Muscle Cell News Volume 1.16 | Jul 4 2016

TOP STORY

Coordinating Cardiomyocyte Interactions to Direct Ventricular Chamber Morphogenesis

The authors used advanced genetic and imaging tools in zebrafish to reveal an interplay between myocardial Notch and Erbb2 signaling that directs the spatial allocation of myocardial cells to their proper morphological positions in the ventricular wall. [Nature] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

CARDIAC MUSCLE CELLS

Nanowires and Electrical Stimulation Synergistically Improve Functions of hiPSC Cardiac Spheroids

The authors report that the combination of nanowires and electrical stimulation enhanced cell–cell junction formation, improved development of contractile machinery, and led to a significant decrease in the spontaneous beat rate of human induced pluripotent stem-cell (hiPSC) cardiac spheroids. [Nano Lett] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Lateral Membrane-Specific MAGUK CASK Down-Regulates NaV1.5 Channel in Cardiac Myocytes

Researchers tested the hypothesis that the Membrane-Associated GUanylate Kinase (MAGUK) protein Calcium/calmodulin-dependent Serine protein Kinase (CASK) interacts with and regulates NaV1.5 in cardiac myocytes. [Circ Res] Abstract

Development of Antibody-siRNA Conjugate Targeted to Cardiac and Skeletal Muscles

Scientists report on a novel platform targeted to muscular organs by conjugation of short-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) with anti-CD71 Fab’ fragment. This conjugate showed durable gene-silencing in the heart and skeletal muscle for one month after intravenous administration in normal mice. [J Control Release] Abstract

SKELETAL MUSCLE CELLS

Loss of Fibronectin from the Aged Stem Cell Niche Affects the Regenerative Capacity of Skeletal Muscle in Mice

By using an extracellular matrix library screen and pathway profiling, investigators characterized fibronectin as a preferred adhesion substrate for muscle stem cells (MuSCs) and demonstrated that integrin-mediated signaling through focal adhesion kinase and the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway is strongly de-regulated in MuSCs from aged mice because of insufficient attachment to the niche. [Nat Med] Abstract

Targeting β1-Integrin Signaling Enhances Regeneration in Aged and Dystrophic Muscle in Mice

Investigators showed that β1-integrin is an essential niche molecule that maintains satellite cell homeostasis, and sustains the expansion and self-renewal of this stem cell pool during regeneration. [Nat Med] Abstract

A Novel Protocol for Directed Differentiation of C9orf72-Associated Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Into Contractile Skeletal Myotubes

Researchers present a novel, small molecule-based protocol for the generation of multinucleated skeletal myotubes using eight independent induced pluripotent stem cells lines. [Stem Cells Transl Med] Abstract | Full Article

Novel Therapeutic Effects of Non-Thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma for Muscle Regeneration and Differentiation

Investigators determined whether non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma, as a non-contact biological external stimulator that generates biological catalyzers, can induce regeneration of injured muscle without biomaterials. [Sci Rep] Full Article

SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS

Glucocorticoid and TNF Signaling Converge at A20 (TNFAIP3) to Repress Airway Smooth Muscle Cytokine Expression

Using human airway smooth muscle cells derived from normal and fatal asthma samples as an in vitro model, researchers demonstrated that glucocorticoids spare or augment TNFAIP3, TNIP1, and NFKBIA, all implicated in negative feedback control of NF-kB-driven inflammatory processes. [Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol] Abstract

Dysferlin Function in Skeletal Muscle: Possible Pathological Mechanisms and Therapeutical Targets in Dysferlinopathies

The authors discuss dysferlin functions in the skeletal muscle, as well as pathological mechanisms related to dysferlin mutations. [Exp Neurol] Abstract

Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the muscle cell research field.

GW Researchers Receive $1.6 Million to Improve Cardiac Function During Heart Failure

Researchers at the George Washington University (GW) received $1.6 million from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to study a heart-brain connection that could help the nearly 23 million people suffering from heart failure worldwide. [George Washington University] Press Release

The Re-Programmer: Qian Receives Global Award for Stem Cell Research

The 36-year-old assistant professor at University of Northern Carolina School of Medicine’s Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine has been recognized internationally for her scientific developments in cellular reprogramming and stem cell research. Qian is the first-ever recipient of the Boyalife, Science and Science Translational Medicine Award in Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine. [University of Northern Carolina] Press Release

NEW 21^st International Annual Congress of the World Muscle Society
October 4-8, 2016
Grenada, Spain

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

NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Mammalian Skeletal Muscle Stem Cells (UCSF)

NEW Postdoctoral Associate – Cadiac and Skeletal Muscle Physiology (Sanford Burnham Prebys)

Research Technologist – Myogenic and Progenitor Cell (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Post-Doc/Associate Specialist – Autophagy (Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Skeletal Muscle Biology (University of Michigan)

PhD Position – Phosphoinositides and Related Proteins Mutated in Myopathies (CERBM)

Associate Professor/Professor – Cardiovascular Research (Monash University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Regeneration of the Mammalian Heart (UT Southwestern Medical Center)

Postdoctoral Fellow(s) – Skeletal Muscle Stem Cells and Molecular Medicine (University Paris-Est Créteil)

PhD Position – Muscle Fiber Type Switch in Congenital Myopathies (King’s College London)

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