Extracellular Matrix News Volume 9.07 | Feb 22 2018

TOP STORY

RIPK1-Mediated Induction of Mitophagy Compromises the Viability of Extracellular-Matrix-Detached Cells

Researchers found that receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) activation during ECM detachment results in mitophagy induction through a mechanism dependent on the mitochondrial phosphatase PGAM5. As a consequence of mitophagy, ECM-detached cells experienced diminished NADPH production in the mitochondria, and the subsequent elevation in ROS levels leads to non-apoptotic death. [Nat Cell Biol] Abstract | Press Release

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Live Imaging of Type I Collagen Assembly Dynamics in Osteoblasts Stably Expressing GFP and mCherry-Tagged Collagen Constructs

Investigators generated GFPtpz and mCherry-tagged collagen fusion constructs for live imaging of type I collagen assembly by replacing the α2(I)-procollagen N-terminal propeptide with GFPtpz or mCherry. [J Bone Miner Res] Abstract

Self-Assembled Collagen-Fibrin Hydrogel Reinforces Tissue Engineered Adventitia Vessels Seeded with Human Fibroblasts

Researchers adapted their recently developed technique of forming vascular tissue rings then stacking the rings into a tubular structure, to accommodate human fibroblasts to create adventitia vessels in eight days. Collagen production and fibril cross-linking was augmented with TGF-β and ascorbic acid, significantly increasing tensile strength. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Bronchial Extracellular Matrix from COPD Patients Induces Altered Gene Expression in Repopulated Primary Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells

To explore the impact of an aberrant ECM on epithelial cell phenotype in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) scientists developed a new ex vivo model, in which normal human bronchial epithelial cells repopulate and differentiate on decellularized human bronchial scaffolds derived from COPD patients and healthy individuals. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Structural and Compositional Diversity of Fibrillin Microfibrils in Human Tissues

Comparing tissue- and culture-derived microfibrils, researchers found that dermis- and dermal fibroblast–derived fibrillin microfibrils differ in both bead morphology and periodicity and also exhibit regional differences in fibrillin-1 proteolytic susceptibility. In contrast, collagen VI microfibrils from the same dermal or fibroblast samples were invariant in ultrastructure and protease susceptibility. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article

Cross-Linked Cholecyst-Derived Extracellular Matrix for Abdominal Wall Repair

A biologic mesh prototype made from carbodiimide-cross-linked cholecyst-derived extracellular matrix (EDCxCEM) was compared with small intestinal submucosa, cross-linked bovine pericardium, and polypropylene meshes in an in vivo rabbit model. The stereo-histological assays suggest that the EDCxCEM delayed degradation profile supports host wound healing processes including collagen formation, cellular infiltration, and angiogenesis. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract | Full Article

The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 in the Doxycycline Attenuation of Intracranial Venous Hypertension-Induced Angiogenesis

Scientists explored the effect of doxycycline in venous hypertension (VH)-related angiogenesis, as well as the role of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and other molecular factors. In vitro, doxycycline decreased human brain microvascular endothelial cell (HBMEC) migration, tube formation, and the mRNA, protein, and enzymatic activity levels of MMP-3. MMP-3 overexpression in HBMECs promoted migration, while knockdown of MMP-3 significantly attenuated proliferation, migration, and tube formation. [Neurosurgery] Abstract

The Effects of IL-33 on Airways Collagen Deposition and Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression in a Murine Surrogate of Asthma

Investigators evaluated changes in the expression of extracellular matrix proteins as well as matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in an interleukin 33 (IL-33)-induced, antigen-independent murine surrogate of asthma as well as a conventional surrogate employing per-nasal challenge of mice previously sensitized to produce an IgE response to ovalbumin. In vitro, IL-33 significantly increased the proliferation and expression of collagen III by murine lung fibroblasts. [Immunology] Abstract

CD44v6 Increases Gastric Cancer Malignant Phenotype by Modulating Adipose Stromal Cell-Mediated ECM Remodeling

Using a combination of media conditioning experiments and decellularized extracellular matrices, the authors investigated the hypothesis that CD44 variant 6 (CD44v6) overexpression enhances tumor cell malignant behavior by modulating stromal cell-mediated ECM remodeling. [Integr Biol (Camb)] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Functional Brain-Specific Microvessels from iPSC-Derived Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells: The Role of Matrix Composition on Monolayer Formation

Researchers systematically screened a wide range of matrix materials, compositions, protein coatings, and soluble factors in 2D culture to assess cell adhesion, spreading, and barrier function. Cell coverage increased with stiffness of collagen I gels coated with collagen IV and fibronectin. [Fluids Barriers CNS] Full Article

Hyaluronan Chemistries for Three-Dimensional Matrix Applications

The authors survey the approaches used to tailor hyaluronan to specific needs of tissue engineering, regenerative and reconstructive medicine and overall biomedical research. [Matrix Biol] Abstract

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

Smithfield Bioscience and University of Virginia Announce Regenerative Medicine Research Partnership

Smithfield Foods, Inc. and the University of Virginia School of Engineering & Applied Science announced a research partnership to explore and advance regenerative medicine technologies leveraging porcine bioproducts. [Smithfield Foods, Inc.] Press Release

CollPlant Joins ReMDO’s Advanced Biomanufacturing Initiative for Development of a Universal BioInk for 3D Bioprinting of Tissues and Organs

CollPlant announced that it is part of ReMDO’s advanced biomanufacturing initiative for the development of a universal BioInk with tunable properties for 3D bioprinting of tissues and organs. [CollPlant (PR Newswire Association LLC.)] Press Release

Half of Canada’s Government Scientists Still Feel Muzzled

More than half of government scientists in Canada—53%—do not feel they can speak freely to the media about their work, even after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government eased restrictions on what they can say publicly, according to a survey released by a union that represents more than 16,000 federal scientists. [Science Insider] Editorial

Indonesian Scientists Hamstrung by Year-Long Funding Delay

Indonesian scientists expecting to receive hundreds of thousands of dollars for research are stuck in limbo because the country’s first dedicated science-funding agency is struggling to raise enough money. [Nature News] Editorial

Italian Election Leaves Science Out in the Cold

As campaigning ahead of Italy’s national election enters its final weeks, researchers in the country fear that budget cuts and declining interest in science will only continue — whatever the outcome of the vote. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW American Society for Matrix Biology (ASMB) 2018
October 14-17, 2018
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

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

NEW Senior Researcher – Nanomedicine and Cell Biology (Technical University of Denmark)

Lectureship – Stem Cell Biology (University of Edinburgh)

Senior Stem Cell Scientist – 3D Tissue Engineering (VitroLabs Inc)

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)

Postdoctoral Fellowships – Nanomedicine and Cell Engineering (The Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia)

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)

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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