3D spheroid culture system on micropatterned substrates for improved differentiation efficiency of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells

A novel three-dimensional adipose-derived stem cell cluster for vascular regeneration in ischemic tissue

BACKGROUND AIMS

Stem cells are one of the most powerful tools in regeneration medicine. However, many limitations remain regarding the use of adult stem cells in clinical applications, including poor cell survival and low treatment efficiency. We describe an innovative three-dimensional cell mass (3DCM) culture that is based on cell adhesion (basic fibroblast growth factor-immobilized substrate) and assess the therapeutic potential of 3DCMs composed of human adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (hASCs).

METHODS

For formation of a 3DCM, hASCs were cultured on a substrate with immobilized fibroblast growth factor-2. The angiogenic potential of 3DCMs was determined by immunostaining, fluorescence-activated cell sorting and protein analysis. To evaluate the vasculature ability and improved treatment efficacy of 3DCMs, the 3DCMs were intramuscularly injected into the ischemic limbs of mice.

RESULTS

The 3DCMs released various angiogenic factors (eg, vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-8) and differentiated into vascular cells within 3 days in normal medium. Blood vessel and tissue regeneration was clearly observed through visual inspection in the 3DCM-injected group. hASC injection slowed limb necrosis after treatment, but 50% of the mice ultimately had limb loss within 28 days. Most mice receiving 3DCMs had limb salvage (89%) or mild limb necrosis (11%).

CONCLUSIONS

3DCM culture promotes the efficient vascular differentiation of stem cells, and 3DCM transplantation results in the direct vascular regeneration of the injected cells and an improved therapeutic efficacy.

Characterization of human dental pulp cells-derived spheroids in serum-free medium: stem cells in the core

Spheroid models have led to an increased understanding of differentiation, tissue organization and homeostasis. In the present study, we have observed that under a serum-free medium, human dental pulp cells (DPCs) spontaneously formed spheroids, and could survive over 15 weeks. To characterize these spheroids, we investigated their dynamics, microenvironment, cell distribution, molecular profiles, and neuronal/osteogenic potential. Cell tracking assay showed that cells inside the spheroids have very slow cycling. Although the spheroids had hypoxia microenvironments, there were not any massive cell die-offs even after long-term cultivation. Whole mount immunofluorescence staining and histological analysis showed a distribution of stem cells in the central/intermediate zones of spheroids. qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that the expression of stemness markers NANOG, TP63, and CD44 in the spheroids were much higher than within the monolayer cultures. Gene expression levels of neural markers CDH2, NFM, TUBB3, and CD24 in the spheroids were much higher than the monolayer DPCs and increased in a culture time-dependent manner. Without any neural induction, spheroid-derived cells spontaneously converted into neuron-like cells with positive staining of neural markers HuC/D and P75 under the serum-free medium for about 2 weeks. When the spheroids were transferred into osteogenic medium, they rapidly differentiated into osteo/odontogenic cells, especially the central original cells. Compared to the monolayer DPCs, mineralization in spheroids were significantly increased. This spheroid model offers a study tool to explore the molecular bases of stem cell homeostasis and tissue organization, and can be wildly used for nerve tissue and bone regeneration.

Dynamic compaction of human mesenchymal stem/precursor cells into spheres self-activates caspase-dependent IL1 signaling to enhance secretion of modulators of inflammation and immunity (PGE2, TSG6, and STC1)

Human mesenchymal stem/precursor cells (MSC) are similar to some other stem/progenitor cells in that they compact into spheres when cultured in hanging drops or on nonadherent surfaces. Assembly of MSC into spheres alters many of their properties, including enhanced secretion of factors that mediate inflammatory and immune responses. Here we demonstrated that MSC spontaneously aggregated into sphere-like structures after injection into a subcutaneous air pouch or the peritoneum of mice. The structures were similar to MSC spheres formed in cultures demonstrated by the increased expression of genes for inflammation-modulating factors TSG6, STC1, and COX2, a key enzyme in production of PGE2. To identify the signaling pathways involved, hanging drop cultures were used to follow the time-dependent changes in the cells as they compacted into spheres. Among the genes upregulated were genes for the stress-activated signaling pathway for IL1α/β, and the contact-dependent signaling pathway for Notch. An inhibitor of caspases reduced the upregulation of IL1A/B expression, and inhibitors of IL1 signaling decreased production of PGE2, TSG6, and STC1. Also, inhibition of IL1A/B expression and secretion of PGE2 negated the anti-inflammatory effects of MSC spheres on stimulated macrophages. Experiments with γ-secretase inhibitors suggested that Notch signaling was also required for production of PGE2 but not TSG6 or STC1. The results indicated that assembly of MSC into spheres triggers caspase-dependent IL1 signaling and the secretion of modulators of inflammation and immunity. Similar aggregation in vivo may account for some of the effects observed with administration of the cells in animal models.

Characterization and evaluation of the differentiation ability of human adipose-derived stem cells growing in scaffold-free suspension culture

BACKGROUND AIMS

Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) have become a popular stem cell source because of their abundant supplies, high differentiation ability and the fact that they present few ethical concerns. Suspension culture, a type of three-dimensional culture, is a more suitable model for mimicking cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions than is two-dimensional monolayer culture. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of suspension culture on the viability and differentiation potential of hADSCs.

METHODS

Different densities of hADSCs were cultured in ultra-low-attachment surface plates. The morphology and mean diameter of the resultant aggregates were determined by means of microscopy. The viability of the aggregates was evaluated with the use of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, inner salt, lactate dehydrogenase and live/dead assays. To detect osteogenesis, chondrogenesis and adipogenesis in hADSCs in suspension culture, cell aggregates were stained to determine cell function, and the expression of specific markers was evaluated through the use of real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

The hADSCs remained viable in suspension culture and formed cell aggregates. The diameter of the majority of the aggregates was in the range of 50-200 μm, regardless of cell density. The aggregation of the hADSCs served to maintain cell survival. In addition, the results of the histomorphometric and gene expression analyses showed that the hADSCs were more efficiently induced to differentiate into osteoblasts, chondrocytes and adipocytes in suspension culture than in two-dimensional monolayer culture.

CONCLUSIONS

Suspension culture can be used to maintain cell viability and contributes to the effective differentiation of hADSCs, providing an alternative cell growth strategy for application to stem cell-based regenerative medicine.

