Extracellular Matrix News Volume 7.18 | May 12 2016

PDL Progenitor–Mediated PDL Recovery Contributes to Orthodontic Relapse
Force-triggered orthodontic tooth movement and the following relapse were used as models to demonstrate the response of periodontal ligament (PDL) progenitors and their role in PDL remodeling upon and after mechanical force. Upon orthodontic force, PDL collagen on the compression side significantly degraded, showing a broken and disorganized pattern. [J Dent Res] Abstract

E2 Regulates MMP-13 via Targeting miR-140 in IL-1β-Induced Extracellular Matrix Degradation in Human Chondrocytes
Investigators aimed to determine the role of miR-140 in the estrogen-dependent regulation of matrix metallopeptidase 13 (MMP-13) in human chondrocytes. [Arthritis Res Ther] Full Article

Optimization of Liver Decellularization Maintains Extracellular Matrix Micro-Architecture and Composition Predisposing to Effective Cell Seeding
The authors aimed to develop a decellularization technique that reliably maintains hepatic microarchitecture and extracellular matrix components. [PLoS One] Full Article

Simulation of Extracellular Matrix Remodeling by Fibroblast Cells in Soft Three-Dimensional Bioresorbable Scaffolds
Scientists hypothesized that individual cells are capable of remodeling extracellular matrix within a short proximity of themselves in order to match the stiffness of the broader surrounding matrix. This theory was implemented in a three-dimensional finite element model to simulate soft tissue remodeling of human fibroblast cells in two collagen–chitosan scaffolds with different mechanical properties. [Biomech Model Mechanobiol] Abstract

Soft-Matrices Based on Silk Fibroin and Alginate for Tissue Engineering
Investigators described the development of hydrogels based on the blend between alginate and silk fibroin. They report two main strategies to combine cells with biomaterials: cells are either seeded onto prefabricated hydrogels films, or encapsulated during hydrogel microcapsules formation. [Int J Biol Macromol] Abstract

Transfer of Fibroblast Sheets Cultured on Thermoresponsive Dishes with Membranes
Researchers evaluated plates covered with thermoresponsive polymers as supports for the formation of fibroblast sheets and developed a damage-free procedure for cell sheet transfer with the use of membranes as transfer tools. [J Mater Sci Mater Med] Full Article

Carboxy-Terminal Modulator Protein Attenuated Extracellular Matrix Deposit by Inhibiting Phospho-Akt, TGF-β1 and α-SMA in Kidneys of Diabetic Mice
Renal decreased carboxy-terminal modulator protein, enhanced phospho-Akt (Ser 473), TGF-β1, α-SMA and extracellular matrix deposit were found in diabetic mice. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract

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Asana Medical, Inc. Announces Closing of $1.2 Million Convertible Promissory Note Offering
Asana Medical, Inc. announced that it has closed a $1.2 million offering of convertible promissory notes. Asana’s lead product, ExtraCellular Matrix Hydrogel, is a hydrogel composed of extracellular matrix derived from porcine tissue. [Asana Medical, Inc. (Marketwired L.P.)] Press Release

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MSc Position – Extracellular Matrix Genes during Aging (ETH Zurich)

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

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)

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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