Extracellular Matrix News Volume 9.03 | Jan 25 2018

TOP STORY

AMPK-AKT Double Negative Feedback Loop in Breast Cancer Cells Regulates their Adaptation to Matrix Deprivation

Investigators illuminate mechanisms that enable reversible matrix attachment by breast cancer cells. Matrix deprival triggered AMPK activity and concomitantly inhibited AKT activity by upregulating the AKT phosphatase PHLPP2. [Cancer Res] Abstract | Full Article

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Hic-5 Regulates Fibrillar Adhesion Formation to Control Tumor Extracellular Matrix Remodeling through Interaction with Tensin1

Researchers showed that cancer-associated fibroblasts lacking Hic-5 exhibit a significant reduction in the ability to form fibrillar adhesions, a specialized form of focal adhesion that promote fibronectin fibrillogenesis. Hic-5 was found to promote fibrillar adhesion formation through a newly characterized interaction with tensin1. [Oncogene] Abstract

Soy Protein/Cellulose Nanofiber Scaffolds Mimicking Skin Extracellular Matrix for Enhanced Wound Healing

The development of an entirely plant-based nanofibrous dressing comprised of cellulose acetate (CA) and soy protein hydrolysate (SPH) using rotary jet spinning is described. In vitro, CA/SPH nanofibers promoted fibroblast proliferation, migration, infiltration, and integrin β1 expression. [Adv Healthc Mater] Abstract

Distinct Niches within the Extracellular Matrix Dictate Fibroblast Function in (Cell-Free) 3D Lung Tissue Cultures

Scientists used an innovative 3D cell culture ECM model by decellularizing ex vivo lung tissue scaffolds (d3D-LTCs) derived from diseased and healthy mouse lungs, which widely mimics the native (patho)physiological in vivo microenvironment. They successfully repopulated all d3D-LTCs with primary human and murine fibroblasts. [Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol] Abstract

Proteomic Analysis of Nucleus Pulposus Cell-Derived Extracellular Matrix Niche and Its Effect on Phenotypic Alteration of Dermal Fibroblasts

Researchers attempted to reconstitute a biomimetic ECM niche by culturing nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) in a collagen microsphere system previously established and allowing them to remodel the template matrix. The reconstituted NPC-derived complex ECM was obtained after decellularization and the composition of such niche was evaluated by proteomic analysis. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Treprostinil Inhibits Proliferation and Extracellular Matrix Deposition by Fibroblasts through cAMP Activation

The effect of treprostinil on tumor growth factor (TGF)-β1 and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced fibroblast proliferation and ECM deposition was investigated. Human peripheral lung fibroblasts of seven idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients and five lung donors were stimulated by PDGF, or TGF-β1, or the combination. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Three-Dimensional Visualization of Extracellular Matrix Networks during Murine Development

Researchers describe a method of viewing the 3D organization of the ECM using a polyacrylamide-based hydrogel to provide a 3D framework within developing murine embryos. [Dev Biol] Abstract

Pyruvate Kinase M2 Modulates the Glycolysis of Chondrocyte and Extracellular Matrix in Osteoarthritis

The authors investigated the function of pyruvate kinase M2 on osteoarthritis chondrocyte glycolysis and the collagen matrix generation in vitro. [DNA Cell Biol] Abstract

Tensile Forces Drive a Reversible Fibroblast-to-Myofibroblast Transition during Tissue Growth in Engineered Clefts

Investigators used three-dimensional microtissues grown in vitro from fibroblasts in macroscopically engineered clefts for several weeks and found that fibroblasts transitioned into myofibroblasts at the highly tensed growth front as the microtissue progressively closed the cleft, in analogy to closing a wound site. [Sci Adv] Full Article

Sweet, Yet Underappreciated: Proteoglycans and Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in Heart Disease

The authors review how ECM-detached cancer cells balance redox metabolism for survival. [Matrix Biol] Abstract

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

Benitec Receives U.S. Orphan Drug Designation for BB-301, Its ddRNAi Therapeutic for the Treatment of Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy

Benitec Biopharma Limited announced that the FDA has granted Orphan Drug Designation to BB-301 for the treatment of oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy. [Benitec Biopharma Limited] Press Release

AveXis Announces Expanded Clinical Development Program for AVXS-101 in Spinal Muscular Atrophy

AveXis, Inc. provided an overview of the expanded clinical development program for the company’s initial gene therapy candidate, AVXS-101, for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy. [AveXis, Inc.] Press Release

German Scientists Hope for Windfall from Incoming Government

Research budget could rise to 3.5% of gross domestic product if agreement struck during coalition talks holds. [Nature News] Editorial

Nobel Laureate Suggests He Could Fall on Sword over Colleague’s Bogus Paper

Shinya Yamanaka, who won a share of the 2012 Noble Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the discovery of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, has suggested he could resign as director of Kyoto University’s Center for iPS Cell Research and Application in Japan over a fraudulent paper published by center researchers. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

NEW LabRoots: 2^nd Annual Cell Biology Virtual Event
September 26-27, 2018
Online

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

NEW Faculty Positions – Biomedical Research (Tongji University School of Medicine)

NEW Professorship – Stem Cells in Pancreas Development and Disease (Technischen Universität Dresden)

Teaching Faculty Position – Biomedical Engineering (University of California, Davis)

Professor and Deputy Director – Regenerative Medicine (Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute)

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

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)

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)

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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