Extracellular Matrix News Volume 9.01 | Jan 11 2018

TOP STORY

Impaired Lymphoid Extracellular Matrix Impedes Antibacterial Immunity in Epidermolysis Bullosa

Researchers describe an unprecedented systemic function of collagen VII as a member of a unique innate immune-supporting multiprotein complex in spleen and lymph nodes. In this complex, collagen VII specifically binds and sequesters the innate immune activator cochlin in the lumen of lymphoid conduits. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Force Generation via β-Cardiac Myosin, Titin, and α-Actinin Drives Cardiac Sarcomere Assembly from Cell-Matrix Adhesions

Utilizing human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, CRISPR/Cas9, and live microscopy, the authors characterized the fundamental mechanisms of human cardiac sarcomere formation. They observed that sarcomerogenesis initiates at protocostameres, sites of cell-extracellular matrix adhesion, where nucleation and centripetal assembly of α-actinin-2-containing fibers provide a template for the fusion of Z-disk precursors, Z bodies, and subsequent striation. [Dev Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Matrix Enhances Chondrogenic Phenotype of and Cartilage Formation by Encapsulated Chondrocytes In Vitro and In Vivo

Investigators tested the applicability of using decellularized human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cell-ECM as a culture substrate for chondrocyte expansion in vitro, as well as a scaffold for chondrocyte-based cartilage repair. [Acta Biomater] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Preparation of Decellularized Biphasic Hierarchical Myotendinous Junction Extracellular Matrix for Muscle Regeneration

The authors generated a scaffold to obtain decellularized porcine Achilles tendon myotendinous junction ECM with well-preserved native biphasic hierarchical structure, biological composition, and excellent mechanical properties for muscle regeneration. [Acta Biomater] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

An Ichor-Dependent Apical Extracellular Matrix Regulates Seamless Tube Shape and Integrity

Researchers characterized a Drosophila mutant called ichor (ich), and showed that ich is essential for the integrity and shape of seamless tubes in tracheal terminal cells. They found that Ich regulates seamless tubulogenesis via its role in promoting the formation of a mature apical extracellular matrix lining the lumen of the seamless tubes. [PLoS Genet] Full Article

(Pro)renin Receptor Is Involved in Mesangial Fibrosis and Matrix Expansion

Investigators used mouse mesangial cell line SV40 MES13 to investigate the association of (pro)renin receptor with mesangial fibrosis or expansion. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Doxorubicin Resistance in Breast Cancer Cells Is Mediated by Extracellular Matrix Proteins

The response of breast cancer cell lines to doxorubicin was examined in an in vitro 3D cell culture model. Cells were cultured with Matrigel™ enabling cellular arrangements into a 3D architecture in conjunction with cell-to-ECM contact. [BMC Cancer] Full Article

Ghrelin Prevents Articular Cartilage Matrix Destruction in Human Chondrocytes

Scientists indicated that ghrelin reduced interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, MMP-13, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)-4 and ADAMTS-5 in a concentration-dependent manner. Notably, ghrelin ameliorated IL-1β-induced degradation of type II collagen and aggrecan. [Biomed Pharmacother] Abstract

The Role of Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinase Inducer Glycosylation in Regulating Matrix Metalloproteinases in Periodontitis

The authors investigated the role of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer glycosylation in regulating matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 during the progression of periodontitis. [J Periodontal Res] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix as a Driver of Progressive Fibrosis

Researchers differentiate fibrosis initiation from progression and focus primarily on progressive lung fibrosis impairing organ function. They present a working model to explain how the altered ECM is not only a consequence but also a driver of fibrosis. [J Clin Invest] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix Molecules and Their Potential Contribution to the Function of Transplanted Pancreatic Islets

The authors provide current insights into the role of ECM molecules in islet function and discuss the clinical potential of ECM manipulation to enhance pancreatic islet function and survival. [Diabetologia] Full Article

Proteomic Analysis of the Cardiac Extracellular Matrix: Clinical Research Applications

Proteomic capabilities have dramatically improved over the past 20 years, due to enhanced sample preparation protocols and increased capabilities in mass spectrometry, database searching, and bioinformatics analysis. Scientists summarize technological advancements made in proteomic applications that make ECM proteomics highly feasible. [Expert Rev Proteomics] Abstract

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

Rewind Therapeutics Secures 15.2 M EURO to Develop Novel Remyelination Therapies

Rewind Therapeutics announced the completion of a €15.2 million Series A financing to develop novel re-myelinating therapies for patients suffering from multiple sclerosis and other myelin-related diseases. [Rewind Therapeutics (PR Newswire Association, LLC.)] Press Release

Biocardia Submits Clinical Trial to FDA for New Indication of Chronic Myocardial Ischemia for CardiAMP Cell Therapy

BioCardia^®, Inc. reported filing a second Investigational Device Exemption with the FDA for the CardiAMP Chronic Myocardial Ischemia Trial to treat patients with refractory angina. [BioCardia^®, Inc.] Press Release

Rising Star Appointed UK Science Minister

The United Kingdom has gained a new science minister as part of a broader reshuffle of government posts. Sam Gyimah, who moves from the Ministry of Justice, was appointed minister for universities and science, replacing Jo Johnson. [Nature News] Editorial

Faced with Public Pressure, Research Institutions Step Up Reporting of Clinical Trial Results

The reporting of clinical trial results to a public database — mandated by a ten-year-old federal law — has improved sharply in the last two years, with universities and other nonprofit research centers leading the way. [STAT News] Editorial

Koch-Backed Groups Urge Congress to Pass Right-to-Try Legislation

Several deep-pocketed political advocacy groups founded by Charles and David Koch are ramping up their advocacy before Congress on a niche issue: access to experimental drugs. [STAT News] Editorial

NEW EMBO-EMBL Symposia: Organoids: Modeling Organ Development and Disease in 3D Culture
September 10-13, 2018
Heidelberg, Germany

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

NEW Postdoctoral Position – Cardiac Fibrosis (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

NEW PhD Studentship – Detection of Metastasis (CRUK Manchester Institute)

PhD Studentship – Self-Assembled Protein Nanosheets for the Control of Stem Cell Phenotype (Queen Mary University of London)

PhD Studentship – Mechanisms of Stem Cell Adhesion and Fate Decision to Nanostructured Biomaterials (Queen Mary University of London)

Predoctoral Fellow/PhD Student – Renal Disease (Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden)

PhD Scholarship Award – Neuroscience (University of Technology Sydney)

Postdoctoral Fellow Position – Extracellular Matrix Protein Biology (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Mechanobiology (University of Michigan)

Tenure Track Positions – Fibrosis Diseasome (University of Oulu)

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