Extracellular Matrix News Volume 8.18 | May 11 2017

TOP STORY

Preparation and Evaluation of Human Choroid Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds for the Study of Cell Replacement Strategies

Researchers developed a reliable method for the production of human choroidal extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds, which would allow for the study of choroidal endothelial cell (EC) replacement strategies in an environment that closely resembles the native tissue. The ECM scaffolds were co-cultured with exogenous ECs to determine if the tissue could support cell growth and allow EC reintegration into the decellularized choroidal vasculature. Both monkey and human ECs took up residence in the choriocapillary tubes of the decellularized tissue. [Acta Biomater] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Mechanical Phenotyping of Cells and Extracellular Matrix as Grade and Stage Markers of Lung Tumor Tissues

Scientists showed that a microrheology technique gives the opportunity to evaluate the mechanics of cells and the extracellular matrix at the same time. Their findings suggest an asymmetric modification of the mechanical properties of the cells and the extracellular matrix in an adenocarcinoma tumor, being the more compliant cell even though it resides in a stiffer matrix. [Acta Biomater] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Extracellular Matrix Controls Neuronal Features that Mediate the Persistence of Fear

Degradation of the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by injections of the bacterial enzyme chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) did not impair fear memory formation but accelerated its extinction and disrupted its reactivation. The authors report that ChABC mice showed regular fear memory and memory-driven c-fos activation and dendritic spine formation in the basolateral amygdala. [Brain Struct Funct] Abstract

In Vitro Model to Study the Effects of Matrix Stiffening on Ca²⁺ Handling and Myofilament Function in Isolated Adult Rat Cardiomyocytes

Scientists introduced a novel experimental model that allowed exploration of cardiomyocyte functional alterations in response to matrix stiffening. Adult rat cardiomyocytes were cultured for 24 hours on matrices of tunable stiffness representing the healthy and the diseased heart and detached from their matrix before functional measurements. They demonstrated that matrix stiffening, independent of passive inhibition, reduces cell shortening and Ca²⁺ handling but does not alter myofilament generated force. [J Physiol] Abstract

Efficacy of Thermoresponsive, Photocrosslinkable Hydrogels Derived from Decellularized Tendon and Cartilage Extracellular Matrix for Cartilage Tissue Engineering

The authors fabricated thermoresponsive, photocrosslinkable hydrogels by functionalizing pepsin-soluble decellularized tendon and cartilage extracellular matrices (ECM) with methacrylate groups. When seeded with human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and cultured in chondrogenic medium, methacrylated ECM hydrogels experienced less cell-mediated contraction, as compared against non-methacrylated ECM hydrogels. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med] Abstract

CD99-Derived Agonist Ligands Inhibit Fibronectin-Induced Activation of β1 Integrin through PKA/SHP2/ERK/PTPN12/FAK Signaling Pathway

Investigators explored a molecular mechanism underlying the suppression of β1 integrin activity by CD99 agonists and its relevance to tumor growth in vivo. Their results indicated that CD99-derived agonist ligands inhibit fibronectin-mediated β1 integrin activation through a SHP2/ERK/PTPN12/FAK signaling pathway. [Mol Cell Biol] Abstract

Activation of MMP-9 Activity by Acrolein in Saliva from Patients with Primary SjöGren’s Syndrome and Its Mechanism

Researchers found that the specific activity of metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in saliva was elevated about 2.4-fold in primary Sjögren’s syndrome patients. They examined whether MMP-9 was activated by acrolein. They found that the MMP-9 with 92 kDa molecular weight was activated by acrolein. Their results suggest that acrolein conjugation at Cys99 caused the active site of MMP-9 to be exposed. [Int J Biochem Cell Biol] Abstract

The Role of Hypoxia in Angiogenesis and Extracellular Matrix Regulation of Intervertebral Disc Cells during Inflammatory Reactions

