Extracellular Matrix News Volume 8.42 | Oct 26 2017

TOP STORY

Rac3 Regulates Breast Cancer Invasion and Metastasis by Controlling Adhesion and Matrix Degradation

Scientists demonstrated that Rac3 GTPase is critical for integrating the adhesion of invadopodia to the ECM with their ability to degrade the ECM in breast tumor cells. [J Cell Biol] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Extracellular Matrix Protein 1 Promotes Cell Metastasis and Glucose Metabolism by Inducing Integrin β4/FAK/SOX2/HIF-1α Signaling Pathway in Gastric Cancer

Researchers elucidated the function of extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1) on cell metastasis and glucose metabolism in gastric cancer (GC). The level of ECM1 in sera and tissues of patients with GC were positively correlated with tumor invasion and recurrence. Genetic manipulation of ECM1 expression affected cell metastasis and glucose metabolism in GC cell lines. [Oncogene] Abstract

Hybrid-Spheroids Incorporating ECM Like Engineered Fragmented Fibers Potentiate Stem Cell Function by Improved Cell/Cell and Cell/ECM Interactions

Investigators developed hybrid-spheroids of human turbinate mesenchymal stem cells (hTMSCs) by using ECM mimicking fragmented fibers for improvement of the viability and functions of hTMSCs. [Acta Biomater] Abstract

MicroRNA-145 Attenuates TNF-α-Driven Cartilage Matrix Degradation in Osteoarthritis via Direct Suppression of MKK4

Scientists demonstrated the crucial role of miR-145 in the modulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-mediated signaling and cartilage matrix degradation. MicroRNA expression profiles of TNF-α-stimulated chondrocytes showed that miR-145 expression was rapidly downregulated by TNF-α. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article

Decellularized Caprine Liver Extracellular Matrix as a 2D Substrate Coating and 3D Hydrogel Platform for Vascularized Liver Tissue Engineering

The authors report the use of decellularized Caprine liver ECM (CLECM) derived hydrogel for tissue engineering applications. CLECM was used as a substrate coating material for 2D hepatocyte culture. HepG2 cells cultured on CLECM coated surface showed higher albumin, urea, glycogen and GAGs synthesis in comparison to collagen coated surface. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med] Abstract

Senescent Hepatocyte Secretion of Matrix Metalloproteinases Is Regulated by Nuclear Factor-κB Signaling

The authors investigated whether senescent hepatocytes secreted matrix metalloproteinases and if this was regulated by nuclear factor-κB. [Life Sci] Abstract

PYK2 Mediates BzATP-Induced Extracellular Matrix Proteins Synthesis

Researchers investigated the effects of proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PYK2) on BzATP-induced extracellular matrix protein production in osteoblasts. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract

Melanoma Topology Reveals a Stem-Like Phenotype that Promotes Angiogenesis

Controlling the geometry at the interface of a population of melanoma cells reveals a role for perimeter topology in promoting a stem-like state with enhanced tumorigenicity. Scientists showed that this putative melanoma-initiating cell demonstrates significant enhancement in the secretion of proangiogenic molecules. [Sci Adv] Full Article

Template Curvature Influences Cell Alignment to Create Improved Human Corneal Tissue Equivalents

To accurately create corneal stromal equivalents with native-like structure and composition, a new biofunctionalized, curved template was developed that allows the precise orientation of cells and of their extracellular matrix. [Adv Biosyst] Full Article

TGF-β-Induced Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Fibrotic Diseases

The authors summarize the role of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling pathway and endothelial-mesenchymal transition in the development of fibrotic diseases and discuss their therapeutic potential. [Int J Mol Sci] Full Article

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

InSphero to Present Novel 3D Human Liver Fibrosis Model

InSphero AG will present data characterizing and demonstrating the utility of its new 3D InSight™ Human Liver Fibrosis Model for screening efficacy of anti-fibrotic drugs. [Press release from InSphero AG discussing research presented at the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) Conference, Washington] Press Release

Antibe Therapeutics Announces Key US Distribution Partnership for Its Subsidiary, Citagenix

Antibe Therapeutics Inc. announced that its subsidiary, Citagenix Inc, has been selected by Darby Dental Supply, LLC to be its supplier of premium bone grafting and tissue regeneration products. [Antibe Therapeutics Inc.] Press Release

Astellas and Universal Cells, Inc. Announce a Collaboration Utilizing Universal Donor Cell Technology

Astellas Pharma Inc. and Universal Cells, Inc. announced that Astellas Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Universal Cells have entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement to research, develop and commercialize a novel cell therapy for an undisclosed indication. [Astellas Pharma Inc.] Press Release

Key Legislator Tells Trump Officials to Back Off on Proposed Overhead Spending Cap for NIH

An influential legislator wants President Donald Trump’s administration and fellow Republicans to drop the notion of capping overhead costs on grants funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). [ScienceInsider] Editorial

China Announces Plans to Fast-Track Drug Approval

China is overhauling its drug-approval system to let companies bring their treatments to market quicker and more easily. The Communist Party of China and the State Council, two of the country’s most authoritative bodies, announced plans to reduce the backlog of medicines awaiting approval by the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA). Policies will also be introduced to boost the productivity of Chinese drugmakers and spur innovation in health care. [Nature News] Editorial

United States Should Dramatically Retool Animal Research Rules, Groups Say

The Association of American Medical Colleges and three allied groups are pushing for sweeping changes to animal research rules. In a report, the groups call for moving all oversight to a single, unnamed agency, conducting less frequent lab inspections, and giving researchers greater say in crafting new rules. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

NEW 2018 Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS) World Congress
September 4-7, 2018
Kyoto, Japan

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

NEW Postgraduate Position – Biomaterials (University of East Anglia)

Tenured Track Faculty – Regenerative and Immune Engineering (Johns Hopkins University Biomedical Engineering)

Postdoctoral Trainee – Cardiovascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York)

Assistant Professor – Stem Cell And Regenerative Biology (Columbia University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Emory University)

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)

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

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

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