151
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Abstract
Recent advances in stem cell biology have raised expectations that both diseases of, and injuries to, the central nervous system may be ameliorated by cell transplantation. In particular, cell therapy has been studied for inducing efficient remyelination in disorders of myelin, including both the largely pediatric disorders of myelin formation and maintenance and the acquired demyelinations of both children and adults. Potential cell-based treatments of two major groups of disorders include both delivery of myelinogenic replacements and mobilization of residual oligodendrocyte progenitor cells as a means of stimulating endogenous repair; the choice of modality is then predicated upon the disease target. In this review we consider the potential application of cell-based therapeutic strategies to disorders of myelin, highlighting the promises as well as the problems and potential perils of this treatment approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamir Ben-Hur
- Department of Neurology, The Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Hadassah-Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
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152
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153
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Faggioli F, Sacco MG, Susani L, Montagna C, Vezzoni P. Cell fusion is a physiological process in mouse liver. Hepatology 2008; 48:1655-64. [PMID: 18925640 DOI: 10.1002/hep.22488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED A large portion of hepatocytes are polyploid cells, thought to arise through endoduplication followed by aborted cytokinesis. However, several recent reports describing liver cell fusion with exogenously derived bone marrow cells have been published. The exact significance of this finding is unclear, because the adopted protocols involve ablation regimens, damaged livers and artificial injections of adult cells. By creating chimeric mice bearing distinct reporter genes (LacZ and GFP), we show that in an unperturbed setting, hepatocytes carrying both markers can be detected via immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction analysis. To further corroborate these findings with a direct visualization of the chromosome content at the single-cell level, we performed genotype analysis via fluorescence in situ hybridization on XY/XX chimeric mice with a Y chromosome-specific paint and an X chromosome-specific bacterial artificial chromosome clone probes. CONCLUSION This technique confirmed the occurrence of cell fusion in adult mouse liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Faggioli
- Human Genome Department, Istituto di Tecnologie Biomediche, Italian National Research Council, CNR, Segrate, Italy
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154
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Low CB, Liou YC, Tang BL. Neural differentiation and potential use of stem cells from the human umbilical cord for central nervous system transplantation therapy. J Neurosci Res 2008; 86:1670-9. [PMID: 18241062 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.21624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The human umbilical cord is a rich source of autologous stem and progenitor cells. Interestingly, subpopulations of these, particularly mesenchymal-like cells from both cord blood and the cord stroma, exhibited a potential to be differentiated into neuron-like cells in culture. Umbilical cord blood stem cells have demonstrated efficacy in reducing lesion sizes and enhancing behavioral recovery in animal models of ischemic and traumatic central nervous system (CNS) injury. Recent findings also suggest that neurons derived from cord stroma mesenchymal cells could alleviate movement disorders in hemiparkinsonian animal models. We review here the neurogenic potential of umbilical cord stem cells and discuss possibilities of their exploitation as an alternative to human embryonic stem cells or neural stem cells for transplantation therapy of traumatic CNS injury and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choon Bing Low
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
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155
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Colletti EJ, Airey JA, Liu W, Simmons PJ, Zanjani ED, Porada CD, Almeida-Porada G. Generation of tissue-specific cells from MSC does not require fusion or donor-to-host mitochondrial/membrane transfer. Stem Cell Res 2008; 2:125-38. [PMID: 19383418 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2008.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2008] [Revised: 08/27/2008] [Accepted: 08/27/2008] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) hold great promise for cellular replacement therapies. Despite their contributing to phenotypically distinct cells in multiple tissues, controversy remains regarding whether the phenotype switch results from a true differentiation process. Here, we studied the events occurring during the first 120 h after human MSC transplantation into a large animal model. We demonstrate that MSC, shortly after engrafting different tissues, undergo proliferation and rapidly initiate the differentiative process, changing their phenotype into tissue-specific cells. Thus, the final level of tissue-specific cell contribution is not determined solely by the initial level of engraftment of the MSC within that organ, but rather by the proliferative capability of the ensuing tissue-specific cells into which the MSC rapidly differentiate. Furthermore, we show that true differentiation, and not cell fusion or transfer of mitochondria or membrane-derived vesicles between transplanted and resident cells, is the primary mechanism contributing to the change of phenotype of MSC upon transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan J Colletti
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, University of Nevada at Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA
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156
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Pereira CF, Terranova R, Ryan NK, Santos J, Morris KJ, Cui W, Merkenschlager M, Fisher AG. Heterokaryon-based reprogramming of human B lymphocytes for pluripotency requires Oct4 but not Sox2. PLoS Genet 2008; 4:e1000170. [PMID: 18773085 PMCID: PMC2527997 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1000170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2008] [Accepted: 07/15/2008] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Differentiated cells can be reprogrammed through the formation of heterokaryons and hybrid cells when fused with embryonic stem (ES) cells. Here, we provide evidence that conversion of human B-lymphocytes towards a multipotent state is initiated much more rapidly than previously thought, occurring in transient heterokaryons before nuclear fusion and cell division. Interestingly, reprogramming of human lymphocytes by mouse ES cells elicits the expression of a human ES-specific gene profile, in which markers of human ES cells are expressed (hSSEA4, hFGF receptors and ligands), but markers that are specific to mouse ES cells are not (e.g., Bmp4 and LIF receptor). Using genetically engineered mouse ES cells, we demonstrate that successful reprogramming of human lymphocytes is independent of Sox2, a factor thought to be required for induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. In contrast, there is a distinct requirement for Oct4 in the establishment but not the maintenance of the reprogrammed state. Experimental heterokaryons, therefore, offer a powerful approach to trace the contribution of individual factors to the reprogramming of human somatic cells towards a multipotent state. One of the most pressing objectives of medical research today is the development of approaches to restore the function of tissues damaged by accident or disease. An important goal for this work is the isolation of stem cell populations to replace missing or nonfunctioning cells. Because problems of immune rejection are likely to occur unless the recipient and donor stem cells are very closely matched, a desirable strategy is to convert differentiated cells (such as white blood cells) from patients into immature tailored stem cell populations. Here, we have experimentally fused human white blood cells and mouse embryonic stem cells and shown that this reprograms them to become stem-like. This kind of “differentiation reversal” is shown to be rapid and stable. It requires the stem cell–specific factor Oct4, but does not require Sox2. This approach allows the identification of factors that are required to reprogram human blood cells with the long-term perspective to eventually generate patient-specific stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos F. Pereira
- Lymphocyte Development Group, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rémi Terranova
- Lymphocyte Development Group, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie K. Ryan
- Lymphocyte Development Group, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joana Santos
- Lymphocyte Development Group, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kelly J. Morris
- Lymphocyte Development Group, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wei Cui
- Stem Cell Initiative, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthias Merkenschlager
- Lymphocyte Development Group, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda G. Fisher
- Lymphocyte Development Group, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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157
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Kidder BL, Oseth L, Miller S, Hirsch B, Verfaillie C, Coucouvanis E. Embryonic stem cells contribute to mouse chimeras in the absence of detectable cell fusion. CLONING AND STEM CELLS 2008; 10:231-48. [PMID: 18338954 DOI: 10.1089/clo.2007.0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Embryonic stem (ES) cells are capable of differentiating into all embryonic and adult cell types following mouse chimera production. Although injection of diploid ES cells into tetraploid blastocysts suggests that tetraploid cells have a selective disadvantage in the developing embryo, tetraploid hybrid cells, formed by cell fusion between ES cells and somatic cells, have been reported to contribute to mouse chimeras. In addition, other examples of apparent stem cell plasticity have recently been shown to be the result of cell fusion. Here we investigate whether ES cells contribute to mouse chimeras through a cell fusion mechanism. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis for X and Y chromosomes was performed on dissociated tissues from embryonic, neonatal, and adult wild-type, and chimeric mice to follow the ploidy distributions of cells from various tissues. FISH analysis showed that the ploidy distributions in dissociated tissues, notably the tetraploid cell number, did not differ between chimeric and wild-type tissues. To address the possibility that early cell fusion events are hidden by subsequent reductive divisions or other changes in cell ploidy, we injected Z/EG (lacZ/EGFP) ES cells into ACTB-cre blastocysts. Recombination can only occur as the result of cell fusion, and the recombined allele should persist through any subsequent changes in cell ploidy. We did not detect evidence of fusion in embryonic chimeras either by direct fluorescence microscopy for GFP or by PCR amplification of the recombined Z/EG locus on genomic DNA from ACTB-cre::Z/EG chimeric embryos. Our results argue strongly against cell fusion as a mechanism by which ES cells contribute to chimeras.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin L Kidder