A surface-tethered spheroid model for functional evaluation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes

In order to effectively treat obesity, it must be better understood at the cellular level with respect to metabolic state and environmental stress. However, current two-dimensional (2D) in vitro cell culture methods do not represent the in vivo adipose tissue appropriately due to the absence of complex architecture and cellular signaling. Conversely, 3D in vitro cultures have been reported to have optimal results mimicking the adipose tissue in vivo. The main aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of a novel conjugate of a genetically engineered polymer, elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) and a synthetic polymer, polyethyleneimine (PEI), toward creating a 3D preadipocyte culture system. We then used this 3D culture model to study the preadipocyte differentiation and adipocyte maintenance processes when subjected to various dosages of nutritionally relevant free fatty acids with respect to total DNA and protein content, cell viability, and intracellular triglyceride accumulation. Our results showed that 3T3-L1 preadipocytes cultured on the ELP-PEI surface formed 3D spheroids within 72 h, whereas the cells cultured on unmodified tissue culture polystyrene surfaces remained in monolayer configuration. Significant statistical differences were discovered between the 3D spheroid and 2D monolayer culture with respect to the DNA and protein content, fatty acid consumption, and triglyceride accumulation, indicating differences in cellular response. Results indicated that the 3D culture may be a more sensitive modeling technique for in vitro adipocyte culture and provides a platform for future evaluation of 3D in vitro adipocyte function.

Integration of a calcined bovine bone and BMSC-sheet 3D scaffold and the promotion of bone regeneration in large defects

Reconstruction of large area bone defect with mechanical integrity to the skeleton is important for patient's rehabilitation. However with the limitation of scaffold material and suitable seed cell sources, the best treating strategy remains to be identified though various tissue engineering methods were reported. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of applying calcined bovine bone (CBB) which was coated by allograft bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC)-sheet as a 3D scaffold material in bone repairing tissue engineering. The new scaffold material was implanted into osteoporosis rat cranial bone defects and repairing critical size bone defects (8 mm diameter). Data showed that CBB-BMSC-sheet combination had a stronger potential in osteogenic differentiation and mineralized formation both in vitro and in vivo than CBB-BMSC combination. In in vitro study BMSC-sheet had a more feasible characteristic upon bone repairing including richer ECM, larger mineralized area and stronger ALP activity in addition with a significant higher mRNA expression of osteogenic maker such as BMP-2, b-FGF, Col 1a1, OSX and Runx-2 than the control group. In in vivo study 3D reconstruction of micro CT, HE staining and bone strength results showed that newly formed bone in CBB-BMSC-sheet group was significant higher than that in CBB-BMSC group at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after transplantation in the aspect of area and volume. What was more, results indicated that allograft BMSC-sheet had survivaled in the scaffold material and participated in the newly formed bone which had the same thickness with surrounding autologous bone tissues after transplantation. Results of our study demonstrated that CBB-BMSC-sheet combination was a promising strategy in healing of large area bone defect in osteoporosis.

Rice bran extract affects differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells potency into osteogenic cells

As rice bran contains various nutrients and other proteins of which a part has biological effects on animal cells, we tested the effect of rice bran extract on rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) obtained from bone marrow. These rMSCs are pluripotent and can be readily induced to differentiate into a number of cell types, including bone and cartilage. rMSC was aggregated by culturing in serum-free condition with rice bran extract, but was not aggregated by culturing in serum-free condition or in serum-containing medium. Moreover, the longer aggregates of rMSCs were cultured in serum-free condition with rice bran extract, the more the aggregates grew. After two passages in serum-free conditions, rMSCs lost their potency for differentiation into osteogenic cells; however, the addition of rice bran extract to serum-free medium successfully prevented the loss of this ability for differentiation. In addition, MSC makers CD105 and CD166 gene expression in serum-free condition with rice barn extract corresponded to these expressions in serum-containing medium. This result suggests that certain factors in rice bran could be bioactive and contribute toward retaining the ability of MSCs to differentiate into osteogenic cells after passaging.

Size Regulation of Chondrocyte Spheroids Using a PDMS-Based Cell Culture Chip

Cartilage self-repair is limited due to a lack of blood supply and the low mitosis rate of chondrocytes. A tissue engineering approach using cells and biomaterials has the potential to treat cartilage injury. Threedimensional cellular aggregates are an excellent model for mimicking condensation and chondrogenic differentiation in vitro. We developed a technique for constructing spheroids utilizing a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based culture chip. The objective of this study is to determine how the initial cell density on a culture chip affects the chondrogenic ATDC5 cell differentiation. We demonstrate how culture chips having arrays of multicavities are able to generate high numbers of uniform spheroids rapidly and simultaneously with narrow size distribution. Spheroids are collected easily and noninvasively. Higher cell seeding density on the culture chip enhances chondrogenic cell differentiation. These results suggest the usefulness of this chip in engineering 3D cellular constructs with high functionality for tissue engineering.

A safe and efficient method to retrieve mesenchymal stem cells from three-dimensional fibrin gels

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) display multipotent characteristics that make them ideal for potential therapeutic applications. MSCs are typically cultured as monolayers on tissue culture plastic, but there is increasing evidence suggesting that they may lose their multipotency over time in vitro and eventually cease to retain any resemblance to in vivo resident MSCs. Three-dimensional (3D) culture systems that more closely recapitulate the physiological environment of MSCs and other cell types are increasingly explored for their capacity to support and maintain the cell phenotypes. In much of our own work, we have utilized fibrin, a natural protein-based material that serves as the provisional extracellular matrix during wound healing. Fibrin has proven to be useful in numerous tissue engineering applications and has been used clinically as a hemostatic material. Its rapid self-assembly driven by thrombin-mediated alteration of fibrinogen makes fibrin an attractive 3D substrate, in which cells can adhere, spread, proliferate, and undergo complex morphogenetic programs. However, there is a significant need for simple cost-effective methods to safely retrieve cells encapsulated within fibrin hydrogels to perform additional analyses or use the cells for therapy. Here, we present a safe and efficient protocol for the isolation of MSCs from 3D fibrin gels. The key ingredient of our successful extraction method is nattokinase, a serine protease of the subtilisin family that has a strong fibrinolytic activity. Our data show that MSCs recovered from 3D fibrin gels using nattokinase are not only viable but also retain their proliferative and multilineage potentials. Demonstrated for MSCs, this method can be readily adapted to retrieve any other cell type from 3D fibrin gel constructs for various applications, including expansion, bioassays, and in vivo implantation.

