Extracellular Matrix News Volume 8.44 | Nov 9 2017

TOP STORY

An Astrocyte Derived Extracellular Matrix Coating Reduces Astrogliosis Surrounding Chronically Implanted Microelectrode Arrays in Rat Cortex

Investigators examined the ability of an FDA-approved neurosurgical hemostatic coating and an ECM coating derived from primary rat astrocytes to reduce the foreign body response surrounding a penetrating microelectrode array chronically implanted in rat cortex. [Biomaterials] Full Article

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Changes in Extracellular Matrix Cause RPE Cells to Make Basal Deposits and Activate the Alternative Complement Pathway

To investigate the roles of Bruch’s membrane, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and complement in age-related macular degeneration, scientists generated abnormal ECM using CRISPR-edited ARPE-19 cells. They introduced to these cells the p.R345W mutation in EFEMP1, which causes early-onset macular degeneration. [Hum Mol Genet] Abstract

Gingival Tissue Inflammation Promotes Increased Matrix Metalloproteinase-12 Production by CD200R^low Monocyte-Derived Cells in Periodontitis

Researchers identified elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-12 in gingival tissue of patients with the chronic inflammatory disease periodontitis. The source of MMP12 was cells of monocyte origin as determined by the expression of CD14, CD68, and CD64. [J Immunol] Abstract

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Improve Human Islet Function through Released Products and Extracellular Matrix

The authors showed that co-culture with human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) improves human islet secretory function in vitro, as measured by glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, confirming previous reports using rodent tissues. They demonstrated that these beneficial effects on islet function can be partly attributed to the MSC-derived products ECM and annexin A1. [Clin Sci (Lond)] Abstract

Mechanotransduction of Matrix Stiffness in Regulation of Focal Adhesion Size and Number: Reciprocal Regulation of Caveolin-1 and β1 Integrin

Disruption of lipid rafts with methyl-β-cyclodextrin or nystatin, or knockdown of caveolin-1 by siRNA decreased cell spreading, focal adhesion assembly, and β1 integrin protein levels in cells cultured on stiff matrix. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Monitoring and Manipulating Cellular Crosstalk during Kidney Fibrosis Inside a 3D In Vitro Co-Culture

The authors combined 3D technology with epithelial reporter cell lines expressing fluorescent biomarkers in order to visualize pathophysiological cell state changes resulting from toxin-mediated chemical injury. Epithelial cell damage onset was robustly detected by image-based monitoring, and injured epithelial spheroids induced myofibroblast differentiation of co-cultured quiescent human fibroblasts. [Sci Rep] Full Article

VANGL2 Interacts with Integrin αv to Regulate Matrix Metalloproteinase Activity and Cell Adhesion to the Extracellular Matrix

Researchers investigated the functional relationship between Vang-like 2 (VANGL2), integrin αvβ3, and matrix metalloproteinase 2 activation. They provide evidence that VANGL2 regulates cell surface integrin αvβ3 expression and adhesion to fibronectin, laminin, and vitronectin. [Exp Cell Res] Full Article

Inhibition of Histone Deacetylase 1 Ameliorates Renal Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis via Modulation of Inflammation and Extracellular Matrix Gene Transcription in Mice

Valproic acid (VPA) treatment increased histone H3 acetylation in both sham- and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-operated kidneys and decreased the UUO-induced increase in tubular injury and ECM deposition in mice. VPA also decreased myofibroblast activation and proliferation in UUO kidneys and NRK-49F cells. [Int J Mol Med] Abstract

CTRP6 Inhibits Cell Proliferation and ECM Expression in Rat Mesangial Cells Cultured under TGF-β1

Researchers examined the role of C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein 6 (CTRP6) in renal fibrosis and explored the possible mechanism. They demonstrated that the expression of CTRP6 was significantly downregulated in renal fibrotic tissues and TGF-β1-treated NRK-49F cells. [Biomed Pharmacother] Abstract

Mechanical Forces Direct Stem Cell Behavior in Development and Regeneration

The physical environment of pluripotent stem cells regulates their self-renewal and differentiation. Mechanical and physical cues are also important in adult tissues, where adult stem cells require physical interactions with the extracellular matrix to maintain their potency. [Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol] Abstract

Mechanobiology of Collective Cell Behaviors

Recent studies have shown that the physical properties of the cellular environment, which include matrix stiffness, topography, geometry and the application of external forces, can alter collective cell behaviors, tissue organization and cell-generated forces. [Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol] Abstract

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

Evotec Joins Forces with Academic Leaders to Accelerate Drug Discovery in Kidney Diseases and Build “NEPLEX”

Evotec AG announced a strategic collaboration on microfluidics technology including induced pluripotent stem cell differentiation with leading academic institutions in the UK and Italy to accelerate the discovery of novel drugs to treat kidney diseases. [Evotec AG] Press Release

Humacyte Awarded $3.4 Million Contract Award from The U.S. Department of Defense

Humacyte announced that the company has received a Broad Agency Announcement contract award of $3.4 million from the United States Department of Defense. [Humacyte, Inc.] Press Release

WHO Calls for Restrictions on Use of Antibiotics in Food Animal Production

The World Health Organization is urging countries to restrict the amount of antibiotics given in food animal production by prohibiting their routine use in growth promotion and disease prevention. The recommendation is one of a number the WHO issued aimed at preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. [STAT News] Editorial

UK Government Appoints Next Chief Scientific Adviser

Patrick Vallance, president of research and development at the pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline, has been appointed as chief scientific adviser, the UK government announced. [Nature News] Editorial

Indian Scientists Urged to Speak Out about Pseudoscience

A leading Indian science-advocacy group is urging the country’s researchers to speak out against pseudoscience, which it fears has gained a foothold in the past few years, partly through support from some agencies of the Indian government. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW 4^th Matrix Biology Ireland 2017
November 30-December 1, 2017
Dublin, Ireland

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

NEW Postdoctoral Fellowship – Metabolism or Tissue Fibrosis (University of California – San Francisco)

Faculty Position – Regenerative Medicine (Nationwide Children’s Hospital)

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 Positions – Neuroscience (Harvard Medical School)

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

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

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

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