Volume 6.18 | May 14 - Extracellular Matrix News

Extracellular Matrix News 6.18 May 14, 2015

TOP STORY

Scientists Regenerate Bone Tissue Using Only Proteins Secreted by Stem Cells
Scientists have discovered a way to regrow bone tissue using the protein signals produced by stem cells. The study is the first to extract the necessary bone-producing growth factors from stem cells and show that these proteins are sufficient to create new bone. [Press release from Gladstone Institutes discussing online prepublication in Scientific Reports] Press Release | Full Article

Learn more about our cell attachment substrates and matrices for stem cell research.

PUBLICATIONS (Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Dysregulation of Astrocyte Extracellular Signaling in Costello Syndrome
Human induced pluripotent stem cells derived from patients with Costello syndrome differentiated to astroglia more rapidly in vitro than those derived from wild-type cell lines with normal Harvey rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog, exhibited hyperplasia, and also generated an abundance of extracellular matrix remodeling factors and proteoglycans. [Sci Transl Med] Abstract

Tailoring Material Properties of Cardiac Matrix Hydrogels to Induce Endothelial Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Scientists explored the feasibility of tailoring material properties of cardiac matrix hydrogels using a natural compound, genipin, to promote endothelial differentiation of stem cells. [ACS Appl Mater Interfaces] Abstract

Perlecan Heparan Sulfate Deficiency Impairs Pulmonary Vascular Development and Attenuates Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension
Researchers explored the effects of perlecan heparan sulfate deficiency on pulmonary vascular development and in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. [Cardiovasc Res] Abstract | Full Article

Finding and Tracing Human MSC in 3D Microenvironments with the Photoconvertible Protein Dendra2
A simple and reliable imaging technique was developed to study mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) dynamical behavior in natural and bioengineered 3D matrices. Human MSC were transfected to express a fluorescent photoswitchable protein, Dendra2, which was used to highlight and follow the same group of cells for more than seven days, even if removed from the microscope to the incubator. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells in Lymph Nodes Increase Nodal Collagen Density
The authors investigated extracellular matrix molecules such as collagen I fibers in the lymph nodes of mice bearing orthotopic human breast cancer xenografts. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Optimization of Surface-Immobilized Extracellular Matrices for the Proliferation of Neural Progenitor Cells Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
A protein array was fabricated with nine extracellular matrices and used to screen substrates suitable for the expansion of neural progenitor cells derived from mouse induced pluripotent stem cells. The results showed that neural progenitor cells efficiently proliferated on substrates with immobilized laminin-1, laminin-5, or Matrigel. [Biotechnol Bioeng] Abstract

Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Regulates Human Cardiac Myofibroblast-Mediated Extracellular Matrix Remodeling
Investigators examined the effects of low molecular weight fibroblast growth factor on human cardiac myofibroblast-mediated extracellular matrix dysregulation and remodeling. [J Transl Med] Abstract | Full Article

The Collagen I Mimetic Peptide DGEA Enhances an Osteogenic Phenotype in Mesenchymal Stem Cells When Presented from Cell-Encapsulating Hydrogels
In order to enhance osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), alginate hydrogels were prepared that present the DGEA ligand derived from collagen I. The osteogenic differentiation of MSCs encapsulated within alginate hydrogels presenting the DGEA ligand was enhanced when compared with unmodified alginate hydrogels and hydrogels presenting the RGD ligand. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

Transdifferentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells into the Islet-Like Cells: the Role of Extracellular Matrix Proteins
Scientists evaluated the influence of extracellular matrix proteins like collagen, laminin, and vitronectin on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells transdifferentiation into islet-like cells in vitro. [Arch Immunol Ther Exp] Abstract

View Webinar: Genome Editing: From Modeling Disease to Novel Therapeutics

REVIEWS

The Extracellular Matrix and Transforming Growth Factor-β1: Tale of a Strained Relationship
The author develops the hypothesis that the mechanical state of the extracellular matrix and the pro-fibrotic transforming growth factor-β1 cooperate to regulate the remodeling activities of stromal cells. [Matrix Biol] Full Article

Union Is Strength: Matrix Elasticity and Microenvironmental Factors Codetermine Stem Cell Differentiation Fate
The authors briefly discuss the effect of matrix elasticity on stem cell lineage specification and then summarize recent advances in the study of the combined effects of extracellular matrix elasticity and other cues on the differentiation of stem cells, focusing on two aspects: biophysical and biochemical factors. [Cell Tissue Res] Abstract

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

SCIENCE NEWS

RXi Pharmaceuticals Presented Promising New Data with Self-Delivering RNAi Compounds Targeting Tyrosinase and Collagenase
RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation presented new data on the company’s proprietary self-delivering RNAi compounds developed to target tyrosinase and collagenase. [Press release from RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation discussing research presented at the 74^th Annual Meeting of the Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID), Atlanta] Press Release | Poster 1 | Poster 2

Multipotent Cell-Secreted Extracellular Matrix Supports Cartilage Formation
Histogen, Inc. will present new research on its human extracellular matrix material in the promotion of cartilage regeneration. [Press release from Histogen, Inc. discussing research presented at the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) 2015 Meeting, Chicago] Press Release

From our sponsor: 3D intestinal organoid culture is made easy with IntestiCult™. Request a sample.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Bioprinting in 3D: Looks Like Candy, Could Regenerate Nerve Cells
Researchers at Michigan Technological University hope to use a newly acquired 3D bioprinter to make synthesized nerve tissue. The key is developing the right “bioink” or printable tissue. [Michigan Technological University] Press Release

Human Regenerative Technologies (HRT) Announces Successful One Year Anniversary of Industry’s First Room Temperature Pre-Mixed Flowable Placental Tissue Matrix
HRT’s advanced HydraTek^® process has produced an extensive allograft product offering, including a variety of amniotic membrane configurations, a cryo-preserved flowable placental tissue matrix and the world’s first ambient temperature flowable placental tissue matrix. [Human Regenerative Technologies, LLC (PRWeb)] Press Release

POLICY NEWS

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)

EVENTS

NEW Frontiers in Stem Cells and Regeneration
September 27-October 3, 2015
Woods Hole, United States

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

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

NEW PhD Position – Tumor Biology (University of Duisburg-Essen)

NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Disseminated Tumor Cell Biology (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)

Postdoctoral Position – Cardiovascular Research (University of Oslo)

PhD Position – Cartilage Regeneration in Joints (Cardiff University)

PhD Position – Cartilage Regeneration in Joints (ProCore Bio Med Ltd.)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Neural Tissue Engineering (Nanyang Technological University)

Cell Biologist – Neurodegeneration (MedImmune LLC)

Postdoctoral Position – Cell Signaling (Columbia University Medical Center)

Recruit Top Talent: Reach more than 60,000 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

Learn more about Extracellular Matrix News: Archives | Events | Contact Us