Mesenchymal stem cell mechanobiology and emerging experimental platforms

Experimental control over progenitor cell lineage specification can be achieved by modulating properties of the cell's microenvironment. These include physical properties of the cell adhesion substrate, such as rigidity, topography and deformation owing to dynamic mechanical forces. Multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) generate contractile forces to sense and remodel their extracellular microenvironments and thereby obtain information that directs broad aspects of MSC function, including lineage specification. Various physical factors are important regulators of MSC function, but improved understanding of MSC mechanobiology requires novel experimental platforms. Engineers are bridging this gap by developing tools to control mechanical factors with improved precision and throughput, thereby enabling biological investigation of mechanics-driven MSC function. In this review, we introduce MSC mechanobiology and review emerging cell culture platforms that enable new insights into mechanobiological control of MSCs. Our main goals are to provide engineers and microtechnology developers with an up-to-date description of MSC mechanobiology that is relevant to the design of experimental platforms and to introduce biologists to these emerging platforms.

Evaluation of three-dimensional porous chitosan-alginate scaffolds in rat calvarial defects for bone regeneration applications

This study investigated the use of three-dimensional porous chitosan-alginate (CA) scaffolds for critical size calvarial defect (diameter, 5.0 mm) repair in Sprague-Dawley rats. CA scaffolds have been used for in vitro culture of many cell types and demonstrated osteogenesis in ectopic locations in vivo, but have yet to be evaluated for functional bone tissue engineering applications. CA scaffolds demonstrated the ability to support undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in culture for 14 days in vitro and promoted spherical morphology. In vivo tests were performed using CA scaffolds and CA scaffolds with treatments including undifferentiated MSCs, bone marrow aspirate, and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) growth factor in comparison to unfilled bone defect used as a control. The samples were analyzed with MicroCT, histology, and immunohistochemical staining at 4 and 16 weeks. Partial defect closure was observed in all experimental groups at 16 weeks, with the greatest defect closure (71.56 ± 19.74%) in the animal group treated with CA scaffolds with BMP-2 (CA + BMP-2). The experimental samples demonstrated osteogenesis in histology and immunohistochemical staining, with the CA + BMP-2 group, showing the greatest level of osteogenesis. Tissue engineered CA scaffolds show promise in reconstruction of critical size bone defects.

Effect of cell culture using chitosan membranes on stemness marker genes in mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is a promising treatment for diseases of the nervous system. However, MSCs often lose their stemness and homing abilities when cultured in conventional two‑dimensional (2D) systems. Consequently, it is important to explore novel culture methods for MSC-based therapies in clinical practice. To investigate the effect of a cell culture using chitosan membranes on MSCs, the morphology of MSCs cultured using chitosan membranes was observed and the expression of stemness marker genes was analyzed. We demonstrated that MSCs cultured using chitosan membranes form spheroids. Additionally, the expression of stemness marker genes, including Oct4, Sox2 and Nanog, increased significantly when MSCs were cultured using chitosan membranes compared with 2D culture systems. Finally, MSCs cultured using chitosan membranes were found to have an increased potential to differentiate into nerve cells and chrondrocytes. In conclusion, we demonstrated that MSCs cultured on chitosan membranes maintain their stemness and homing abilities. This finding may be further investigated for the development of novel cell-based therapies for diseases involving neuron-like cells and chondrogenesis.

Human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells cultured as spheroids are self-activated to produce prostaglandin E2 that directs stimulated macrophages into an anti-inflammatory phenotype

Culturing cells in three dimension (3D) provides an insight into their characteristics in vivo. We previously reported that human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hMSCs) cultured as 3D spheroids acquire enhanced anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we explored the effects of hMSC spheroids on macrophages that are critical cells in the regulation of inflammation. Conditioned medium (CM) from hMSC spheroids inhibited lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages from secreting proinflammatory cytokines TNFα, CXCL2, IL6, IL12p40, and IL23. CM also increased the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL10 and IL1ra by the stimulated macrophages, and augmented expression of CD206, a marker of alternatively activated M2 macrophages. The principal anti-inflammatory activity in CM had a small molecular weight, and microarray data suggested that it was prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). This was confirmed by the observations that PGE2 levels were markedly elevated in hMSC spheroid-CM, and that the anti-inflammatory activity was abolished by an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a silencing RNA for COX-2, and an antibody to PGE2. The anti-inflammatory effects of the PGE2 on stimulated macrophages were mediated by the EP4 receptor. Spheroids formed by human adult dermal fibroblasts produced low levels of PGE2 and displayed negligible anti-inflammatory effects on stimulated macrophages, suggesting the features as unique to hMSCs. Moreover, production of PGE2 by hMSC spheroids was dependent on the activity of caspases and NFκB activation in the hMSCs. The results indicated that hMSCs in 3D-spheroid cultures are self-activated, in part by intracellular stress responses, to produce PGE2 that can change stimulated macrophages from a primarily proinflammatory M1 phenotype to a more anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype.

Transcatheter based electromechanical mapping guided intramyocardial transplantation and in vivo tracking of human stem cell based three dimensional microtissues in the porcine heart

Stem cells have been repeatedly suggested for cardiac regeneration after myocardial infarction (MI). However, the low retention rate of single cell suspensions limits the efficacy of current therapy concepts so far. Taking advantage of three dimensional (3D) cellular self-assembly prior to transplantation may be beneficial to overcome these limitations. In this pilot study we investigate the principal feasibility of intramyocardial delivery of in-vitro generated stem cell-based 3D microtissues (3D-MTs) in a porcine model. 3D-MTs were generated from iron-oxide (MPIO) labeled human adipose-tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells (ATMSCs) using a modified hanging-drop method. Nine pigs (33 ± 2 kg) comprising seven healthy ones and two with chronic MI in the left ventricle (LV) anterior wall were included. The pigs underwent intramyocardial transplantation of 16 × 10(3) 3D-MTs (1250 cells/MT; accounting for 2 × 10(7) single ATMSCs) into the anterior wall of the healthy pigs (n = 7)/the MI border zone of the infarcted (n = 2) of the LV using a 3D NOGA electromechanical mapping guided, transcatheter based approach. Clinical follow-up (FU) was performed for up to five weeks and in-vivo cell-tracking was performed using serial magnet resonance imaging (MRI). Thereafter, the hearts were harvested and assessed by PCR and immunohistochemistry. Intramyocardial transplantation of human ATMSC based 3D-MTs was successful in eight animals (88.8%) while one pig (without MI) died during the electromechanical mapping due to sudden cardiac-arrest. During FU, no arrhythmogenic, embolic or neurological events occurred in the treated pigs. Serial MRI confirmed the intramyocardial presence of the 3D-MTs by detection of the intracellular iron-oxide MPIOs during FU. Intramyocardial retention of 3D-MTs was confirmed by PCR analysis and was further verified on histology and immunohistochemical analysis. The 3D-MTs appeared to be viable, integrated and showed an intact micro architecture. We demonstrate the principal feasibility and safety of intramyocardial transplantation of in-vitro generated stem cell-based 3D-MTs. Multimodal cell-tracking strategies comprising advanced imaging and in-vitro tools allow for in-vivo monitoring and post-mortem analysis of transplanted 3D-MTs. The concept of 3D cellular self-assembly represents a promising application format as a next generation technology for cell-based myocardial regeneration.

