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Thermosensitive quaternized chitosan hydrogel scaffolds promote neural differentiation in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and functional recovery in a rat spinal cord injury model. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 385:65-85. [PMID: 33760948 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03430-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
A thermosensitive quaternary ammonium chloride chitosan/β-glycerophosphate (HACC/β-GP) hydrogel scaffold combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transfected with an adenovirus containing the glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) gene (Ad-rGDNF) was applied to spinal cord injury (SCI) repair. The BMSCs from rats were transfected with Ad-rGDNF, resulting in the expression of GDNF mRNA in the BMSCs increasing and their spontaneous differentiation into neural-like cells expressing neural markers such as NF-200 and GFAP. After incubation with HACC/β-GP hydrogel scaffolds for 2 weeks, neuronal differentiation of the BMSCs was confirmed using immunofluorescence (IF), and the expression of GDNF by the BMSCs was detected by Western blot at different time points. MTT assay and scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the HACC scaffold provides a non-cytotoxic microenvironment that supports cell adhesion and growth. Rats with SCI were treated with BMSCs, BMSCs carried by the HACC/β-GP hydrogel (HACC/BMSCs), Ad-rGDNF-BMSCs, or Ad-rGDNF-BMSCs carried by the hydrogel (HACC/GDNF-BMSCs). Animals were sacrificed at 2, 4, and 6 weeks of treatment. IF staining and Western blot were performed to detect the expression of NeuN, NF-200, GFAP, CS56, and Bax in the lesion sites of the injured spinal cord. Upon treatment with HACC/BMSCs, NF200 and GFAP were upregulated but CS56 and Bax were downregulated in the SCI lesion site. Furthermore, transplantation of HACC/GDNF-BMSCs into an SCI rat model significantly improved BBB scores and regeneration of the spinal cord. Thus, HACC/β-GP hydrogel scaffolds show promise for functional recovery in spinal cord injury patients.
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Xiao Z, Lei T, Liu Y, Yang Y, Bi W, Du H. The potential therapy with dental tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells in Parkinson's disease. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:5. [PMID: 33407864 PMCID: PMC7789713 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-01957-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, is caused by the loss of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons in the substantia nigra resulting in a series of motor or non-motor disorders. Current treatment methods are unable to stop the progression of PD and may bring certain side effects. Cell replacement therapy has brought new hope for the treatment of PD. Recently, human dental tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells have received extensive attention. Currently, dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) are considered to have strong potential for the treatment of these neurodegenerative diseases. These cells are considered to be ideal cell sources for the treatment of PD on account of their unique characteristics, such as neural crest origin, immune rejection, and lack of ethical issues. In this review, we briefly describe the research investigating cell therapy for PD and discuss the application and progress of DPSCs and SHED in the treatment of PD. This review offers significant and comprehensive guidance for further clinical research on PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuangzhuang Xiao
- 112 Lab, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 XueYuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Tong Lei
- 112 Lab, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 XueYuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Kangyanbao (Beijing) Stem Cell Technology Co., Ltd, Beijing, 102600, China
| | - Yanjie Yang
- 112 Lab, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 XueYuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Wangyu Bi
- 112 Lab, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 XueYuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hongwu Du
- 112 Lab, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 XueYuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China.
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3
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Functionalized nerve conduits for peripheral nerve regeneration: A literature review. HAND SURGERY & REHABILITATION 2020; 39:343-351. [PMID: 32485240 DOI: 10.1016/j.hansur.2020.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Functionalized neurotube are a third-generation of conduits with chemical or architectural bioactivity developed for axonal proliferation. The goal of this review is to provide a synopsis of the functionalized nerve conduits described in the literature according to their chemical and architectural properties and answer two questions: what are their mechanisms of action? Has their efficacy been proven compared to the autologous nerve graft? Our literature review relates all kind of conduits corresponding to functionalized neurotubes in peripheral nerve regeneration found in Medline and PubMed Central. Studies developing nerve gaps, chemotactic or structural features promoting each conduit, results, efficiency were selected. Fifty-five studies were selected and classified in: (a) intraluminal neurotrophic factors; (b) cell-based therapy (combined-in-vein muscles, amniotic membrane, Schwann cells, stem cells); (c) extracellular matrix proteins; (d) tissue engineering; (e) bioimplants. Functionalized neurotubes showed significantly better functional results than after end-to-end nerve suture. No studies can be able to show that neurotube results were better than autologous nerve graft results. We included all studies regardless of effectives to evaluate quality of reinnervation with modern tubulization. Functionalized neurotubes promote basic conduits for peripheral nerve regeneration. Thanks to bioengineering and microsurgery improvement, further neurotubes could promote best level of regeneration and functional recovery to successfully bridge a critical nerve gap.
