Extracellular Matrix News Volume 7.32 | Aug 18 2016

TOP STORY

N-Cadherin Adhesive Interactions Modulate Matrix Mechanosensing and Fate Commitment of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Scientists showed that a hyaluronic acid hydrogel system enables, across a physiological range of extracellular matrix stiffness, the independent co-presentation of the HAVDI adhesive motif from the EC1 domain of N-cadherin and the RGD adhesive motif from fibronectin. [Nat Mater] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

RCP Induces Slug Expression and Cancer Cell Invasion by Stabilizing β1 Integrin

Investigators demonstrated that rab coupling protein (RCP) stabilizes β1 integrin leading to increased β1 integrin levels and activation of a signaling cascade culminating in Slug induction, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and increased invasion. [Oncogene] Abstract

Surface Functionalized Silk Fibroin Films as a Platform to Guide Neuron-Like Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Silk fibroin films decorated with integrin-binding laminin peptide motifs were prepared and employed for in vitro adult stem cell-based neural tissue engineering applications. [ACS Appl Mater Interfaces] Abstract

Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells Stimulate Cartilage Regeneration and Are Safe for Single-Stage Cartilage Repair in Humans upon Mixture with Recycled Autologous Chondrons

Scientists hypothesized that mesenchymal stem cells have trophic effects that stimulate recycled chondrons (chondrocytes with their native pericellular matrix) to regenerate cartilage. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Systematic Analysis of Tumor Cell-Extracellular Matrix Adhesion Identifies Independent Prognostic Factors in Breast Cancer

Investigators performed a systematic phenotypic screen and characterized the adhesion properties of a panel of human HER2 amplified breast cancer cell lines across six extracellular matrix proteins commonly deregulated in breast cancer. [Oncotarget] Full Article | Press Release

Composition of Elastin Like Polypeptide-Collagen Composite Scaffold Influences In Vitro Osteogenic Activity of Human Adipose Derived Stem Cells

Scientists evaluated the efficacy of elastin-like polypeptide-collagen composites to culture human adipose-derived stem cells and allow them to undergo osteogenic differentiation. [Dent Mater] Abstract

Characterization of Laminin Binding Integrin Internalization in Prostate Cancer Cells

Using flow cytometry, and first order kinetic modeling, researchers quantitated the intrinsic internalization rates of integrin subunits in a single cycle of internalization. [J Cell Biochem] Abstract

Elastic, Silk-Cardiac Extracellular Matrix Hydrogels Exhibit Time-Dependent Stiffening that Modulates Cardiac Fibroblast Response

Investigators optimized a silk-based hydrogel platform containing cardiac tissue-derived extracellular matrix (cECM). These silk-cECM hydrogels have tunable mechanical properties, as well as rate-controllable hydrogel stiffening over time. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

The Effects of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Dairy Goat Mastitis and Cell Survival of Goat Mammary Epithelial Cells

The relationship between matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and somatic cell count in goat milk and the role of MMP-9 in the regulation of mastitis are still unknown. Researchers found MMP-9 was predominantly expressed in the spleen, intestine and mammary gland. [PLoS One] Full Article

Acellular Dermal Matrix Reduces Capsule Formation in Two-Stage Breast Reconstruction

The authors sought to determine whether placement of acellular dermal matrix during the first stage of reconstruction decreases the amount of capsule formation at implant exchange. [Int Wound J] Abstract

Bacillus anthracis S-Layer Protein BslA Binds to Extracellular Matrix by Interacting with Laminin

B. anthracis S-layer protein A (BslA) is required to mediate adherence between host cells and vegetative forms of bacteria and this interaction promotes target organs adherence and blood-brain barrier penetration in vivo. The authors attempted to identify the potential eukaryotic ligand(s) for B. anthracis BslA protein. [BMC Microbiol] Full Article

The Role of Integrins in TGFβ Activation in the Tumor Stroma

Since αv integrins activate transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), they almost certainly drive TGFβ-dependent cancer progression. The authors discuss the data that are helping to develop this hypothesis and describe the evidence that αv integrins regulate the TGFβ promotion of cancer. [Cell Tissue Res] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

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

Tivorsan Pharmaceuticals Granted FDA Orphan Drug Designation for Human Recombinant Biglycan in the Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Tivorsan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation to its lead investigational drug, human recombinant Biglycan, for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. [Tivorsan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.] Press Release

Marken Announces New Operations Center in Zurich

Marken announced the opening of their latest GDP-compliant operations center in Zurich, Switzerland, responding to increased demand from local pharmaceutical companies with growing clinical development programs. [Marken Switzerland AG] Press Release

EMA Adopts New Biologic, Biosimilar Pharmacovigilance Guidance

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) announced new recommendations for monitoring the safety of biologics and biosimilars. The guidance will take effect on August 16^th 2016. [Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society] Editorial | Guideline

A Tale of Two Governments: The Politician Behind Argentina’s Science Growth

Lino Barañao, the only minister to stay in power after last year’s elections, lays out his plans. [Nature News] Editorial

Spiking Genomic Databases with Misinformation Could Protect Patient Privacy

Large genomic databases are indispensable for scientists looking for genetic variations associated with diseases. But they come with privacy risks for people who contribute their DNA. A 2013 study showed that hackers could use publicly available information on the Internet to identify people from their anonymized genomic data. [Nature News] Editorial

UK Government Gives Brexit Science Funding Guarantee

British scientists say they’re relieved by a government promise to guarantee them funding for existing EU research projects, even after the country leaves the European Union. But the reassurance only partly allays concerns about Brexit’s effect on UK science. [Nature News] Editorial

Candidate Cancer Drug Suspected after Death of Three Patients at an Alternative Medicine Clinic

A new type of cancer drug developed at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, but not yet tested in clinical trials may have triggered the deaths of three patients who were undergoing an alternative cancer treatment by a nonmedical practitioner in Germany. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

US Personalized-Medicine Industry Takes Hit from Supreme Court

Rejections for US patents related to personalized medicine have spiked after recent Supreme Court decisions tightened the rules for such claims, an analysis of more than 39,000 patent applications reveals. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW Bone & Cartilage: From Development to Human Diseases
October 24-28, 2016
Suzhou, China

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

NEW PhD Studentship – Fibrosis (NUI Galway)

NEW Postdoctoral Fellow/Scientist – Osteoblast Biology (Michigan State University)

Industrial Research Manager – Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering (KU Leuven)

PhD Position – Signal Transduction of Cell Migration (Bar-Ilan University)

Postdoctoral Scientist – Diabetes Complications (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Epigenetic Mechanisms of Decellularized Extracellular Matrix on the Rejuvenation of Adult Stem Cells (West Virginia University)

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 Position – Angiogenesis, Proteases and Extracellular Matrix (GENYO)

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

Have we missed an important article or publication in Extracellular Matrix News? Click here to submit!

Comments or suggestions? Submit your feedback here.