Extracellular Matrix News Volume 7.36 | Sep 15 2016

TOP STORY

Dystroglycan Suppresses Notch to Regulate Stem Cell Niche Structure and Function in the Developing Postnatal Subventricular Zone

The authors report that the extracellular matrix (ECM) receptor dystroglycan regulates a unique developmental restructuring of ECM in the early postnatal subventricular zone. [Dev Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract | Press Release

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Implantable Amyloid Hydrogels for Promoting Stem Cell Differentiation to Neurons

Investigators report a new class of amyloid-inspired peptide hydrogels that was designed and based on α-synuclein protein for which hydrogel formation is triggered by various stimuli, such as heating/cooling or changes in pH. The peptides resemble a cross-β-sheet-rich amyloid, and they assemble into a nanofibrous meshwork that mimics the natural extracellular matrix. [NPG Asia Mater] Full Article

Defining a Turnover Index for the Correlation of Biomaterial Degradation and Cell Based Extracellular Matrix Synthesis Using Fluorescent Tagging Techniques

The authors investigated fluorescently tagged biomaterials, with varying rates of degradation and their ability to support cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. [Acta Biomater] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix Regenerative Graft Attenuates the Negative Impact of Polypropylene Prolapse Mesh on Vagina in Rhesus Macaque

Investigators aimed to define whether augmentation of a polypropylene prolapse mesh with an extracellular matrix regenerative graft in a primate sacrocolpopexy model could mitigate the degenerative changes and determine the impact of the extracellular matrix graft on vagina when implanted alone. [Am J Obstet Gynecol] Abstract

Stabilized Collagen and Elastin-Based Scaffolds for Mitral Valve Tissue Engineering

Researchers developed a tissue engineered mitral valve scaffold possessing appropriate composition and structure to ensure ideal characteristics of mitral valves, such as large orifice, rapid opening and closure, maintenance of mitral annulus – papillary muscle continuity, in vivo biocompatibility and extended durability. An extracellular matrix-based scaffold was generated, based on the native porcine mitral valve as starting material and a technique for porcine cell removal without causing damage to the matrix components. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

sFRP2 Activates Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Cardiac Fibroblasts: Differential Roles in Cell Growth, Energy Metabolism and Extracellular Matrix Remodeling

The authors elucidated the mechanisms through which sFRP2 may regulate the growth and extracellular matrix remodeling of adult mouse cardiac fibroblasts. [Am J Physiol Cell Physiol] Abstract

Solubilized Extracellular Matrix Bioscaffolds Derived from Diverse Source Tissues Differentially Influence Macrophage Phenotype

Researchers determined the effects of extracellular matrix bioscaffolds derived from eight different source tissues upon macrophage surface marker expression, protein content, phagocytic capability, metabolism, and antimicrobial activity. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

SPARC Regulates Transforming Growth Factor Beta Induced (TGFBI) Extracellular Matrix Deposition and Paclitaxel Response in Ovarian Cancer Cells

Researchers determined that TGFBI localizes within organized fibrillar structures in mesothelial-derived ECM. They determined that suppression of SPARC expression by shRNA decreased the deposition of TGFBI in mesothelial-derived ECM, without affecting its overall protein expression or secretion. [PLoS One] Full Article

Salubrinal Suppresses IL-17-Induced Upregulation of MMP-13 and Extracellular Matrix Degradation through the NF-kB Pathway in Human Nucleus Pulposus Cells

Investigators examined the effect of IL-17 on the regulation of MMP-13 and the extracellular matrix in the intervertebral disc. [Inflammation] Abstract

Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase/Protein Kinase B/Periostin Mediated Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-Induced Cell Proliferation and Extracellular Matrix Production in Lupus Nephritis

The effect and mechanism of periostin on renal proliferation and extracellular matrix accumulation of lupus mice were investigated. MRL/lpr mice, known as lupus mice, were revealed to show enhanced periostin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and extracellular matrix accumulation in the kidney accompanied by increased serum platelet-derived growth factor. [Exp Biol Med] Abstract

Identification of Extracellular Matrix Components and Biological Factors in Micronized Dehydrated Human Amnion/Chorion Membrane

The concentrations, activity, and distribution of matrix components, growth factors, proteases, and inhibitors were evaluated in PURION^® Processed, micronized, dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane. [Adv Wound Care] Abstract | Press Release

The Extracellular Matrix – The Under-Recognized Element in Lung Disease?

The authors summarize the current knowledge of the alterations in the extracellular matrix in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and the contribution of these alterations to the pathologies. [J Pathol] Abstract

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

Orthofix Announces First Patient Enrollment in Osteoarthritis of the Knee Study

Orthofix International N.V. announced enrollment of the first patient in a study evaluating the use of pulsed electromagnetic field technology for osteoarthritis of the knee. [Orthofix International N.V.] Press Release

Thomas N. Wight, Ph.D., Joins Symic Bio Scientific Advisory Board

Symic Bio announced that Thomas N. Wight, Ph.D., Director of the Matrix Biology Program at the Benaroya Research Institute and Affiliate Professor of Pathology at the University of Washington, has been appointed as a member of the company’s Scientific Advisory Board. [Symic Biomedical, Inc.] Press Release

Europe Proposes Copyright Reform to Help Scientists Mine Research Papers

The European Commission has announced long-awaited plans to make it easier for researchers to harvest facts and data from research papers — by freeing the computer-aided activity from the shackles of copyright law. [Nature News] Editorial

Illusory Fears Must Not Stifle Chimera Research

After more than a decade of controversy, the United States is nudging towards approving research on human–animal embryos. The National Institutes of Health closed a month-long public consultation on ‘chimera research’, and is widely expected to lift a moratorium that forbids federal funding for such work. [Nature News] Editorial

Report Urges Trump, Clinton to Make Room for Science in the White House

A new report on how the next U.S. president should manage the nation’s science portfolio comes with an invisible sticker on its cover: Open and read immediately if Donald Trump is elected. [Science Insider] Editorial

NEW British Society for Matrix Biology (BSMB) Spring Meeting: Matrix Proteoglycans
April 3-4, 2017
Oxford, United Kingdom

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

NEW Early Stage Researcher PhD Positions – Controlling Cartilage to Bone Transitions for Improved Treatment of Bone Defects and Osteoarthritis (Various Employers)

PhD Student – Physical Properties of the Extracellular Matrix (Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Biomedicine)

Chair in Medical Biology – Head of the Department of Biology (Masaryk University)

PhD Position – Tumor Microenvironment in Leukemia (Georg-Speyer-Haus)

Postdoctoral Associate – Molecular and Cell Biology (Stony Brook University)

PhD Student – Molecular and Cell Biology (University of Warsaw)

PhD Studentship – Fibrosis (NUI Galway)

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 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)

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

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