Investigators identified the effect of hypoxia on the production of inflammatory mediators, angiogenic factors, and extracellular matrix-regulating enzymes of intervertebral disc cells during inflammatory reactions. They found that hypoxia enhanced the angiogenic ability of intervertebral disc cells during inflammatory reactions, and caused progress in development of degenerative disc disease via extracellular matrix regulation in their in vitro study. [Neurosurgery] Abstract

Mechanotransduction Dynamics at the Cell-Matrix Interface

Scientists constructed a model that predicts the dynamics of cellular traction force generation and subsequent assembly of fibrils of the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin (FN). The model consisted of a network of Hookean springs, each representing an extensible domain within an assembling FN fibril. The model accurately predicted FN fibril morphometry and demonstrated a mechanism by which FN fibril assembly regulates traction force dynamics in response to mechanical stimuli and varying surrounding substrate stiffness. [Biophys J] Abstract

Restoring Biophysical Properties of Decellularized Patches through Recellularization

The authors performed a systematic biophysical assessment of porcine cardiac extracellular matrix (pcECM) scaffolds seeded with human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), a common multipotent cell source in cardiac regenerative medicine. MSC recellularization resulted in an inter-fiber plasticization effect, increased protein density, masking of acylated glycosaminoglycans and active pcECM remodeling which further stabilized the reseeded construct and increased its denaturation resistance. [Biomater Sci] Abstract

Association of Extracellular Membrane Vesicles with Cutaneous Wound Healing

The authors provide an overview of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and discuss the current literature regarding the role of EVs in wound healing, especially, their influence on coagulation, cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, collagen production and extracellular matrix remodeling. [Int J Mol Sci] Full Article

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

Six New York City Scientists Win Pershing Square Sohn Prize for Young Investigators in Cancer Research

The Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Research Alliance announced the six winners of the fourth annual Pershing Square Sohn Prize for Young Investigators in Cancer Research, awarded annually to promising early career, NYC-area scientists. Recipients receive $200,000 in funding per year for up to three years, for a total of $600,000, to support explorative, high-risk/high-reward cancer research. [Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Research Alliance] Press Release

New $21 Million Gift Puts Basser Center for BRCA at the Forefront of Advancements for Patients at Risk of Inherited Cancers

A new $21 million gift to the Basser Center for BRCA at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania from alumni Mindy and Jon Gray will cement and propel Penn’s preeminence as a leader in research to improve treatment and prevention strategies for hereditary cancers. [Penn Medicine] Press Release

New Research Institute Promises to Transform Protein Science and Drug Discovery

A team of scientists from the Massachusetts biomedical community launched a new research institute to expand protein science and enhance drug discovery. The Institute for Protein Innovation has a threefold mission: develop and share well-validated monoclonal antibodies targeting every extracellular protein in humans; train scientists from academic and industry labs; and create shared core facilities in protein expression, antibody discovery and biophysical analysis. [Institute for Protein Innovation ( PR Newswire Association LLC.)] Press Release

The Secret War against Counterfeit Science

China is famous for knock-off DVDs, Louis Vuitton bags and Rolex watches. But counterfeit reagents aren’t on sale in busy public markets. They are sold through sophisticated websites, mixed in with legitimate supplies, and sourced and sold using a network of unwitting partners. [Nature News] Editorial

Science Publishers Try New Tack to Combat Unauthorized Paper Sharing

The unauthorized sharing of copyrighted research papers is on the rise, say analysts who track the publishing industry. Faced with this problem, science publishers seem to be changing tack in their approach to researchers who breach copyright. [Nature News] Editorial

Biotech Execs, Academic Leaders Make Case for NIH Funding at White House Meeting

Could the Trump administration be changing its mind about slashing funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH)? Scientific leaders were optimistic after meeting at the White House with several biotech executives to discuss the “ecosystem” in which federally funded basic research leads to discoveries that companies turn into treatments. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

NEW Gordon Research Conferences: Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering
July 23-28, 2017
Holderness, United States

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

NEW Project Research Scientist – Tumor Cell Biology (The Francis Crick Institute)

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)

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