1
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Baldwin CS, Iyer S, Rao RR. The challenges and prospects of smooth muscle tissue engineering. Regen Med 2024; 19:135-143. [PMID: 38440898 PMCID: PMC10941056 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2023-0230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Many vascular disorders arise as a result of dysfunctional smooth muscle cells. Tissue engineering strategies have evolved as key approaches to generate functional vascular smooth muscle cells for use in cell-based precision and personalized regenerative medicine approaches. This article highlights some of the challenges that exist in the field and presents some of the prospects for translating research advancements into therapeutic modalities. The article emphasizes the need for better developing synergetic intracellular and extracellular cues in the processes to generate functional vascular smooth muscle cells from different stem cell sources for use in tissue engineering strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christofer S Baldwin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Shilpa Iyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Raj R Rao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
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2
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Liang G, Feng Y, Tang W, Yao L, Huang C, Chen Y. Proinflammatory Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomal miR-150-3p Suppresses Proinflammatory Polarization of Alveolar Macrophages in Sepsis by Targeting Inhibin Subunit Beta A. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2023; 43:518-530. [PMID: 37819735 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2023.0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-derived exosomes can protect lung tissues against sepsis, but its related mechanism remains elusive. BMSCs were primed with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) before extracting exosomes. The isolated exosomes were identified by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and western blot. LPS-stimulated macrophages were cocultured with exosomes for 24 h, followed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, and molecular experiments. Bioinformatics and luciferase assay were employed to investigate the interaction between miR-150-3p and inhibin subunit beta A (INHBA). MiR-150-3p expression was increased in exosomes in a proinflammatory environment. Exosomes suppressed proinflammatory polarization by downregulating IL-6, IL-1β, iNOS, and CD86, as well as promoted anti-inflammatory polarization by upregulating IL-10, ARG-1, and CD206 in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Such effects were more pronounced by LPS-primed exosomes, which was reversed in the absence of miR-150-3p. MiR-150-3p targeted INHBA. INHBA silencing decreased CD86 expression and increased CD206 expression in macrophages, but these effects were reversed by exosomal miR-150-3p inhibition. Proinflammatory BMSC-derived exosomal miR-150-3p suppressed proinflammatory polarization and promoted anti-inflammatory polarization of alveolar macrophages to attenuate LPS-induced sepsis by targeting INHBA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guojin Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Yueying Feng
- Department of Pediatrics, Ningbo Women & Children's Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Wan Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Lifeng Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Changshun Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Yijun Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, China
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3
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Bastola S, Kothapalli C, Ramamurthi A. Sodium Nitroprusside Stimulation of Elastic Matrix Regeneration by Aneurysmal Smooth Muscle Cells. Tissue Eng Part A 2023; 29:225-243. [PMID: 36597287 PMCID: PMC10122248 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2022.0169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The chronic overexpression of matrix metalloproteases leading to consequent degradation and loss of the elastic matrix with the reduction in tissue elasticity is central to the pathophysiology of proteolytic disorders, such as abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), which are localized rupture-prone aortic expansions. Effecting tissue repair to alleviate this condition is contingent on restoring elastic matrix homeostasis in the aortic wall. This is naturally irreversible due to the poor elastogenicity of adult and diseased vascular cells, and the impaired ability to assemble mature elastic fibers, more so in the context of phenotypic changes to medial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) owing to the loss of nitric oxide (NO) signaling in the AAA wall tissue. In this study, we report the benefits of the exposure of primary human aneurysmal SMCs (aHASMCs) to NO donor drug, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), in improving extracellular matrix homeostasis, particularly aspects of elastic fiber assembly, and inhibition of proteolytic degradation. SNP treatment (100 nM) upregulated elastic matrix regeneration at both gene (p < 0.05) and protein levels (p < 0.01) without affecting cell proliferation, improved gene, and protein expression of crosslinking enzyme, lysyl oxidase (p < 0.05), inhibited the expression of MMP2 (matrix metalloprotease 2) significantly (p < 0.05) and promoted contractile SMC phenotypes in aHASMC culture. In addition, SNP also attenuated the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases, a significant player in AAA formation and progression. Our