Scaffold-free microtissues: differences from monolayer cultures and their potential in bone tissue engineering

OBJECTIVES

Cell-based therapies for bone augmentation after tooth loss and for the treatment of periodontal defects improve healing defects. Usually, osteogenic cells or stem cells are cultivated in 2D primary cultures, before they are combined with scaffold materials, even though this means a loss of the endogenous 3D microenvironment for the cells. Moreover, the use of single-cell suspensions for the inoculation of scaffolds or for the direct application into an area of interest has the disadvantages of low initial cell numbers and susceptibility to unwanted cellular distribution, respectively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We addressed the question whether an alternative to monolayer cultures, namely 3D microtissues, has the potential to improve osteogenic tissue engineering and its clinical outcome.

RESULTS

By contrast, to monolayer cultures, osteogenic differentiation of 3D microtissues is enhanced by mimicking in vivo conditions. It seems that the osteogenic differentiation in microtissues is enhanced by strong integrin-extracellular matrix interaction and by stronger autocrine BMP2 signaling. Moreover, microtissues are less prone to wash out by body fluids and allow the precise administration of large cell numbers.

CONCLUSION

Microtissue cultures have closer characteristics with cells in vivo and their enhanced osteogenic differentiation makes scaffold-free microtissues a promising concept in osteogenic tissue engineering.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Microtissues are particularly suitable for tissue engineering because they improve seeding efficiency of biomaterials by increasing the cell load of a scaffold. This results in accelerated osteogenic tissue formation and could contribute to earlier implant stability in mandibular bone augmentation.

Micropatterned surfaces: techniques and applications in cell biology

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD

Engineering of cell culture substrates provides a unique opportunity for precise control of the cellular microenvironment with both spatial as well as temporal resolutions. This greatly enhances studies of cell-cell, cell-matrix and cell-factor interaction studies in vitro.

AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW

The technologies used for micropatterning in the biological field over the last decade and new applications in the last few years for dynamic control of surfaces, tissue engineering, drug discovery, cell-cell interactions and stem cell studies are presented.

WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN

The reader will gain knowledge on the state of the art in micropatterning and its wide ranging applications in cell patterning, with new pathways to control the cell environment.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

Micropatterning of cells has been studied and developed enough to be widely applied ranging from single cell assays to tissue engineering. Techniques have evolved from many-step processes to direct writing of biologically selective patterns.

The calcium-dependent regulation of spheroid formation and cardiomyogenic differentiation for MSCs on chitosan membranes

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were recently found to form three-dimensional (3D) multicellular spheroids on chitosan membranes. The exact mechanism of spheroid formation, however, remains unclear. In this study, the regulation of spheroid formation for adipose derived adult stem cells (ADAS) grown on chitosan membranes was examined. By varying the membrane thickness, calcium concentration in culture medium, and acetylation extent of chitosan, the physico-chemical characteristics of chitosan that modulated spheroid formation was elucidated. The capacity of cardiomyogenic differentiation was further evaluated. Results suggested that the calcium binding capacity of chitosan may affect the cell-substrate and cell-cell interactions and critically influence the dynamics of spheroid formation. The intracellular calcium level was elevated for ADAS spheroids on chitosan. Chitosan-bound calcium was observed to enter the cells. The expression of N-cadherin was upregulated for ADAS spheroids on chitosan, evidenced by quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot. After the induction by 5-aza, the expression levels of cardiac marker genes (Gata4, Nkx2.5, Tnnt2, and Myh6) were remarkably enhanced (about four-fold) for ADAS on chitosan vs. tissue culture polystyrene or polyvinyl alcohol. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed the expression of cardiac-associated tight junction protein ZO-1 for ADAS grown on chitosan membranes. The gene expression of Wnt11 was significantly upregulated for ADAS spheroids on chitosan at 3 days and 12 days. We suggested that Wnt11 may be involved in the spheroid formation and cardiomyogenic differentiation of MSCs on chitosan membranes. Spheroids formed on the acetylated chitosan or polyvinyl alcohol membranes failed to show such behavior. The properties of MSC spheroids were therefore determined by the culture substrate.

Adipogenic differentiation of scaffold-bound human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hASC) for soft tissue engineering

Adipose tissue engineering, instead of tissue substitution, often uses autologous adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hASC). These cells are known to improve graft integration and to support neovascularization of scaffolds when seeded onto biomaterials. In this study we thought to engineer adipose tissue using scaffold-bound hASC, since they can be differentiated into the adipocyte cell lineage and used for soft tissue regeneration. We show here by microscopy and gene expression of the peroxysome proliferator-activated receptor gene (PPARγ2) that hASC growing on polypropylene fibrous scaffolds as well as on three-dimensional nonwoven scaffolds can be turned into adipose tissue within 19 days. Freshly isolated hASC displayed a higher differentiation potential than hASC cultured for eight passages. In addition, we proved a modified alginate microcapsule to directly induce adipogenic differentiation of incorporated hASC. The results may help to improve long-term success of adipose tissue regeneration, especially for large-scale soft tissue defects, and support the development of cell-scaffold combinations which can be shaped individually and directly induce the adipogenic differentiation of incorporated hASC at the site of implantation.

Growth and differentiation characteristics of equine mesenchymal stromal cells derived from different sources

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are a promising therapeutic tool for the treatment of equine tendon and other musculoskeletal injuries. While bone marrow is considered the 'gold standard' source of these cells, various other tissues contain MSCs with potentially useful features. The aim of this study was to compare clinically relevant characteristics of MSCs derived from bone marrow, umbilical cord blood and tissue and from adipose tissue and tendon. Cell yield, proliferation, migration, tendon marker expression and differentiation into adipocytes, chondrocytes and osteoblasts was assessed, quantified and compared. MSC numbers obtained from adipose, tendon or umbilical cord tissues were 222-fold higher than those obtained from bone marrow or cord blood. Cells derived from tendon and adipose tissues exhibited most rapid proliferation. Osteogenic differentiation was most prominent in MSCs derived from bone marrow, and was weak in MSCs derived from umbilical cord blood and tissue. In contrast, the highest levels of chondrogenic differentiation were observed in MSCs derived from these sources. Collagen 1A2 expression was highest in adipose- and tendon-derived MSCs, while scleraxis expression was highest in cord blood- and in tendon-derived MSCs. The findings indicate that MSCs from different sources display significantly diverse properties that may impact on their therapeutic application.

