Extracellular Matrix News Volume 8.31 | Aug 10 2017

TOP STORY

Extracellular Mitochondrial DNA Is Generated by Fibroblasts and Predicts Death in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Researchers evaluated the response of normal human lung fibroblasts to stimulation with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and determined whether the glycolytic reprogramming that occurs in response to transforming growth factor beta-1 stimulation and direct contact with stiff substrates, and spontaneously in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis fibroblasts, is associated with excessive levels of mtDNA. [Am J Respir Crit Care Med] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Vitamin D Attenuates Myofibroblast Differentiation and Extracellular Matrix Accumulation in Nasal Polyp-Derived Fibroblasts through Smad2/3 Signaling Pathway

To investigate the potential role of vitamin D in preventing the development of nasal polyps, scientists examined the effect of vitamin D on myofibroblast differentiation and ECM production in TGF-β1-induced nasal polyp-derived fibroblasts and elucidated the mechanisms underlying its inhibitory effect. [Sci Rep] Full Article

TGFβ Signaling Is Associated with Changes in Inflammatory Gene Expression and Perineuronal Net Degradation around Inhibitory Neurons following Various Neurological Insults

The authors showed that comparative transcriptome analyses predict remodeling of ECM as a common response to different types of injuries. ECM-related transcriptional changes were induced by the serum protein albumin via TGFβ signaling in primary astrocytes. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Dynamics of Tissue-Induced Alignment of Fibrous Extracellular Matrix

To uncover the mechanisms by which multicellular tissues align their surrounding ECM before migration, investigators used an engineered three-dimensional culture model to investigate the dynamics of ECM alignment around tissues of defined geometry. [Biophys J] Abstract

Design of bFGF-Tethered Self-Assembling Extracellular Matrix Proteins via Coiled-Coil Triple-Helix Formation

Researchers developed an artificial self-assembling ECM protein tethered with a growth factor via heterotrimer triple-helix formation. Each recombinant protein exhibited cell adhesion and cell proliferation activities similar to the original, while the designed basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-tethered ECM protein exhibited superior cell proliferation activity. [Biomed Mater] Abstract

Platelet-Rich Fibrin Facilitates Rabbit Meniscal Repair by Promoting Meniscocytes Proliferation, Migration, and Extracellular Matrix Synthesis

The positive anabolic effects of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on meniscocytes harvested from the primary culture of a rabbit meniscus were revealed. The rabbit meniscocytes were cultured with different concentrations of PRF-conditioned medium, and were evaluated for their ability to stimulate cell migration, proliferation, and extracellular matrix formation. [Int J Mol Sci] Full Article

Statins Reduce TGF-Beta2-Modulation of the Extracellular Matrix in Cultured Astrocytes of the Human Optic Nerve Head

With regard to the mechanism of statin action on glaucoma, the authors investigated the effects of statins on transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-β2)-induced expression of ECM proteins in human astrocytes of the optic nerve head lamina cribrosa. [Exp Eye Res] Abstract

Increased Vascularization Promotes Functional Recovery in the Transected Spinal Cord Rats by Implanted Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-Targeting Collagen Scaffold

Researchers proposed that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) could improve nerve regeneration in spine cord injury (SCI). They implanted collagen scaffold targeted with a constructed protein, collagen-binding VEGF, to bridge transected spine cord gap in a rat transected SCI model. [J Orthop Res] Abstract

Expression of Cytokine and Extracellular Matrix mRNAs in Fetal Hepatic Stellate Cells

Using p75 neurotrophin receptor to mark this cell population, the authors sorted 12.5, 14.5 and 16.5 dpc hepatic stellate cells and analyzed expression of cytokines and extracellular matrix mRNAs. [Genes Cells] Abstract

Spray Delivery of Intestinal Organoids to Reconstitute Epithelium on Decellularized Native Extracellular Matrix

The impact of spraying as a seeding technique for repopulation of decellularized small intestine was investigated. In a series of experiments, CaCo-2 cells were used to investigate the effect of spray device type and pressure on cell viability and to optimize parameters for seeding intestinal epithelial cells. [Tissue Eng Part C Methods] Abstract

The Role of the Extracellular Matrix in Cancer-Associated Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition Phenomenon

The authors discuss the multilayer interactions between the ECM and the epithelial to mesenchymal transition process, focusing on contribution of discrete mediators, a strategy that may identify novel potential target molecules. [Dev Dyn] Abstract

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

Researchers Receive $1.5 Million Each to Study Extracellular Matrix for Cardiovascular Research

Two researchers have been awarded grants that could help uncover the next breakthrough in heart-health research, the American Heart Association and The Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group announced Wednesday. Suneel Apte at the Cleveland Clinic and Jeffrey Holmes at the University of Virginia have been awarded $1.5 million each to study the extracellular matrix. [American Heart Association, Inc.] Press Release

Ampio Announces the Allowance of a Composition and Methods Patent in the USA Using Ampion™ in Conjunction with Stem Cells

Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the allowance of an important composition and methods patent in the USA complimenting a series of patents on Ampion™. The patent is entitled: ”Compositions for the Mobilization, Homing, Expansion, and Differentiation of Stem Cells and Methods of Using the Same.” [Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.] Press Release

Thousands across India March in Support of Science

Thousands of scientists, university students and science enthusiasts gathered in dozens of Indian cities to march in support of science — lamenting their country’s low levels of funding for research, and complaining about government promotion of ‘unscientific ideas’. [Nature News] Editorial

Drug Approval Needs a Helping Hand

It’s time for researchers to lend their expertise to expediting the arrival of cutting-edge therapies that are waiting in the wings. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW Le Collagène Dans Tous Ses États – Collagen in All Its Forms
November 9, 2017
Lyon, France

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

NEW Research Officer – Matrix and Metastasis Group (Garvan Institute of Medical Research)

Postdoctoral Researchers – Cancer Metastasis and Drug Resistance (Tufts University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Stem Cells (Duke University Medical Center)

Tenure Track Position – Stem Cell Biology (MD Anderson Cancer Center)

Professor/Associate Professor – Metabolomics (Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Cartilage Biology and Regenerative Medicine (University of Nebraska Medical Center)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Systems Microscopy of Cancer Cell Migration (Karolinska Institutet)

Masters Student – Fabrication and Investigation of Nano-Bio Interfaces (Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology)

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Cartilage Biology (University of Nebraska)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Mechanobiology of Tissue Repair (St. Michael’s Hospital)

Assistant Professor – Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology (Harvard University)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Tissue Fibrosis (University of California, San Francisco)

Recruit Top Talent: Reach potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.

Have we missed an important article or publication in Extracellular Matrix News? Click here to submit!

Comments or suggestions? Submit your feedback here.