results indicate the promise of SNP for therapeutic augmentation of elastic matrix regeneration, with prospects for wall repair in AAAs. Impact Statement Chronic and naturally irreversible enzymatic degradation and loss of elastic fibers are centric to proteolytic disorders such as abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). This is linked to poor elastogenicity of adult and diseased vascular cells, compromising their ability to assemble mature elastic fibers. Toward addressing this, we demonstrate the phenotype-modulatory properties of a nitric oxide donor drug, sodium nitroprusside on aneurysmal smooth muscle cells, and its dose-specific proelastogenic and antiproteolytic properties for restoring elastic matrix homeostasis. Combined with the development of vehicles for site-localized, controlled drug delivery, this can potentially lead to a new nonsurgical approach for AAA wall repair in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suraj Bastola
- Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chandrasekhar Kothapalli
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Anand Ramamurthi
- Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
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4
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S S, Dahal S, Bastola S, Dayal S, Yau J, Ramamurthi A. Stem Cell Based Approaches to Modulate the Matrix Milieu in Vascular Disorders. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:879977. [PMID: 35783852 PMCID: PMC9242410 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.879977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) represents a complex and dynamic framework for cells, characterized by tissue-specific biophysical, mechanical, and biochemical properties. ECM components in vascular tissues provide structural support to vascular cells and modulate their function through interaction with specific cell-surface receptors. ECM–cell interactions, together with neurotransmitters, cytokines, hormones and mechanical forces imposed by blood flow, modulate the structural organization of the vascular wall. Changes in the ECM microenvironment, as in post-injury degradation or remodeling, lead to both altered tissue function and exacerbation of vascular pathologies. Regeneration and repair of the ECM are thus critical toward reinstating vascular homeostasis. The self-renewal and transdifferentiating potential of stem cells (SCs) into other cell lineages represents a potentially useful approach in regenerative medicine, and SC-based approaches hold great promise in the development of novel therapeutics toward ECM repair. Certain adult SCs, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), possess a broader plasticity and differentiation potential, and thus represent a viable option for SC-based therapeutics. However, there are significant challenges to SC therapies including, but not limited to cell processing and scaleup, quality control, phenotypic integrity in a disease milieu in vivo, and inefficient delivery to the site of tissue injury. SC-derived or -inspired strategies as a putative surrogate for conventional cell therapy are thus gaining momentum. In this article, we review current knowledge on the patho-mechanistic roles of ECM components in common vascular disorders and the prospects of developing adult SC based/inspired therapies to modulate the vascular tissue environment and reinstate vessel homeostasis in these disorders.
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5
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Tang D, Cao F, Yan C, Fang K, Ma J, Gao L, Sun B, Wang G. Extracellular Vesicle/Macrophage Axis: Potential Targets for Inflammatory Disease Intervention. Front Immunol 2022; 13:705472. [PMID: 35769456 PMCID: PMC9234271 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.705472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can regulate the polarization of macrophages in a variety of inflammatory diseases by mediating intercellular signal transduction and affecting the occurrence and development of diseases. After macrophages are regulated by EVs, they mainly show two phenotypes: the proinflammatory M1 type and the anti-inflammatory M2 type. A large number of studies have shown that in diseases such as mastitis, inflammatory bowel disease, Acute lung injury, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, EVs promote the progression of the disease by inducing the M1-like polarization of macrophages. In diseases such as liver injury, asthma, and myocardial infarction, EVs can induce M2-like polarization of macrophages, inhibit the inflammatory response, and reduce the severity of the disease, thus indicating new pathways for treating inflammatory diseases. The EV/macrophage axis has become a potential target for inflammatory disease pathogenesis and comprehensive treatment. This article reviews the structure and function of the EV/macrophage axis and summarizes its biological functions in inflammatory diseases to provide insights for the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desheng Tang
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Feng Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Clinical Center for Acute Pancreatitis, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Changsheng Yan
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Kun Fang
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiamin Ma
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Lei Gao
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Bei Sun
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Gang Wang,
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6
