Extracellular Matrix News 9.05 February 8, 2018 | |
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TOP STORYStem cell shape appears to be involved in the regulation of osteogenesis, which has been confirmed in two dimensional surfaces and three dimensional hydrogels. Scientists evaluated the effect of matrix-controlled cellular shape on osteogenesis in three dimensional porous scaffolds based on the sodium alginate and chitosan. [ACS Appl Mater Interfaces] Abstract | |
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PUBLICATIONS(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)Investigators devised a self-assembling peptide (SAP) system that facilitates user-friendly control of matrix stiffness and RGD (Arg–Gly–Asp) concentration within a hydrogel possessing a microarchitecture similar to stromal extracellular matrix. [Acta Biomater] Abstract | Graphical Abstract Researchers showed that the cell-encapsulating hydrogels of silk fibroin / collagen are implementable over a wide range of compositions, enabled simply by combining the different gelation mechanisms. Not only the gelation reaction but also the structural characteristics, consequently, the mechanical properties and cellular behaviors were accelerated significantly by the silk fibroin / collagen hybrid hydrogel approach. [Acta Biomater] Abstract | Graphical Abstract Scientists report findings from a focused analysis of proteomic data obtained for the hippocampus and parahippocampal cortex samples collected during the early post-insult phase, latency phase, and chronic phase of a rat model of epileptogenesis. The study focused on proteins functionally associated with cell stress, cell death, ECM remodeling, cell-ECM interaction, cell-cell interaction, angiogenesis, and blood-brain barrier function. [Neurobiol Dis] Abstract The establishment of a novel, thermally stable process for producing filaments containing chondroinductive microspheres provides evidence supporting subsequent development of a clinically-relevant, 3D scaffold fabricated from them for osteochondral regeneration and repair. [Biofabrication] Abstract Fibroblast-Associated Tumor Microenvironment Induces Vascular Structure-Networked Tumoroid Stromal and cancer tissues with ECM can provide a tumor microenvironment (TME) with cell-to-cell and cell-to-ECM interactions. The authors describe a 3D in vitro lung cancer model cultured in a microfluidic channel that is able to confirm the role and function of various stromal cells in tumorigenesis, thereby representing an in vivo-like TME. [Sci Rep] Full Article The authors report a collagen–dendrimer biomaterial crosslinked with pro-survival peptide analogues that adheres to the extracellular matrix and slowly releases the peptides, significantly prolonging stem cell survival in mouse models of ischaemic injury. [Nat Biomed Eng] Abstract | Editorial Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) pathogenesis can be affected by extensive degradation of ECM and the hyperproliferation of nucleus pulposus cell. During the IDD process, ECM degradation enzymes MMP and ADAMTS expression increases, while ECM synthesis-related Aggrecan and COL2A1 expression decreases. [J Cell Biochem] Abstract The authors investigated the effects of smooth and microgrooved membrane blends, with different PCL/PLGA ratios on the viability, proliferation, and adhesion of different mammalian cell types. The polymer matrices with and without microgrooves, obtained by solvent casting, were characterized by FESEM, AFM, contact angle and Young’s modulus. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract | |
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REVIEWSRegulation of Fibrosis in Muscular Dystrophy Reseachers cover the salient features of muscular dystrophy pathogenesis, highlight the signals and cells that are important for myogenic and fibrogenic actions, and discuss how fibrosis alters the ECM of skeletal muscle, and the consequences of fibrosis in developing therapies. [Matrix Biol] Abstract Beyond the Matrix: The Many Non-ECM Ligands for Integrins The authors strive to go beyond the matrix and summarize non-ECM ligands that interact with integrins in order to highlight these non-traditional functions of integrins. [Int J Mol Sci] Full Article Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the extracellular matrix research field. | |
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INDUSTRY NEWSSymic Bio Completes the MODIFY2 Phase II Trial of SB-061 for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis Symic Bio announced topline results from the MODIFY2 Phase II clinical trial of SB-061 for symptom management in mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. [Symic Bio] Press Release Fibrocell Science, Inc. announced the submission of an Investigational New Drug Application with the U.S. FDA for FCX-013, the Company’s gene therapy candidate for the treatment of moderate to severe localized scleroderma. [Fibrocell Science, Inc.] Press Release The College of Engineering welcomed new Department Head of Biomedical Engineering Bin He to campus as he began his appointment. As Department Head of BME, Dr. He is committed to research and education at the convergence of engineering, biology and medicine, aiming to produce future leaders and innovators to address grand challenges in medicine and health through engineering innovation. [Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Engineering] Press Release | |
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POLICY NEWSNSF Requires Institutions to Report Sexual Harassment Findings The National Science Foundation (NSF) in Alexandria, Virginia, announced a new set of measures to combat sexual harassment by people working on the projects it funds. The steps may include suspending or eliminating research grants after an institution finds that a grantee committed harassment. [ScienceInsider] Editorial Breakthrough in Budget Negotiations Could Raise Spending for Science Top lawmakers in Congress announced a budget agreement that could produce substantial spending increases for research at key U.S. science agencies—and avoid a partial government shutdown on Friday. But the deal must still clear a few hurdles before it is finalized. [ScienceInsider] Editorial Peace is a dangerous cause to fight for in Turkey right now. In the latest blow to academics, 11 members of the Turkish Medical Association, including its president, Raşit Tükel, were arrested in early-morning raids. [Nature News] Editorial
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EVENTSNEW Gordon Research Conferences: Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development and Disease Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the community.
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JOB OPPORTUNITIESNEW Postdoctoral/Research Fellow – Spinal Cord Injury Research (Nanyang Technological University) Postdoctoral Position – Spinal Cord Injury (Nanyang Technological University) Executive Director – Bioengineering and Bioscience (Georgia Institute of Technology) Locum Associate or Senior Editor – Nature Biomedical Engineering (Springer Nature) Professor – Biomedical Engineering (Polytechnique Montreal) Scientist – Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology (Moderna Therapeutics) Faculty Positions – Biomedical Research (Tongji University School of Medicine) Professorship – Stem Cells in Pancreas Development and Disease (Technischen Universität Dresden) Teaching Faculty Position – Biomedical Engineering (University of California, Davis) Postdoctoral Position – Cardiac Fibrosis (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) 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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