- Department of Medicine, Stem Cell Institute, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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158
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Breunig JJ, Arellano JI, Macklis JD, Rakic P. Everything that glitters isn't gold: a critical review of postnatal neural precursor analyses. Cell Stem Cell 2008; 1:612-27. [PMID: 18371403 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2007.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis research has made enormous strides in the last decade but has been complicated by several failures to replicate promising findings. Prevalent use of highly sensitive methods with inherent sources of error has led to extraordinary conclusions without adequate crossvalidation. Perhaps the biggest culprit is the reliance on molecules involved in DNA synthesis and genetic markers to indicate neuronal neogenesis. In this Protocol Review, we present an overview of common methodological issues in the field and suggest alternative approaches, including viral vectors, siRNA, and inducible transgenic/knockout mice. A multipronged approach will enhance the overall rigor of research on stem cell biology and related fields by allowing increased replication of findings between groups and across systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua J Breunig
- Department of Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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159
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Louboutin JP, Agrawal L, Liu B, Strayer DS. In vivogene transfer to the CNS using recombinant SV40-derived vectors. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2008; 8:1319-35. [DOI: 10.1517/14712598.8.9.1319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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160
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Rovó A, Gratwohl A. Plasticity after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Biol Chem 2008; 389:825-836. [DOI: 10.1515/bc.2008.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The postulated almost unlimited potential of transplanted hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to transdifferentiate into cell types that do not belong to the hematopoietic system denotes a complete paradigm shift of the hierarchical hemopoietic tree. In several studies during the last few years, donor cells have been identified in almost all recipient tissues after allogeneic HSC transplantation (HSCT), supporting the theory that any failing organ could be accessible to regenerative cell therapy. However, the putative potential ability of the stem cells to cross beyond lineage barriers has been questioned by other studies which suggest that hematopoietic cells might fuse with non-hematopoietic cells and mimic the appearance of transdifferentiation. Proof that HSCs have preserved the capacity to transdifferentiate into other cell types remains to be demonstrated. In this review, we focus mainly on clinical studies addressing plasticity in humans who underwent allogeneic HSCT. We summarize the published data on non-hematopoietic chimerism, donor cell contribution to tissue repair, the controversies related to the methods used to detect donor-derived non-hematopoietic cells and the functional impact of this phenomenon in diverse specific target tissues and organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Rovó
- Hematology Department, University Hospital of Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alois Gratwohl
- Hematology Department, University Hospital of Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
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161
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Yamaguchi H, Kidachi Y, Umetsu H, Ryoyama K. Differentiation of serum-free mouse embryo cells into an astrocytic lineage is associated with the asymmetric production of early neural, neuronal and glial markers. Biol Pharm Bull 2008; 31:1008-12. [PMID: 18451536 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.31.1008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Serum-free mouse embryo (SFME) cells, the astrocyte progenitor cells in the central nervous system (CNS), were exposed to 10 ng/ml leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and 10 ng/ml bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP2) to induce differentiation, and expression of cell-type specific markers. Nestin, a marker of early neural lineage, betaIII-tubulin, a marker of neuronal lineage, oligodendrocyte marker O4 (O4), a marker of oligodendrocytic lineage and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a marker of astrocytic lineage, were analyzed. Characteristics of SFME cells, as a CNS progenitor, were identified and a possible mechanism, underlying SFME cell specification into an astrocytic lineage upon differentiation, was investigated. These markers were present, both at the initial proliferative phase and after induction of differentiation. GFAP expression increased strongly upon differentiation, while expression of the other markers changed very little. These results indicate that astrocytic differentiation is associated with the asymmetric production of these markers, rather than through induction of astrocytic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Yamaguchi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aomori University, Aomori University; 2-3-1 Kobata, Aomori 030-0943, Japan.
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162
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163
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Lin F. Renal repair: role of bone marrow stem cells. Pediatr Nephrol 2008; 23:851-61. [PMID: 17992542 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-007-0634-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2007] [Revised: 09/11/2007] [Accepted: 09/11/2007] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Acute kidney injury carries severe consequences and has limited treatment options. Bone marrow stem cells may offer the potential for treatment of acute kidney injury. The purpose of this review is twofold. The first purpose is to provide a concise overview of the biology of bone marrow stem cells, including hematopoietic stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells, for clinical nephrologists and renal researchers. The second purpose is to summarize published data regarding the role of bone marrow stem cells in renal repair after acute kidney injury. Currently, much of our knowledge of renal protective effect of bone marrow stem cells is obtained through animal research. Our goal is to understand the mechanism of renal protection by bone marrow stem cells and to develop strategies utilizing these stem cells for the eventual treatment of humans with kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangming Lin
- Department of Pediatrics and Division of Basic Science, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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164
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Nygren JM, Liuba K, Breitbach M, Stott S, Thorén L, Roell W, Geisen C, Sasse P, Kirik D, Björklund A, Nerlov C, Fleischmann BK, Jovinge S, Jacobsen SEW. Myeloid and lymphoid contribution to non-haematopoietic lineages through irradiation-induced heterotypic cell fusion. Nat Cell Biol 2008; 10:584-92. [PMID: 18425115 DOI: 10.1038/ncb1721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2008] [Accepted: 03/27/2008] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that regeneration of non-haematopoietic cell lineages can occur through heterotypic cell fusion with haematopoietic cells of the myeloid lineage. Here we show that lymphocytes also form heterotypic-fusion hybrids with cardiomyocytes, skeletal muscle, hepatocytes and Purkinje neurons. However, through lineage fate-mapping we demonstrate that such in vivo fusion of lymphoid and myeloid blood cells does not occur to an appreciable extent in steady-state adult tissues or during normal development. Rather, fusion of blood cells with different non-haematopoietic cell types is induced by organ-specific injuries or whole-body irradiation, which has been used in previous studies to condition recipients of bone marrow transplants. Our findings demonstrate that blood cells of the lymphoid and myeloid lineages contribute to various non-haematopoietic tissues by forming rare fusion hybrids, but almost exclusively in response to injuries or inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens M Nygren
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, Lund University, BMC B10, Klinikgatan 26, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
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165
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Abstract
Retinal degeneration culminating in photoreceptor loss is the leading cause of untreatable blindness in the developed world. In this review, we consider how photoreceptors might be replaced by transplantation and how stem cells might be optimised for use as donor cells in future clinical strategies for retinal repair. We discuss the current advances in human and animal models of retinal cell transplantation, focussing on stem cell and reproductive cloning biology, in relation to the practical issues of retinal transplantation surgery. Stem and progenitor cells can be isolated from a number of sources including embryonic tissue, adult brain and even the retina, prompting many researchers to investigate the potential for using these cells to generate photoreceptors for transplantation. Nevertheless, several obstacles need to be overcome before these techniques can be applied in a clinical setting. Embryonic or stem cells have so far shown little ability to differentiate into retinal phenotypes when transplanted into the adult retina. We have recently noted, however, that donor cells harvested much later, at the photoreceptor precursor developmental stage, can be transplanted successfully and restore visual function. The current challenge is to understand the developmental processes that guide embryonic or adult stem cells towards photoreceptor differentiation, so that large numbers of these cells might be transplanted at the optimal stage. Future advances in reproductive cloning technology could lead to the successful generation of stem cells from adult somatic cells, thereby facilitating auto-transplantation of genetically identical cells in patients requiring photoreceptor replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E MacLaren
- Vitreoretinal Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK.
