Extracellular Matrix News 9.08 March 1, 2018 | |
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TOP STORYEGFL7 Reduces CNS Inflammation in Mouse Researchers discovered that the expression of ECM epidermal growth factor-like protein 7 (EGFL7) is increased in the CNS vasculature of patients with multiple sclerosis, and in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. [Nat Commun] Full Article | |
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PUBLICATIONS(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)EMILIN2 is an extracellular matrix constituent playing an important role in angiogenesis; however, the underlying mechanism is unknown. Investigators showed that EMILIN2 promotes angiogenesis by directly binding epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which enhances interleukin-8 (IL-8) production. [Oncogene] Abstract Biomimetic Silk Scaffolds with an Amorphous Structure for Soft Tissue Engineering Amorphous silk fibroin nanofibers were used to fabricate scaffolds with better hierarchical ECM mimetic microstructures than previous silk scaffolds. Kinetic control was introduced into the scaffold forming process, resulting in the direct production of water-stable scaffolds with tunable secondary structures and thus mechanical properties. [ACS Appl Mater Interfaces] Abstract Scientists examined matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) for potential roles in ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ) stem cell niche development. MMP12 was found to promote appropriate niche cellular arrangements, the formation of specialized niche extracellular matrix, and the translational planar cell polarity of ependymal cells that surround and support niche neural stem cells. [Stem Cell Reports] Full Article | Graphical Abstract Large-Scale Patterning of Single Cells and Cell Clusters in Hydrogels The authors present an easy and low-cost method for large-scale, longitudinal studies of heterogeneous cell behavior in 3D hydrogel matrices. Using a platform they termed “the drop-patterning chip”, thousands of cells were simultaneously transferred from microwell arrays and fully embedded, only using the force of gravity, in precise patterns in 3D collagen I or Matrigel. [Sci Rep] Full Article Acrylic Acid Plasma Coated 3D Scaffolds for Cartilage Tissue Engineering Applications Researchers proposed two surface modification strategies based on non-thermal plasma technology for the modification of poly(ethylene oxide terephthalate/poly(butylene terephthalate) additive manufactured scaffolds to enhance their cell-material interactions. They demonstrated that the carboxylic acid-rich plasma coating had a positive effect on the generation of the glucoaminoglycans matrix and stimulated the migration of cells throughout the scaffold. [Sci Rep] Full Article Scientists describe the functionalization of solid supported phospholipid bilayer with decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) components, towards the development of biomimetic platforms that more closely mimic the cell surface environment. The dECM was obtained through a combination of chemical and enzymatic treatments of mouse adipose tissue that contains collagen, fibronectin and glycosaminoglycans. [Langmuir] Abstract Investigators fabricated porous scaffolds based on silk fibroin (SF) and SF with gelatin/chondroitin sulfate/hyaluronate, seeded the scaffolds with either human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) or chondrocytes, and evaluated their performance with and without dynamic compression. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med] Abstract Researchers examined whether endoglin haploinsufficiency regulates ECM protein expression and fibrotic responses during bleomycin induced skin fibrosis and surgically induced osteoarthritis, using endoglin-heterozygous (Eng+/−) mice and wild-type (Eng+/+) littermates. [J Cell Commun Signal] Abstract Development of 3D Printed Fibrillar Collagen Scaffold for Tissue Engineering Scientists isolated printable collagen from bovine Achilles tendon and examined the purity of the isolated collagen using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. [Biomed Microdevices] Abstract | |
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REVIEWSBiglycan and LTBP4: Leveraging the Extracellular Matrix for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Therapeutics The authors focus on two cases where understanding the normal function and regulation of ECM in muscle has led to the discovery of candidate therapeutics for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. [Matrix Biol] Abstract Researchers highlight the current state of the art and overview recent developments of new artificial ECM surfaces for in vitro neural cell culture. [Langmuir] Abstract Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the extracellular matrix research field. | |
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INDUSTRY NEWSCollPlant 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 Collagen Matrix Launches OssiMend® Spine and DuraMatrix® Dural Repair Products in Asia Collagen Matrix, Inc. announced its first entrance into the India market with two product lines, OssiMend® bone graft matrices from its Spine Business Unit and DuraMatrix® membranes from its Dural Repair Business Unit. [Collagen Matrix, Inc. (PR Newswire Association LLC.)] Press Release | |
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POLICY NEWSEU Research Chief’s Next Act: Changing the Future of Academic Publishing Robert-Jan Smits, one of Europe’s most powerful figures in research, has been appointed as a special envoy on open science at the European Commission, to help push efforts to make all publicly funded research in Europe freely available by 2020. [Science|Business] Editorial Indian Scientist’s Sacking Spotlights Sexual Harassment Female scientists in India hope that more academics will report sexual harassment without fear of jeopardizing their career or reputation, after a prominent biologist was sacked for allegedly harassing a staff member. [Nature News] Editorial Here’s How the Scientists Running for Office Are Doing They’re trained problem-solvers, but they have to learn to move beyond data to run successful campaigns. [The Atlantic] Editorial Canadian Science Wins Billions in New Budget Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration released its 2018 budget and scientists couldn’t be happier. It includes almost CAD 4 billion (USD 3.1 billion) in new funding for science over the next five years, a significant portion of which will go to the country’s three granting councils. [Nature News] Editorial Merkel Makes a Surprise Pick for German Research Minister German Chancellor Angela Merkel isn’t known for her political surprises. But she managed a big one when she tapped Anja Karliczek, a 46-year-old lawmaker little known outside of party circles, as Germany’s next minister for education and research. [ScienceInsider] Editorial
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EVENTSNEW The Australasian Society for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering (ASBTE) 2018 Meeting Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the community.
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JOB OPPORTUNITIESNEW Principal Scientist – Regenerative Medicine (Boehringer Ingelheim) 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) 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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