Volume 3.34 | Aug 30

ECM Microenvironment Regulates Collective Migration and Local Dissemination in Normal and Malignant Mammary Epithelium
To test the importance of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in tumor cell dissemination, researchers cultured epithelium from primary human breast carcinomas in different ECM gels. They used basement membrane gels to model the normal microenvironment and collagen I to model the stromal ECM. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix Promotes Highly Efficient Cardiac Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells: The Matrix Sandwich Method
Scientists sought to develop a more effective protocol for cardiac differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells by using extracellular matrix in combination with growth factors known to promote cardiogenesis. [Circ Res] Abstract

Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Deletion Attenuates Myocardial Fibrosis and Diastolic Dysfunction in Aging Mice
Age-related diastolic dysfunction has been attributed to an increased passive stiffness, which is regulated by extracellular matrix (ECM). Researchers recently showed that matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) increases in the left ventricle with age. Here, researchers determined the role of MMP-9 in cardiac aging. [Cardiovasc Res] Abstract

The Extracellular Matrix Is a Novel Attribute of Endothelial Progenitors and of Hypoxic Mature Endothelial Cells
Scientists suggested that extracellular matrix deposition and assembly by endothelial cells is dependent on maturation stage and oxygen supply and that these findings can be harnessed to advance engineered vascular therapeutics. [FASEB J] Abstract

Ischemic Postconditioning Diminishes Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Expression and Attenuates Loss of the Extracellular Matrix Proteins in Rats following Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion and Reperfusion
Researchers validated the neuroprotective effects of ischemic postconditioning (IPostC) and investigated whether the neuroprotection of IPostC is associated with matrix metalloproteinase 9 and the extracellular matrix proteins, laminin and fibronectin, following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats. [CNS Neurosci Ther] Abstract

Effect of Tissue Specificity on the Performance of Extracellular Matrix in Improving Endothelialization of Cardiovascular Implants
Natural extracellular matrix (ECM) deposited in situ by cultured endothelial cells (ECs) has been proven effective in accelerating endothelialization of titanium cardiovascular implants (CVIs) in previous studies. Here, ECM deposited by smooth muscle cells was used as a comparison to investigate the effects of tissue specificity of ECM on the ability to accelerate endothelialization of CVIs. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Correlation of Hyaluronan Deposition with Infiltration of Eosinophils and Lymphocytes in a Cockroach-Induced Murine Model of Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that exhibits airway remodeling with changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM). The role of the ECM in mediating these changes is poorly understood. Researchers investigated the processes involved in hyaluronan synthesis, deposition and localization during the propagation of cockroach-induced asthma. [Glycobiology] Abstract

Using Growth Factor Conditioning to Modify the Properties of Human Cell Derived Extracellular Matrix
Researchers demonstrated that growth factor supplementation can significantly alter the biomechanical properties of cell derived extracellular matrix that may be used for therapeutic applications. [Biotechnol Prog] Abstract

BioTime Obtains Expanded License to HyStem® Technology
BioTime, Inc. announced that the company has amended its license from the University of Utah to expand the field of use for which BioTime is licensed to produce and market products covered by the core patents underlying HyStem^® technology. HyStem^®-Rx is a biocompatible, implantable hyaluronan and collagen-based matrix for cell delivery in human clinical applications. [BioTime, Inc.] Press Release

Anne-Marie Duliege Appointed to Governing Board of California’s Stem Cell Agency
Anne-Marie Duliege, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Affymax Inc., has been appointed to the Independent Citizens Oversight Committee, the governing board of California’s stem cell agency, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. [California Institute for Regenerative Medicine] Press Release

Ego vs. Efficiency at the U.S. National Science Board
A new U.S. law that exempts 169 presidential appointees from having to be confirmed by the Senate has ruffled feathers at the National Science Board. The 24-member board is now part of that new category of people who can take office immediately after they say “yes” to an invitation from the White House. [National Science Board, United States] Press Release

National Institutes of Health (United States)

Food and Drug Administration (United States)

Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (United States)
 
European Medicines Agency (European Union)

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

NEW ASME 2013 2^nd Global Congress on Nano Engineering for Medicine and Biology (NEMB2013)
February 4-6, 2013
Boston, United States

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

Quality Control Operations Coordinator (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Research Technologist – Media Development (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Research Technologist – Research and Development (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientific Communications & Publishing Coordinator (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientist – Mesenchymal Cell Research (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Assistant Professor – Cell Biology and Physiology (Washington University School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Research Position – Molecular Cell Biology (Weizmann Institute of Science)

Postdoctoral Position – Breast Cancer Cells/Extracellular Matrix Cues (Mount Sinai School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Position – Vascular Biology/Bioengineering (University of Washington)

Research Associate – Quality Assurance (University of California)


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