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166
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Johansson CB, Youssef S, Koleckar K, Holbrook C, Doyonnas R, Corbel SY, Steinman L, Rossi FMV, Blau HM. Extensive fusion of haematopoietic cells with Purkinje neurons in response to chronic inflammation. Nat Cell Biol 2008; 10:575-83. [PMID: 18425116 DOI: 10.1038/ncb1720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2008] [Accepted: 04/09/2008] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Transplanted bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) have been reported to fuse with cells of diverse tissues, but the extremely low frequency of fusion has led to the view that such events are biologically insignificant. Nonetheless, in mice with a lethal recessive liver disease (tyrosinaemia), transplantation of wild-type BMDCs restored liver function by cell fusion and prevented death, indicating that cell fusion can have beneficial effects. Here we report that chronic inflammation resulting from severe dermatitis or autoimmune encephalitis leads to robust fusion of BMDCs with Purkinje neurons and formation of hundreds of binucleate heterokaryons per cerebellum, a 10-100-fold higher frequency than previously reported. Single haematopoietic stem-cell transplants showed that the fusogenic cell is from the haematopoietic lineage and parabiosis experiments revealed that fusion can occur without irradiation. Transplantation of rat bone marrow into mice led to activation of dormant rat Purkinje neuron-specific genes in BMDC nuclei after fusion with mouse Purkinje neurons, consistent with nuclear reprogramming. The precise neurological role of these heterokaryons awaits elucidation, but their frequency in brain after inflammation is clearly much higher than previously appreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clas B Johansson
- Baxter Laboratory in Genetic Pharmacology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5175, USA.
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167
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Abstract
Cells of the central nervous system were once thought to be incapable of regeneration. This dogma has been challenged in the last decade with studies showing new, migrating stem cells in the brain in many rodent injury models and findings of new neurones in the human hippocampus in adults. Moreover, there are reports of bone marrow-derived cells developing neuronal and vascular phenotypes and aiding in repair of injured brain. These findings have fuelled excitement and interest in regenerative medicine for neurological diseases, arguably the most difficult diseases to treat. There are numerous proposed regenerative approaches to neurological diseases. These include cell therapy approaches in which cells are delivered intracerebrally or are infused by an intravenous or intra-arterial route; stem cell mobilization approaches in which endogenous stem and progenitor cells are mobilized by cytokines such as granulocyte colony stimulatory factor (GCSF) or chemokines such as SDF-1; trophic and growth factor support, such as delivering brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) into the brain to support injured neurones; these approaches may be used together to maximize recovery. While initially, it was thought that cell therapy might work by a 'cell replacement' mechanism, a large body of evidence is emerging that cell therapy works by providing trophic or 'chaperone' support to the injured tissue and brain. Angiogenesis and neurogenesis are coupled in the brain. Increasing angiogenesis with adult stem cell approaches in rodent models of stroke leads to preservation of neurones and improved functional outcome. A number of stem and progenitor cell types has been proposed as therapy for neurological disease ranging from neural stem cells to bone marrow derived stem cells to embryonic stem cells. Any cell therapy approach to neurological disease will have to be scalable and easily commercialized if it will have the necessary impact on public health. Currently, bone marrow-derived cell populations such as the marrow stromal cell, multipotential progenitor cells, umbilical cord stem cells and neural stem cells meet these criteria the best. Of great clinical significance, initial evidence suggests these cell types may be delivered by an allogeneic approach, so strict tissue matching may not be necessary. The most immediate impact on patients will be achieved by making use of the trophic support capability of cell therapy and not by a cell replacement mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- D C Hess
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
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168
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cardiac rhythm disorders are caused by malfunctions of impulse generation or conduction. Malfunctions of impulse generation, that is, defects in pacemaking, are often life-threatening. Present therapies span a wide array of approaches, but remain largely palliative. Recent progress in understanding of the underlying biology of pacemaking opens up new prospects for better alternatives to the present routine. Specifically, development and use of biological pacemakers could prove to be advantageous to the conventional approaches. RECENT FINDINGS We review the current state of the art in gene and cell-based approaches to correct cardiac rhythm disturbances. These include genetic suppression of an ionic current, embryonic as well as adult stem cell therapies, novel synthetic pacemaker channels, and adult somatic cell-fusion approach. SUMMARY Biological pacemaking can be achieved by modulating ionic currents by gene transfer or by delivering engineered pacemaker cells into normally quiescent myocardium. The present state of development is proof-of-concept; we are now working on reducing to practice a stable, reliable biological product as an alternative to electronic pacemakers.
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169
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Sheth RN, Manzano G, Li X, Levi AD. Transplantation of human bone marrow-derived stromal cells into the contused spinal cord of nude rats. J Neurosurg Spine 2008; 8:153-62. [PMID: 18248287 DOI: 10.3171/spi/2008/8/2/153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT Human bone marrow stromal cells (hMSCs) constitute a potential source of pluripotent stem cells. In the present study, hMSCs were transplanted into an area of spinal cord contusion in nude rats to determine their survival, differentiation, potential for neuroprotection, and influence on axonal growth and functional recovery. METHODS Twenty-nine animals received 6 x 10(5) hMSCs in 6 microl medium 1 week after a contusion, while 14 control animals received an injection of 6 microl medium alone. Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) tests were performed weekly. The spinal cords were collected at 6 weeks posttransplantation for histological analysis and assessment of tissue injury. RESULTS Immunostaining with anti-human mitochondria antibody and pretransplantation labeling with green fluorescent protein demonstrated that the grafted hMSCs survived and were capable of achieving a flattened appearance in the grafted area; however, none of the transplanted cells stained positively for human-specific neuronal, anti-neurofilament H or glial fibrillary acidic protein within the sites of engraftment. While neuronal or astrocytic differentiation was not seen, cells lining blood vessels in the vicinity of the transplant stained positively for anti-human endothelium CD105 antibody. Staining for anti-neurofilament H antibody demonstrated abundant axonlike structures around the transplanted area in the hMSC group. Tissue sparing analysis showed that animals with grafted hMSCs had a smaller area of contusion cyst compared with controls, but there was no significant difference between the two groups in BBB scores. CONCLUSIONS The grafted hMSCs survived for > or = 6 weeks posttransplantation, although they did not differentiate into neural or glial cells. Cells with human endothelial characteristics were observed. Spinal cord-injured rats grafted with hMSCs had smaller contusion cavities, which did not have a significant influence on functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishi N Sheth
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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170
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Ross JJ, Verfaillie CM. Evaluation of neural plasticity in adult stem cells. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2008; 363:199-205. [PMID: 17282993 PMCID: PMC2605495 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2006.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of stem cells has long been known in reproductive organs and various tissues including the haematopoietic system and skin. During the last decade, stem cells have also been identified in other organs, including the nervous system, both during development and in post-natal life. More recently, evidence has been presented that stem cells thought to be responsible for the generation of mature differentiated cells of one organ, such as haematopoietic stem cells, may have the ability to also differentiate across lineages and contribute to tissues other than haematopoietic cells, including neuronal tissue, suggesting that easily accessible stem cells sources may one day be useful in the therapy of ischaemic (stroke) and also degenerative diseases of the nervous system. Here, we will evaluate the validity of such claims based on a number of criteria we believe need to be fulfilled to definitively conclude that certain stem cells can give rise to functional neural cells that might be suitable for therapy of neural disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey J Ross
