Extracellular Matrix News Volume 7.45 | Nov 17 2016

TOP STORY

Designer Matrices for Intestinal Stem Cell and Organoid Culture

The authors used modular synthetic hydrogel networks to define the key extracellular matrix (ECM) parameters that govern intestinal stem cell expansion and organoid formation, and showed that separate stages of the process require different mechanical environments and ECM components. [Nature] 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

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

Effect of Bovine Pericardial Extracellular Matrix Scaffold Niche on Seeded Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Function

By exploiting the sidedness of bovine pericardium scaffolds, the authors aimed to determine the effect of extracellular matrix niche preservation on cellular repopulation using different scaffold generation methods. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Effects of Mechanical Stress on Chondrocyte Phenotype and Chondrocyte Extracellular Matrix Expression

To explore the effects of mechanical stress on cartilage morphology, scientists observed cartilages in different regions by histological and microscopic examination. Nanoindentation was performed to assess cartilage biomechanics. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Reduced Expression of Cytoskeletal and Extracellular Matrix Genes in Human Adult Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells Exposed to Simulated Microgravity

The authors investigated the influence of simulated µg, using a Random Positioning Machine, on ARPE-19 cells. They performed phase-contrast/fluorescent microscopy, qRT-PCR, Western blotting and pathway analysis. [Cell Physiol Biochem] Full Article

Viscoplasticity Enables Mechanical Remodeling of Matrix by Cells

Investigators rigorously characterized the plasticity in materials commonly used for cell culture. This characterization of plasticity revealed time-dependent plasticity, or viscoplasticity, in collagen gels, reconstituted basement membrane matrix, agarose gels, alginate gels, and fibrin gels, but not in polyacrylamide gels. [Biophys J] Abstract

The Sec Domain Protein Scfd1 Facilitates Trafficking of ECM Components during Chondrogenesis

In a zebrafish mutagenesis screen to identify genes essential for cartilage development, researchers uncovered a mutant that disrupts the gene encoding Sec1 family domain containing 1 (scfd1). Homozygous scfd1 mutant embryos exhibit a profound craniofacial abnormality caused by a failure of chondrogenesis. [Dev Biol] Abstract

Arnica montana Stimulates Extracellular Matrix Gene Expression in a Macrophage Cell Line Differentiated to Wound-Healing Phenotype

Scientists tested Arnica montana effects on gene expression using an in vitro model of macrophages polarized towards a “wound-healing” phenotype. [PLoS One] Full Article

Systematic Comparison of Protocols for the Preparation of Human Articular Cartilage for Use as Scaffold Material in Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Investigators tested 24 different protocols aiming to remove cells and glycosaminoglycans (GAG) while preserving the collagen backbone and ultrastructure. The resulting matrices were analyzed for cell removal, GAG content, collagen integrity. [Tissue Eng Part C Methods] Abstract

Syndecans: Key Regulators of Cell Signaling and Biological Functions

Syndecans are a small family of four transmembrane proteoglycans in mammals. They have similar structural organization, consisting of an N-terminal ectodomain, single transmembrane domain and C-terminal cytoplasmic domain. Over the years the association between syndecans and the actin cytoskeleton has been established, which has consequences for the regulation of cell adhesion and migration. [FEBS J] Abstract

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

CytRx Presents Positive Interim Results from On-Going Phase Ib/II Aldoxorubicin Combination Clinical Trial

CytRx Corporation presented a poster with updated interim results from its on-going Phase Ib/II trial of aldoxorubicin in combination with ifosfamide/mesna in patients with advanced sarcomas. [Press release from CytRx Corporation discussing research presented at the 2016 Annual Meeting of the Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS), Lisbon] Press Release

Regeneron and Sanofi Present Results from Phase III MONARCH Study of Investigational Sarilumab

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Sanofi will present results of SARIL-RA-MONARCH, a Phase III study, which demonstrated the superiority of investigational sarilumab monotherapy versus adalimumab monotherapy in improving the clinical signs and symptoms in adults with active rheumatoid arthritis. The results are being presented at an oral session. [Press release from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. discussing research presented at the 2016 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Annual Meeting, Washington, DC] Press Release