Manipulation of 3D Cluster Size and Geometry by Release from 2D Micropatterns

A novel method to control three-dimensional cell cluster size and geometry using two-dimensional patterning techniques is described. Cells were first cultured on two-dimensional micropatterned collagen using conventional soft lithography techniques. Collagenase was used to degrade the micropatterned collagen and release cells from the micropatterns, forming clusters of cells which were then resuspended in a three-dimensional collagen matrix. This method facilitated the formation of uniformly sized clusters within a single sample. By systematically varying the geometry of the two-dimensional micropatterned islands, final cluster size and cell number in three dimensions could be controlled. Using this technique, we showed that proliferation of cells within collagen gels depended on the size of clusters, suggesting an important role for multicellular structure on biological function. Furthermore, by utilizing more complex two-dimensional patterns, non-spherical structures could be produced. This technique demonstrates a simple way to exploit two-dimensional micro-patterning in order to create complex and structured multicellular clusters in a three-dimensional environment.

Scaffold-free microtissues: differences from monolayer cultures and their potential in bone tissue engineering

Objectives

The paper’s aim is to review dentin hypersensitivity (DHS), discussing pain mechanisms and aetiology.

Materials and methods

Literature was reviewed using search engines with MESH terms, DH pain mechanisms and aetiology (including abrasion, erosion and periodontal disease).

Results

The many hypotheses proposed for DHS attest to our lack of knowledge in understanding neurophysiologic mechanisms, the most widely accepted being the hydrodynamic theory. Dentin tubules must be patent from the oral environment to the pulp. Dentin exposure, usually at the cervical margin, is due to a variety of processes involving gingival recession or loss of enamel, predisposing factors being periodontal disease and treatment, limited alveolar bone, thin biotype, erosion and abrasion.

Conclusions

The current pain mechanism of DHS is thought to be the hydrodynamic theory. The initiation and progression of DHS are influenced by characteristics of the teeth and periodontium as well as the oral environment and external influences. Risk factors are numerous often acting synergistically and always influenced by individual susceptibility.

Clinical relevance

Whilst the pain mechanism of DHS is not well understood, clinicians need to be mindful of the aetiology and risk factors in order to manage patients’ pain and expectations and prevent further dentin exposure with subsequent sensitivity.

On-chip radiation biodosimetry with three-dimensional microtissues

This paper reports an image-based, on-chip microtissue radiation biodosimeter that can simultaneously monitor radiation responses of multiple mammalian cell types. The microtissue chip is fabricated by molding molten agarose gel onto microfabricated patterns to form microwells, and seeding a variety of cell suspensions into different microwells inside the agarose gel. The camera of a mobile phone is used to collect images of an array of microtissues, and the color changes of microtissues upon X-ray irradiation allow accurate determination of cell death, which is related to radiation dose. The images can be transferred wirelessly, allowing the biodosimeter to be used for convenient and field deployable monitoring of radiation exposure.

Cellular basis of tissue regeneration by omentum

The omentum is a sheet-like tissue attached to the greater curvature of the stomach and contains secondary lymphoid organs called milky spots. The omentum has been used for its healing potential for over 100 years by transposing the omental pedicle to injured organs (omental transposition), but the mechanism by which omentum helps the healing process of damaged tissues is not well understood. Omental transposition promotes expansion of pancreatic islets, hepatocytes, embryonic kidney, and neurons. Omental cells (OCs) can be activated by foreign bodies in vivo. Once activated, they become a rich source for growth factors and express pluripotent stem cell markers. Moreover, OCs become engrafted in injured tissues suggesting that they might function as stem cells.

Omentum consists of a variety of phenotypically and functionally distinctive cells. To understand the mechanism of tissue repair support by the omentum in more detail, we analyzed the cell subsets derived from the omentum on immune and inflammatory responses. Our data demonstrate that the omentum contains at least two groups of cells that support tissue repair, immunomodulatory myeloid derived suppressor cells and omnipotent stem cells that are indistinguishable from mesenchymal stem cells. Based on these data, we propose that the omentum is a designated organ for tissue repair and healing in response to foreign invasion and tissue damage.

Preparation and functional evaluation of cell aggregates incorporating gelatin microspheres with different degradabilities

The objective of this study was to investigate the viability and biological functions of cells in their aggregates incorporating gelatin microspheres with different degradabilities. After being prepared by a water-in-oil emulsion procedure, the gelatin microspheres were dehydrothermally crosslinked at 140°C for various time periods. In vitro degradation tests showed that the gelatin microspheres were slowly degraded slowly with an increase in the crosslinking time. When MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured with the gelatin hydrogel microspheres in the round U-bottom wells of 96-well microplates which had been coated with poly(vinyl alcohol), cell aggregates with homogeneously distributed gelatin microspheres were formed. A large amount of slowly degraded gelatin microspheres remained in the cell aggregates for long time periods, while a higher proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells was observed. When evaluated as a measure of aerobic glycolysis, the ratio of l-lactic acid production:glucose consumption of MC3T3-E1 cells was lower for MC3T3-E1 cells in the cell aggregates incorporating slowly degraded gelatin microspheres than for aggregates incorporating rapidly degraded ones. The alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium content of MC3T3-E1 cells were higher for cell aggregates incorporating slowly degraded gelatin microspheres. It is possible that the incorporation of gelatin hydrogel microspheres with slow degradability enabled the permeation of oxygen and nutrients into the cell aggregates for longer time periods, resulting in better culture conditions for the survival, proliferation and differentiation of the cells.

Limiting cell aggregation during mesenchymal stem cell expansion on microcarriers

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are known to be a valuable cell source for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, one of the main limiting steps in their clinical use is the amplification step. MSC expansion on microcarriers has emerged during the last few years, fulfilling the lack of classical T-flasks expansion. Even if the therapeutic potential of MSC as aggregates has been recently highlighted, cell aggregation during expansion has to be avoided. Thus, MSC culture on microcarriers has still to be improved, notably concerning cell aggregation prevention. The aim of this study was to limit cell aggregation during MSC expansion on Cytodex-1®, by evaluating the impact of several culture parameters. First, MSC cultures were performed at different agitation rates (0, 25, and 75 rpm) and different initial cell densities (25 and 50×10(6) cell g(-1) Cytodex-1®). Then, the MSC aggregates were put into contact with additional available surfaces (T-flask, fresh and used Cytodex-1®) at different times (before and after cell aggregation). The results showed that cell aggregation was partly induced by agitation and prevented in static cultures. Moreover, cell aggregation was dependent on cell density and correlated with a decrease in the total cell number. It was however shown that the aggregated organization could be dissociated when in contact with additional surfaces such as T-flasks or fresh Cytodex-1® carriers. Finally, cell aggregation could be successfully limited in spinner flask by adding fresh Cytodex-1® carriers before its onset. Those results indicated that MSC expansion on agitated Cytodex-1® microcarriers could be performed without cell aggregation, avoiding a decrease in total cell number.