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Ko CS, Chen JH, Su WT. Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth: A Concise Review. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 15:61-76. [DOI: 10.2174/1574888x14666191018122109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth (SHED) originate from the embryonic
neural crest as ectodermal mesenchymal stem cells and are isolated from human deciduous teeth.
SHED expresses the same cell markers as Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs), such as OCT4 and NANOG,
which make SHED to have a significant impact on clinical applications. SHED possess higher rates of
proliferation, higher telomerase activity, increased cell population doubling, form sphere-like clusters,
and possess immature and multi-differentiation capacity; such high plasticity makes SHED one of the
most popular sources of stem cells for biomedical engineering. In this review, we describe the isolation
and banking method, the current development of SHED in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering
in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jen-Hao Chen
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Ta Su
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
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Xie F, He J, Chen Y, Hu Z, Qin M, Hui T. Multi-lineage differentiation and clinical application of stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth. Hum Cell 2020; 33:295-302. [PMID: 32006349 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-020-00323-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) have now been considered one of the most promising sources of stem cells for tissue engineering and stem cell therapies due to their stemness and potential to differentiate into other cell lines. The high proliferation rate, the differentiation capacity, the easy access and less ethical concerns make SHED a brilliant solution for many diseases. The purpose of this review is to describe current knowledge of SHED's capability of differentiation, applications and immune status and to draw attention to further research on the mechanism and the dependability of stem cell therapy with SHED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Xie
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, No.22, Zhongguancun South Avenue, Haidian District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie He
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, No.22, Zhongguancun South Avenue, Haidian District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingyi Chen
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, No.22, Zhongguancun South Avenue, Haidian District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziqi Hu
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, No.22, Zhongguancun South Avenue, Haidian District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Man Qin
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, No.22, Zhongguancun South Avenue, Haidian District, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tianqian Hui
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, No.22, Zhongguancun South Avenue, Haidian District, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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Yang S, Xin C, Zhang B, Zhang H, Hao Y. Synergistic effects of Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632 and Noggin overexpression on the proliferation and neuron-like cell differentiation of stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth. IUBMB Life 2019; 72:665-676. [PMID: 31889420 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) are highly proliferative, clonogenic, and multipotent stem cells with a neural crest cell origin. This property could be a desirable option for potential therapeutic applications. In this study, we focus on the effects of Rho kinase inhibitors Y-27632 and Noggin on the proliferation of SHEDs and their differentiation into neuron-like cells. SHEDs were extracted from 10 samples of deciduous teeth obtained from healthy children aged from 5 to 10. The passaged SHEDs were transfected with Noggin, Y-27632, or their combination. By means of MTT and colony formation assays, the effects of Y-27632 and Noggin on cell viability and colony formation were detected. Cellular morphology and neurosphere formation were observed under a microscope. Y-27632 transfection in SHEDs showed enhanced cell viability, colony formation, and neurosphere formation indicating that Y-27632 could promote cell proliferation of SHEDs. Furthermore, we observed that the SHEDs treated with Noggin in combination with Y-27632 displayed typical neuron-like cell morphology and reticular processes. Noggin or Y-27632 alone or in combination induced obviously increased NSE, Nestin, and GFAP levels, which were highest in SHEDs treated with the combination of Noggin and Y-27632. These findings suggest that Y-27632 promotes the proliferation of SHEDs, and Y-27632 and Noggin in combination have a synergistic effect on promoting differentiation of SHEDs into neuron-like cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Yang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Cuijuan Xin
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongbo Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yunpeng Hao
