Extracellular Matrix News Volume 7.38 | Sep 29 2016

TOP STORY

Mesenchymal Transition of High-Grade Breast Carcinomas Depends on Extracellular Matrix Control of Myeloid Suppressor Cell Activity

In high-grade, but not low-grade, tumors, an extracellular matrix signature characterized by high SPARC expression (ECM3) identifies tumors with increased epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), reduced treatment response, and poor prognosis. To better understand how this ECM3 signature is contributing to tumorigenesis, scientists expressed SPARC in isogenic cell lines and found that SPARC overexpression in tumor cells reduces their growth rate and induces EMT. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Remodeling of the Extracellular Matrix by Endothelial Cell-Targeting siRNA Improves the EPR-Based Delivery of 100 nm Particles

The authors evaluated the intratumoral distribution of lipid nanoparticles when the VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) on tumor endothelial cells was inhibited by liposomal siRNA. VEGFR2 inhibition resulted in an increase in intratumoral distribution and therapeutic efficacy despite the maturation of the tumor vasculature. [Mol Ther] Abstract

Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Seeded on Cartilaginous Endplates Promote Intervertebral Disc Regeneration through Extracellular Matrix Remodeling

Human mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (hMSCs) were seeded on top of cartilaginous endplates (CEP) of nucleotomized IVDs of bovine origin and cultured ex vivo up to three weeks. hMSCs migrated from CEP towards the lesion area and significantly increased expression of collagen type II and aggrecan in intervertebral disc, namely in the nucleus pulposus. [Sci Rep] Full Article

HB-GAM (Pleiotrophin) Reverses Inhibition of Neural Regeneration by the CNS Extracellular Matrix

Researchers report that HB-GAM, a chondroitin sulfate (CS)-binding protein expressed at high levels in the developing central nervous system (CNS), reverses the role of the CS chains in neurite growth of CNS neurons in vitro from inhibition to activation. [Sci Rep] Full Article

The Transcriptional Signature of Human Ovarian Carcinoma Macrophages Is Associated with Extracellular Matrix Reorganization

Researchers revealed a striking similarity between tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and peritoneal macrophages, which was considerably greater that the resemblance of TAMs and monocyte-derived macrophages, including their transcriptomes, their inflammation-related activation state, the presence of receptors mediating immune functions and the expression of tumor-promoting mediators. [Oncotarget] Full Article

Effects of Hydrogel Stiffness and Extracellular Compositions on Modulating Cartilage Regeneration by Mixed Populations of Stem Cells and Chondrocytes In Vivo

It remains unknown how the biochemical and mechanical cues of hydrogels modulate cartilage formation by mixed cell populations in vivo. Investigators sought to answer this question by co-encapsulating adipose derived stem cells and neonatal chondrocytes in 3D hydrogels with tunable stiffness and biochemical cues, and evaluating cartilage formation in vivo using a mouse subcutaneous model. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix-Derived Hydrogels for Dental Stem Cell Delivery

The authors investigated the suitability of hydrogels derived from different source tissues: bone, spinal cord and dentine, as suitable carriers to deliver human apical papilla derived mesenchymal stem cells for spinal cord regeneration. Bone, spinal cord and dentine extracellular matrix hydrogels exhibited distinct structural, mechanical and biological characteristics. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

N₂ Non-Thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Promotes Wound Healing In Vitro and In Vivo: Potential Modulation of Adhesion Molecules and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9

Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTP) generated from N₂ optimized wound healing in the scratch wound healing assay. In addition, matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression and enzyme activity increased and the urokinase-type plasminogen activator system was activated after NTP treatment. [Exp Dermatol] Abstract

Spheroidal Organoids Reproduce Characteristics of Longitudinal Depth Zones in Bovine Articular Cartilage

Investigators defined a chondrocyte spheroid model consistently formed with isolated chondrocytes from longitudinal depth zones without extrinsic materials. This spheroid showed zone-dependent characteristics of size, cartilage-specific ECM and gene expressions of anabolic and catabolic molecules. [Cells Tissues Organs] Full Article

Stiffened Extracellular Matrix and Signaling from Stromal Fibroblasts via Osteoprotegerin Regulate Tumor Cell Invasion in a 3-D Tumor In Situ Model

Researchers generated a novel tumor in situ model system in which a tumor spheroid is encased within a collagen-IV containing membrane and further encased within a collagen-I matrix of in vivo stiffness with or without fibroblasts. Effects of the matrix, fibroblasts or fibroblast signals were determined by observing the invasion of tumor cells into the matrix. [Cancer Microenviron] Abstract

United We Stand: Adhesion and Molecular Mechanisms Driving Cell Fusion across Species

The authors summarize some molecular mechanisms controlling the process of somatic cell–cell fusion during embryonic development. They focus on adhesive molecules, ECM components and miRNAs, providing a summary of important findings on their role in mediating this process in few model systems, in vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. [Eur J Cell Biol] Abstract

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

MatriTek Launches Commercial Operations at the Alexandria Center for Life Science in New York City

MatriTek, Inc. announced the launch of commercial production of novel extracellular matrix biomaterials for biomedical research. [MatriTek, Inc.] Press Release

Capricor Therapeutics Awarded $2.4 Million from U.S. Department of Defense to Support Manufacturing Process Development for Therapeutic Exosomes

Capricor Therapeutics, Inc. announced that the U.S. Department of Defense has awarded the company a grant in the amount of approximately $2.4 million to be used toward establishing a scalable, commercially-ready process to manufacture CAP-2003. [Capricor Therapeutics, Inc.] Press Release

Science Spending Boosted in French Budget

France’s government has proposed an unusually generous boost to research and higher education in its 2017 draft budget. This is the largest increase for 15 years,” Thierry Mandon, France’s research and higher-education minister, told reporters at a press conference. [Nature News] Editorial

Open-Access Journal eLife to Start Charging Fees

The open-access journal eLife is dropping one of its most distinctive features: free publishing. From 2017, it will charge a fee of $2,500 for all accepted papers. [Nature News] Editorial

Can Cuban Science Go Global?

Tensions between Cuba and the United States are easing. But researchers still struggle to join the scientific world. [Nature News] Editorial

Validate Your Antibodies to Improve Reproducibility? Easier Said than Done

More than 100 researchers, antibody manufacturers, journal editors, and funders met in Pacific Grove, California, to hash out standardized approaches to antibody testing. [Science Insider] Editorial

Documents Reveal Intense Battle over CDC Zika Tests

A protracted battle between a Zika expert at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and his superiors over tests for the virus came to light yesterday. He alleges that the agency’s Emergency Operations Center discounted his research in April and created “a public health threat” by relying on a less dependable human test for the Zika virus. [Science Insider] Editorial

NEW Advances in Cell Engineering, Imaging and Screening
November 17-18, 2016
Leuven, Belgium

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

NEW The Biology of Regenerative Medicine
April 25-27, 2017
Hinxton, United Kingdom

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

NEW Postdoctoral Positions – Cellular Information Processing (University of Chicago)

NEW Postdoc Position – Molecular Basis of Protein Trafficking (Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry)

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)

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

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

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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