Extracellular Matrix News Volume 7.29 | Jul 28 2016

TOP STORY

PRG-1 Regulates Synaptic Plasticity via Intracellular PP2A/β1-Integrin Signaling

Researchers showed that plasticity-related gene 1 (PRG-1) also affects spine density and synaptic plasticity in a cell-autonomous fashion via protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)/β1-integrin activation. PRG-1 deficiency reduces spine numbers and β1-integrin activation, alters long-term potentiation, and impairs spatial memory. [Dev Cell] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

The miR-181d-Regulated Metalloproteinase Adamts1 Enzymatically Impairs Adipogenesis via ECM Remodeling

Researchers demonstrated that forced expression of matrix-associated metalloproteinase Adamts1, which they showed is targeted by microRNA-181d (miR-181d) during BMP4-induced adipocytic lineage commitment, markedly impairs adipocyte commitment. [Cell Death Differ] Abstract

Biomimetic Porous PLGA Scaffolds Incorporating Decellularized Extracellular Matrix for Kidney Tissue Regeneration

Investigators developed the kidney-derived extracellular matrix incorporated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds as a cell supporting material for kidney tissue regeneration. [ACS Appl Mater Interfaces] Abstract

Improved Scaffold Biocompatibility through Anti-Fibronectin Aptamer Functionalization

The authors investigated whether immobilized anti-fibronectin aptamers could promote the attachment and growth of osteoblastic cells. [Acta Biomater] Abstract

Functional Maturation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Hepatocytes in Extracellular Matrix—A Comparative Analysis of Bioartificial Liver Microenvironments

Researchers examined the influence of novel three-dimensional bioartificial microenvironments on function and maturation of hepatocyte-like cells differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells and grown within an acellular, liver-derived extracellular matrix scaffold. [Stem Cells Transl Med] Abstract

M2 Tumor-Associated Macrophages Contribute to Tumor Progression via Legumain Remodeling the Extracellular Matrix in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

Co-localization of legumain and fibronectin was observed in the extracellular matrix of tumor tissues. Administration of the legumain inhibitor to the xenograft diffuse large B cell lymphoma model suppressed tumor growth, angiogenesis and collagen deposition compared with the control. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Accumulation of Extracellular Matrix in Advanced Lesions of Canine Distemper Demyelinating Encephalitis

To characterize changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) in canine distemper demyelinating leukoencephalitis, histochemical and immunohistochemical investigations of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cerebella using azan, picrosirius red and Gomori`s silver stain as well as antibodies directed against aggrecan, type I and IV collagen, fibronectin, laminin and phosphacan showed alterations of the ECM in CDV-infected dogs. [PLoS One] Full Article

Urotensin II Inhibits Autophagy in Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells and Induces ECM Production in Early Diabetic Mice

In diabetic urotensin II receptor (UT) knock-out mice, expression of LC3-II was increased and p62 was reduced in comparison to that of the normal diabetic mice. Fibronectin and collagen IV were down-regulated in diabetic UT knock-out mice when compared to that of the normal diabetic mice. [J Diabetes Investig] Abstract

Gene Expression Profile of Extracellular Matrix and Adhesion Molecules in the Human Normal Corneal Stroma

Scientists investigated the expression profile of the extracellular matrix and adhesion molecules in the normal corneal stroma using laser capture microdissection and molecular techniques. [Curr Eye Res] Abstract

An Acellular Biologic Scaffold Treatment for Volumetric Muscle Loss: Results of a 13-Patient Cohort Study

Acellular bioscaffolds composed of mammalian extracellular matrix were implanted and combined with aggressive and early physical therapy following treatment. Immunolabeling of ultrasound-guided biopsies, and magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography imaging were performed to analyze the presence of stem/progenitor cells and formation of new skeletal muscle. [npj Regen Med] Abstract | Press Release

Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds as a Platform for Kidney Regeneration

The authors outline and describe current investigations taking place in the field of cell-on-scaffold seeding technology as it pertains to the restoration of kidney function. [Eur J Pharmacol] Abstract

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

First Study Initiated to Evaluate the Effect of Ofev^® Treatment on Biomarkers that May Predict IPF Progression

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the initiation of a new clinical study, INMARK™, investigating the effect of Ofev^® on specific blood biomarkers that may identify greater scarring and loss of lung function in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). [Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.] Press Release

Derma Sciences to Acquire BioD, Solidify Its Leadership Position in Advanced Wound Care and Regenerative Products

Derma Sciences, Inc. announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire BioD, LLC for an immediate transaction value of $21.3 million and a potential total transaction value of an estimated $77.8 million. [Derma Sciences, Inc.] Press Release

Major Review Calls Time on Gaming in UK Research Assessment

The UK’s mammoth periodic audit of its research is set for a shake-up that could change the way universities hire academics – and might also encourage scientists to spend more time on public engagement. [Nature News] Editorial

Meet Europe’s New Science Advice Brigade

Too many cooks spoil the broth, goes the saying. Could too many advisers spoil the advice? On the contrary, say the seven scientists who front the European Commission’s new Scientific Advice Mechanism, and who collectively replaced the single-headed role of chief scientific adviser last year. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Trump vs Clinton: Worlds Apart on Science

Science is slowly coming into focus in the US presidential campaign. Although neither Republican Donald Trump nor Democrat Hillary Clinton has emphasized core research issues, the candidates — and their parties — are beginning to flesh out their positions on climate change, education, biomedical research and other topics that involve the scientific community. [Nature News] Editorial

Public Is Wary of Using Technologies to Enhance Human Performance, Survey Finds

A new poll finds that Americans have serious questions about the use of new technologies to enhance the lives of healthy people. Those with strong religious beliefs are especially troubled by the prospect of such enhancements, seeing them as meddling with nature. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Scientific Literature: Information Overload

Recent bibliometrics show that the number of published scientific papers has climbed by 8–9% each year over the past several decades. In the biomedical field alone, more than 1 million papers pour into the PubMed database each year — about two papers per minute. For researchers who are already overwhelmed by bench and field work, grant-writing, publishing and other time-eaters, trying to navigate the growing deluge of data has become a second job. [Nature Careers] Editorial

NEW American Society for Matrix Biology (ASMB) 2016
November 13-16, 2016
St. Petersburg, United States

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

NEW Postdoctoral Position – Extracellular Matrix and the Regulation of Cancer Progression (University of Copenhagen)

Postdoctoral Scientist – Liver Research (Foundation for Liver Research)

PhD Student – Regenerative Therapies (Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden)

Postdoctoral Positions – Regenerative Engineering (The University of Queensland)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Enamel Proteins and Biomineralization (University of California, San Francisco)

Faculty Positions – Cell Biology and Physiology (Washington University School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Positions – Vascular Biology and Metabolism (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center)

Postdoctoral Scientist – Inflammatory Mechanisms Involved in Aortic Aneurysm (NYU Langone Medical Center)

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

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

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

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