Nanoparticle uptake and gene transfer efficiency for MSCs on chitosan and chitosan-hyaluronan substrates

Nanoparticles (NPs) are usually surface modified to increase endocytosis for applications in cellular imaging and gene delivery. The influence of cell culture substrates on endocytosis remains relatively unexplored. This study investigated the substrate-mediated effects on the uptake of NPs by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Two types of NPs were employed, negatively charged paramagnetic iron oxide (Fe(3)O(4)) NPs (~5 nm) and bare plasmid DNA pTRE-Tight-DsRED2 (3.3 kb, ~5 nm), each of which were poorly endocytosed by the adipose-derived MSCs grown on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS). When cells were cultured on chitosan or hyaluronan-modified chitosan (chitosan-HA) membranes, significant increases (>5-fold) in the intracellular uptake of Fe(3)O(4) NPs as well as transfectability of plasmid DNA were demonstrated. The enhancement in transgene expression was more pronounced than that using the transfection agent. The beneficial effects were not caused by elevated proliferation or a change in the differentiation state of interacting MSCs. On chitosan and chitosan-HA, cells moved fast and formed spheroids. The cytoskeletal arrangement associated with the up-regulated RhoA activity during spheroid formation may have accounted for the increased endocytosis. Using different inhibitors, the endocytosis pathways were further clarified. Both Fe(3)O(4) NPs and plasmid DNA were taken up primarily by clathrin-mediated endocytosis on chitosan (~50%). The caveolae-mediated endocytosis on chitosan-HA was more evident (~30-40%) than that on chitosan (<25%). For plasmid DNA but not Fe(3)O(4) NPs, macropinocytosis also occurred on both substrates. Chitosan and chitosan-HA as cell culture substrates may activate different endocytic pathways of MSCs to increase NP internalization or plasmid transfection. The substrate-mediated endocytosis described here may represent a new and potentially attractive approach to facilitate stem cell labeling or to improve gene delivery efficiency without altering cell viability and differentiation.

3D mesenchymal stem/stromal cell osteogenesis and autocrine signalling

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) are rapidly becoming a leading candidate for use in tissue regeneration, with first generation of therapies being approved for use in orthopaedic repair applications. Capturing the full potential of MSC will likely require the development of novel in vitro culture techniques and devices. Herein we describe the development of a straightforward surface modification of an existing commercial product to enable the efficient study of three dimensional (3D) human bone marrow-derived MSC osteogenic differentiation. Hundreds of 3D microaggregates, of either 42 or 168 cells each, were cultured in osteogenic induction medium and their differentiation was compared with that occurring in traditional two dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures. Osteogenic gene expression and matrix composition was significantly enhanced in the 3D microaggregate cultures. Additionally, BMP-2 gene expression was significantly up-regulated in 3D cultures at day 3 and 7 by approximately 25- and 30-fold, respectively. The difference in BMP-2 gene expression between 2D and 3D cultures was negligible in the more mature day 14 osteogenic cultures. These data support the notion that BMP-2 autocrine signalling is up-regulated in 3D MSC cultures, enhancing osteogenic differentiation. This study provides both mechanistic insight into MSC differentiation, as well as a platform for the efficient generation of microtissue units for further investigation or use in tissue engineering applications.

Micromarrows--three-dimensional coculture of hematopoietic stem cells and mesenchymal stromal cells

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplant is a well established curative therapy for some hematological malignancies. However, achieving adequate supply of HSC from some donor tissues can limit both its application and ultimate efficacy. The theory that this limitation could be overcome by expanding the HSC population before transplantation has motivated numerous laboratories to develop ex vivo expansion processes. Pioneering work in this field utilized stromal cells as support cells in cocultures with HSC to mimic the HSC niche. We hypothesized that through translation of this classic coculture system to a three-dimensional (3D) structure we could better replicate the niche environment and in turn enhance HSC expansion. Herein we describe a novel high-throughput 3D coculture system where murine-derived HSC can be cocultured with mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) in 3D microaggregates--which we term "micromarrows." Micromarrows were formed using surface modified microwells and their ability to support HSC expansion was compared to classic two-dimensional (2D) cocultures. While both 2D and 3D systems provide only a modest total cell expansion in the minimally supplemented medium, the micromarrow system supported the expansion of approximately twice as many HSC candidates as the 2D controls. Histology revealed that at day 7, the majority of bound hematopoietic cells reside in the outer layers of the aggregate. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction demonstrates that MSC maintained in 3D aggregates express significantly higher levels of key hematopoietic niche factors relative to their 2D equivalents. Thus, we propose that the micromarrow platform represents a promising first step toward a high-throughput HSC 3D coculture system that may enable in vitro HSC niche recapitulation and subsequent extensive in vitro HSC self-renewal.

Three-dimensional in vitro culture techniques for mesenchymal stem cells

In recent years there has been a growing interest in culturing adherent cells using three-dimensional (3D) techniques, rather than more conventional 2D culture methods. This interest emerges from the realization that growing cells on plastic surfaces cannot truly re-create 3D in vivo conditions and therefore might be limiting the cells' potential. In addition, adult stem cells exist in specialized microenvironments, or niches, where the spatial organization of different niche elements (such as different cell types, extracellular matrix) contributes significantly to stem cell maintenance, which cannot be represented using 2D in vitro models. We have generated a range of different 3D approaches for the analysis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) using both mono- and co-culture environments.

3D microtissue formation of undifferentiated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells leads to elevated apoptosis

Current implantation formats to deliver bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to the site of myocardial injury resulted only in limited cell retention and integration. As an alternative concept to single cell transplantation, we investigated the fate of cell tracker-labeled syngenic rat MSC microtissue implants, injected into the scar area in a chronic rat myocardial infarction model. Analysis of the explants after 2 and 7 days revealed substantial amounts of the cell tracker within the infarct region. However, the signal was associated with the extracellular matrix rather than with viable implanted cells. Following these results, we systematically evaluated the behavior of MSCs derived from mouse, rat, and human origin in the microtissue format in vitro. We found that MSC-composed microtissues of all three species displayed highly elevated levels of apoptotic activity and cell death. This effect could be attenuated by initiating osteogenic differentiation during the tissue formation process. We conclude that MSCs used for tissue regeneration undergo apoptosis in their new environment unless they get appropriate signals for differentiation that permit sustained survival. These findings may explain the limited cellular regeneration potential in current MSC-based clinical trials and may change therapeutic strategies away from pure, unmodulated cell delivery concepts.

