Extracellular Matrix News Volume 8.17 | May 4 2017

TOP STORY

EGFR and HER2 Activate Rigidity Sensing Only on Rigid Matrices

Investigators showed, using two different cell lines, that in serum- and epidermal growth factor-free conditions, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or HER2 activity increase spreading and rigidity-sensing contractions on rigid, but not soft, substrates. They further showed that EGFR and HER2 are activated through phosphorylation by Src family kinases. [Nat Mater] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Proteomic Characterization of Human Multiple Myeloma Bone Marrow Extracellular Matrix

Scientists applied a novel proteomic-based strategy and defined the bone marrow (BM) extracellular matrix (ECM) composition in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), newly diagnosed and relapsed multiple myeloma (MM) compared with healthy donor-derived BM ECM. They showed that the tumor ECM is remodeled at the mRNA and protein levels in MGUS and MM to allow development of a permissive microenvironment. [Leukemia] Abstract

Cell Geometry Dictates TNFα-Induced Genome Response

The authors investigated the cross-talk between cellular geometry and TNFα signaling. They found that TNFα induces geometry-dependent actin depolymerization, which enhances IκB degradation, p65 nuclear translocation, nuclear exit of MKL, and sequestration of p65 at the RNA-polymerase-II foci. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Full Article

Sodium-Dependent Vitamin C Transporter 2 Deficiency Impairs Myelination and Remyelination after Injury: Roles of Collagen and Demethylation

Researchers sought to define the mechanism of action of ascorbic acid in peripheral nerve myelination using different paradigms of myelination in vivo and in vitro. They found impaired myelination and reduced collagen expression in sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 heterozygous mice during peripheral nerve development and after peripheral nerve injury. [Glia] Abstract

Interactions of AMTN, ODAM and SCPPPQ1 Proteins of a Specialized Basal Lamina that Attaches Epithelial Cells to Tooth Mineral

Investigators clarified the structural organization of the specialized basal lamina. Their data suggests that amelotin (AMTN), odontogenic ameloblast-associated (ODAM) and secretory calcium-binding phosphoprotein proline-glutamine rich 1 (SCPPPQ1) participate in structuring an extracellular matrix with the distinctive capacity of attaching epithelial cells to mineralized surfaces. [Sci Rep] Full Article

The Fabrication of Double-Layered Chitosan/Gelatin/Genipin Nanosphere Coating for Sequential and Controlled Release of Therapeutic Proteins

The authors developed a double-layered chitosan/gelatin/genipin nanosphere coating by using layer-by-layer electrophoretic deposition and genipin crosslinking. Real-time polymerase chain reactions, immunofluorescence staining and extracellular matrix mineralization assay confirmed that the functions of the loaded growth factor were fully preserved after fabrication. [Biofabrication] Abstract

Dexamethasone Down-Regulates Endothelin Receptors and Reduces Endothelin-Induced Production of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Cultured Rat Astrocytes

The effects of dexamethasone (Dex) on Endothelins (ETs) receptor expressions were examined in cultured rat astrocytes. Although Dex did not decrease the basal levels of matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) and MMP9 mRNAs, pre-treatment with Dex reduced ET-induced increases in MMP mRNAs. [Mol Pharmacol] Abstract

Heparin Augmentation Enhances Bioactive Properties of Acellular Extracellular Matrix Scaffold

Investigators explored the effects of heparin on fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) enhancement of bioactive extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold biomaterials for its anti-fibrotic effect on attenuating human cardiac myofibroblast activation. Increasing heparin concentration at a fixed concentration of FGF-2 growth factor markedly increased the amount of FGF-2 retained and eluted by ECM scaffolds. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Tissue Specific Extracellular Matrix Enhances Skeletal Muscle Precursor Cell Expansion and Differentiation for Potential Application in Cell Therapy

Scientists developed an ideal method of tissue decellularization and compared the ability of different matrices to support muscle precursor cells (MPCs) growth and differentiation. Human MPC proliferation was significantly enhanced when cultured on the acellular matrices with a hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel decorated with heparin (ECM-HA-HP) substrates as compared to the other substrates tested, with the greatest proliferation on the muscle ECM-HA-HP substrate. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Fibulin-4 Is Essential for Maintaining Arterial Wall Integrity in Conduit but Not Muscular Arteries

Researchers sought to determine the consequences of a human disease–causing mutation in fibulin-4 on the cardiovascular system and vascular elastic fibers in a mouse model of autosomal recessive cutis laxa type 1B. [Sci Adv] Full Article

