Extracellular Matrix News Volume 9.09 | Mar 8 2018

TOP STORY

Reducing Pericyte-Derived Scarring Promotes Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury

The authors report that inhibiting the generation of progeny by a subclass of pericytes led to decreased fibrosis and extracellular matrix deposition after spinal cord injury in mice. [Cell] Full Article | Press Release | Graphical Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Matching Material and Cellular Timescales Maximizes Cell Spreading on Viscoelastic Substrates

Researchers systematically examined the dynamics of motor clutches formed between the cell and a viscoelastic substrate using analytical methods and direct Monte Carlo simulation. They observed that, for low ECM rigidity, maximum cell spreading is achieved at an optimal level of viscosity in which the substrate relaxation time falls between the timescale for clutch binding and its characteristic binding lifetime. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Innovative Cryopreservation Process Using a Modified Core/Shell Cell-Printing with a Microfluidic System for Cell-Laden Scaffolds

Scientists developed an innovative cell-printing process supplemented with a microfluidic channel, a core/shell nozzle, and a low-temperature working stage to obtain a cell-laden 3D porous collagen scaffold for cryopreservation. The 3D porous biomedical scaffold consisted of core/shell struts with a cell-laden collagen-based bioink/dimethyl sulfoxide mixture in the core region and an alginate/poly(ethylene oxide) mixture in the shell region. [ACS Appl Mater Interfaces] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Isoliquiritigenin Inhibits IL-1β-Induced Production of Matrix Metalloproteinase in Articular Chondrocytes

The effect of isoliquiritigenin on interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and nuclear factor κB activation was analyzed. IL-1β induced NF-κB activation and MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)-4 and ADAMTS-5 production on chondrocytes. [Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev] Full Article

The In Vitro Effects of Macrophages on the Osteogenic Capabilities of MC3T3-E1 Cells Encapsulated in a Biomimetic Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Hydrogel

The authors investigated the impact of the foreign body response, and specifically the presence of inflammatory macrophages, on encapsulated cells and their ability to synthesize new extracellular matrix. Primary macrophages had a more severe inhibitory effect on osteoblast differentiation than the macrophage cell line, with greater apoptosis and collagen I reduction. [Acta Biomater] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Large-Scale Patterning of Single Cells and Cell Clusters in Hydrogels

Researchers present an easy and low-cost method for large-scale, longitudinal studies of heterogeneous cell behavior in 3D hydrogel matrices. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Extracellular Matrix Stiffness Controls Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Mediated by Integrin α5

Scientists provide evidence that matrix stiffness affects the osteogenic outcome of human mesenchymal stem cells through mechanotransduction events that are mediated by integrin α5. [Stem Cell Res Ther] Full Article

Decellularized Pancreas as a Native Extracellular Matrix Scaffold for Pancreatic Islet Seeding and Culture

Mouse pancreata were decellularized by perfusion using 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulphate. Different characterizations revealed that the resulting matrix was free of cells and retained part of the pancreas ECM including the vasculature and its internal elastic basal lamina, the ducts with their basal membrane as well as the glycosaminoglycan and collagen structures. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med] Abstract

The Effect of Decellularized Tissue Engineered Constructs on Periodontal Regeneration

Investigators evaluated the effect of decellularized tissue engineered constructs on cell differentiation in vitro and periodontal regeneration in vivo. [J Clin Periodontol] Abstract

Casticin Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Responses and Expression of Mucus and Extracellular Matrix in Human Airway Epithelial Cells through Nrf2/Keap1 and NF-κB Pathways

Researchers evaluated the effect and mechanism of casticin on inflammatory responses and expression of mucus and extracellular matrix in human airway epithelial cells. They showed that lipopolysaccharide induced the mRNA and protein levels of IL-6, IL-8, MUC5AC, collagen type I, and fibronectin in 16-HBE cells, whereas casticin treatment significantly inhibited the induction of lipopolysaccharide. [Phytother Res] Abstract

The Extracellular Matrix as a Key Regulator of Intracellular Signaling Networks

The authors discuss the inclusion of ECM as a central regulatory signaling sub-network in computational models of cellular decision making, with a focus on its role in diseases such as cancer. [Br J Pharmacol] Abstract

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

Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult Enters into Partnership with the Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine

The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult) announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine (JSRM). This agreement between the CGT Catapult and JSRM, the largest society for regenerative medicine in the world, aims to advance regenerative medicine and cell and gene therapies in both the UK and Japan. [The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult] Press Release

RenovoDerm Receives FDA Clearance for Proprietary Product

RenovoDerm announced that the FDA has cleared its proprietary product, the Phoenix Wound Matrix^™, which is a wound care device that accelerates the body’s healing response, facilitates tissue growth and regeneration, reduces scar formation and enhances overall cosmesis. [RenovoDerm (Newswire.com LLC)] Press Release

Rise of Nationalist and Populist Parties Has Italian Scientists Worried

The outcome of the parliamentary elections in Italy was a stunning victory for populist and nationalist parties, and a clear warning to Italy’s political establishment and the European Union. But some in Italy worry that the results may also have a negative impact on science. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

What Researchers Can Expect from China’s Top-Level Political Meetings

As Chinese leaders gather for the government’s most significant meetings of the year, researchers are anticipating major policy announcements for science and innovation that could shape the country’s research agenda for years. [Nature News] Editorial

New NSF Rules on Sexual Harassment Leave Many Questions Unanswered

The National Science Foundation (NSF) in Alexandria, Virginia, hopes that its new policy on sexual harassment will spur universities to deal more aggressively with the pervasive problem. But the additional reporting requirements, which will be officially published in the Federal Register, are far from a definitive statement about how NSF plans to deal with this complex and sensitive subject. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

NEW The American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) Annual Meeting 2018
December 8-12, 2018
San Diego, California, United States

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

NEW Postdoctoral Associate – Biomedical Engineering (University of Minnesota)

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)

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

Scientist – Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology (Moderna Therapeutics)

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

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

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