Extracellular Matrix News Volume 9.45 | Nov 15 2018

TOP STORY

Personalized Hydrogels for Engineering Diverse Fully Autologous Tissue Implants

Pieces of omental tissues were extracted from patients and, while the cells were reprogrammed to become induced pluripotent stem cells, the ECM was processed into an immunologically matching, thermoresponsive hydrogel. [Adv Mater] Abstract | Press Release

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastatic Growth Depends on PAD4-Driven Citrullination of the Extracellular Matrix

Citrullination of a key matrix component collagen type I promoted greater adhesion and decreased migration of colorectal cancer cells along with increased expression of characteristic epithelial markers, suggesting a role for citrullination in promoting mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition and liver metastasis. [Nat Commun] Full Article

Off-the-Shelf Biomimetic Graphene Oxide-Collagen Hybrid Scaffolds Wrapped with Osteoinductive ECM for the Repair of Cranial Defects in Rat

Both gene expression and cell level assessments suggested that the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells cultured on osteoinductive ECM-graphene oxide (GO)-collagen scaffold (COL) implants had a higher proliferation rate and osteogenic ability compared to the COL or GO-COL groups. [ACS Appl Mater Interfaces] Abstract

An Intestinal Villi Model with Blood Capillaries Fabricated Using Collagen-Based Bioink and Dual Cell-Printing Process

Scientists developed a 3D intestinal villi model containing an epithelium layer and a blood capillary structure, using an innovative cell-printing process. The epithelium and capillary network of the 3D model were fabricated using two collagen-based bioinks laden with Caco-2 cells and HUVECs. [ACS Appl Mater Interfaces] Abstract

Hydrazone Covalent Adaptable Networks Modulate Extracellular Matrix Deposition for Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Four weeks post-encapsulation, formulations with average relaxation times of three days revealed increased cellularity and an interconnected articular cartilage-specific matrix. Chondrocytes embedded in the adaptable formulation deposited more collagen and more sulfated glycosaminoglycans compared to the 100% benzyl-hydrazone control, which constrained matrix deposition to pericellular space. [Acta Biomater] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Mammary Fibroblasts Remodel Fibrillar Collagen Microstructure in a Biomimetic Nanocomposite Hydrogel

Spheroids of human mammary fibroblasts embedded in the 3D matrices remodeled the collagen network to varying extents based on differences in underlying matrix microstructures. The remodeled collagen matrix showed oriented, thicker fibrillar tracks, facilitating invasion of tumor cells. [Acta Biomater] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Fibronectin Regulates Growth Factor Signaling and Lens Cell Differentiation

Investigators found that culturing DCDMLs with plasma-derived fibronectin upregulated canonical TGFβ signaling relative to cells plated on laminin. Fibronectin-exposed cultures also showed increased, TGFβ signaling-dependent differentiation into the two cell types responsible for posterior capsule opacification after cataract surgery, namely myofibroblasts and lens fiber cells. [J Cell Sci] Abstract

Rigidity Controls Human Desmoplastic Matrix Anisotropy to Enable Pancreatic Cancer Cell Spread via Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 2

Researchers conducted biomechanical manipulations, using variations of pathological and physiological substrates in vitro, to culture patient-harvested cancer-associated fibroblasts and generate cell-derived extracellular matrices that restrict pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma growth and spread. [Matrix Biol] Abstract

NTG-101: A Novel Molecular Therapy That Halts the Progression of Degenerative Disc Disease

A single intra-discal injection of NTG-101 into the injured intervertebral disc-nucleus pulposus resulted in sustained expression of healthy ECM proteins and reduced expression of inflammation associated proteins and molecules as compared to vehicle controls. [Sci Rep] Full Article | Press Release

Decellularized Wharton’s Jelly Extracellular Matrix as a Promising Scaffold for Promoting Hepatic Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

In decellularized Wharton’s jelly scaffold, human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocyte-like cells efficiently entered into the differentiation phase and gradually took a polygonal shape, a typical shape of hepatocytes. [J Cell Biochem] Abstract

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Novel Biomedical Applications of Crosslinked Collagen

Understanding the role of crosslinking agents in the modification of collagen performance and their potential biomedical applications are crucial for developing novel collagen-based biopolymers for therapeutic gain. [Trends Biotechnol] Abstract

The Molecular Dance of Fibronectin: Conformational Flexibility Leads to Functional Versatility

The authors summarize the current knowledge regarding the conformational flexibility of fibronectin, with an emphasis on how it regulates the ability of fibronectin to interact with various signaling molecules and cell-surface receptors and to form supramolecular assemblies and fibrillar structures. [Biomacromolecules] Abstract

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

Aspect Biosystems Receives $2.7M Investment from the Government of Canada

Aspect Biosystems has received $2.7 million from the Government of Canada’s Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative. WINN has funded 17 projects in British Columbia this year, with total project funding of nearly $20 million. [Aspect Biosystems Ltd.] Press Release

CollPlant Announces Closing of Global Licensing and Commercialization Agreement with United Therapeutics for 3D Bioprinting of Solid-Organ Scaffolds for Human Transplants

CollPlant announced the closing of a worldwide exclusive license, development and commercialization agreement with United Therapeutics Corporation for 3D bioprinted lung transplants. Effectiveness of the agreement was subject to certain closing conditions which were all achieved, and the agreement became effective on November 9, 2018. [CollPlant Ltd.] Press Release

Brexit: What the Draft Deal Means for Science

After two years of negotiations, the first real glimmers of what Brexit might involve have emerged. On 14 November, the Cabinet, the UK government’s senior decision-making body, backed a draft agreement on the terms of the country’s withdrawal from the European Union. For science, many of the details that will be most relevant are still to be thrashed out. [Nature News] Editorial

With Democrats in Control of U.S. House, Science Panel Gets Fresh Start

The results of divisive midterm elections, with Democrats reclaiming control of the U.S. House of Representatives and Republicans likely strengthening their hold on the Senate, have allowed both parties to claim victory. U.S. scientists are also experiencing mixed emotions. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Be Open about Drug Failures to Speed Up Research

Access to evidence from disappointing drug-development programs advances the whole scientific process, explain Enrica Alteri and Lorenzo Guizzaro. [Nature News] Editorial

More Researchers Denied UK Entry to Attend Meetings

A number of researchers seeking to attend scientific and medical meetings in the UK in recent weeks have had their visa applications denied by the British government. [The Scientist] Editorial

NEW EMBO-EMBL Symposia: Mechanical Forces in Development
July 3-6, 2019
Heidelberg, Germany

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NEW Postdoctoral Fellow Position – Bioengineering of 4D/3D Tissue Scaffold Development (The Ohio State University College of Medicine)

NEW Tenured Track Faculty Position – Biomedical Engineering (Johns Hopkins University)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Pathogenesis of Sepsis and Lung Inflammation (Boston University)

Postdoctoral Fellowship Program – Aging (Niigata University)

Associate Professor/ Professor – Regenerative Medicine (University of Toronto)

Research Fellow – Immunology (King’s College London)

Faculty Position – Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (Mayo Clinic)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Bone Regeneration (University of Michigan)

Postdoctoral Position – Cutaneous Wound Repair (University of Pennsylvania)

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

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