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Sivaraman S, Hedrick J, Ismail S, Slavin C, Rao RR. Generation and Characterization of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Smooth Muscle Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910335. [PMID: 34638675 PMCID: PMC8508589 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. A completely autologous treatment can be achieved by using elastogenic mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived smooth muscle cells (SMC) at the affected tissue site of vascular diseases such as abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Thus, our work focused on evaluating the efficacy of (a) the combination of various growth factors, (b) different time periods and (c) different MSC lines to determine the treatment combination that generated SMCs that exhibited the greatest elastogenicity among the tested groups using Western blotting and flow cytometry. Additionally, total RNA sequencing was used to confirm that post-differentiation cells were upregulating SMC-specific gene markers. Results indicated that MSCs cultured for four days in PDGF + TGFβ1 (PT)-infused differentiation medium showed significant increases in SMC markers and decreases in MSC markers compared to MSCs cultured without differentiation factors. RNA Seq analysis confirmed the presence of vascular smooth muscle formation in MSCs differentiated in PT medium over a seven-day period. Overall, our results indicated that origin, growth factor treatment and culture period played a major role in influencing MSC differentiation to SMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Raj R. Rao
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(479)-575-8610
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7
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Jameson SA, Swaminathan G, Dahal S, Couri B, Kuang M, Rietsch A, Butler RS, Ramamurthi A, Damaser MS. Elastin homeostasis is altered with pelvic organ prolapse in cultures of vaginal cells from a lysyl oxidase-like 1 knockout mouse model. Physiol Rep 2021; 8:e14436. [PMID: 32533648 PMCID: PMC7292929 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) decreases quality of life for many women, but its pathophysiology is poorly understood. We have previously shown that Lysyl oxidase‐like 1 knockout (Loxl1 KO) mice reliably prolapse with age and increased parity, similar to women. Both this model and clinical studies also indicate that altered elastin metabolism in pelvic floor tissues plays a role in POP manifestation, although it is unknown if this is a cause or effect. Using Loxl1 KO mice, we investigated the effects of genetic absence of Loxl1, vaginal parity, and presence of POP on the expression of genes and proteins key to the production and regulation of elastic matrix. Cultured cells isolated from vaginal explants of mice were assayed with Fastin for elastic matrix, as well as RT‐PCR and Western blot for expression of genes and proteins important for elastin homeostasis. Elastin synthesis significantly decreased with absence of LOXL1 and increased with parity (p < .001), but not with POP. Cells from prolapsed mice expressed significantly decreased MMP‐2 (p < .05) and increased TIMP‐4 (p < .05). The results suggest changes to elastin structure rather than amounts in prolapsed mice as well as poor postpartum elastin turnover, resulting in accumulation of damaged elastic fibers leading to abnormal tropoelastin deposition. POP may thus, be the result of an inability to initiate the molecular mechanisms necessary to clear and replace damaged elastic matrix in pelvic floor tissues after vaginal birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slater A Jameson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Shataakshi Dahal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Bruna Couri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Mei Kuang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Anna Rietsch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Robert S Butler
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Anand Ramamurthi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Margot S Damaser
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Advanced Platform Technology Center, Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
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8
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Ma Y, Zhang Y, Chen J, Li L, Liu X, Zhang L, Ma C, Wang Y, Tian W, Song X, Li Y, Zhu L. Mesenchymal stem cell-based bioengineered constructs enhance vaginal repair in ovariectomized rhesus monkeys. Biomaterials 2021; 275:120863. [PMID: 34139509 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Transvaginal meshes repair for treating pelvic organ prolapse (POP) was halted by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because they can lead to severe complications. Therefore, investigations of new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Cell-based regenerative therapy holds great promise for the repair and restoration of damaged tissue. Here, we generated a bioengineered graft by seeding human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUMSCs) on bioscaffolds to reconstruct the damaged vagina. In the in vitro study, HUMSCs proliferated well and the density was appropriate after 5 days of culture. Besides, we demonstrated that the differentiation potential of HUMSCs was maintained with external growth factor stimulation. The complete transcriptomic profile of HUMSCs revealed that HUMSCs cultured on grafts produced significantly higher levels of proangiogenic cytokines than cells cultured in tissue culture plates (TCPs). Three months after implantation of the bioengineered grafts into ovariectomized (OVX) rhesus monkeys via sacrocolpopexy, extracellular matrix reorganization, large muscle bundle formation, angiogenesis and, mechanical properties of the vagina were enhanced. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the utility of stem cell-based bioengineered grafts for repairing damaged vaginal tissue in rhesus monkeys. These results elucidate a new approach for vagina repair and provide new ideas for treating POP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidi Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xudong Liu
