Extracellular Matrix News 8.08 March 2, 2017 | |
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TOP STORYThe Microstructure and Micromechanics of the Tendon–Bone Insertion Researchers identified that the Achilles tendon–bone insertion is characterized by an interface region of ~500 μm with a distinct fiber organization and biomolecular composition. Within this region, they identified a heterogeneous mechanical response by micromechanical testing coupled with multiscale confocal microscopy. This lead to localized strains that can be larger than the remotely applied strain. [Nat Mater] Abstract | |
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PUBLICATIONS(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)The authors identified the lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) sheddase(s) in human cartilage, and tested whether inhibition of LRP1 shedding prevents the cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis. [Arthritis Rheumatol] Abstract | Full Article Researchers investigated vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-monocyte co-culture systems using different VSMC:monocyte ratios, within a degradable polyurethane scaffold, to assess their influence on extracellular matrix generation and degradation processes, and to elucidate relevant signaling molecules involved in this in vitro vascular tissue engineering system. [Acta Biomater] Abstract | Graphical Abstract A three-dimensional (3D) cluster of tumor cells was first generated within each well by seeding cells onto a micro-patterned surface consisting of a central fibronectin-coated area that promotes cellular attachment, surrounded by a poly ethylene glycol coated area that is resistant to cellular attachment. Following the formation of the 3D cell clusters, a 3D collagen extracellular matrix was formed in each well by thermal-triggered gelation. [Sci Rep] Full Article Scientists challenged mice with of hyaluronidase (HYAL), with the aim of reducing fibrogenesis. After subcutaneous injections in the lymphedematous mouse leg every two days, the volume of lymphedema had reduced significantly by seven days post-operation. Histochemical analysis indicated that collagen accumulation and myofibroblast differentiation were decreased in epidermal tissues after HYAL injection. [Sci Rep] Full Article Exploiting Decellularized Cochleae as Scaffolds for Inner Ear Tissue Engineering As a proof-of-concept study, human Wharton’s jelly cells were perfused into decellularized cochleae isolated from C57BL/6 mice to determine if human Wharton’s jelly cells could implant into decellularized cochlear tissue. Decellularization was verified through scanning electron microscopy. Cocheae were stained with DAPI and immunostained with Myosin VIIa to identify cells. Perfused cochleae were imaged using confocal microscopy. [Stem Cell Res Ther] Full Article Articular cartilage is subjected to shear forces during joint motion. Accordingly, the authors utilized an apparatus to apply biaxial loading to chondrocytes seeded within agarose constructs with endplates. The chondrocytes yielded a monotonic increase in proteoglycan synthesis both in free swelling culture up to day eight and when the constructs were subjected to dynamic compression alone. [Biotechnol Bioeng] Abstract MicroRNA106a Regulates Matrix Metalloprotease 9 in a Sirtuin Dependent Mechanism Researchers analyzed if miR106a can regulate levels of MMP9, an important inducible matrix metalloproteinase. The results of the in vitro experiments demonstrated that under conditions of migration cells showed elevated levels of miR106a, which could regulate the expression of major MMP9 regulator, SIRT-1. [J Cell Physiol] Abstract Cell Contractility Facilitates Alignment of Cells and Tissues to Static Uniaxial Stretch Investigators showed using a computational model that by amplifying local strain cues, active cell contractility can facilitate and accelerate the reorientation of single cells to static strains. At the collective cell level, the model simulations show that active cell contractility can facilitate the formation of strings along the orientation of stretch. [Biophys J] Abstract Two Distinct Actin Networks Mediate Traction Oscillations to Confer Focal Adhesion Mechanosensing Scientists developed a model of focal adhesion (FA) growth that integrates the contributions of the branched actin network and stress fibers. Using the model in combination with experimental tests, they showed that the retrograde flux of the branched actin network promotes the proximal growth of the FA and contributes to a traction peak near the FA’s distal tip. [Biophys J] Full Article Bioamine-Crosslinked Gellan Gum Hydrogel for Neural Tissue Engineering Investigators developed an alternative method of producing biomimetic hydrogels based on gellan gum (GG) by replacing traditional crosslinking methods with the bioamines spermidine and spermine. These bioamines were proven to function as crosslinkers for GG hydrogel at +37°C, allowing for the encapsulation of human neurons. [Biomed Mater] Abstract | |
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REVIEWSIntegrin Signaling in Atherosclerosis The authors examine the current literature on integrin regulation of atherosclerotic plaque development and the suitability of integrins as potential therapeutic targets to limit cardiovascular disease and its complications. [Cell Mol Life Sci] Abstract Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the extracellular matrix research field. | |
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INDUSTRY NEWSRegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that its licensee for RGN-137, GtreeBNT Co., Ltd., received a positive response from the U.S. FDA for its Phase III clinical trial design for RGN-137 to treat epidermolysis bullosa. RGN-137 is a dermal wound healing gel that incorporates Thymosin beta 4 as the active pharmaceutical ingredient. [RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.] Press Release Symic Bio announced the completion of enrollment for the SHIELD clinical trial of SB-030 in peripheral artery disease. The trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of SB-030, a locally administered single-use therapeutic, in the reduction of restenosis following angioplasty. [Symic Bio] Press Release Amend Surgical Announces 510(K) Clearance for NanoFUSE® BA Amend Surgical, Inc. announced that they have received 510(K) clearance to market NanoFUSE® BA as a bone graft extender for spine and orthopedic applications. [Amend Surgical, Inc. (Business Wire, Inc.)] Press Release | |
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POLICY NEWSPeer-Review Activists Push Psychology Journals towards Open Data An editor on the board of a journal published by the prestigious American Psychological Association has been asked to resign in a controversy over data sharing in peer review. Gert Storms — who says he won’t step down — is one of a few hundred scientists who have vowed that, from the start of this year, they will begin rejecting papers if authors won’t publicly share the underlying data, or explain why they can’t. [Nature News] Editorial Senior Republican Lawmaker Has Some Advice for U.S. Science Marchers The chairman of a congressional spending panel that oversees a wide swath of U.S. science agencies has some unusual advice for scientists planning to march on 22 April: Don’t talk about research. Instead, demand that Congress find a way to cut mandatory spending programs. [ScienceInsider] Editorial
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EVENTSNEW Biomed 2017 – 22nd International Biomedical Science & Technology Symposium Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the community.
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JOB OPPORTUNITIESNEW PhD Position – Light-Addressable Neuroactive Matrices (KU Leuven) Postdoctoral Fellow – Cellular Mechanobiology (University of Buffalo) Assistant/Associate Professor – Various Projects (University of Missouri Biomedical Sciences) Professor – Molecular Biochemistry (University of Oulu) Faculty Positions – Medical Research (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile) PhD Studentship – Light-Addressable Neuroactive Matrices (KU Leuven) Postdoctoral Scientist – Various Projects (Cedars-Sinai Medical Center) Tenure Track Faculty Position – Kidney Bench Research (University of Pennsylvania) 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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Home Extracellular Matrix News Volume 8.08 | Mar 2 2017