Extracellular Matrix News Volume 8.45 | Nov 16 2017

TOP STORY

Three-Dimensional Map of Nonhematopoietic Bone and Bone-Marrow Cells and Molecules

To map nonhematopoietic cells and structures in bone and bone marrow, scientists performed multicolor 3D imaging of osteoblastic, vascular, perivascular, neuronal and marrow stromal cells, and extracellular-matrix proteins in whole mouse femurs. [Nat Biotechnol] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Matrix-Binding Checkpoint Immunotherapies Enhance Antitumor Efficacy and Reduce Adverse Events

Researchers conjugated the checkpoint blockade antibodies (Abs) to an ECM–super-affinity peptide derived from placenta growth factor–2 (PlGF-2_123–144). They showed enhanced tissue retention and lower Ab concentrations in blood plasma after PlGF-2_123–144 conjugation, reducing systemic side effects such as the risk of autoimmune diabetes. [Sci Transl Med] Abstract

Stress Relaxing Hyaluronic Acid-Collagen Hydrogels Promote Cell Spreading, Fiber Remodeling, and Focal Adhesion Formation in 3D Cell Culture

Investigators present an interpenetrating network hydrogel system based on HA crosslinked with dynamic covalent bonds and collagen I that captures the viscoelasticity and fibrillarity of ECM in tissues. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Electrospun Thermosensitive Hydrogel Scaffold for Enhanced Chondrogenesis of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Researchers demonstrated that the hybrid scaffold enhanced chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells based on chondrocytic gene and protein expression, which resulted in superior viscoelastic properties of the cell/scaffold constructs. [Acta Biomater] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Microenvironmental Stiffness of 3D Polymeric Structures to Study Invasive Rates of Cancer Cells

A new approach is presented to study tumor cell invasiveness by exploiting an innovative class of polymeric scaffolds based on two-photon lithography to control the stiffness of deterministic microenvironments in 3D. [Adv Healthc Mater] Abstract

Proteolytic Cleavage of Transmembrane Cell Adhesion Molecule L1 by Extracellular Matrix Molecule Reelin Is Important for Mouse Brain Development

Reelin-mediated generation of L1-80 was involved in neurite outgrowth and in stimulation of migration of cultured cortical and cerebellar neurons. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Hyaluronic Acid 35 Normalizes TLR4 Signaling in Kupffer Cells from Ethanol-Fed Rats via Regulation of MicroRNA291b and Its Target Tollip

Tollip expression was decreased in hepatic macrophages from ethanol-fed rats, but treatment with hyaluronic acid 35 or transfection with a miR291b hairpin inhibitor restored Tollip expression and normalized TLR4-stimulated TNFα expression. [Sci Rep] Full Article

neo-Clerodane Diterpenoids from Salvia polystachya Stimulate the Expression of Extracellular Matrix Components in Human Dermal Fibroblasts

The stimulatory effect of the expression of extracellular matrix components of nine of the isolates was assayed. Compounds 1–4, 8, and 11 increased the expression of the genes codifying for type I, type III, and type V collagens and for elastin. [J Nat Prod] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

LncRNA COL1A2-AS1 Inhibits the Scar Fibroblasts Proliferation via Regulating miR-21/Smad7 Pathway

The authors demonstrated that lncRNA COL1A2 antisense RNA 1 (COL1A2-AS1) was upregulated in hypertrophic scar tissue and fibroblasts, and suppressed fibroblasts proliferation by promoting Smad7 expression. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract

Proteoglycans Remodeling in Cancer: Underlying Molecular Mechanisms

The authors summarize proteoglycan remodeling and their novel biological roles in malignancies with particular emphasis to the underlying molecular mechanisms. [Matrix Biol] Abstract

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

Aziyo Presents Positive Initial Data from Clinical Study of Biologic Extracellular Matrix Scaffold for Femoral Arterial Reconstruction

Aziyo Biologics, Inc. announced positive results from PERFORM, a prospective, post-market study conducted in patients undergoing femoral arterial reconstruction using the company’s biologic ECM scaffold. [Press release from Aziyo Biologics, Inc. discussing research presented at VEITHsymposium 2017, New York] Press Release

New Approach to Studying How Heart Ages, Is Damaged, Earns $1.5 Million Grant

Using a new $1.5 million grant from the American Heart Association and the Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group, researchers are embarking on an ambitious study, using innovative laboratory techniques, to delve into the working of the heart’s scaffolding – the “extracellular matrix” – that supports cells and apparently plays a big role in instructing the behavior of those cells. [University of Virginia] Press Release

Orthocell Receives CE Mark for CelGro^®

Orthocell Limited announce receipt of European regulatory approval (CE Mark) for its CelGro^® collagen medical device. [Orthocell Limited (Business Wire, Inc.)] Press Release

African Scientists Get Their Own Open-Access Publishing Platform

Africa’s academy of science has announced that it will launch an open-access publishing platform — the first of its kind aimed exclusively at scientists on the continent. [Nature News] Editorial

Graduate Students Face Alarming Tax Hike

The last thing that graduate students need is a tax hike. But that is what many would face under a clause in the federal-tax-reform bill passed by the US House of Representatives. It will need to be reconciled with the Senate’s tax-reform bill (which retains many existing student tax benefits), and signed by the president. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW Gordon Research Conferences: Cytoskeletal Motors
July 8-13, 2018
West Dover, Vermont, United States

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

NEW Tenure Track Positions – Fibrosis Diseasome (University of Oulu)

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 – Wound Healing (University of Connecticut Health 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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