- Medical Science Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Congcong Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Weijie Tian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xiaochen Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yaqian Li
- Medical Science Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Lan Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
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9
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Sajeesh S, Broekelman T, Mecham RP, Ramamurthi A. Stem cell derived extracellular vesicles for vascular elastic matrix regenerative repair. Acta Biomater 2020; 113:267-278. [PMID: 32645438 PMCID: PMC10755342 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are localized expansions of the abdominal aorta that develop due to chronic proteolytic disruption of the structural extracellular matrix (ECM) components (elastin and collagen) within the aorta wall. Major limitations in arresting or reversing AAAs lie in naturally poor and aberrant regeneration and repair of elastic matrix structures in the aorta wall. Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) have emerged as a promising regenerative tool and their therapeutic effects are also known to be effected through their paracrine secretions. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) present in these secretions have emerged as critical cellular component in facilitating many therapeutic benefits of MSCs. EV treatment is thus potentially appealing as a stem cell-inspired cell-free approach to avoid possible phenotypic plasticity of MSCs in vivo. In this study, we investigated the thus far unknown effects of BM-MSC derived EVs on vascular elastic matrix repair in the context of AAA treatment. EVs isolated from BM-MSC source were characterized and their pro-regenerative and their anti-proteolytic effects were evaluated on our established in vitro experimental conditions derived from AAA rat model. Our studies revealed the efficacy of BM-MSC derived EVs in attenuating the proteolytic activity and also in imparting elastic matrix regenerative benefits under aneurysmal environment. Interestingly, compared to cell culture conditioned media (CCM), EVs demonstrated superior regenerative and anti-proteolytic benefits in a proteolytic injury culture model of AAA. From these studies, it appears that EVs derived from BM-MSCs could be beneficial in undertaking a reparative effort in AAA induced degeneration of vascular tissue. Statement of Significance Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are localized, rupture-prone expansions of the aorta which result from loss of wall flexibility due to enzymatic breakdown of elastic fibers. There are no established alternatives to surgery, which possess high risk for the mostly elderly patients. Our previous studies have established the elastic regenerative and reparative effect of cell culture secretions derived from adult stem cell source. In this study, we propose to isolate extracellular vesicles (exosomes) from these secretions and evaluate their regenerative benefits in AAA smooth muscle cell culture model. This simple and innovative treatment approach has the potential to arrest or reverse AAA growth to rupture, not possible so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sajeesh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, United States
| | - Thomas Broekelman
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Robert P Mecham
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Anand Ramamurthi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, United States; Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States.
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10
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Wen H, Wang M, Gong S, Li X, Meng J, Wen J, Wang Y, Zhang S, Xin S. Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Attenuate Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Progression in Sprague-Dawley Rats: Implication of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Modulation. Stem Cells Dev 2020; 29:981-993. [PMID: 32486904 PMCID: PMC7410303 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2020.0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is life-threatening, for which efficient nonsurgical treatment strategy has not been available so far. Several previous studies investigating the therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in AAA indicated that MSCs could inhibit aneurysmal inflammatory responses and extracellular matrix destruction, and suppress aneurysm occurrence and expansion. Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic plasticity is reported to be predisposed in AAA initiation and progression. However, little is known about the effect of MSCs on VSMC phenotypic modulation in AAA. In this study, we investigate the therapeutic efficacy of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) in elastase-induced AAA model and evaluate the effect of UC-MSC on VSMC phenotypic regulation. We demonstrate that the intravenous injection of UC-MSC attenuates elastase-induced aneurysmal expansion, reduces elastin degradation and fragmentation, inhibits MMPs and TNF-α expression, and preserves and/or restores VSMC contractile phenotype in AAA. Taken together, these results highlight the therapeutic and VSMC phenotypic modulation effects of UC-MSC in AAA progression, which further indicates the potential of applying UC-MSC as an alternative treatment candidate for AAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wen