- Stem Cell Institute, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota Medical SchoolMN 55455, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota Medical SchoolMN 55455, USA
| | - Catherine M Verfaillie
- Stem Cell Institute, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota Medical SchoolMN 55455, USA
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota Medical SchoolMN 55455, USA
- Author for correspondence ()
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171
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Angelini A, Castellani C, Tona F, Gambino A, Caforio AP, Feltrin G, Della Barbera M, Valente M, Gerosa G, Thiene G. Continuous engraftment and differentiation of male recipient Y-chromosome-positive cardiomyocytes in donor female human heart transplants. J Heart Lung Transplant 2008; 26:1110-8. [PMID: 18022076 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2007.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2007] [Revised: 08/03/2007] [Accepted: 08/05/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanisms of stem cell engraftment and differentiation in transplanted organs are still unknown. The aim of our study was to assess the time course of extracardiac progenitor cell colonization of cardiac allografts using the human sex-mismatched heart transplant model. The possible mechanisms by which stem cells acquire a cardiac phenotypic lineage were also investigated. METHODS Thirty-four endomyocardial biopsies were obtained from 17 sex-mismatched orthotopic heart transplant patients (mean age, 43.50 +/- 23.95 years). Cells of recipient origin were identified by fluorescence in situ hybridization for combined XY-chromosomes. RESULTS The mean incremental number of cardiomyocytes of recipient origin per month was 0.064 +/- 0.04, suggesting ongoing engraftment and transdifferentiation in the absence of cell fusion. Regression analysis showed a positive correlation between the Y-chromosome-positive cardiomyocytes and the rejection score (r(2) = 0.99; 95% confidence interval -0.14 + 0.02; p = 0.006) suggesting that colonization was more pronounced in cases of more severe cardiac injury. At multivariable analysis, time since transplantation was the only independent predictor of the proportion of XY-chromosome-positive cardiac cell engraftment (beta = 0.025, p < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval, 0.012-0.038). CONCLUSION The phenotypic transformation in this human chronic heart injury model is the result of transdifferentiation of male stem cells (atrial or circulating cells) into new cardiomyocytes. Immunologic injury predicts recipient cardiomyocyte engraftment and may be one of the mobilizing stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Angelini
- Medical-Diagnostic Sciences and Special Therapies, University of Padua Medical School, Padua, Italy.
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172
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Wiersema A, Dijk F, Dontje B, van der Want JJ, de Haan G. Cerebellar heterokaryon formation increases with age and after irradiation. Stem Cell Res 2008; 1:150-4. [PMID: 19383395 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2008.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2007] [Revised: 02/06/2008] [Accepted: 02/16/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic cells have been demonstrated to survive in many nonhematopoietic tissues after transplantation. Apparent "bone marrow-derived" cerebellar Purkinje cells in fact result from fusion events and it has been suggested that fusion may be a natural physiological phenomenon to rescue dysfunctioning cells. Here, we show that fusion of transplanted bone marrow cells with resident Purkinje cells is age-dependent and is strongly enhanced when Purkinje cells are damaged by high-dose irradiation. In addition, Purkinje heterokaryons occur in increased frequencies in the cerebellum of normal, unperturbed, aged mice compared to young animals. Our data suggest that age- and/or irradiation-induced dysfunctioning of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum is required for cell fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Wiersema
- Department of Cell Biology, Section Stem Cell Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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173
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Stem cells in the heart: what's the buzz all about? Part 2: Arrhythmic risks and clinical studies. Heart Rhythm 2008; 5:880-7. [PMID: 18534373 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2008.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2008] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
New approaches for cardiac repair have been enabled by the discovery that the heart contains its own reservoir of stem cells. In Part 1 of this review, we discussed various cardiac stem cell populations, reviewed our own work on cardiosphere-derived cells from human hearts, and outlined large animal preclinical models testing the regenerative potential of cardiac stem cells. Here we continue with a discussion on other adult stem cell sources with clinical potential. We summarize the critical safety issues associated with stem cell therapy and present the possible proarrhythmic and antiarrhythmic effects of stem cell transplantation. We discuss the outcomes of clinical stem cell trials and identify the technical, ethical, and practical issues facing the clinical application of cardiac stem cells.
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174
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Shi G, Ma K, Pappas GD, Qu T. Phenotypic characteristics of hybrid cells produced by cell fusion of porcine adrenal chromaffin cells with human mesenchymal stem cells: a preliminary study. Neurol Res 2008; 30:217-22. [PMID: 18252039 DOI: 10.1179/016164107x241674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Transplantation of adrenal chromaffin cells (CCs) that release endogenous opioid peptides and catecholamines produces significant antinociceptive effects in patients with terminal cancer pain. In clinical practice, however, obtaining a sufficient number of chromaffin cells may not be possible because of the limited availability of human adrenal tissue. Recent works have shown that fusion of bone marrow-derived cells with differentiated cells can occur spontaneously in vivo and acquire the phenotype of the recipient cells. In this study, we investigated the possibility of producing chromaffin-like cells by fusing human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MeSCs) with post-mitotic porcine CCs in vitro with the application of polyethylene glycol (PEG). METHODS AND RESULTS Before cell-to-cell fusion was initiated, MeSCs and CCs were labeled by fluorescence dyes DiO (green) and Dil (red), respectively. The hybrid cells generated by PEG-mediated fusion expressed a DiO and Dil double-staining with estimated fusion efficiency at approximately 40% of the total cell population. Further immunocytochemical examination for tyrosine hydroxylase and methionine enkephalin (markers for CCs) demonstrated positive immuno-reactivity in these hybrid cells 2 weeks post-fusion. More interestingly, some of the hybrid cells showed bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive immunostaining in the nuclei. DISCUSSION Our results show that these hybrid cells fused by CCs and MeSCs express some characteristics of the CC phenotype. A subpopulation of these hybrid cells are dividing cells with positive BrdU immunostaining, suggesting that a novel cellular production could be developed by a "reprogramming" mechanism through the application of targeted cell fusion strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangbin Shi
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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175
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176
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Palma CA, Lindeman R, Tuch BE. Blood into beta-cells: can adult stem cells be used as a therapy for Type 1 diabetes? Regen Med 2008; 3:33-47. [PMID: 18154461 DOI: 10.2217/17460751.3.1.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past 10 years there have been substantial developments in adult stem cell research, and the transplantation of these cells now holds great promise for regenerative medicine, such as in the treatment of Type 1 diabetes. A large proportion of studies have focused on stem cells sourced from hematopoietic tissues: bone marrow, umbilical cord blood and peripheral blood. Attempts to transdifferentiate these cells into insulin-producing cells, both in vivo and in vitro, have produced conflicting results. Although insulin production and normalization of blood glucose levels have been described in some studies, the true mechanism of stem cell plasticity remains in question - are the functional changes seen due to true transdifferentiation or do they result from cell fusion or other factors? There is evidence that stem cell plasticity is a true phenomenon, but whether it will ever be of therapeutic benefit for Type 1 diabetes remains uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina A Palma
- Diabetes Transplant Unit, Prince of Wales Hospital and University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2031, Australia.
