Extracellular Matrix News Volume 8.47 | Nov 30 2017

TOP STORY

Microbial Volatile Communication in Human Organotypic Lung Models

Scientists introduce a microscale organotypic model of the human bronchiole for studying pulmonary infection. By leveraging microscale techniques, the model is designed to approximate the structure of the human bronchiole, containing airway, vascular, and extracellular matrix compartments. [Nat Commun] Full Article

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Matrix Stiffness Determines the Phenotype of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell In Vitro and In Vivo: Role of DNA Methyltransferase 1

Investigators tested the hypothesis that during arterial stiffening, vascular smooth muscle cells sense the increase of ECM stiffness, which modulates the cellular phenotype through the regulation in DNA methyltransferases 1 expression. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Focal Adhesion Signaling Affects Regeneration by Human Nucleus Pulposus Cells in Collagen – but not Carbohydrate-Based Hydrogels

The authors compared focal adhesion formation and glycosaminoglycan deposition by nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in a range of hydrogels. Using a focal adhesion kinase inhibitor, they demonstrated that focal adhesion signaling is involved in the response of NP cells in hydrogels that contain integrin binding sites, but not in hydrogels deplete from integrin binding sites such as alginate and agarose, or CD44-binding hydrogels based on hyaluronic acid. [Acta Biomater] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Mammary Epithelium-Specific Inactivation of V-ATPase Reduces Stiffness of Extracellular Matrix and Enhances Metastasis of Breast Cancer

Scientists report a novel role of epithelial cell associated vacuolar-ATPase ‘a2′ isoform (a2V) in regulating breast tissue ECM stiffness to control metastasis. Using a mammary-gland specific a2V knockout model, they showed that in the absence of a2V, breast tumors exhibit atypically soft tumor phenotype, less tumor rigidity and necrotic tumor microenvironment. [Mol Oncol] Abstract | Full Article

Chitosan-Graphene Oxide 3D Scaffolds as Promising Tools for Bone Regeneration in Critical-Size Mouse Calvarial Defects

Researchers investigated osteogenic differentiation, along with bone repair capacity of 3D chitosan scaffolds enriched with graphene oxide in critical-sized mouse calvarial defect. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Low Oxygen Conditions Promote Synergistic Increases in Chondrogenesis during Co-Culture of Human Osteoarthritic Stem Cells and Chondrocytes

The authors compared the effect of combining a small number of freshly isolated or culture expanded human chondrocytes with infrapatellar fat pad derived stem cells from osteoarthritic donors on chondrogenesis in altered oxygen and growth factor supplementation conditions. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med] Abstract

Novel Decellularized Liver Matrix-Alginate Hybrid Gel Beads for the 3D Culture of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

HCCLM3 cells cultured in decellularized liver matrix-alginate (DLM–ALG) beads presented gradually enhanced viability during in vitro culture. The protein expression of urokinase plasminogen activator system and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) of HCCLM3 cells, including MMP2 and MMP9, were more significantly promoted in DLM–ALG beads compared with that in conventional ALG beads without DLM powder. [Int J Biol Macromol] Abstract

The Extracellular Matrix Protein Edil3 Stimulates Osteoblast Differentiation through the Integrin α5β1/ERK/Runx2 Pathway

Researchers explored the role of epidermal growth factor-like repeats and discoidin I-like domain 3 (Edil3) in osteoblast differentiation and its underlying molecular mechanisms. In wild-type mice, high expression levels of Edil3 mRNA were observed in isolated calvaria and tibia/femur bones. [PLoS One] Full Article

Extracellular Cathepsin L Stimulates Axonal Growth in Neurons

The axonal growth activity of recombinant cathepsin L was evaluated in cultured cortical and spinal cord neurons. Treatment with recombinant cathepsin L significantly enhanced axonal growth, but not dendritic growth. [BMC Res Notes] Full Article

Cell-ECM Mechanobiology – Forceful Tools and Emerging Needs for Basic and Translational Research

Interactions between cells and materials in vitro can modify cell phenotype and ECM structure, whether intentionally or inadvertently. Interactions between cell and matrix mechanics in vivo are of particular importance in a wide variety of disorders, including cancer, central nervous system injury, fibrotic diseases, and myocardial infarction. [Nano Lett] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in 3D: Implications in Tissue Homeostasis and Disease Progression

The ECM plays a critical role in regulating cell behavior during tissue homeostasis and in disease progression. Through a combination of adhesion, contraction, alignment of ECM proteins and subsequent degradation, cells change the chemical, mechanical, and physical properties of their surrounding matrix. [Wiley Interdiscip Rev Nanomed Nanobiotechnol] Abstract

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

Pluristem Granted Key U.S. Patent for Skeletal Muscle Regeneration – A Meaningful Asset ahead of Upcoming Phase III Femoral Neck Fracture Study

Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued a patent titled, “Skeletal muscle regeneration using mesenchymal system cells.” [Pluristem Therapeutics Inc.] Press Release

CollPlant Expands European Sales Network: The Company Has Signed a Distribution Agreement in Greece and Cyprus for Vergenix^®FG for Treatment of Acute and Chronic Wounds and Surgical Cuts

CollPlant – a regenerative medicine company utilizing its proprietary plant-based rhCollagen technology for tissue repair products, announced that it has signed an agreement with a distributor in Greece and Cyprus. [CollPlant Ltd.] Press Release

Health Agency Reveals Scourge of Fake Drugs in Developing World

One in ten medicines in developing countries is fake or substandard, data from the World Health Organization suggest. Malaria drugs and antibiotics are among the most commonly reported, the agency found. But the problem extends to a variety of medications, including those for cancer, heart disease and HIV, as well as contraceptives and painkillers. [Nature News] Editorial

China to Roll Back Regulations for Traditional Medicine Despite Safety Concerns

Support for traditional medicine in China goes right to the top. President Xi Jinping has called this type of medicine a “gem” of the country’s scientific heritage and promised to give alternative therapies and Western drugs equal government support. The country is taking dramatic steps to promote these cures even as researchers raise concerns about such treatments. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW Gordon Research Conferences: Tissue Niches and Resident Stem Cells in Adult Epithelia
August 19-24, 2018
Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, United States

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NEW Postdoctoral Fellowship – Mechanobiology (University of Michigan)

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)

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 Researchers – Cancer Metastasis and Drug Resistance (Tufts University)

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