Substrate Stress Relaxation Regulates Cell Spreading
Scientists investigated the influence of extracellular matrix stress relaxation on cell behavior through computational modelling and cellular experiments. Both their computational model and experiments find that spreading for cells cultured on soft substrates that exhibit stress relaxation is greater than cells spreading on elastic substrates of the same modulus, but similar to that of cells spreading on stiffer elastic substrates. [Nat Commun] Abstract
Static Stretch Affects Neural Stem Cell Differentiation in an Extracellular Matrix-Dependent Manner
Researchers delivered a 10% static equibiaxial stretch to neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs) and examined effects on differentiation. They found static stretch specifically impacts NSPC differentiation into oligodendrocytes, but not neurons or astrocytes, and this effect is dependent on particular extracellular matrix-integrin linkages. [Sci Rep] Full Article
The Biophysical Properties of Basal Lamina Gels Depend on the Biochemical Composition of the Gel
Investigators compared four different commercial variants of extracellular matrix, which have all had been purified according to the same protocol. They showed that these differences correlated with the mechanical properties and the microarchitecture of the gels which in turn arise from small variations in their biochemical composition. [PLoS One] Full Article
A 3D In Situ Cell Counter Reveals That Breast Tumor Cell (MDA-MB-231) Proliferation Rate Is Reduced by the Collagen Matrix Density
Using a breast tumor cell line, MDA-MB-231, as a model system, researchers demonstrated that MDA-MB-231 cells grew slower within a 3D collagen matrix than on a 2D substrate for an extended growth time with a comparable, initial cell-to-cell distance, and that their cell growth rate decreased with the increase of collagen concentration, showing a linear growth rate rather than an exponential growth rate. [Biotechnol Prog] Abstract
Increased Microenvironment Stiffness in Damaged Myofibers Promotes Myogenic Progenitor Cell Proliferation
Scientists studied the effect of damaged myofibers on myogenic progenitor cell (MPC) proliferation and determined whether the structural integrity of the microenvironment contributes to phenotypic changes. They showed that individual myofibers tend to shrink or collapse when cultured ex vivo starting from day 1 and that this is associated with a marked increase in the number of proliferative MPCs. [Skeletal Muscle] Abstract|Full Article
REVIEWS
Matrix Metalloproteinases in Destructive Lung Disease
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play essential physiologic roles in numerous processes ranging from development to wound repair. Unfortunately, given the broad substrate specificity of the MMP family as a whole, aberrant degradation of extracellular matrix proteins can result in destructive disease. The author reviews key pathophysiological roles for MMPs in emphysema. [Matrix Biol] Full Article
Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the extracellular matrix research field.
INDUSTRY NEWS
AmnioLife Files Collagen Membrane Preservation Patent
AmnioLife Corporation announced its plan to commercialize a minimally manipulated amniotic collagen matrix. The company has filed its third patent application related to its non-oxidative drying technology that was designed to preserve the bioavailability of collagen matrix proteins. [AmnioLife Corporation] Press Release
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