Redefining the Identity of Cardiac Fibroblasts

Cardiac fibroblasts deposit and maintain the extracellular matrix during organogenesis and under physiological conditions. However, delineation of the characteristics, plasticity, and origins of cardiac fibroblasts is an area of ongoing investigation and controversy. As the understanding of cardiac fibroblasts becomes more defined and refined, so does the potential to develop new therapeutic strategies to control fibrosis and adverse ventricular remodeling. [Nat Rev Cardiol] Abstract

Matrix Metalloproteinase Gene Activation Resulting from Disordered Epigenetic Mechanisms in Rheumatoid Arthritis

The authors review the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as well as the disordered epigenetic mechanisms regulating MMP gene activation in RA synovial fibroblasts. [Int J Mol Sci] Full Article

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

miRagen Therapeutics Presents Interim Results from MRG-201 Phase I Clinical Trial Demonstrating Pharmacodynamic Activity in Human Skin Incisions

miRagen Therapeutics, Inc. discussed previously announced interim results from its ongoing Phase I clinical trial of MRG-201. [Press release from miRagen Therapeutics, Inc. discussing research presented at the Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID) 76^th Annual Meeting, Portland] Press Release

RXi Pharmaceuticals to Present

RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation announced that the company will present a poster on their Phase I/II multidose, dose escalation study to evaluate RXI-109 administered by intravitreal injection to reduce the progression of subretinal fibrosis in subjects with advanced neovascular AMD. [Press release from RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation discussing research to be presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2017 Annual Meeting, Baltimore] Press Release

MDI Biological Laboratory Scientist Receives Grant to Study Peripheral Neuropathy

The MDI Biological Laboratory has announced that Sandra Rieger, Ph.D., has been awarded a highly competitive grant from the National Cancer Institute, an institute of the National Institutes of Health, to study the molecular mechanisms underlying chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, a side effect of cancer chemotherapy causing symptoms such as pain, tingling, temperature sensitivity and numbness in the extremities. [MDI Biological Laboratory] Press Release

Promising Medical Device Technology May Prevent Life-Threatening Hospital-Acquired Infections

N8 Medical, LLC. announced that the United States Food and Drug Administration has approved the company’s request to designate its CeraShield™ endotracheal tube as a “breakthrough device” pursuant to the recently-enacted 21^st Century Cures Act. [N8 Medical, LLC. (Press Release Jet.)] Press Release

NIH to Limit the Amount of Grant Money a Scientist Can Receive

For the first time, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) will restrict the amount of funding that an individual scientist can hold at any one time, based on a new point system. The move is part of an ongoing effort to make obtaining grants easier for early and mid-career scientists, who face much tougher odds than their more-experienced colleagues. [Nature News] Editorial

Researchers Frustrated by Italian Misconduct Probe

More than five years ago, Italian police began investigating allegations of research misconduct in papers by Alfredo Fusco, a prominent cancer scientist in Naples. Researchers frustrated by the case’s slow progress have told Nature that there is strong evidence that dozens of papers may contain manipulated data — and that a commercial photography studio was called in to cut and paste images. They say they are speaking out about the magnitude of the allegations because of their increasing impatience with the slow pace of investigations by police and by academic authorities. [Nature News] Editorial

How Science Fares in the U.S. Budget Deal

Congress has finally reached a deal on spending bills for the 2017 fiscal year. House of Representatives and Senate leaders announced that they expect lawmakers to vote on an agreement that wraps together all 12 appropriations bills that fund federal operations. For the past seven months, the government has been operating under a continuing resolution that froze 2017 spending at most agencies at 2016 levels and generally prevented them from starting new programs. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Controversial UK Research Reform Crosses Finish Line

A controversial and wide-ranging shake-up of the United Kingdom’s (UK’s) research and higher-education landscape has been completed, amid a huge rush by the country’s parliament to push through legislation. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW Gordon Research Conferences: Collagen
July 16-21, 2017
New London, United States

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

NEW Postdoctoral Associate – Molecular and Cell Biology (Stony Brook University)

PhD Position – Extracellular Matrix in Cancer Progression (University of Copenhagen)

PhD Position – P2X7 Receptors in Cancer Cells (University of East Anglia)

Biomaterials Scientist – Tissue Engineering (VitroLabs Inc.)

Research Fellow – Functional Roles of Stem Cell Derived Extracellular Vesicles (Mayo Clinic)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Scarring (SUNY Upstate Medical Center)

Postdoctoral Position – Organic Bioelectronics (Northwestern University)

Professors/Associate Professors/Assistant Professors – Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

Open Rank Professor – Materials Science and Engineering (The Pennsylvania State University)

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

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

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