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177
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Kim SK, Pak HN, Kim GI, Park JH, Fang YF, Lim HE, Kim BS, Hwang C, Kim YH. Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation Induces Sympathetic Nerve Sprouting and Reduces the Gap Junction With Potential Proarrhythmias in Dogs. Korean Circ J 2008. [DOI: 10.4070/kcj.2008.38.10.536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sook Kyoung Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hui-Nam Pak
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gwang Il Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Pochon CHA University, Pochon, Korea
| | - Jae Hyung Park
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Fu Fang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hong Euy Lim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung Soo Kim
- Department of Hematology, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chun Hwang
- Division of Cardiology, Utah Valley Medical Center, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Young-Hoon Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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178
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Oertel M, Shafritz DA. Stem cells, cell transplantation and liver repopulation. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2007; 1782:61-74. [PMID: 18187050 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2007.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2007] [Revised: 12/10/2007] [Accepted: 12/12/2007] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplantation is currently the only therapeutic option for patients with end-stage chronic liver disease and for severe acute liver failure. Because of limited donor availability, attention has been focused on the possibility to restore liver mass and function through cell transplantation. Stem cells are a promising source for liver repopulation after cell transplantation, but whether or not the adult mammalian liver contains hepatic stem cells is highly controversial. Part of the problem is that proliferation of mature adult hepatocytes is sufficient to regenerate the liver after two-thirds partial hepatectomy or acute toxic liver injury and participation of stem cells is not required. However, under conditions in which hepatocyte proliferation is blocked, undifferentiated epithelial cells in the periportal areas, called "oval cells", proliferate, differentiate into hepatocytes and restore liver mass. These cells are referred to as facultative liver stem cells, but they do not repopulate the normal liver after their transplantation. In contrast, epithelial cells isolated from the early fetal liver can effectively repopulate the normal liver, but they are already traversing the hepatic lineage and may not be true stem cells. Mesenchymal stem cells and embryonic stem cells can be induced to differentiate along the hepatic lineage in culture, but at present these cells are inefficient in repopulating the liver. This review will characterize these various cell types and compare the properties of these cells and the conditions under which they do or do not repopulate the liver following their transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Oertel
- Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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179
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Louboutin JP, Liu B, Chekmasova AA, Reyes BAS, van Bockstaele EJ, Strayer DS. Delivering genes to the organ-localized immune system: long-term results of direct intramarrow transduction. J Gene Med 2007; 9:843-51. [PMID: 17694566 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the distribution of transgene-expressing cells after direct gene transfer into the bone marrow (BM). Rats received direct injection into the femoral BM of SV(Nef-FLAG), a Tag-deleted recombinant SV40 carrying a marker gene (FLAG epitope). Controls received an unrelated rSV40 or saline. Blood cells (5%) and femoral marrow cells (25%) expressed FLAG throughout. FLAG expression was assessed in different organs at 1, 4 and 16 months. FLAG+ macrophages were seen throughout the body, and were prominent in the spleen. FLAG+ cells were common in pulmonary alveoli. The former included alveolar macrophages and type II pneumocytes. These cells were not detected at 1 month, occasional at 4 months and common at 16 months after intramarrow injection. Rare liver cells were positive for both FLAG and ferritin, indicating that some hepatocytes also expressed this BM-delivered transgene. Control animals were negative. Thus: (a) fixed tissue phagocytes may be accessible to gene delivery by intramarrow transduction of their progenitors; (b) transduced BM-resident cells or their derivatives may migrate to other organs (lungs) and may differentiate into epithelial cells; and (c) intramarrow injection of rSV40s does not detectably transduce parenchymal cells of other organs.
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180
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Stolzing A, Hescheler J, Sethe S. Fusion and Regenerative Therapies: Is Immortality Really Recessive? Rejuvenation Res 2007; 10:571-86. [DOI: 10.1089/rej.2007.0570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
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181
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Spees JL, Whitney MJ, Sullivan DE, Lasky JA, Laboy M, Ylostalo J, Prockop DJ. Bone marrow progenitor cells contribute to repair and remodeling of the lung and heart in a rat model of progressive pulmonary hypertension. FASEB J 2007; 22:1226-36. [PMID: 18032636 DOI: 10.1096/fj.07-8076com] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Infusion of bone marrow stem or progenitor cells may provide powerful therapies for injured tissues such as the lung and heart. We examined the potential of bone marrow-derived (BMD) progenitor cells to contribute to repair and remodeling of lung and heart in a rat monocrotaline (MCT) model of pulmonary hypertension. Bone marrow from green fluorescent protein (GFP)-transgenic male rats was transplanted into GFP-negative female rats. The chimeric animals were injected with MCT to produce pulmonary hypertension. Significant numbers of male GFP-positive BMD cells engrafted in the lungs of MCT-treated rats. Microarray analyses and double-immunohistochemistry demonstrated that many of the cells were interstitial fibroblasts or myofibroblasts, some of the cells were hematopoietic cells, and some were pulmonary epithelial cells (Clara cells), vascular endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells. A few BMD cells fused with pulmonary cells from the host, but the frequency was low. In the hypertrophied hearts of MCT-treated rats, we found a significant increase in the relative numbers of BMD cells in the right ventricle wall as compared with the left ventricle. Some of the BMD cells in the right ventricle were vascular cells and cardiomyocytes. We report BMD cardiomyocytes with a normal chromosome number, fusion of BMD cells with host cardiomyocytes, and, in some cases, nuclear fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L Spees
- Department of Medicine, Center for Gene Therapy, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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182
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Li L, Truong P, Igarashi P, Lin F. Renal and Bone Marrow Cells Fuse after Renal Ischemic Injury. J Am Soc Nephrol 2007; 18:3067-77. [DOI: 10.1681/asn.2007030284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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183
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Richardson BE, Beckett K, Nowak SJ, Baylies MK. SCAR/WAVE and Arp2/3 are crucial for cytoskeletal remodeling at the site of myoblast fusion. Development 2007; 134:4357-67. [PMID: 18003739 DOI: 10.1242/dev.010678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Myoblast fusion is crucial for formation and repair of skeletal muscle. Here we show that active remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton is essential for fusion in Drosophila. Using live imaging, we have identified a dynamic F-actin accumulation (actin focus) at the site of fusion. Dissolution of the actin focus directly precedes a fusion event. Whereas several known fusion components regulate these actin foci, others target additional behaviors required for fusion. Mutations in kette/Nap1, an actin polymerization regulator, lead to enlarged foci that do not dissolve, consistent with the observed block in fusion. Kette is required to positively regulate SCAR/WAVE, which in turn activates the Arp2/3 complex. Mutants in SCAR and Arp2/3 have a fusion block and foci phenotype, suggesting that Kette-SCAR-Arp2/3 participate in an actin polymerization event required for focus dissolution. Our data identify a new paradigm for understanding the mechanisms underlying fusion in myoblasts and other tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian E Richardson
- Program in Developmental Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY 10021, USA
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184
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Prindull GA, Fibach E. Are postnatal hemangioblasts generated by dedifferentiation from committed hematopoietic stem cells? Exp Hematol 2007; 35:691-701. [PMID: 17577919 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2007.01.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cell dedifferentiation occurs in different cell systems. In spite of a relative paucity of data it seems reasonable to assume that cell dedifferentiation exists in reversible equilibrium with differentiation, to which cells resort in response to intercellular signals. The current literature is indeed compatible with the concept that dedifferentiation is guided by structural rearrangements of nuclear chromatin, directed by epigenetic cell memory information available as silenced genes stored on heterochromatin, and that gene transcription exists in reversible "fluctuating continua" during parental cell cycles. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms of cell dedifferentiation and suggest for hematopoietic development that postnatal hemangioblasts are generated by dedifferentiation of committed hematopoietic stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor A Prindull