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Huang TY, Su WT, Chen PH. Comparing the Effects of Chitosan Scaffolds Containing Various Divalent Metal Phosphates on Osteogenic Differentiation of Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth. Biol Trace Elem Res 2018; 185:316-326. [PMID: 29399740 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-018-1256-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Inducing the differentiation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) proceeds with low efficiency, which greatly limits clinical applications. Divalent metal elements play an important role in osteoinductivity for bone remodeling because they can simulate bone formation and decrease bone resorption. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of some divalent metal phosphates on osteogenic differentiation from human exfoliated deciduous teeth. These divalent metal ions can be gradually released from the scaffold into the culture medium and continually induce osteoblastic differentiation. Experimental results revealed that SHEDs cultured in chitosan scaffolds containing divalent metal phosphates had notably increased osteoblastic differentiation compared with cells cultured without divalent metal phosphates. This effect was due to the high activity of alkaline phosphatase, as well as the bone-related gene expression of collagen type I, Runx2, osteopontin, osteocalcin, VEGF, and Ang-1, shown through RT-PCR and bone-related protein immunocytochemistry stains. A calcium-content assay further revealed significant enhancement of deposited minerals on the scaffolds after 21 days of culture, particularly for magnesium phosphate and zinc phosphate. Thus, divalent metals, except for barium phosphate, effectively promoted SHED cell differentiation and osteoblastic cell maturation. This study demonstrated that the divalent metal elements magnesium, strontium, and zinc could effectively induce SHED osteoblastic differentiation for use in tissue engineering and bone repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Te-Yang Huang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Ta Su
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National Taipei University of Technology, 1 Sec. 3, Chung-Hsiao E. Rd, Taipei, 10608, Taiwan.
| | - Po-Hung Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National Taipei University of Technology, 1 Sec. 3, Chung-Hsiao E. Rd, Taipei, 10608, Taiwan
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8
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Wang P, Zhu S, Yuan C, Wang L, Xu J, Liu Z. Shear stress promotes differentiation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth into endothelial cells via the downstream pathway of VEGF-Notch signaling. Int J Mol Med 2018; 42:1827-1836. [PMID: 30015843 PMCID: PMC6108868 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Effects of shear stress on endotheliaxl differentiation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) were investigated. SHEDs were treated with shear stress, then reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to analyse the mRNA expression of arterial markers and western blot analysis was performed to analyse protein expression of angiogenic markers. Additionally, in vitro matrigel angiogenesis assay was performed to evaluate vascular-like structure formation. The secreted protein expression levels of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) of SHEDs after shear stress was also quantified using corresponding ELISA kits. Untreated SHEDs seeded on Matrigel cannot form vessel-like structures at any time points, whereas groups treated with shear stress formed a few vessel-like structures at 4, 8 and 12 h. When SHEDs were treated with EphrinB2-siRNA for 24, the capability of vessel-like structure formation was suppressed. After being treated with shear stress, the expression of VEGF, VEGFR2, DLL4, Notch1, EphrinB2, Hey1 and Hey2 (arterial markers) gene expression was significantly upregulated, moreover, the protein levels of VEGFR2, EphrinB2, CD31, Notch1, DLL4, Hey1, and Hey2 were also significantly up-regulated. Both the mRNA and protein expression levels of EphB4 (venous marker) were downregulated. The average VEGF protein concentration in supernatants secreted by shear stress treated SHEDs groups increased significantly. In conclusion, shear stress was able to induce arterial endothelial differentiation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth, and VEGF-DLL4/Notch‑EphrinB2 signaling was involved in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penglai Wang
- Dental Implant Center, Xuzhou Stomatological Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Shaoyue Zhu
- Department of Orthodontics, Xuzhou Stomatological Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Changyong Yuan
- Dental Implant Center, Xuzhou Stomatological Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Periodontics, Xuzhou Stomatological Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Jianguang Xu
- The Discipline of Endodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Zongxiang Liu
- Department of ExperDignosis, Xuzhou Stomatological Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
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9
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Uz M, Das SR, Ding S, Sakaguchi DS, Claussen JC, Mallapragada SK. Advances in Controlling Differentiation of Adult Stem Cells for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7:e1701046. [PMID: 29656561 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201701046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Adult stems cells, possessing the ability to grow, migrate, proliferate, and transdifferentiate into various specific phenotypes, constitute a great asset for peripheral nerve regeneration. Adult stem cells' ability to undergo transdifferentiation is sensitive to various cell-to-cell interactions and external stimuli involving interactions with physical, mechanical, and chemical cues within their microenvironment. Various studies have employed different techniques for transdifferentiating adult stem cells from distinct sources into specific lineages (e.g., glial cells and neurons). These techniques include chemical and/or electrical induction as well as cell-to-cell interactions via co-culture along with the use of various 3D conduit/scaffold designs. Such scaffolds consist of unique materials that possess controllable physical/mechanical properties mimicking cells' natural extracellular matrix. However, current limitations regarding non-scalable transdifferentiation protocols, fate commitment of transdifferentiated stem cells, and conduit/scaffold design have required new strategies for effective stem cells transdifferentiation and implantation. In this progress report, a comprehensive review of recent advances in the transdifferentiation of adult stem cells via different approaches along with multifunctional conduit/scaffolds designs is presented for peripheral nerve regeneration. Potential cellular mechanisms and signaling pathways associated with differentiation are also included. The discussion with current challenges in the field and an outlook toward future research directions is concluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Metin Uz
