Extracellular Matrix News Volume 8.40 | Oct 12 2017

TOP STORY

Galectin-3 Captures Interferon-Gamma in the Tumor Matrix Reducing Chemokine Gradient Production and T-Cell Tumor Infiltration

Investigators describe how tumors can abolish IFNγ-induced chemokines, thereby reducing T-cell attraction. This mechanism requires extracellular galectin-3, a lectin secreted by tumors. [Nat Commun] Full Article

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Hypoxia Activates Cadherin-22 Synthesis via eIF4E2 to Drive Cancer Cell Migration, Invasion and Adhesion

Researchers demonstrated that a cell–cell adhesion molecule, cadherin-22, is upregulated in hypoxia via mTORC1-independent translational control by the initiation factor eIF4E2. They identified new functions of cadherin-22 as a hypoxia-specific cell-surface molecule involved in cancer cell migration, invasion and adhesion. [Oncogene] Abstract

The Extracellular Matrix Protein Mindin Attenuates Colon Cancer Progression by Blocking Angiogenesis via Egr-1-Mediated Regulation

Mindin was essential for early growth response factor (Egr)-1-mediated inhibition of endothelial cell tube formation, and mindin inhibits endotheliocyte proliferation, migration and angiogenic sprouts in vitro. [Oncogene] Abstract

Probing the Role of Integrins in Keratinocyte Migration Using Bioengineered Extracellular Matrix Mimics

The authors showed that bioengineered ECM mimics can be employed to clarify the role of integrins in keratinocyte migration. Particularly, the roles of α5β1 and α3β1 in keratinocytes were examined, given their known importance in keratinocyte motility. [ACS Appl Mater Interfaces] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Functionalized PVA-Silk Blended Nanofibrous Mats Promote Diabetic Wound Healing via Regulation of Extracellular Matrix and Tissue Remodeling

Non-mulberry silk fibroin based dressings also supported faster granulation tissue development, angiogenesis, and re-epithelialization of wounds. Gene expression study of MMPs and collagen proteins, affirmed higher extent of tissue remodeling during the repair process. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med] Abstract

Modeling the Kinetics of Integrin Receptor Binding to Hepatic Extracellular Matrix Proteins

Investigators established a modeling approach combining computation and experiments to evaluate the kinetics of integrin receptor binding to hepatic ECM proteins. [Sci Rep] Full Article

HGF Potentiates Extracellular Matrix-Driven Migration of Human Myoblasts: Involvement of Matrix Metalloproteinases and MAPK/ERK Pathway

Researchers evaluated the expression of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-receptor c-Met, laminin, and fibronectin receptors by immunoblotting, flow cytometry, or immunofluorescence and used Transwell assays to analyze myoblast migration on laminin 111 and fibronectin in the absence or presence of HGF. [Skelet Muscle] Full Article

An Engineered Tendon/Ligament Bioscaffold Derived from Decellularized and Demineralized Cortical Bone Matrix

Decellularized demineralized bone matrix promoted the adhesion and proliferation of NIH-3T3 fibroblasts in vitro and triggered less inflammation response at 12 weeks subcutaneous implantation in a rat model. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase 12 Is Highly Specific for Non-Proliferating Invasive Trophoblasts in the First Trimester and Temporally Regulated by Oxygen-Dependent Mechanisms Including HIF-1A

Scientists aimed to identify proteases particularly important for trophoblast invasion. They generated a list of proteases capable of degrading decidual ECM and trophoblast integrins using MEROPS database and compared expression of these proteases between primary trophoblasts isolated from first trimester placenta, representing an invasive phenotype, vs trophoblasts isolated from term pregnancy, representing a non-invasive trophoblast phenotype. [Histochem Cell Biol] Full Article

Functional and Biomimetic Materials for Engineering of the Three-Dimensional Cell Microenvironment

The ECM within the cell microenvironment serves not only as a structural foundation for cells but also as a source of 3D biochemical and biophysical cues that trigger and regulate cell behaviors. Increasing evidence suggests that the 3D character of the microenvironment is required for development of many critical cell responses observed in vivo, fueling a surge in the development of functional and biomimetic materials for engineering the 3D cell microenvironment. [Chem Rev] Abstract

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

FDA Awards 15 Grants for Clinical Trials to Stimulate Product Development for Rare Diseases

The FDA announced that it has awarded 15 new clinical trial research grants totaling more than $22 million over the next four years to boost the development of products for patients with rare diseases. [U.S. Food and Drug Administration] Press Release

FDA Awards Six Grants for Natural History Studies in Rare Diseases

The FDA announced it has awarded six new research grants for natural history studies in rare diseases. The aim of the research is to inform medical product development by better understanding how specific rare diseases progress over time. [U.S. Food and Drug Administration] Press Release

Publishers Threaten to Remove Millions of Papers from ResearchGate

Millions of articles might soon disappear from ResearchGate, the world’s largest scholarly social network. Five publishers said they had formed a coalition that would start ordering ResearchGate to remove research articles from its site because they breach publishers’ copyright. [Nature News] Editorial

Navajo Nation Reconsiders Ban on Genetic Research

When the Navajo Nation opens its first oncology centre next year in Tuba City, Arizona, clinicians there may be able to offer a service that has been banned on tribal lands for 15 years: analyzing the DNA of Navajo tribe members to guide treatments and study the genetic roots of disease. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW Matrix Biology Europe 2018
July 21-24, 2018
Manchester, United Kingdom

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

NEW Postdoctoral Position – Bioengineering and Regenerative Medicine (Maastricht University)

Postdoctoral Positions – Neuroscience (Harvard Medical School)

Postdoctoral Position – ECM Interactions in Cardiovascular Development and Congenital Heart Disease (Thomas Jefferson University)

Assistant or Associate Professor – Biomedical Engineering (University of British Columbia)

Postdoctoral Position – Wound Healing (University of Connecticut Health Center)

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship – Kidney Disease (Vanderbilt University Medical Center)

Faculty Position – Regenerative Biology (Northwestern University)

Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Cancer Research (Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute)

Research Fellow – Discovery and Functionalization of Novel Peptides (Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School)

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

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