- Department of Pediatrics,University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
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185
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Keshet GI, Tolwani RJ, Trejo A, Kraft P, Doyonnas R, Clayberger C, Weimann JM, Blau HM. Increased host neuronal survival and motor function in BMT Parkinsonian mice: Involvement of immunosuppression. J Comp Neurol 2007; 504:690-701. [PMID: 17722033 DOI: 10.1002/cne.21483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We examined the potential of bone marrow transplantation (BMT) to rescue dopaminergic neurons in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD). A BMT from mice transgenic for green fluorescent protein (GFP(+)) given either before or after administration of the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) led to the accumulation of transplanted adult GFP(+) bone-marrow-derived cells (BMDC) in the substantia nigra, where dopaminergic neurodegeneration occurs in PD. Post-BMT, mice exposed to MPTP had substantially greater numbers of endogenous tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neuronal cell bodies in the substantia nigra and increased dopamine transporter-positive projections into the striatum compared to controls. Moreover, motor function was restored to normal within 1 month post-MPTP in BMT-treated mice assayed by a rotarod behavioral test. The effect of BMT on PD was indirect, as no evidence of BMDC fusion with or transdifferentiation into dopaminergic neurons was observed. BMDC activated by BMT or associated factors could play a trophic role in rescuing damaged cells. Alternatively, the beneficial effects of BMT are due to immunosuppression reflected by a reduction in the proportion of T-cells and a reduction of T-cell proliferation in BMT mice. These findings highlight that when immunosuppression is required for transplantation studies, the amelioration of symptoms may not be due to the transplant itself. Further, they suggest that the immune system plays a role in the development of characteristics typical of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilmor I Keshet
- Baxter Laboratory for Genetic Pharmacology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
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186
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Magrassi L, Grimaldi P, Ibatici A, Corselli M, Ciardelli L, Castello S, Podestà M, Frassoni F, Rossi F. Induction and survival of binucleated Purkinje neurons by selective damage and aging. J Neurosci 2007; 27:9885-92. [PMID: 17855603 PMCID: PMC6672639 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2539-07.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusion of bone marrow-derived cells with adult Purkinje cells in the cerebellum gives rise to binucleated Purkinje cells. Whether fusion can be modulated by epigenetic factors and whether fused neurons are stable has remained unclear. Here, we show that in mice and rats, partial ablation of Purkinje cells and local microglial activation in the absence of structural damage to the cerebellum increase the rate of fusion. Moreover, mouse Purkinje cells once fused with bone marrow-derived cells are viable for at least 7 months. We also show that cerebellar irradiation is unnecessary for the generation of binucleated Purkinje cells after bone marrow grafting. Moreover, binucleated Purkinje cells can be found in aged mice that did not receive any treatment, suggesting that fusion events occasionally occur throughout the whole lifespan of healthy, unmanipulated individuals. However, in aged chimeric mice that, after bone marrow transplant, have the majority of their nucleated blood cells fluorescent, the number of binucleated fluorescent Purkinje cells is two orders of magnitude less than the total number of binucleated Purkinje cells. This suggests that, in the majority of heterokaryons, either the incoming nucleus is quickly inactivated or fusion is not the only way to generate a binucleated Purkinje cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Magrassi
- Neurochirurgia Dipartimento Scienze Chirurgiche, Università di Pavia, Fondazione Instituto di Ricovero e Curaio a Carattere Scientifico Policlinico S. Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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187
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Hedlund E, Hefferan MP, Marsala M, Isacson O. REVIEW ARTILCE: Cell therapy and stem cells in animal models of motor neuron disorders. Eur J Neurosci 2007; 26:1721-37. [PMID: 17897390 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2007.05780.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal bulbar muscular atrophy (or Kennedy's disease), spinal muscular atrophy and spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress 1 are neurodegenerative disorders mainly affecting motor neurons and which currently lack effective therapies. Recent studies in animal models as well as primary and embryonic stem cell models of ALS, utilizing over-expression of mutated forms of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1, have shown that motor neuron degeneration in these models is in part a non cell-autonomous event and that by providing genetically non-compromised supporting cells such as microglia or growth factor-excreting cells, onset can be delayed and survival increased. Using models of acute motor neuron injury it has been shown that embryonic stem cell-derived motor neurons implanted into the spinal cord can innervate muscle targets and improve functional recovery. Thus, a rationale exists for the development of cell therapies in motor neuron diseases aimed at either protecting and/or replacing lost motor neurons, interneurons as well as non-neuronal cells. This review evaluates approaches used in animal models of motor neuron disorders and their therapeutic relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Hedlund
- Neuroregeneration Laboratory, Center for Neuroregeneration Research, McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA 02478, USA.
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188
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Yeh ETH, Zhang S. A novel approach to studying transformation of human stem cells into cardiac cells in vivo. Can J Cardiol 2007; 22 Suppl B:66B-71B. [PMID: 16498515 PMCID: PMC2780841 DOI: 10.1016/s0828-282x(06)70989-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell transplantation has been proposed as a novel means of regenerating new myocardium following cardiac damage. Many laboratories have demonstrated that stem cells from different sources have the potential to transform into cardiomyocytes. Human peripheral blood CD34+ cells were transplanted into the hearts of mice with severe combined immune deficiency syndrome, and it was demonstrated that human stem cells could transform into cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. Using single cell preparation, cell sorting and fluorescent in situ hybridization, human peripheral blood CD34+ cells were transformed into cardiomyocytes mainly through cell fusion, whereas endothelial cells were derived through direct differentiation of the transplanted stem cells. This analytical method should provide a novel approach to identifying the mechanisms of stem cell transformation into cardiomyocytes in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward T H Yeh
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Brown Foundation Institute of Moleclar Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, Houston, USA.
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189
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Gaillard A, Prestoz L, Dumartin B, Cantereau A, Morel F, Roger M, Jaber M. Reestablishment of damaged adult motor pathways by grafted embryonic cortical neurons. Nat Neurosci 2007; 10:1294-9. [PMID: 17828256 DOI: 10.1038/nn1970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2007] [Accepted: 07/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Damage to the adult motor cortex leads to severe and frequently irreversible deficits in motor function. Transplantation of embryonic cortical neurons into the damaged adult motor cortex was previously shown to induce partial recovery, but reports on graft efferents have varied from no efferent projections to sparse innervation. Here, we grafted embryonic cortical tissue from transgenic mice overexpressing a green fluorescent protein into the damaged motor cortex of adult mice. Grafted neurons developed efferent projections to appropriate cortical and subcortical host targets, including the thalamus and spinal cord. These projections were not a result of cell fusion between the transplant and the host neurons. Host and transplanted neurons formed synaptic contacts and numerous graft efferents were myelinated. These findings demonstrate that there is substantial anatomical reestablishment of cortical circuitry following embryonic cortex grafting into the adult brain. They suggest that there is an unsuspected potential for neural cell transplantation to promote reconstruction after brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afsaneh Gaillard
- Institut de Physiologie et Biologie Cellulaires, Université de Poitiers, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 40 avenue du recteur Pineau, Poitiers, F-86022, France.