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA
| | - Suprem R. Das
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA
- Division of Materials Science and Engineering Ames Laboratory Ames IA 50011 USA
| | - Shaowei Ding
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA
| | - Donald S. Sakaguchi
- Neuroscience Program Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA
- Department of Genetics Development and Cell Biology Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA
| | - Jonathan C. Claussen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA
- Division of Materials Science and Engineering Ames Laboratory Ames IA 50011 USA
| | - Surya K. Mallapragada
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA
- Department of Genetics Development and Cell Biology Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA
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Wang G, Su W, Chen P, Huang T. Divalent Metal Ions Induced Osteogenic Differentiation of MC3T3E1. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1088/1757-899x/275/1/012004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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11
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Su WT, Pan YJ, Huang TY, Huang YC. Hydrophobic PDMS promotes neural progenitor formation from SHEDs by Schwann cell–cultivated medium induction. INT J POLYM MATER PO 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/00914037.2017.1297937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ta Su
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jing Pan
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Te-Yang Huang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ching Huang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Su WT, Pan YJ. Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth differentiate toward neural cells in a medium dynamically cultured with Schwann cells in a series of polydimethylsiloxanes scaffolds. J Neural Eng 2016; 13:046005. [DOI: 10.1088/1741-2560/13/4/046005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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13
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Zhang J, Lu X, Feng G, Gu Z, Sun Y, Bao G, Xu G, Lu Y, Chen J, Xu L, Feng X, Cui Z. Chitosan scaffolds induce human dental pulp stem cells to neural differentiation: potential roles for spinal cord injury therapy. Cell Tissue Res 2016; 366:129-42. [PMID: 27147262 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-016-2402-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Cell-based transplantation strategies hold great potential for spinal cord injury (SCI) repair. Chitosan scaffolds have therapeutic benefits for spinal cord regeneration. Human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are abundant available stem cells with low immunological incompatibility and can be considered for cell replacement therapy. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of chitosan scaffolds in the neural differentiation of DPSCs in vitro and to assess the supportive effects of chitosan scaffolds in an animal model of SCI. DPSCs were incubated with chitosan scaffolds. Cell viability and the secretion of neurotrophic factors were analyzed. DPSCs incubated with chitosan scaffolds were treated with neural differentiation medium for 14 days and then neural genes and protein markers were analyzed by Western blot and reverse transcription plus the polymerase chain reaction. Our study revealed a higher cell viability and neural differentiation in the DPSC/chitosan-scaffold group. Compared with the control group, the levels of BDNF, GDNF, b-NGF, and NT-3 were significantly increased in the DPSC/chitosan-scaffold group. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway played a key role in the neural differentiation of DPSCs combined with chitosan scaffolds. Transplantation of DPSCs together with chitosan scaffolds into an SCI rat model resulted in the marked recovery of hind limb locomotor functions. Thus, chitosan scaffolds were non-cytotoxic and provided a conducive and favorable microenvironment for the survival and neural differentiation of DPSCs. Transplantation of DPSCs might therefore be a suitable candidate for treating SCI and other neuronal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlong Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, China
| | - Xiaohui Lu
- Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, China
| | - Guijuan Feng
- Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, China
| | - Zhifeng Gu
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, China
| | - Yuyu Sun
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, China
| | - Guofeng Bao
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, China
| | - Guanhua Xu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, China
| | - Yuanzhou Lu
- Department of Cardiology Medical, Tongzhou First People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226300, China
| | - Jiajia Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, China
| | - Lingfeng Xu
- Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, China
| | - Xingmei Feng
- Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, China.
| | - Zhiming Cui
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, China.
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