Extracellular Matrix News Volume 7.40 | Oct 13 2016

TOP STORY

AuNP-Collagen Matrix with Localized Stiffness for Cardiac-Tissue Engineering: Enhancing the Assembly of Intercalated Discs by β1-Integrin-Mediated Signaling

A schematic for the mechanism of accelerating the assembly of intercalated discs in cardiac myocytes regulated by gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is presented. AuNPs with local nanoscale stiffness in the substrate activate β1-integrin signaling, which mediates the activation of integrin-linked kinase and its downstream signal kinase by stimulating expression of the transcription factors GATA4 and MEF-2c. [Adv Mater] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Demineralized Bone Matrix Scaffolds Modified by CBD-SDF-1α Promote Bone Regeneration via Recruiting Endogenous Stem Cells

Investigators constructed a functionalized bone substitute by combining application of the demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and collagen-binding stromal-cell-derived factor-1α (CBD-SDF-1α). DBM was a poriferous and biodegradable bone substitute, derived from bovine bone and consisting mainly of collagen. [ACS Appl Mater Interfaces] Abstract

Engineered Basement Membranes for Regenerating the Corneal Endothelium

An engineered basement membrane (EBM) was developed that consists of a dense layer of collagen IV and/or laminin ≈5–10 nm thick, created using surface-initiated assembly, conformally attached to a collagen I film. These EBMs were used to engineer a corneal endothelium that mimics the structure of Descemet’s membrane with a thin stromal layer, toward use as a graft for lamellar keratoplasty. [Adv Healthc Mater] Abstract

Bioprinting of 3D Convoluted Renal Proximal Tubules on Perfusable Chips

The authors report a bioprinting method for creating three-dimensional (3D) human renal proximal tubules in vitro that are fully embedded within an extracellular matrix and housed in perfusable tissue chips, allowing them to be maintained for greater than two months. [Sci Rep] Full Article | Press Release

Soft Tissue Volume Augmentation at Dental Implant Sites Using a Volume Stable Three-Dimensional Collagen Matrix – Histologic Outcomes of a Preclinical Study

Researchers tested whether or not soft tissue augmentation with a collagen matrix leads to a similar increase in ridge width around dental implants compared to the use of an autogenous subepithelial connective tissue graft. [J Clin Periodontol] Abstract

Three Dimensional Collagen Scaffolds Promote iPSC Induction with Higher Pluripotency

Researchers used collagen, the major composition of the extracellular matrix, that serves as scaffolds to offer porous three dimensional (3D) surrounding to mimic in vivo environments and to explore the role of 3D conditions in reprogramming. They investigated the effect of 3D collagen scaffolds on the reprogramming of mouse embryonic fibroblasts and pig embryonic fibroblasts. [Protein Cell] Full Article

Evaluation of 3D Printed PCL/PLGA/β-TCP versus Collagen Membranes for Guided Bone Regeneration in a Beagle Implant Model

Investigators compared 3D-printed polycaprolactone/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/β-tricalcium phosphate (PCL/PLGA/β-TCP) membranes with the widely used collagen membranes for guided bone regeneration in beagle implant models. [Biomed Mater] Full Article

Hyaluronan Hybrid Cooperative Complexes as a Novel Frontier for Cellular Bioprocesses Re-Activation

Using in vitro assays, based on keratinocytes, fibroblasts cells and on the Phenion^® Full Thickness Skin Model 3D, hybrid cooperative complexes were compared to H-hyaluronic acid (HA), widely used in biorevitalization procedures, and to L-HA, recently proposed as the most active fraction modulating the inflammatory response. [PLoS One] Full Article

Osteogenic Potential of Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-9/Absorbable Collagen Sponge (RhBMP-9/ACS) in Rat Critical Size Calvarial Defects

The authors recently reported that absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) as a carrier for recombinant human (rh) bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-9, compared with chitosan sponge, was suitable for inducing bone healing/regeneration by BMP-9 in a rat calvarial defect model. They evaluated different doses of rhBMP-9/ACS on new bone formation in rat critical size calvarial defects. [Clin Oral Investig] Abstract