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190
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Bone Marrow Stem Cell Therapy for Renal Regeneration After Acute Tubular Necrosis: A Dream or a Reality? Tzu Chi Med J 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/s1016-3190(10)60003-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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191
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Bearzi C, Rota M, Hosoda T, Tillmanns J, Nascimbene A, De Angelis A, Yasuzawa-Amano S, Trofimova I, Siggins RW, LeCapitaine N, Cascapera S, Beltrami AP, D'Alessandro DA, Zias E, Quaini F, Urbanek K, Michler RE, Bolli R, Kajstura J, Leri A, Anversa P. Human cardiac stem cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104:14068-73. [PMID: 17709737 PMCID: PMC1955818 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0706760104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 697] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of cardiac progenitor cells in mammals raises the possibility that the human heart contains a population of stem cells capable of generating cardiomyocytes and coronary vessels. The characterization of human cardiac stem cells (hCSCs) would have important clinical implications for the management of the failing heart. We have established the conditions for the isolation and expansion of c-kit-positive hCSCs from small samples of myocardium. Additionally, we have tested whether these cells have the ability to form functionally competent human myocardium after infarction in immunocompromised animals. Here, we report the identification in vitro of a class of human c-kit-positive cardiac cells that possess the fundamental properties of stem cells: they are self-renewing, clonogenic, and multipotent. hCSCs differentiate predominantly into cardiomyocytes and, to a lesser extent, into smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells. When locally injected in the infarcted myocardium of immunodeficient mice and immunosuppressed rats, hCSCs generate a chimeric heart, which contains human myocardium composed of myocytes, coronary resistance arterioles, and capillaries. The human myocardium is structurally and functionally integrated with the rodent myocardium and contributes to the performance of the infarcted heart. Differentiated human cardiac cells possess only one set of human sex chromosomes excluding cell fusion. The lack of cell fusion was confirmed by the Cre-lox strategy. Thus, hCSCs can be isolated and expanded in vitro for subsequent autologous regeneration of dead myocardium in patients affected by heart failure of ischemic and nonischemic origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Bearzi
- *Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595
| | - Marcello Rota
- *Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595
| | - Toru Hosoda
- *Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595
| | - Jochen Tillmanns
- *Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595
| | - Angelo Nascimbene
- *Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595
| | - Antonella De Angelis
- *Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595
| | - Saori Yasuzawa-Amano
- *Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595
| | - Irina Trofimova
- *Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595
| | - Robert W. Siggins
- *Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595
| | - Nicole LeCapitaine
- *Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595
| | - Stefano Cascapera
- *Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595
| | - Antonio P. Beltrami
- *Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595
| | - David A. D'Alessandro
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10467; and
| | - Elias Zias
- *Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595
| | - Federico Quaini
- *Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595
| | - Konrad Urbanek
- *Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595
| | - Robert E. Michler
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10467; and
| | - Roberto Bolli
- Institute of Molecular Cardiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292
| | - Jan Kajstura
- *Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595
| | - Annarosa Leri
- *Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595
| | - Piero Anversa
- *Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at:
Cardiovascular Research Institute, New York Medical College, Vosburgh Pavilion, Valhalla, NY 10595. E-mail:
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192
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Abstract
Evidence suggesting that bone marrow and circulating blood may harbor myocardial and vascular progenitor cells was the basis for pre-clinical studies of cell therapy for acute myocardial infarction (MI). Rapid initiation of clinical trials has since followed, with regional myocardial delivery of autologous cells being tested as adjunctive therapies for both acute and chronic left ventricular dysfunction. While clinical cell transplantation trials originally began with the explicit goal of myocardial regeneration, more recently the emphasis has shifted to attempted modulation of myocardial remodeling through other processes, such as mechanical strengthening of scar tissue and promotion of myocardial tissue survival through cellular paracrine effects. This article discusses the scientific rationale for cell therapy strategies in acute MI and provides an overview of the clinical studies that have been undertaken to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Gulati
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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193
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Xia X, Rasmussen T, Alvarez X, Taguchi T, Li M, La Russa VF. Fluorescence in situ hybridization using an old world monkey Y chromosome specific probe combined with immunofluorescence staining on rhesus monkey tissues. J Histochem Cytochem 2007; 55:1115-21. [PMID: 17595337 PMCID: PMC3957529 DOI: 10.1369/jhc.7a7216.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, there is no commercially available Y chromosome probe that can be used for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for the male rhesus monkey. We have recently generated a probe for FISH with high specificity to the short arm of the rhesus monkey Y chromosome. In this study, we further describe a method that keeps the integrity of tissue-specific antigenic structures for immunofluorescence staining subsequent to FISH on paraffin-embedded rhesus monkey tissues. We have examined this technique in combination with an epithelial cell-specific marker, cytokeratin 8/18 (CK8/18), on various tissues, including jejunum, liver, kidney, and pancreas. CK8/18 and Y chromosome signals were distinctly seen simultaneously on epithelial cells from the same tissue section from male but not female monkeys. These studies indicate that our FISH immunofluorescence technique can be reliably used to identify and phenotype male cells in paraffin-embedded rhesus monkey tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujin Xia
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Division of Gene Therapy, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, Louisiana
| | - Terri Rasmussen
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, Louisiana
| | - Xavier Alvarez
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, Louisiana
| | - Takahiro Taguchi
- Division of Human Health and Medical Science, Graduate School of Kuroshio Science, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Marilyn Li
- Hayward Genetics Center, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Vincent F. La Russa
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Division of Gene Therapy, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, Louisiana
- Correspondence to: Vincent F. La Russa, PhD, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, Cancer Center, 1415 Tulane Avenue, SL-34, New Orleans, LA. E-mail:
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194
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Mignone JL, Roig-Lopez JL, Fedtsova N, Schones DE, Manganas LN, Maletic-Savatic M, Keyes WM, Mills AA, Gleiberman A, Zhang MQ, Enikolopov G. Neural potential of a stem cell population in the hair follicle. Cell Cycle 2007; 6:2161-70. [PMID: 17873521 PMCID: PMC3789384 DOI: 10.4161/cc.6.17.4593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The bulge region of the hair follicle serves as a repository for epithelial stem cells that can regenerate the follicle in each hair growth cycle and contribute to epidermis regeneration upon injury. Here we describe a population of multipotential stem cells in the hair follicle bulge region; these cells can be identified by fluorescence in transgenic nestin-GFP mice. The morphological features of these cells suggest that they maintain close associations with each other and with the surrounding niche. Upon explantation, these cells can give rise to neurosphere-like structures in vitro. When these cells are permitted to differentiate, they produce several cell types, including cells with neuronal, astrocytic, oligodendrocytic, smooth muscle, adipocytic, and other phenotypes. Furthermore, upon implantation into the developing nervous system of chick, these cells generate neuronal cells in vivo. We used transcriptional profiling to assess the relationship between these cells and embryonic and postnatal neural stem cells and to compare them with other stem cell populations of the bulge. Our results show that nestin-expressing cells in the bulge region of the hair follicle have stem cell-like properties, are multipotent, and can effectively generate cells of neural lineage in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- John L. Mignone
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Cold Spring Harbor, New York USA
| | | | - Natalia Fedtsova
- Department of Psychiatry; University of California; San Diego and San Diego VA Medical Center; La Jolla, California USA
| | | | - Louis N. Manganas
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Cold Spring Harbor, New York USA
- Stony Brook University; Stony Brook, New York USA
| | - Mirjana Maletic-Savatic
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Cold Spring Harbor, New York USA
- Stony Brook University; Stony Brook, New York USA
| | | | - Alea A. Mills
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Cold Spring Harbor, New York USA
| | - Anatoli Gleiberman
- Department of Medicine; University of California; La Jolla, California USA
| | | | - Grigori Enikolopov
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Cold Spring Harbor, New York USA
- Correspondence to: Grigori Enikolopov; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; 1 Bungtown Road; Cold Spring Harbor 11724 New York; Tel.: 516.367.8316; Fax: 516.367.6805;
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195
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Abstract
Recent scientific achievements in cell and developmental biology have provided unprecedented opportunities for advances in biomedical research. The demonstration that fully differentiated cells can reverse their gene expression profile to that of a pluripotent cell, and the successful derivation and culture of human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have fuelled hopes for applications in regenerative medicine. These advances have been put to public scrutiny raising legal, moral and ethical issues which have resulted in different levels of acceptance. Ethical issues concerning the use of cloned human embryos for the derivation of stem cells have stimulated the search for alternative methods for reversing differentiated cells into multi/pluripotent cells. In this article, we will review the present state of these reprogramming technologies and discuss their relative success. We also overview reprogramming events after somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), as they may further instruct ex ovo strategies for cellular manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramiro Alberio
- School of Biosciences. University of Nottingham, Loughborough, NG2 5RD, UK.
