Extracellular Matrix News Volume 8.10 | Mar 16 2017

TOP STORY

Structural Basis of Homo- and Heterotrimerization of Collagen I

By structural and mutagenic analysis, the authors identified key amino acid residues in the α1 and α2 C-propeptides that determine homo- and heterotrimerization. A naturally occurring mutation in one of these altered the homo/heterotrimer balance. [Nat Commun] Full Article

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

AMPK Negatively Regulates Tensin-Dependent Integrin Activity

Scientists identified the metabolic sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) as a β1-integrin inhibitor in fibroblasts. Loss of AMPK promoted β1-integrin activity, the formation of centrally located active β1-integrin– and tensin-rich mature fibrillar adhesions, and cell spreading. [J Cell Biol] Abstract

Comprehensive Proteomic Characterization of Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Matrices

Researchers characterized and compared the protein composition of extracellular matrix (ECM) produced in vitro by bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), adipose-derived MSC and neonatal fibroblasts from different donors, employing quantitative proteomic methods. Each cell-derived ECM displayed a specific and unique matrisome signature, yet they all shared a common set of proteins. [Biomaterials] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Endogenous Inspired Biomineral-Installed Hyaluronan Nanoparticles as pH-Responsive Carrier of Methotrexate for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Investigators prepared mineralized nanoparticles (MP-HANPs), composed of PEGylated hyaluronic acid as the hydrophilic shell, 5β-cholanic acid as the hydrophobic core, and calcium phosphate (CaP) as the pH-responsive mineral. Owing to the presence of CaP as the diffusion barrier, mineralized HANPs revealed the pH-responsiveness of release kinetics of methotrexate across neutral to acidic conditions. [J Control Release] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Extracellular Matrix and α₅β₁ Integrin Signaling Control the Maintenance of Bone Formation Capacity by Human Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells

Scientists investigated whether adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASC) bone-forming capacity may be maintained by culture within a self-produced extracellular matrix that recapitulates the native environment. Stromal vascular fraction cells expanded without passaging up to 28 days deposited a fibronectin-rich extracellular matrix and displayed greater clonogenicity and differentiation potential in vitro compared to ASC expanded only for 6 days or for 28 days with regular passaging. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Comparative Analysis of Lysyl Oxidase (Like) Family Members in Pulmonary Fibrosis

Lysyl oxidase (LOX) and LOX-like (LOXL) proteins play crucial roles in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling due to their collagen crosslinking and intracellular functions. The authors systematically investigated LOX/L expression in primary fibroblasts and epithelial cells under fibrotic conditions, Bleomycin induced lung fibrosis and in human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis tissue. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Dual Role of Pericyte α6β1-Integrin in Tumor Blood Vessels

Scientists developed mice where the α6-integrin subunit is deleted in pericytes and examined tumor angiogenesis and growth. These mice had: i) reduced pericyte coverage of tumor blood vessels; ii) reduced tumor blood vessel stability; iii) increased blood vessel diameter; iv) enhanced leakiness and, v) abnormal blood vessel basement membrane architecture. [J Cell Sci] Abstract | Full Article

Osteoactivin Regulates Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Invasion by Modulating Matrix Metalloproteases

Investigators assessed effects of osteoactivin (OA) treatment on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) mRNA and protein expression, as well as gelatinase and caseinolytic activity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. They assessed the effects of OA gene silencing on MMP expression, gelatinase and caseinolytic activity, and cell invasion. [J Cell Physiol] Abstract

Enhanced Directional Migration of Cancer Stem Cells in 3D Aligned Collagen Matrices

Directed cell migration by contact guidance in aligned collagenous extracellular matrix is a critical enabler of breast cancer dissemination. The mechanisms of this process are poorly understood, particularly in 3D, in part because of the lack of efficient methods to generate aligned collagen matrices. Researchers proposed a simple method to align collagen gels using guided cellular compaction. [Biophys J] Abstract

Predicting Tenocyte Expression Profiles and Average Molecular Concentrations in Achilles Tendon ECM from Tissue Strain and Fiber Damage

