Extracellular Matrix News Volume 9.40 | Oct 11 2018

TOP STORY

Remodeling of the Collagen Matrix in Aging Skin Promotes Melanoma Metastasis and Affects Immune Cell Motility

Investigators found that young dermal fibroblasts secrete high levels of ECM constituents, including proteoglycans, glycoproteins and cartilage-linking proteins. The most abundantly secreted was HAPLN1, a hyaluronic and proteoglycan link protein. [Cancer Discov] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

LMO7 Is a Negative Feedback Regulator of TGF-β Signaling and Fibrosis

Scientists demonstrated that LMO7 is induced post-injury and by TGF-β in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in vitro. Global or SMC-specific LMO7 deletion enhanced neointimal formation, TGF-β signaling, ECM deposition and proliferation in vascular injury models. [Circulation] Abstract

Matrix Mechanical Plasticity Regulates Cancer Cell Migration through Confining Microenvironments

Cells in high plasticity interpenetrating networks (IPNs) carry out protease-independent migration through the IPNs. Mechanistically, cells in high plasticity IPNs extend invadopodia protrusions to mechanically and plastically open up micron-sized channels and then migrate through them. [Nat Commun] Full Article

Modulation of Proteoglycan Receptor PTPσ Enhances MMP-2 Activity to Promote Recovery from Multiple Sclerosis

Investigators showed that chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans curtail remyelination through binding with their cognate receptor, protein tyrosine phosphatase σ (PTPσ) on oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. [Nat Commun] Full Article

Construction of a 3D Mammary Duct Based on Spatial Localization of the Extracellular Matrix

Researchers developed a new type of spatially modified collagen type 1 hydrogel by convective addition of collagen type 1 solution. The matrix displayed properties that were distinct from those of a collagen type 1 hydrogel and recapitulated the morphology and function of mammary epithelium in a 3D microfluidic platform. [NPG Asia Mater] Full Article

Tissue-Specific Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds for the Regeneration of Spatially Complex Musculoskeletal Tissues

Applying a novel iterative freeze-drying method, porous bi-phasic scaffolds composed of growth plate ECM overlaid by articular cartilage ECM were fabricated, which were capable of spatially directing stem cell differentiation in vitro, promoting the development of graded tissues transitioning from calcified cartilage to hyaline-like cartilage. [Biomaterials] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Cartilaginous Extracellular Matrix Derived from Decellularized Chondrocyte Sheets for the Reconstruction of Osteochondral Defects in Rabbits

The authors aimed to establish a novel biological ECM scaffold from chondrocyte sheets for cartilage regeneration. They cultured chondrocytes harvested from the auricular cartilage of four-week-old New Zealand rabbits and enabled them to form cell sheets. [Acta Biomater] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Optimization of Collagen Type I-Hyaluronan Hybrid Bioink for 3D Bioprinted Liver Microenvironments

Researchers tested the viscoelastic properties of three bioink formulations -2:1, 3:1, and 4:1 collagen type I to hyaluronic acid -and examined cellular behavior in order to determine an optimal formulation that allows for bioprinting while supporting biological activity. [Biofabrication] Abstract

Enhanced Effect of Tendon Stem/Progenitor Cells Combined With Tendon-Derived Decellularized Extracellular Matrix on Tendon Regeneration

Investigators prepared extracellular matrix derived from porcine tendons and seeded with tendon stem/progenitor cells, embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal stromal cells or without stem cells. They implanted the mixture into the defect of a rat Achilles tendon. [Cell Transplant] Full Article

Subscribe to one of our other 19 science newsletters such as Endothelial Cell News & Dermal Cell News.

Proteoglycans Are Attractive Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The authors summarize the current knowledge of the roles of proteoglycans in the genesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. [Int J Mol Sci] Full Article

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

NIH Awards WVU $11.2 Million for Interdisciplinary Cancer Research

NIH has awarded West Virginia University (WVU) $11.2 million over five years to establish a center that focuses on microenvironments surrounding tumors. [West Virginia University] Press Release

The Plastic Surgery Foundation and MTF Biologics Open Applications for Allograft Tissue Research Grant Program

The Plastic Surgery Foundation (PSF) and MTF Biologics are now accepting applications for their Allograft Tissue Research Grant Program. A collaborative effort from The PSF and MTF Biologics that began in 2013, the program funds applied research on biologic reconstruction to enhance patient care. The deadline for submissions is December 3, 2018. [Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation, dba MTF Biologics] Press Release

Argentina’s Scientists Struggle amid Slipping Peso and Rising Inflation

Researchers have struggled under austerity measures adopted by the government in 2014 and intensified in June by a financing agreement that Argentina signed with the International Monetary Fund. [Nature News] Editorial

Columbia University Postdocs Vote to Unionize

Postdocs at Columbia University voted to unionize, with representation from the United Auto Workers, according to The Associated Press. The organization represents the first postdoc union at a private university in the United States. [The Scientist] Editorial

Major Publishers File Second Lawsuit against ResearchGate

ResearchGate, a popular networking platform where scientists can post their published work, has a complicated relationship with academic publishers. A number of them have accused the site of illicitly disseminating copyrighted work, and two of these—Elsevier and the American Chemical Society—filed a lawsuit in Germany last year to try to force ResearchGate to change its practices. [The Scientist] Editorial

Surging R&D Spending in China Narrows Gap with United States

China’s total spending on R&D rose a robust 12.3% last year to a record 1.76 trillion yuan ($254 billion), according to a government report. Already second in the world in R&D spending behind the United States, China has narrowed the gap. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Ghost Authorship Haunts Industry-Funded Clinical Trials

An analysis of industry-funded clinical trials has found that drug companies are often heavily involved in research — but are not always transparent about it. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW Scandinavian Society for Biomaterials 2019 Conference
June 12-14, 2019
Kirkkonummi, Finland

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

NEW Postdoctoral Positions – Cellular Immunology and Lattice Light-Sheet Imaging (University of New South Wales)

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)

Postdoctoral Position – Extracellular Matrix Research (University of Pennsylvania)

Postdoctoral Position – Cutaneous Wound Repair (University of Pennsylvania)

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.

Have we missed an important article or publication in Extracellular Matrix News? Click here to submit!

Comments or suggestions? Submit your feedback here.