The influence of spheroid formation of human adipose-derived stem cells on chitosan films on stemness and differentiation capabilities

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have valuable applications in regenerative medicine, but maintaining the stemness of ASCs during in vitro culture is still a challenging issue. In this study, human ASCs spontaneously formed three-dimensional spheroids on chitosan films. Most ASCs within the spheroid were viable, and the cells produced more extracellular molecules, like laminin and fibronectin. Comparing to monolayer culture, ASC spheroids also exhibited enhanced cell survival in serum deprivation condition. Although cell proliferation was inhibited in spheroids, ASCs readily migrated out and proliferated upon transferring spheroids to another adherent growth surface. Moreover, spheroid-derived ASCs exhibited higher expansion efficiency and colony-forming activity. Importantly, we demonstrated that spheroid formation of human ASCs on chitosan films induced significant upregulation of pluripotency marker genes (Sox-2, Oct-4 and Nanog). By culturing the ASC spheroids in proper induction media, we found that ASC differentiation capabilities were significantly enhanced after spheroid formation, including increased transdifferentiation efficiency into neuron and hepatocyte-like cells. In a nude mice model, we further showed a significantly higher cellular retention ratio of ASC spheroids after intramuscular injection of spheroids and dissociated ASCs. These results suggested that ASCs cultured as spheroids on chitosan films can increase their therapeutic potentials.

Generation and differentiation of microtissues from multipotent precursor cells for use in tissue engineering

This protocol describes an effective method for the production of spherical microtissues (microspheres), which can be used for a variety of tissue-engineering purposes. The obtained microtissues are well suited for the study of osteogenesis in vitro when multipotent stem cells are used. The dimensions of the microspheres can easily be adjusted according to the cell numbers applied in an individual experiment. Thus, microspheres allow for the precise administration of defined cell numbers at well-defined sites. Here we describe a detailed workflow for the production of microspheres using unrestricted somatic stem cells from human umbilical cord blood and adapted protocols for the use of these microspheres in histological analysis. RNA extraction methods for mineralized microtissues are specifically modified for optimum yields. The duration of running the complete protocol without preparatory cell culture but including 2 weeks of microsphere incubation, histological staining and RNA isolation is about 3 weeks.

Regulation of spheroid formation and function by microenvironmental geometric configuration

The effects of microenvironmental geometric configurations on hepatocyte self-assembly were investigated for the first time. Primary hepatocytes were cultured on a flat surface and in differently shaped hollow lumens of two gel types: a native hydrogel (alginate) and a synthetic hydrogel (polyethylene glycol, PEG). The lumens were in the shapes of a cylinder, triangular prism and square column. The results of cell morphology and functionality revealed that a better culture environment for rapid spheroid formation was achieved in the hollow lumens of alginate gel than on the flat surface. Among the lumen configurations, the cylindrical one was the best. Additionally, differences between cell behaviors on a flat surface and in a hollow cylinder lumen were more evident in the PEG hydrogel. Hence, a microenvironment with the proper geometric morphology can benefit the aggregation of hepatocytes and facilitate spheroid formation.

Simultaneous induction of calcium transients in embryoid bodies using microfabricated electrode substrates

Precise control of differentiation processes of pluripotent stem cells is a key component for the further development of regenerative medicine. For this purpose, combining a cell-aggregate-size treatment for regulating intercellular signal transmissions and an electrical stimulation technique for inducing cellular responses is a promising approach. In the present study, we developed microfabricated electrode substrates that allow simultaneous stimulation of embryoid bodies (EBs) of P19 cells. Mouse embryonal carcinoma P19 cells can be induced to differentiate into three germ layers and serve as a promising stem cell model. Microcavity-array patterns were fabricated onto indium-tin-oxide (ITO) substrates using a standard photo-lithography technique, and uniform-sized EBs of P19 cells were inserted into each microcavity. Electrical stimulation was applied to the EBs through substrate electrodes and stimulus-induced intracellular calcium transients were monitored. We confirmed that the developed electrode device could simultaneously stimulate smaller (200μm diameter) and larger (500μm diameter) EBs inserted in the microcavities and induce specific spatio-temporal patterns of intracellular calcium transients in the EBs with fine reproducibility. We concluded that the developed microcavity array with embedded electrodes could simultaneously and effectively stimulate uniform-sized EBs inserted in it. Therefore, it is a promising experimental tool for precisely controlling cell differentiation processes.

Promotion of osteoblast differentiation in 3D biomaterial micro-chip arrays comprising fibronectin-coated poly(methyl methacrylate) polycarbonate

Due to the architecture of solid body tissues including bone, three-dimensional (3D) in vitro microenvironments appear favorable, since herein cell growth proceeds under more physiological conditions compared to conventional 2D systems. In the present study we show that a 3D microenvironment comprising a fibronectin-coated PMMA/PC-based micro-chip promotes differentiation of primary human osteoblasts as reflected by the densely-packed 3D bone cell aggregates and expression of biomarkers indicating osteoblast differentiation. Morphogenesis and fluorescence dye-based live/dead staining revealed homogenous cell coverage of the microcavities of the chip array, whereat cells showed high viability up to 14 days. Moreover, Azur II staining proved formation of uniform sized multilayered aggregates, exhibiting progressive intracellular deposition of extracellular bone matrix constituents comprising fibronectin, osteocalcin and osteonectin from day 7 on. Compared to 2D monolayers, osteoblasts grown in the 3D chip environment displayed differential mostly higher gene expression for osteocalcin, osteonectin, and alkaline phosphatase, while collagen type I remained fairly constant in both culture environments. Our results indicate that the 3D microenvironment, based on the PMMA biomaterial chip array promotes osteoblast differentiation, and hereby renders a promising tool for tissue-specific in vitro preconditioning of osteoblasts designated for clinically-oriented bone augmentation or regeneration.

