Extracellular Matrix News 8.46 November 23, 2017 | |
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TOP STORYInvestigators showed that collagen matrices with small pores and short fibers, but not Matrigel, trigger a conserved transcriptional response and subsequent motility switch in cancer cells resulting in the formation of multicellular network structures. [Nat Commun] Full Article | Press Release | |
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PUBLICATIONS(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)The authors identified an unexpected function for the ubiquitous hyaluronan-degrading enzyme, hyaluronidase 2, as a regulator of CD44 splicing. Standard CD44 was associated with fibrotic disease, and its production was promoted through serine-arginine–rich protein–mediated exon exclusion. [Sci Signal] Abstract Scientists showed that integrin alpha 11 was co-localized with α-smooth muscle actin-positive myofibroblasts and was correlatively induced with increasing fibrogenesis in mouse models and human fibrotic organs. [Exp Mol Med] Full Article Researchers present an innovative strategy to reinforce 3D-printed hydrogel constructs for cartilage tissue engineering by formulating composite bioinks containing alginate and short sub-micron polylactide (PLA) fibers. [Biofabrication] Abstract To investigate the role of endothelial α6β4 integrin, transgenic mice lacking β4 integrin in endothelial cells and wild-type littermates were subject to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, and clinical score and various neuropathological parameters were examined by immunofluorescence. [J Neuroinflammation] Full Article To investigate molecular mechanisms that influence biologic behavior scientists used global proteomic and histologic analyses of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue of primary human cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas. [Matrix Biol] Abstract Researchers explored the significance of cartilage intermediate layer protein 1 (CILP1) as a novel mediator of cardiac ECM remodeling. Whole genome transcriptional analysis of human cardiac tissue samples revealed a strong association of CILP1 with many structural and non-structural ECM proteins. [Sci Rep] Full Article The authors sought to determine the survival and efficacy of primary dopaminergic grafts after intra-striatal delivery in a glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)-loaded collagen hydrogel in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease. [Sci Rep] Full Article MicroRNA-21 Promotes Wound Healing via the Smad7-Smad2/3-Elastin Pathway Scientists investigated the role of miR-21 in the wound healing process and the possible underlying cell signaling pathways. They isolated GMSCs from WT and miR-21-KO mouse gingiva. RT-PCR, western blot analysis and immunohistofluorescence staining were performed to examine the expression of extracellular matrix components and key proteins of cell signaling pathways. [Exp Cell Res] Abstract Investigators differentiated induced pluripotent stem cells into neural crest-like cells. They then captured the p75 neurotrophic receptor-positive cells and cultured them on an ECM produced by human periodontal ligament cells. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract Researchers demonstrated a role for matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) in the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to neurons via the AKT pathway. Treatment of iPSCs with MMP2 promoted their proliferation and differentiation into neural stem cells, and then into neurons. [Brain Res] Full Article | |
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REVIEWSResults of experimental studies utilizing ECM-containing 3D cellular models in photodynamic therapy research are summarized. Design of in vitro 3D models that would provide clinically relevant information are discussed. [Photochem Photobiol] Abstract Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the extracellular matrix research field. | |
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INDUSTRY NEWSWith an increased focus from commercial ventures on pre-clinical research and clinical trials and a significant advance in cell and gene therapy manufacturing capability, this follows a consistent trend of growth across the industry since the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult was established five years ago. [Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult] Press Release WuXi AppTec Selected by IQVIA Stem Cell Center to Serve as GMP Manufacturer of Advanced Therapies WuXi AppTec announced that its Advanced Therapy Unit based in Philadelphia has been selected as a manufacturing partner for advanced therapies through the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine funded IQVIA Stem Cell Center. [WuXi AppTec (PR Newswire Association LLC.)] Press Release | |
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POLICY NEWSStill No Science Advisor at the White House Ten months into his presidency, Donald Trump has yet to name a science advisor. It’s the longest amount of time a modern president has taken to nominate someone to the position since at least 1976, when Congress established the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy. [MIT Technology Review] Editorial Director of HHS Scientific Fraud Office Is out after Stormy 2-Year Tenure The controversial director of the office that polices research fraud in U.S.-funded biomedical labs is temporarily moving to another agency. Kathy Partin has been removed after nearly two years as director of the U.S. Office of Research Integrity in Rockville, Maryland, according to Retraction Watch. [ScienceInsider] Editorial European Medicines Agency Will Move to Amsterdam The European Medicines Agency, charged with evaluating human and animal medicinal products for the European Union, will relocate to Amsterdam after it was selected in a draw of lots between it and Milan. [ScienceInsider] Editorial Hungary Rewards Highly Cited Scientists with Bonus Grants Some top researchers prosper in Hungary as country tries to improve its international standing in science. [Nature News] Editorial
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EVENTSNEW Gordon Research Conferences: Signal Transduction by Engineered Extracellular Matrices Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the community.
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JOB OPPORTUNITIESNEW Postdoctoral Fellowship – Renal Fibrosis and Kidney Disease (Vanderbilt University) 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) 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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