Extracellular Matrix News Volume 8.19 | May 18 2017

TOP STORY

A Bioprosthetic Ovary Created Using 3D Printed Microporous Scaffolds Restores Ovarian Function in Sterilized Mice

The authors 3D printed microporous hydrogel scaffolds to test how varying pore geometry, accomplished by manipulating the advancing angle between printed layers, affects the survival of ovarian follicles. Follicle-seeded scaffolds became highly vascularized and ovarian function was fully restored when implanted in surgically sterilized mice. [Nat Commun] Full Article | Editorial

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Integrin Beta8 (ITGB8) Activates VAV-RAC1 Signaling via FAK in the Acquisition of Endometrial Epithelial Cell Receptivity for Blastocyst Implantation

Scientists investigated the signaling of ITGB8 via FAK and VAV-RAC1 in endometrial epithelial cells. They found ITGB8 activated VAV-RAC1 signaling axis via FAK to facilitate the endometrial epithelial cell receptivity for the attachment of blastocyst. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Mint3-Mediated L1CAM Expression in Fibroblasts Promotes Cancer Cell Proliferation via Integrin α5β1 and Tumor Growth

Researchers examined whether munc18-1-interacting protein 3 (Mint3) in fibroblasts contributes to tumor growth. Mint3 depletion in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) decreased tumor growth of co-injected human breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231 and epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells in mice. In MEFs, Mint3 also promoted cancer cell proliferation in vitro in a cell–cell contact-dependent manner. [Oncogenesis] Full Article

Disease-Specific Effects of Matrix and Growth Factors on Adhesion and Migration of Rheumatoid Synovial Fibroblasts

Matrix-bound chemokines, cytokines, and growth factors influence functional properties of key cells in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), especially synovial fibroblasts. Investigators analyzed the role of these molecules on attachment, migration, and proinflammatory and prodestructive activation of RA synovial fibroblasts. [J Immunol] Abstract

Laminin and Collagen IV Inclusion in Immunoisolating Microcapsules Reduces Cytokine-Mediated Cell Death in Human Pancreatic Islets

Researchers investigated whether the extracellular matrix (ECM) could enhance survival and lower susceptibility of human islets to cytokine-mediated cytotoxicity. Human islets were encapsulated in alginate with collagen IV and either RGD, LRE, or PDSGR, i.e. laminin sequences. All combinations of ECM improved the islet-cell survival and reduced necrosis and apoptosis after cytokine exposure. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med] Abstract

Intrinsic Cellular and Molecular Properties of In Vivo Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity Are Altered in the Absence of Key Synaptic Matrix Molecules

The authors explored whether synaptic plasticity is affected in adult behaving mice that lack the extracellular matrix proteins brevican, neurocan, tenascin-C and tenascin-R. They observed that the profiles of synaptic potentiation and depression in the dentate gyrus were profoundly altered compared to plasticity profiles in wild-type littermates. [Hippocampus] Abstract

SNX10 Plays a Critical Role in MMP9 Secretion via JNK-p38-ERK Signaling Pathway

Scientists investigated the possible role of sorting nexin 10 (SNX10) on matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) secretion and the potential mechanism. Their results identified the role of SNX10 in MMP9 trafficking and secretion, and provided evidence for SNX10 as a possible therapeutic target for bone destructing disease. [J Cell Biochem] Abstract

Adiponectin Is Involved in Connective Tissue Growth Factor-Induced Proliferation, Migration and Overproduction of the Extracellular Matrix in Keloid Fibroblasts

Researchers explored the effects of adiponectin on connective tissue growth factor (CTGF)-induced cell proliferation, migration and the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and their associated intracellular signaling pathways in keloid fibroblasts (KFs). The expression levels of adiponectin and adiponectin receptors were significantly decreased in keloids compared with those in normal skin tissue. Adiponectin suppressed the CTGF-induced KFs, but not normal dermal fibroblasts, proliferation, migration and ECM production. [Int J Mol Sci] Full Article

Extracellular Matrix Nitration Alters Growth Factor Release and Activates Bioactive Complement in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

Investigators used thier previous non-enzymatic nitration (NEN) model of Bruch’s membrane aging to determine the effects of NEN of the extracellular matrix (ECM) on growth factor release and complement activation in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Nitrite-modified ECM increased vascular endothelial growth factor, pigment epithelium-derived factor release, and C3a production in human induced-pluripotent stem cells-derived RPE cells. [PLoS One] Full Article

