New Force Sensing Method Reveals How Cells Sense Tissue Stiffness
To measure the exerted molecular forces, researchers engineered two novel fluorescent biosensors that change their color in response to piconewton forces. By applying the method to the cell adhesion protein talin, they discovered the central mechanism that allows cells to feel their mechanical environment. [Press release from the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry discussing online prepublication in Nature Cell Biology] Press Release|Abstract
MMP14 as a Novel Downstream Target of VEGFR2 in Migratory Glioma-Tropic Neural Stem Cells
The authors investigated the mechanisms of tumor-tropic migration of an FDA-approved neural stem cell (NSC) line by performing a gene expression analysis. They identified vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA) and membrane-bound matrix metalloproteinase (MMP14) as molecules whose expression are significantly elevated in migratory NSCs. [Stem Cell Res] Full Article
Jararhagin Disruption of Endothelial Cell Anchorage Is Enhanced in Collagen Enriched Matrices
Investigators used two-dimension (2D) or three-dimension (3D) cultures of HUVECs on matrigel and observed the same characteristics as in ex vivo experiments: only the hemorrhagic toxin was able to localize on surfaces or internalize endothelial cells in 2D cultures or in the surface of tubules formed on 3D cultures. The contribution of matrigel, fibronectin and collagen matrices in jararhagin-induced endothelial cell damage was then analyzed. [Toxicon] Abstract
REVIEWS
Extracellular Matrix Component Signaling in Cancer
In the environment of tumors, there may be changes in cell populations and their receptor profiles as well as matrix constitution and protein cross-linking. The authors summarize roles of the three major matrix receptor types, with emphasis on how they function in tumor progression. [Adv Drug Deliv Rev] Full Article
Pharmacology of the Cell/Matrix Form of Adhesion
The author focuses on cell/integrin adhesion based on two specific integrins, α5β1 and αvβ3, activated by the preferential binding of fibronectin, a unique extracellular matrix protein. [Pharmacol Res] Abstract
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Major Funding for the Kidney Project from NIBIB Quantum Program
The research journey toward building a fully functioning, surgically implantable artificial kidney as an alternative to kidney transplant and dialysis just took another step forward with the announcement of a $6 million grant to The Kidney Project, headquartered at the UCSF School of Pharmacy. [UCSF School of Pharmacy] Press Release|Video
TSRI Team Wins $1.8 Million to Study Early Events in Cancer Metastasis
Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have been awarded a grant of more than $1.8 million from the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute to investigate the molecular machinery involved in metastasis. [The Scripps Research Institute] Press Release
Liver-Simulating Device Surpasses Animal-Based Alternatives
The HEMIBIO consortium has set out to develop a device able to simulate the complex structure of the human liver and to make it available for preclinical toxicity testing as part of the SEURAT-1 initiative. [Community Research and Development Information Service (CORDIS)] Press Release
Canada Creates Science-Minister Post
Canada’s new prime minister, Justin Trudeau, created the post of Minister of Science as one of his first acts. Kirsty Duncan, a medical geographer at the University of Toronto, will be the first to hold the job. [Nature News] Editorial
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