The authors proposed a method for quantitative prediction of changes in concentrations of a number of key signaling, structural and effector molecules within the extracellular matrix of tendon. To achieve this, they introduced the notion of elementary cell responses. [Biomech Model Mechanobiol] Abstract

Distribution of Pericellular Matrix Molecules in the Temporomandibular Joint and Their Chondroprotective Effects against Inflammation

Scientists determined the distribution and synthesis of pericellular matrix (PCM) molecules (collagen VI, collagen IV and laminin) in rat temporomandibular joint and investigated the effects of PCM molecules on chondrocytes against inflammation in osteoarthritis. [Int J Oral Sci] Full Article

Atomic Force Microscopy-Based Characterization and Design of Biointerfaces

The authors survey basic and advanced atomic force microscopy (AFM)-related approaches and evaluate their unique advantages and limitations in imaging, sensing, parameterizing and designing biointerfaces. It is anticipated that in the next decade these AFM-related techniques will have a profound influence on the way researchers view, characterize and construct biointerfaces, thereby helping to solve and address fundamental challenges that cannot be addressed with other techniques. [Nature Reviews Materials] Abstract

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

First Fibroblast Injection Performed in SpinalCyte’s Landmark Trial for Spinal Disc Regeneration

SpinalCyte, LLC announced the first injection of fibroblasts for the regeneration of the spinal disc. CybroCell is the first dermal fibroblast product for treatment of degenerative disc disease. The procedure was completed in less than 15 minutes using a local anesthetic. The patient experienced no complications and was discharged within an hour. [SpinalCyte, LLC] Press Release

NIDCR Funds Consortium for Developing Dental and Orofacial Tissue Regeneration Therapies

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NI​DCR) announced two new cooperative agreements aimed at developing resources and strategies for regenerating dental, oral, and craniofacial tissues that have been damaged by disease or injury. Totaling $24 million over three years, these awards support the development of two Resource Centers as part of the NIDCR’s Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Tissue Regeneration Consortium, an initiative designed to shepherd new therapies through pre-clinical studies and into human clinical trials. [National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research] Press Release

Pasteur Institute’s Scientists Make Last-Ditch Plea to Keep Their President

Popular leader will be forced to retire at 65 — but senior staff have other ideas. [Nature News] Editorial

A Grim Budget Day for U.S. Science: Analysis and Reaction to Trump’s Plan

President Donald Trump rolled out his first budget request to Congress. It is for the 2018 fiscal year that begins on 1 October. It calls for deep cuts to some federal science agencies, and is likely to draw fierce opposition from the scientific community and many lawmakers in Congress. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

‘Zombie’ Patent Fights over Mutant Mice Return

Like a zombie that keeps on kicking, legal battles over mutant mice used for Alzheimer’s research are haunting the field once again — four years after the last round of lawsuits. In the latest case, the University of South Florida in Tampa has sued the US National Institutes of Health for authorizing the distribution of a particular type of mouse used in the field. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW 6^th China-Europe Symposium on Biomaterials in Regenerative Medicine
May 21-24, 2017
Porto, Portugal

NEW Cell Culture World Congress
May 23-24, 2017
San Diego, United States

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

NEW Postdoctoral Fellowship – Cardiac Cell Membrane Expression of Ion Channels (UMR_S1166-Cardiovascular diseases, Metabolism and Nutriomics Research Unit)

NEW Professors/Associate Professors/Assistant Professors (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Decorin and Perlecan and Their Effects on Tumor Angiogenesis, Autophagy, and Mitophagy (Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health)

PhD Position – Light-Addressable Neuroactive Matrices (KU Leuven)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Cellular Mechanobiology (University of Buffalo)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Role of Extracellular Matrix Proteolysis (University of California, San Francisco)

Assistant/Associate Professor – Various Projects (University of Missouri Biomedical Sciences)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Transcriptional Programs and Cell-Extracellular Matrix Interactions Operative (University of Michigan)

Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Scientist – Cell-Extracellular Matrix Interactions (University of Michigan)

Faculty Positions – Medical Research (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile)

PhD Studentship – Light-Addressable Neuroactive Matrices (KU Leuven)

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