High-cell density-induced VCAM1 expression inhibits the migratory ability of mesenchymal stem cells

MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) migrate into damaged tissue and then proliferate and differentiate into various cell lineages to regenerate bone, cartilage, fat and muscle. Cell-cell adhesion of MSCs is essential for the MSC-dependent tissue regeneration after their homing into a damaged tissue. However, it remains to be elucidated what kinds of adhesion molecules play important roles in the cell-cell communication between MSCs. In order to identify adhesion molecules that facilitate mutual contact between MSCs, a comprehensive analysis of mRNA expression in adhesion molecules was performed by comparing profiles of expression status of adhesion molecules in MSCs at low- and high-cell density. We found that the expression level of VCAM1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1)/CD106 was clearly up-regulated in the human bone marrow-derived MSCs-UE7T-13 cells - under a condition of high cell density. Intriguingly, the migratory ability of the cells was clearly accelerated by a knockdown of VCAM1. Furthermore, the migratory ability of UE7T-13 cells was decreased by the over expression of exogenous VCAM1. In addition, the high cell density-induced expression of VCAM1 was clearly suppressed by NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB) signalling-related protein kinase inhibitors such as an IKK-2 (IκB kinase-2) inhibitor VI. In conclusion, the high cell density-induced VCAM1 expression through the NF-κB pathway inhibits the migratory ability of human bone marrow-derived MSCs.

Three-dimensional spheroid culture of human gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells enhances mitigation of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of regenerative and immunomodulatory functions in cell-based therapies in a variety of human diseases and injuries; however, their therapeutic efficacy and potential side effects remain major obstacles in clinical applications. We report here a 3D spheroid culture approach to optimize stem cell properties and therapeutic effects of human gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) in mitigation of experimental oral mucositis. Under growth condition of ultra-low attachment, GMSCs spontaneously aggregated into 3D spheroids and exhibited distinct early stem cell phenotype characterized by elevated expression Stro-1 and CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR-4) as well as OCT-4 and Nanog, 2 important transcriptional factors relevant to stem cell properties, and decreased expression of MSC-associated markers, including CD29, CD90, and CD105. Functionally, spheroid GMSCs are capable of enhanced multipotency and augmented secretion of several chemokines and cytokines relevant to cell migration, survival, and angiogenesis. More importantly, spheroid GMSCs expressed increased levels of reactive oxygen species, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 and -2α, and manganese superoxide dismutase, which correlated with improved resistance to oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Using an in vivo murine model of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis, we demonstrated that spheroid-derived GMSCs possessed better therapeutic efficacy than their adherent cells in reversing body weight loss and promoting the regeneration of disrupted epithelial lining of the mucositic tongues. These findings suggest that 3D spheroid culture allows early stemness preservation and potentially precondition GMSCs for enhanced mitigation of oral mucositis.

Spheroid formation of mesenchymal stem cells on chitosan and chitosan-hyaluronan membranes

Stem cells can lose their primitive properties during in vitro culture. The culture substrate may affect the behavior of stem cells as a result of cell-substrate interaction. The maintenance of self-renewal for adult human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by a biomaterial substrate, however, has not been reported in literature. In this study, MSCs isolated from human adipose (hADAS) and placenta (hPDMC) were cultured on chitosan membranes and those further modified by hyaluronan (chitosan-HA). It was observed that the MSCs of either origin formed three-dimensional spheroids that kept attached on the membranes. Spheroid formation was associated with the increased MMP-2 expression. Cells on chitosan-HA formed spheroids more quickly and the size of spheroids were larger than on chitosan alone. The expression of stemness marker genes (Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog) for MSCs on the materials was analyzed by the real-time RT-PCR. It was found that formation of spheroids on chitosan and chitosan-HA membranes helped to maintain the expression of stemness marker genes of MSCs compared to culturing cells on polystyrene dish. The maintenance of stemness marker gene expression was especially remarkable in hPDMC spheroids (vs. hADAS spheroids). Blocking CD44 by antibodies prevented the spheroid formation and decreased the stemness gene expression moderately; while treatment by Y-27632 compound inhibited the spheroid formation and significantly decreased the stemness gene expression. Upon chondrogenic induction, the MSC spheroids showed higher levels of Sox9, aggrecan, and collagen type II gene expression and were stained positive for glycosaminoglycan and collagen type II. hPDMC had better chondrogenic differentiation potential than hADAS upon induction. Our study suggested that the formation of adhered spheroids on chitosan and chitosan-HA membranes may sustain the expression of stemness marker genes of MSCs and increase their chondrogenic differentiation capacity. The Rho/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway may be involved in spheroid formation.

Turning round: multipotent stromal cells, a three-dimensional revolution?

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) can be isolated from adult tissues and induced to differentiate into skeletal cells, such as osteoblasts, chondrocytes and adipocytes. Consequently, ex vivo MSC are valuable systems for studying the mechanisms that control tissue-context lineage commitment and may offer broad therapeutic applications in the orthopedic theater and beyond. To date, most of these studies have used MSC grown on two-dimensional (2-D) plastic surfaces. The use of three-dimensional (3-D) in vitro growth techniques for MSC may accelerate these areas of research by providing a more representative 'in vivo-like' environment, where cells interact with each other and their cellular products, rather than a plastic surface. We introduce some of the techniques used for 3-D in vitro cultures and how they relate to the MSC field. We will present evidence of how MSC grown as 3-D spheroids not only permits appropriate MSC-like behavior, but appears to promote their stem-cell attributes and therapeutic benefit in applications ranging from regenerative medicine to anti-inflammatory treatments and cancer therapy. 3-D culture techniques also allow de/reconstruction of the specialized in vivo niche of the tissue-resident stem cell where microenvironmental influences can be recognized.

A scaffold-free in vitro model for osteogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells

For studying cellular processes three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models are of a high importance. For tissue engineering approaches osseous differentiation is performed on 3D scaffolds, but material depending influences promote cellular processes like adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. To investigate developmental processes of mesenchymal stem cells without cell-substrate interactions, self-contained in vitro models mimicking physiological condition are required. However, with respect to scientific investigations and pharmaceutical tests, it is essential that these tissue models are well characterised and are of a high reproducibility. In order to establish an appropriate in vitro model for bone formation, different protocols are compared and optimised regarding their aggregate formation efficiency, homogeneity of the aggregates, the viability and their ability to induce differentiation into the osteogenic lineage. The protocols for the generation of 3D cell models are based on rotation culture, hanging drop technique, and the cultivation in non adhesive culture vessels (single vessels as well as 96 well plates). To conclude, the cultivation of hMSCs in 96 well non adhesive plates facilitates an easy way to cultivate homogenous cellular aggregates with high performance efficiency in parallel. The size can be controlled by the initial cell density per well and within this spheroids, bone formation has been induced.