Driven Collagen Self-Assembly Affects Early Osteogenic Stem Cell Signaling
The authors report how extracellular matrix ligand self-assembly on biomaterial surfaces and the resulting nanoscale architecture can drive stem cell behavior. Cellular and molecular investigations with human bone marrow stromal cells revealed higher osteogenic differentiation and upregulation of focal adhesion-related components on smooth collagen layer coated substrates. [Adv Healthc Mater] Abstract

Matrix Stiffness Promotes Cartilage Endplate Chondrocyte Calcification in Disc Degeneration via miR‑20a Targeting ANKH Expression
Researchers found that matrix stiffness of cartilage endplate (CEP) was positively correlated with the degree of intervertebral disc degeneration, and stiff matrix, which mimicked the severe degeneration of CEP, promoted inorganic phosphate-induced calcification in CEP chondrocytes. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Ginsenoside Rg1 Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation of rBMSCs and Healing of Rat Tibial Fractures through Regulation of GR-Dependent BMP-2/SMAD Signaling
Scientists investigated the effect of Rg1 on osteogenic differentiation of cultured bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and related mechanisms and on the fracture healing in a fracture model. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Microstructured Human Fibroblast-Derived Extracellular Matrix Scaffold for Vascular Media Fabrication
Investigators developed an anisotropic fibroblastic extracellular matrix sheet that could replicate the physiological architecture of blood vessels after being assembled into a small diameter vascular conduit. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med] Abstract

Acellular Hydroxyapatite-Collagen Scaffolds Support Angiogenesis and Osteogenic Gene Expression in an Ectopic Murine Model: Effects of Hydroxyapatite Volume Fraction
Researchers investigated the effect of hydroxyapatite (HA) volume fraction on in vivo angiogenesis and osteogenesis in acellular collagen scaffolds containing 0, 20, and 40 vol % HA after subcutaneous ectopic implantation for up to 12 weeks in mice. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

Rosuvastatin Attenuates CD40L-Induced Downregulation of Extracellular Matrix Production in Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells via TRAF6-JNK-NF-κB Pathway
CD40L suppressed prolyl-4-hydroxylase α1 expression in human aortic smooth muscle cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with insignificant changes in MMP2 expression and negative enzymatic activity of MMP9. [PLoS One] Full Article

Optimizing Photo-Encapsulation Viability of Heart Valve Cell Types in 3D Printable Composite Hydrogels
Researchers systematically tested variables associated with photocrosslinking hydrogels for their effects on encapsulated cells in an extrusion 3D printable mixture of methacrylated gelatin/poly-ethylene glycol diacrylate/alginate. The fabrication conditions that produced desired hydrogel mechanical properties were compared against those that optimize aortic valve or mesenchymal stem cell viability. [Ann Biomed Eng] Abstract

Non-Canonical Role of Matrix Metalloprotease (MMP) in Activation and Migration of Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSCs)
Investigators designed a study to identify the non-canonical role of MMPs in HSCs activation and migration. They speculated that macrophage MMP-8, -10 & -13 might play a non-canonical role in HSCs activation. [Life Sci] Abstract

αv Integrins: Key Regulators of Tissue Fibrosis
Scientists discuss the current knowledge of the mechanisms of αv-integrin-mediated regulation of fibrogenesis and show that the therapeutic targeting of specific αv integrins represents a promising avenue to treat patients with a broad range of fibrotic diseases. [Cell Tissue Res] Full Article

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Ligand Acquires Portfolio of Synthetic Royalty and Milestone Rights from CorMatrix^® Cardiovascular for $17.5 Million
Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated announced the acquisition of economic rights to multiple programs owned by CorMatrix^®. Ligand will pay $17.5 million and in return will receive a portion of revenue from CorMatrix’s existing marketed products and will have the right to receive future synthetic royalties from potential future products. [Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated] Press Release

Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone and Technion-Israel Institute of Technology Officially Launch Global Cancer Research Initiative
Drug-carrying “nanoghosts” that battle melanoma and new treatments for malignant mesothelioma will be the focus of the first joint research projects led by NYU Langone Medical Center and the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology under a groundbreaking research initiative supported by noted philanthropists and NYU Langone Trustees Laura and Isaac Perlmutter. [Technion-Israel Institute of Technology] Press Release

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NEW PhD Position – Extracellular Matrix Genes during Aging (ETH Zurich)

NEW Postdoctoral Position – Extracellular Matrix Genes during Aging (ETH Zurich)

Postdoctoral Position – Motor Plasticity and Repair (Burke Medical Research Institute)

Postdoctoral Position – Cancer Biology/Immunology (The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Cervical Extracellular Matrix (University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center)

Engineering Project Lead (Cytonome)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Mechanoregulation of Fibrosis and Vascular Injury (St. Michael’s Hospital)

Postdoctoral Position – Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering (Northwestern University)

Postdoctoral Position – Non-Viral Gene Delivery & Scaffold Design (Nanyang Technological University)

Professor – Chemical and Biomedical Engineering (Nanyang Technological University)

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