Extracellular Matrix News Volume 8.48 | Dec 6 2017

TOP STORY

A Novel Bioreactor System for Biaxial Mechanical Loading Enhances the Properties of Tissue-Engineered Human Cartilage

Researchers demonstrated that human articular chondrocytes encapsulated in hydrogels composed of gelatin methacryloyl and hyaluronic acid methacrylate respond to uni- and biaxial mechanical stimulation by upregulation of hyaline cartilage-specific marker genes. [Sci Rep] Full Article

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

The Serine Proteinase Hepsin Is an Activator of Pro-Matrix Metalloproteinases: Molecular Mechanisms and Implications for Extracellular Matrix Turnover

Scientists demonstrated that addition of hepsin to osteoarthritis cartilage in explant culture induced significant collagen and aggrecan release and activated proMMP-1 and proMMP-3. Furthermore, hepsin directly cleaved the aggrecan core protein at a novel cleavage site within the interglobular domain. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Depletion of Transglutaminase 2 in Neurons Alters Expression of Extracellular Matrix and Signal Transduction Genes and Compromises Cell Viability

The authors examined the role of transglutaminase 2 (TG2) in neuronal survival and to begin to delineate the pathways it regulates. They showed that depletion of TG2 significantly compromises the viability of neurons in the absence of any stressors. [Mol Cell Neurosci] Abstract

Inhibition of TGF-β Pathway Reverts Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in T. cruzi-Infected Cardiac Spheroids

Investigators tested in a 3D model of cardiac cells culture, capable of mimicking the aspects of fibrosis and hypertrophy observed in chagasic cardiomyopathy, the role of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) pathway inhibition in restoring ECM balance disrupted by T. cruzi infection. [Exp Cell Res] Abstract

Bacterial Nanocellulose-IKVAV Hydrogel Matrix Modulates Melanoma Tumor Cell Adhesion and Proliferation and Induces Vasculogenic Mimicry In Vitro

Scientists have developed an innovative hydrogel platform with defined composition that mimics the structural architecture and biological functions of the extracellular matrix for vasculogenic mimicry of human melanoma cells. [J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater] Abstract

3D Collagen Fibrillar Microstructure Guides Pancreatic Cancer Cell Phenotype and Serves as a Critical Design Parameter for Phenotypic Models of EMT

Investigators developed and applied an in vitro three-dimensional (3D) tumor-ECM model to define how ECM composition and biophysical properties modulate pancreatic cancer epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). [PLoS One] Full Article

Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induced to Differentiate as Chondrocytes Follow a Biphasic Pattern of Extracellular Matrix Production

Researchers analyzed the kinetics of matrix production in an aggregate culture model where adult human mesenchymal stem cells were induced to differentiate as chondrocytes. They indicated the existence of a biphasic mode of differentiation and maturation during which matrix genes and molecules are differentially activated and secreted. [J Orthop Res] Abstract

Collagen VI Suppresses Fibronectin-Induced Enteric Neural Crest Cell Migration by Downregulation of Focal Adhesion Proteins

To understand the mechanisms of collagen VI (ColVI) and fibronectin (FN) in enteric neural crest cell (ENCC) migration, the authors examined neurosphere or individual ENCC-adherence capabilities toward the ECM. ColVI suppressed FN-induced ENCC spreading/migration, whereas ColVI induced morphologically narrow ENCC spreading and weak stress-fiber formation as compared with those with FN. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract

Laser Surface Modification of Decellularized Extracellular Cartilage Matrix for Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Scientists investigated surface modifications of scaffolds by carbon dioxide and Er:YAG laser application to facilitate the migration of chondrocytes inside the scaffold. After laser treatment, the scaffolds were seeded with human nasal septal chondrocytes and analyzed with respect to cell migration and formation of new extracellular matrix proteins. [Lasers Med Sci] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix in Uterine Leiomyoma Pathogenesis: A Potential Target for Future Therapeutics

The authors discuss the involvement of ECM in leiomyoma pathogenesis as well as current and future medical treatments that target ECM directly or indirectly. [Hum Reprod Update] Abstract

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

Foresee Pharmaceuticals Announces Results from Phase I Clinical Studies, Highlighting Promising Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacokinetic Profile of FP-025, a Selective MMP-12 Inhibitor

Foresee Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. announced that it has successfully completed Phase I single and multiple ascending dose clinical studies with FP-025, its novel, highly selective, oral small-molecule matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) inhibitor being developed for the treatment of immune and fibrotic conditions, namely respiratory diseases. [Foresee Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.] Press Release

Regentis Co-Founder Wins Prize for Regenerative Medicine Research

Regentis Biomaterials announced that company co-founder and chief scientific officer Prof. Dror Seliktar was awarded the Rita Levi Montalcini Award for his regenerative medicine research over the past 15 years at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. [Regentis Biomaterials (PR Newswire Association LLC.)] Press Release

US Graduate Students in Uproar over Proposed Tax Hike

Many US universities waive tuition for students who conduct research or teach. But a provision in a tax bill passed by the US House of Representatives would add that tuition to students’ taxable income. [Nature News] Editorial

Hundreds of German Universities Set to Lose Access to Elsevier Journals

Around 200 German universities will lose their subscriptions to Elsevier journals within weeks, because negotiations have failed to end a long-term contract dispute. [Nature News] Editorial

Trump Science Job Nominees Missing Advanced Science Degrees

When it comes to filling jobs dealing with complex science, environment, and health issues, the Trump administration is nominating people with fewer science academic credentials than their Obama predecessors. And it’s moving slower as well. [STAT News] Editorial

NEW Gordon Research Conferences: Extracellular Vesicles
August 19-24, 2018
Newry, Maine, United States

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

NEW Postdoctoral Researcher – Matrix & Metastasis (Garvan Institute of Medical Research)

NEW Research Associate – Neuroscience (University College London)

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)

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 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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