Samumed’s Wnt Pathway Modulator Sm04690 Shows Potential as a Disease Modifying Treatment for Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Phase I study of Samumed’s investigational drug SM04690 demonstrated potential for cartilage regeneration, as well as improvements in pain and function associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. Samumed presented two separate posters about its Phase I results. [Press release from Samumed discussing research presented at the 2016 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Annual Meeting, Washington, DC] Press Release

Elanix Biotechnologies AG Strategic Partner, Transwell Biotechnology Ltd., Receives Us FDA Clearance for Phase I/II Clinical Trial Using Fibroblast Progenitors TWB-103

Elanix Biotechnologies AG announced that their licensed partner Transwell Biotechnology Ltd. has received investigational new drug clearance from the US FDA to conduct combined Phase I/II clinical trial. The trial is titled “A Phase I/II Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of TWB-103 in Adult Patients with Split-Thickness Skin Graft Donor Site Wounds”, reference NCT02737748. [Elanix Biotechnologies AG] Press Release

Endo Announces Positive Data from Phase IIb Study of Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum (CCH) in Patients with Cellulite

Endo International plc announced positive results from its Phase IIb study of collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) for the treatment of edematous fibrosclerotic panniculopathy, commonly known as cellulite. CCH is known in its currently approved indications in the US as XIAFLEX^® for adult Dupuytren’s contracture and Peyronie’s disease. [Endo International plc] Press Release

EMA Revises Guideline on First-in-Human Trials

The European Medicines Agency (EMA), in cooperation with the European Commission and the EU member states, proposed revisions to its 2007 guideline on first-in-human clinical trials as part of an effort to further improve the safety of participants as trial protocols become increasingly complex. [Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society] Editorial | Guideline

How Self-Appointed Guardians of “Sound Science” Tip the Scales Toward Industry

At a time when public mistrust of science runs high, and non-experts are hard-pressed to separate fact from industry-sponsored spin, Sense About Science, a charity based in London with an affiliate in New York, presents itself as a trustworthy arbiter. The organization purports to help the misinformed public sift through alarmist claims about public health and the environment by directing journalists, policymakers, and others to vetted sources who can explain the evidence behind debates about controversial products like e-cigarettes and flame retardants. [The Intercept_] Editorial

CRISPR Gene-Editing Tested in a Person for the First Time

A Chinese group has become the first to inject a person with cells that contain genes edited using the revolutionary CRISPR–Cas9 technique. [Nature News] Editorial

Disgraced Stem-Cell Entrepreneur Under Fresh Investigation

Public prosecutors in Turin, Italy, are investigating whether disgraced stem-cell entrepreneur Davide Vannoni — convicted on criminal charges last year for administering unproven stem-cell therapies in Italy — is offering his treatments again, this time in eastern Europe. [Nature News] Editorial

The Ultimate Experiment: How Trump Will Handle Science

The long campaign for the White House is over — but incoming US president Donald Trump’s work is just starting. With just two months before his inauguration on 20 January, he and his staff are busy vetting candidates for top government jobs and clarifying the agenda for his first few months in office. [Nature News] Editorial

Embryonic Stem Cells and Fetal Tissue Research—Will Trump Intervene?

Of all the materials valued in biomedical research, embryonic stem (ES) cells and fetal tissue have gotten disproportionate attention from politicians. Because creating ES cell lines initially requires destroying a human embryo, President George W. Bush tightly restricted the use of federal funds for research on all but a few stem cell lines. President Barack Obama then made lifting those restrictions one of his first official actions after he took office in 2009. [Science Insider] Editorial

NEW ICSCRM 2017 : ^19th International Conference on Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine
February 16-17, 2017
London, United Kingdom

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

NEW Research Fellow – Role of miRNA Secreted in Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Derived Extracellular Vesicles (Queen’s University Belfast)

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Biomechanical Properties of the Cartilage Extracellular Matrix (University of Liverpool)

PhD Fellowship – Controlling Cartilage to Bone Transitions (IRCCS Ospedale San Martino)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Cancer Research (Luxembourg Institute of Health)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Scaffold Design & Drug/Gene Delivery (Nanyang Technological University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Non-Viral Gene Delivery for Neural Tissue Engineering Research (Nanyang Technological University)

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

Postdoctoral Positions – Cellular Information Processing (University of Chicago)

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

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

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