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196
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Pisati F, Bossolasco P, Meregalli M, Cova L, Belicchi M, Gavina M, Marchesi C, Calzarossa C, Soligo D, Lambertenghi-Deliliers G, Bresolin N, Silani V, Torrente Y, Polli E. Induction of neurotrophin expression via human adult mesenchymal stem cells: implication for cell therapy in neurodegenerative diseases. Cell Transplant 2007; 16:41-55. [PMID: 17436854 DOI: 10.3727/000000007783464443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In animal models of neurological disorders for cerebral ischemia, Parkinson's disease, and spinal cord lesions, transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been reported to improve functional outcome. Three mechanisms have been suggested for the effects of the MSCs: transdifferentiation of the grafted cells with replacement of degenerating neural cells, cell fusion, and neuroprotection of the dying cells. Here we demonstrate that a restricted number of cells with differentiated astroglial features can be obtained from human adult MSCs (hMSCs) both in vitro using different induction protocols and in vivo after transplantation into the developing mouse brain. We then examined the in vitro differentiation capacity of the hMSCs in coculture with slices of neonatal brain cortex. In this condition the hMSCs did not show any neuronal transdifferentiation but expressed neurotrophin low-affinity (NGFR(p75)) and high-affinity (trkC) receptors and released nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3). The same neurotrophin's expression was demonstrated 45 days after the intracerebral transplantation of hMSCs into nude mice with surviving astroglial cells. These data further confirm the limited capability of adult hMSC to differentiate into neurons whereas they differentiated in astroglial cells. Moreover, the secretion of neurotrophic factors combined with activation of the specific receptors of transplanted hMSCs demonstrated an alternative mechanism for neuroprotection of degenerating neurons. hMSCs are further defined in their transplantation potential for treating neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Pisati
- Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore, Department of Neurological Sciences, Stem Cell Laboratory, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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197
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Habisch HJ, Janowski M, Binder D, Kuzma-Kozakiewicz M, Widmann A, Habich A, Schwalenstöcker B, Hermann A, Brenner R, Lukomska B, Domanska-Janik K, Ludolph AC, Storch A. Intrathecal application of neuroectodermally converted stem cells into a mouse model of ALS: limited intraparenchymal migration and survival narrows therapeutic effects. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2007; 114:1395-406. [PMID: 17510731 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-007-0748-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2006] [Accepted: 04/13/2007] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Stem and progenitor cells provide a promising therapeutic strategy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). To comparatively evaluate the therapeutic potentials of human bone marrow-derived mesodermal stromal cells (hMSCs) and umbilical cord blood cells (hUBCs) in ALS, we transplanted hMSCs and hUBCs and their neuroectodermal derivatives (hMSC-NSCs and hUBC-NSCs) into the ALS mouse model over-expressing the G93A mutant of the human SOD1 gene. We used a standardized protocol similar to clinical studies by performing a power calculation to estimate sample size prior to transplantation, matching the treatment groups for gender and hSOD-G93A gene content, and applying a novel method for directly injecting 100,000 cells into the CSF (the cisterna magna). Ten days after transplantation we found many cells within the subarachnoidal space ranging from frontal basal cisterns back to the cisterna magna, but only a few cells around the spinal cord. hMSCs and hMSC-NSCs were also located within the Purkinje cell layer. Intrathecal cell application did not affect survival times of mice compared to controls. Consistently, time of disease onset and first pareses, death weight, and motor neuron count in lumbar spinal cord did not vary between treatment groups. Interestingly, transplantation of hMSCs led to an increase of pre-symptomatic motor performance compared to controls in female animals. The negative outcome of the present study is most likely due to insufficient cell numbers within the affected brain regions (mainly the spinal cord). Further experiments defining the optimal cell dose, time point and route of application and particularly strategies to improve the homing of transplanted cells towards the CNS region of interest are warranted to define the therapeutic potential of mesodermal stem cells for the treatment of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- H-J Habisch
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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198
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Mendez-Pertuz M, Hughes C, Annenkov A, Daly G, Chernajovsky Y. Engineering stem cells for therapy. Regen Med 2007; 1:575-87. [PMID: 17465851 DOI: 10.2217/17460751.1.4.575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The differentiation of a stem cell is dependent on the environmental cues that it receives and can be modulated by the expression of different master regulators or by secreted factors or inducers. The use of genetically modified stem cells to express the required factors can direct differentiation along the requisite pathway. This approach to the engineering of stem cells is important, as control of the pluripotentiality of stem cells is necessary in order to avoid unwanted growth, migration or differentiation to nontarget tissues. The authors provide an overview of the stem cell engineering field, highlighting challenges and solutions, and focusing on recent developments in therapeutic applications in areas such as autoimmunity, CNS lesions, bone and joint diseases, cancer and myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marinela Mendez-Pertuz
- Bone and Joint Research Unit, Barts and The London Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
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199
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Bae JS, Han HS, Youn DH, Carter JE, Modo M, Schuchman EH, Jin HK. Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Neuronal Networks with Functional Synaptic Transmission After Transplantation into Mice with Neurodegeneration. Stem Cells 2007; 25:1307-16. [PMID: 17470534 DOI: 10.1634/stemcells.2006-0561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) improve neurological deficits when transplanted into animal models of neurological disorders. However, the precise mechanism by which this occurs remains unknown. Herein we demonstrate that BM-MSCs are able to promote neuronal networks with functional synaptic transmission after transplantation into Niemann-Pick disease type C (NP-C) mouse cerebellum. To address the mechanism by which this occurs, we used gene microarray, whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, and immunohistochemistry to evaluate expression of neurotransmitter receptors on Purkinje neurons in the NP-C cerebellum. Gene microarray analysis revealed upregulation of genes involved in both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission encoding subunits of the ionotropic glutamate receptors (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid, AMPA) GluR4 and GABA(A) receptor beta2. We also demonstrated that BM-MSCs, when originated by fusion-like events with existing Purkinje neurons, develop into electrically active Purkinje neurons with functional synaptic formation. This study provides the first in vivo evidence that upregulation of neurotransmitter receptors may contribute to synapse formation via cell fusion-like processes after BM-MSC transplantation into mice with neurodegenerative disease. Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Sung Bae
- Departments of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Korea
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200
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Abstract
As an alternative to electronic pacemakers, we explored the feasibility of converting ventricular myocytes into pacemakers by somatic cell fusion. The idea is to create chemically induced fusion between myocytes and syngeneic fibroblasts engineered to express HCN1 pacemaker channels (HCN1-fibroblasts). HCN1-fibroblasts were fused with freshly isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes using polyethylene-glycol 1500. In vivo fused myocyte-HCN1-fibroblast cells exhibited spontaneously oscillating action potentials; the firing frequency increased with beta-adrenergic stimulation. The heterokaryons created ectopic ventricular pacemaker activity in vivo at the site of cell injection. Coculture of nonfused HCN1-fibroblasts and myocytes without polyethylene-glycol 1500 revealed no evidence of dye transfer, demonstrating that the I(f)-mediated pacemaker activity arises from heterokaryons rather than electrotonic coupling. This nonviral, non-stem cell approach enables autologous, adult somatic cell therapy to create biopacemakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Cheol Cho
- Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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