Protective Effects of Nebivolol against Interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-Induced Type II Collagen Destruction Mediated by Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13)

The authors investigated the effects of Nebivolol on regulating the expression of MMP-13 and degradation of type II collagen. Their results indicated that Nebivolol alleviated the increase in gene expression, protein expression, and activity of MMP-13 induced by IL-1β. [Cell Stress Chaperones] Abstract

Modulating Angiogenesis with Integrin-Targeted Nanomedicines

The authors cover recent and relevant examples of different integrin-assisted nanosystems including polymeric nanoconstructs, liposomes, and inorganic nanoparticles applied in drug/gene therapy as well as imaging and theranostics. They also critically address the overall benefits of integrin-targeting. [Adv Drug Deliv Rev] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Common Extracellular Matrix Regulation of Myeloid Cell Activity in the Bone Marrow and Tumor Microenvironments

Investigators focus on the extracellular matrix (ECM) regulatory activities that, within the tumor microenvironment, actively contribute to many aspects of tumor progression, acting on both tumor and immune cells. Particularly, ECM-mediated regulation of tumor-associated immunosuppression occurs through the modulation of myeloid cell expansion, localization, and functional activities. [Cancer Immunol Immunother] Abstract

The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Aging: Tissue Remodeling and Beyond

Researchers discuss how matrix metalloproteinases and other proteases alter extracellular matrix composition and mechanical properties in aging, thereby affecting stem cell niches and the development of senescent phenotypes. [Biochim Biophys Acta] Abstract

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

Dr. Christine Finck of Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Presents Data in Poster Presentation from Collaboration with Biostage

Christine Finck, MD, FACS of Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, an investigator in the study, presented proof of concept data from initial preclinical studies using Biostage’s proprietary implant to address esophageal atresia in a poster entitled, “Esophageal scaffolds seeded with epithelial cells for esophageal replacement therapy. [Press release from Biostage, Inc. discussing research presented at the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) 2017 Annual Meeting, Hollywood, Florida] Press Release

Symic Bio Announces Results from MODIFY-OA Trial of SB-061 for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Symic Bio announced topline results from the Phase I/IIa MODIFY-OA trial of SB-061, an intra-articular treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee. SB-061 was shown to be safe and very well-tolerated with no drug-related serious adverse events and a very low rate of local adverse events. [Symic Bio] Press Release

Integra LifeSciences Announces the European Launch of Integra^® Dermal Regeneration Template Single Layer “Thin”

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation announced that it has launched in Europe Integra^® Dermal Regeneration Template Single Layer “Thin” for dermal repair defects reconstruction in “one-step” procedure. [Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation] Press Release

Integra LifeSciences Launches SurgiMend^® MP Collagen Matrix for Hernia Repair

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation announced the launch of SurgiMend MP, its latest offering in tissue-building solutions for complex abdominal hernia repair. SurgiMend MP is a strong, 2mm thick acellular collagen matrix featuring a highly macroporous design that facilitates fluid drainage. [Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation] Press Release

As Ebola Outbreak Grows, Question of Using Vaccine Becomes More Urgent

As health officials and aid workers head to a remote corner of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to respond to an outbreak of Ebola virus disease, a key question remains: Will the government authorize the use of a promising experimental vaccine? The vaccine had stunning results in a clinical trial in Guinea in 2015, but it has yet to be licensed for broad use. [Science Insider] Editorial

Lawmakers Decry Trump Plan to Slash NIH 2018 Budget

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle in the U.S. House of Representatives voiced their displeasure with the Trump administration’s proposed $5.8 billion cut to the budget of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. [Science Insider] Editorial

China’s Belt and Road Infrastructure Plan Also Includes Science

China’s plan to make massive investments in land and sea links with global trading partners also includes a little noticed commitment to support science and engineering, including the creation of dozens of new laboratories. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Trump Officials Act to Tilt Federal Science Boards toward Industry

Critics say that changes to advisory groups at the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Interior could restrict or paralyze them. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW Gordon Research Conferences: Elastin, Elastic Fibers & Microfibrils
July 30-August 4, 2017
Biddeford, United States

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

NEW Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Tendon and Connective Tissue Biology (Weill Cornell Medical College)

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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