A Proteomics View on Integrin-Mediated Adhesions

The authors focus on the current status of proteomics-driven research seeking to understand integrin functions by comprehensive analysis of integrin adhesion complexes (IACs) components. These systems level approaches have revealed the complexity of biochemical and biomechanical signals that are processed at IACs and provide a novel insight into how these signals are conveyed to regulate cellular behavior. [Proteomics] Abstract

Molecular Mechanisms of Mechanotransduction in Integrin-Mediated Cell-Matrix Adhesion

The authors focus on integrin-mediated adhesions and discuss force regulation of cell-matrix adhesions and key adaptor molecules, three different force-dependent behaviors, and molecular mechanisms for mechanochemical coupling in force regulation. [Exp Cell Res] Abstract

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

Osiris to Present Clinical and Scientific Studies at Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC)

Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. will present advanced clinical and scientific research. Matthew Regulski, DPM, will be speaking on The Use of Viable Placental Membranes in Complex Wounds and Dr. Dane Wukich, MD, and Dr. Jodi Walters, DPM, will be presenting a CME lecture on Clinical and Scientific Advances in the Use of Cryopreserved Placental Membranes in Complex Wounds. [Press release from Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. discussing research presented at the 2016 Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) Fall Conference, Las Vegas] Press Release

Asana Medical Inc.’s Preclinical Study Indicates Promising Solution to Treat Ulcerative Colitis

Asana Medical, Inc. announced significant positive results from preclinical research conducted in collaboration with the research team of Dr. Stephen Badylak D.V.M., Ph.D., M.D. at the University of Pittsburgh’s McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine. [Asana Medical, Inc.] Press Release

Net Health and Osiris Therapeutics Announce the Broad Availability of Grafix^® to Wound Care Patients Due to WoundExpert^® EMR Integration

Net Health announced that their partnership with Osiris Therapeutics, Inc., has made Grafix^®, a viable cryopreserved placental membrane, more widely available for use in acute and chronic wound treatment in outpatient wound care centers throughout the United States. Grafix is currently marketed for use as a wound allograft cover/barrier. [Osiris Therapeutics, Inc.] Press Release

Harbor MedTech Forms Advisory Board of Leading Wound Care Specialists

Harbor MedTech, Inc. announced that it has established a medical advisory board comprised of some of the country’s foremost chronic wound care experts. According to Jerry Mezger, president and CEO of Harbor MedTech, the company formed the advisory board to gain their insights on issues impacting the treatment of chronic wounds and input on the development of advanced wound-healing technologies. [Harbor MedTech, Inc. (Business Wire, Inc.)] Press Release

Grant Awards: Diversity Boost

A recruitment and retention program launched by the Howard Hughes Medical Institution in Chevy Chase, Maryland, aims to reduce barriers for women and under-represented minorities who seek academic-research careers in the life sciences. [Nature Careers] Editorial

Investors Flee as Firm Scraps RNA-Interference Drug Candidate

A prominent developer of drugs that use RNA interference has abandoned one of its leading candidates amid safety concerns — sending a fresh wave of worry through a field that has long struggled to bring treatments to market. [Nature News] Editorial

The Many Shades of European Postdoc Funding

Finding the right grant or fellowship to fund a postdoc can be a challenge, and the situation is all the more complex in Europe, where academic systems, career prospects, and living costs vary widely among countries. [Science Careers] Editorial

NEW FEBS Advanced Lecture Course – Matrix Pathobiology, Signaling and Molecular Targets
May 25-30, 2017
Spetses, Greece

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

NEW Postdoctoral Associate – Molecular Functions of Planar Cell Polarity (Stony Brook University)

Group/Team Leader – Developmental Biology (European Molecular Biology Laboratory)

Postdoctoral Positions – Cellular Information Processing (University of Chicago)

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)

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