Extracellular Matrix News Volume 7.22 | Jun 9 2016

TOP STORY

Selective Expression of Osteopontin in ALS-Resistant Motor Neurons Is a Critical Determinant of Late Phase Neurodegeneration Mediated by Matrix Metalloproteinase-9

Researchers report that the extracellular matrix protein osteopontin is selectively expressed by fatigue-resistant and slow motor neurons (MNs) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-resistant motor pools, whereas matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is selectively expressed by fast-fatigable MNs. [Sci Rep] Full Article

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

The Alterations in the Extracellular Matrix Composition Guide the Repair of Damaged Liver Tissue

Investigators utilized a proteomics-based approach to identify the shifts in ECM composition after CCl₄ or DDC treatment and studied their effect on the proliferation of liver cells by combining biophysical and cell culture methods. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Construction of a Defined Biomimetic Matrix for Long-Term Culture and Maintenance of Mouse Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Researchers sought to mimic the physico-biochemical properties of natural extracellular matrices that allow self-renewal of mouse induced pluripotent stem cells. [Bioconjug Chem] Abstract

Biofabrication of 3D Alginate Based Hydrogel for Cancer Research: Comparison of Cell Spreading, Viability and Adhesion Characteristics of Colorectal HCT116 Tumor Cells

The authors aimed to establish a system that can mimic the structural architecture, composition and biological functions of the extracellular matrix for cancer research approaches. For this, they compared the cell behavior of human colon cancer HCT116 cells in two biofabricated hydrogels: pure alginate and cross-linked alginate-gelatine matrixes. [Tissue Eng Part C Methods] Abstract

Activation of Calpain by Renin-Angiotensin System in Pleural Mesothelial Cells Mediates Tuberculous Pleural Fibrosis

Investigators found that tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) induced calpain activation in pleural mesothelial cells (PMCs) and that inhibition of calpain prevented TPE-induced collagen-I synthesis and cell proliferation of PMCs. [Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol] Abstract

An Injectable Extracellular Matrix for the Reconstruction of Epidural Fat and the Prevention of Epidural Fibrosis

Scientists aimed to reconstruct epidural fat, which prevents scar-tissue adhesion, through the development of an injectable decellularized adipose matrix-containing hyaluronic acid hydrogel loaded with adipose stromal cells. [Biomed Mater] Abstract

Bone Formation Is Affected by Matrix Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) In Vivo

Scientists used a unique rat model with autograft implant to investigate the in vivo response of bone formation to matrix AGEs. [Calcif Tissue Int] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Multilayer Membrane as a Sustained Releasing Growth Factor Delivery System for rhTGF-β₃ in Articular Cartilage Repair

Scientists developed a novel drug delivery system that continuously releases Recombinant human transforming growth factor beta-3 (rhTGF-β₃) using a multilayered ECM membrane. [PLoS One] Full Article

The Cytoprotective Capacity of Processed Human Cardiac Extracellular Matrix

Researchers developed a protocol for standardized production of durable, bio-functional human cardiac extracellular matrix sheets microparticles and corresponding hydrogel, and tested its cytoprotective effects on contractile cells subjected to ischemia-like conditions. [J Mater Sci Mater Med] Abstract

αvβ3- or α5β1-Integrin-Selective Peptidomimetics for Surface Coating

The authors bring into focus the difficult challenge of achieving selectivity between the two closely related integrin subtypes αvβ3 and α5β1. [Angew Chem Int Ed Engl] Abstract

A Potential Role for Glia-Derived Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in Postinjury Epilepsy

The authors review the complex interactions of cellular and extracellular components that may promote epileptogenesis, with an emphasis on the role of astrocytes. [J Neurosci Res] Abstract

Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the extracellular matrix research field.

Kadmon Initiates Phase II Clinical Trial Evaluating KD025 in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Kadmon Corporation, LLC announced that the first patient has been dosed in a Phase II clinical trial of KD025, the company’s rho-associated coiled-coil kinase 2 inhibitor, for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic and ultimately fatal disease characterized by the scarring of lung tissue. [Kadmon Corporation, LLC] Press Release

NIH Awards Brown University $11.5 Million for Computational Biology Research

With a new five-year, $11.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, Brown University will expand its research in computational biology and launch a new Center of Biomedical Research Excellence, which will support five early career faculty members as they tackle the genomics underlying diseases such cancer, preeclampsia and severe lung infections. [Brown University] Press Release

NEW 2016 TERMIS Asia Pacific
September 3-6, 2016
Taipei, Taiwan

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the extracellular matrix community.

NEW Postdoctoral Position – Angiogenesis, Proteases and Extracellular Matrix (GENYO)

Scientific Communications and Publishing Coordinator (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Musculoskeletal Regenerative Medicine (Queen Mary University of London)

Postdoctoral Scientist – Intracellular Calcium Cycling (Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute)

Postdoctoral Position – Vascular Remodeling (Scripps Research Institute)

Postdoctoral Position – Biomechanics (Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Genome Editing for Striated Muscle Regeneration (Duke University)

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

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

Recruit Top Talent: Reach potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.

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