Extracellular Matrix News Volume 9.39 | Oct 4 2018

TOP STORY

Age-Related Changes in Skin Structure and Lymphatic System Permeability Promote Melanoma Metastasis

Changes in the structure of the skin and the lymphatic system that occur with the natural aging process create permissive conditions for melanoma metastasis, according to two studies by The Wistar Institute. These changes are caused by loss of the HAPLN1 protein, which is part of the extracellular matrix, during aging. [Press release from The Wistar Institute discussing online prepublications in Cancer Discovery] Press Release | Abstract 1 | Abstract 2

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Bi-Directional Cell-Pericellular Matrix Interactions Direct Stem Cell Fate

Researchers showed that human bone marrow stromal cells encapsulated within hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels modified their surroundings by synthesizing, secreting and arranging proteins pericellularly or by degrading the hydrogel. [Nat Commun] Full Article | Press Release

Transsynaptic Binding of Orphan Receptor GPR179 to Dystroglycan-Pikachurin Complex Is Essential for the Synaptic Organization of Photoreceptors

The authors identified that major components of the extracellular matrix proteins present in the synaptic cleft—members of the heparan sulfate proteoglycan family—associate with the GPR158/179 group of orphan receptors. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Press Release | Graphical Abstract

The Receptor Tyrosine Kinase HIR-1 Coordinates HIF-Independent Responses to Hypoxia and Extracellular Matrix Injury

Loss of function in hir-1 phenocopied the impaired ECM integrity associated with hypoxia or deficiency in the oxygen-dependent dual oxidase, heme peroxidases, or cuticular collagens involved in ECM homeostasis. [Sci Signal] Full Article

Stabilized Collagen Matrix Dressing Improves Wound Macrophage Function and Epithelialization

In murine excisional wounds, stabilized, acellular, equine pericardial collagen matrix was effective in mounting an acute inflammatory response. Postwound inflammation resolved rapidly, as indicated by elevated levels of IL-10, arginase-1, and VEGF, and lowering of IL-1β and TNF-α. [FASEB J] Abstract

Development of a Functional Airway-on-a-Chip by 3D Cell Printing

Researchers used 3D cell printing to emulate an airway coupled with a naturally-derived blood vessel network in vitro. Decellularized extracellular matrix bioink derived from porcine tracheal mucosa was used to encapsulate and print endothelial cells and fibroblasts within a designated polycarprolactone frame. [Biofabrication] Abstract

Endothelial Cell Activation on 3D-Matrices Derived from PDGF-BB-Stimulated Fibroblasts Is Mediated by Snail1

Investigators demonstrated that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-activated fibroblasts stimulated ECM fiber remodeling and deposition. Furthermore, they describe how SNAI1, through the FAK pathway, was a necessary factor for ECM fiber organization. [Oncogenesis] Full Article

Extracellular Matrix Degradation Products Downregulate Neoplastic Esophageal Cell Phenotype

Scientists evaluated the in vitro effect of ECM harvested from non-malignant, decellularized tissue on esophageal adenocarcinoma cell phenotype to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the clinical findings. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix with Defective Collagen Cross-Linking Affects the Differentiation of Bone Cells

Researchers investigated the effect of collagen cross-linking on bone cellular activities employing a loss-of-function approach, using a potent lysyl oxidase inhibitor, β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN). Osteoblastic cells were cultured for two weeks in the presence of 0-2 mM BAPN to obtain low cross-linked collagen matrices. [PLoS One] Full Article

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Extracellular Matrix and the Maintenance and Loss of Peripheral Immune Tolerance in Autoimmune Insulitis

The authors review recent literature on the role of ECM and particularly the glycosaminoglycans hyaluronan and heparan sulfate in the development of autoimmune, type 1 diabetes. [Curr Opin Immunol] Abstract

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

InVivo Therapeutics Announces Joint Research Collaboration with Q Therapeutics, Inc.

InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. announced that it has entered into a joint research agreement with Q Therapeutics, Inc. [InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp.] Press Release

BioStem Life Sciences, Inc., Subsidiary of BioStem Technologies, Inc., Announces Entry into Market with Four Amniotic Products

BioStem Life Sciences announced that it has entered the market with four placental-derived tissue products for multiple indications within the ophthalmology, orthopedic and advanced wound care markets. [BioStem Life Sciences, Inc. (GlobeNewswire, Inc.)] Press Release

Mr Smits Goes to Washington: Architect of Bold European Open-Access Plan Hopes to Garner US Support

A month after European funders launched the ‘Plan S’ initiative to demand immediate open access to scientific literature in the next two years, the plan’s creators have revealed more details about their bold scheme — and are hurriedly trying to get support from US policymakers. [Nature News] Editorial

Brazil’s Presidential Election Could Savage Its Science

A populist surge from a right-wing presidential candidate in Brazil that is threatening to upend the country’s politics could have huge impacts on research budgets and environmental policies. [Nature News] Editorial

At NEJM, a Change at the Top Offers a Chance to Reshape the World’s Oldest Medical Journal

The retirement of Dr. Jeffrey Drazen as editor of the New England Journal of Medicine has created an opportunity to bring a new perspective to what is arguably the world’s most prestigious medical journal. [STAT News] Editorial

NEW Gordon Research Seminar: Unifying Cartilage Biology Research: Bone Development, Cartilage Physiology and Pathology
March 16-17, 2019
Galveston, Texas, United States

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

NEW Multiple Tenure-Track Faculty Positions – Regenerative Biology and Engineering (University of Colorado Boulder)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Bone Regeneration (University of Michigan)

Tenure Track Assistant Professor – Biochemistry and Life Sciences (University of Delaware)

Group Leader – Organoid Modelling of Disease (European Molecular Biology Laboratory)

Tenure-Track Faculty Position – Cell Signaling & ECM (University of Rochester)

Group Leader/Principal Investigator – In Vitro Vascular Systems (European Molecular Biology Laboratory)

Postdoctoral Position – Extracellular Matrix Research (University of Pennsylvania)

Postdoctoral Position – Cutaneous Wound Repair (University of Pennsylvania)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Vascular Cell Signaling & Extracellular Matrix Deposition (LSU Health Science Center)

Faculty Positions – Biomedical Research (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)

Postdoctoral Scholar – Cellular Mechanobiology (Washington University in St. Louis)

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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