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Therapeutics of Aortic Aneurysm in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China.,Regenerative Medicine Research Center of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Mingjing Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shiqiang Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xintong Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Therapeutics of Aortic Aneurysm in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China.,Regenerative Medicine Research Center of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jinze Meng
- Department of Pharmacology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jie Wen
- Department of Ultrasonography, Inner Mongolia Baotou City Central Hospital, Baotou, China
| | - Yifei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shuqing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shijie Xin
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Therapeutics of Aortic Aneurysm in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China.,Regenerative Medicine Research Center of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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11
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Dahal S, Swaminathan G, Carney S, Broekelmann T, Mecham R, Ramamurthi A. Pro-elastogenic effects of mesenchymal stem cell derived smooth muscle cells in a 3D collagenous milieu. Acta Biomater 2020; 105:180-190. [PMID: 31982591 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Intrinsically poor auto-regenerative repair of proteolytically-disrupted elastic matrix structures by resident SMCs in the wall of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) prevents growth arrest and regression of these wall expansions. Supporting their possible future use in a regenerative cell therapy for AAAs, in a prior study, we showed that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived Smooth Muscle Cells (BM-SMCs) secrete biological factors that have significant pro-elastogenic and anti-proteolytic effects on aneurysmal rat aortic SMCs (EaRASMCs) in non-contact co-cultures. We also identified one stable BM-SMC phenotype (cBM-SMC) generated by differentiating BM-MSCs on a 2D fibronectin substrate in the presence of PDGF (Platelet Derived Growth Factor) and TGF-β1 (Transforming Growth Factor-β1) that exhibited superior elastogenicity and pro-elastogenic/anti-proteolytic properties. In this study, we further investigated the ability of these cBM-SMCs to maintain these superior elastogenic properties in a 3D collagenous milieu alone and in co-culture with EaRASMC to evaluate their potential as an alternative cell source for cell therapy in AAA. Some of our key observations were higher contractility and greater amount of structurally intact elastin production in both standalone culture of cBM-SMCs as well as co-culture of cBM-SMCs with EaRASMCs as shown by VVG (Verhoeff-Van Gieson) staining and Pontamine Sky Blue labeling and lower MMP-9 protein expression in standalone culture in 3D collagenous environment. Our overall result indicates that cBM-SMCs possess the ability to provide elastogenic impetus in a 3D collagenous AAA milieu which is otherwise not conducive to elastogenesis. Therefore our study strongly suggest the utility of cBM-SMCs as a potential cell source for cell therapy to augment elastic matrix neo-assembly and fiber formation and attenuate proteolysis in a collagenous milieu that is evocative of the de-elasticized aneurysmal wall. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or ballooning of the aorta is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease (CVD) related death caused by significantly increased proteolytic activity in the aortic wall. Reversing pathophysiology of this condition is challenging due to intrinsically poor regeneration of elastin by aortic smooth muscle cells. Current management of AAA is limited to passive monitoring of the disease until it becomes large enough to receive surgical intervention and no drug based therapy currently exists. Cell based therapy can be a potential alternative treatment in this scenario because it provides elastogenic impetus to the aneurysmal SMCs, compensates for the dead SMCs and serves as a robust source of elastin while being delivered with minimal invasiveness. Hence this work will have significant impact in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Tian GE, Zhou JT, Liu XJ, Huang YC. Mechanoresponse of stem cells for vascular repair. World J Stem Cells 2019; 11:1104-1114. [PMID: 31875871 PMCID: PMC6904862 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v11.i12.1104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cells have shown great potential in vascular repair. Numerous evidence indicates that mechanical forces such as shear stress and cyclic strain can regulate the adhesion, proliferation, migration, and differentiation of stem cells via serious signaling pathways. The enrichment and differentiation of stem cells play an important role in the angiogenesis and maintenance of vascular homeostasis. In normal tissues, blood flow directly affects the microenvironment of vascular endothelial cells (ECs); in pathological status, the abnormal interactions between blood flow and vessels contribute to the injury of vessels. Next, the altered mechanical forces are transduced into cells by mechanosensors to trigger the reformation of vessels. This process occurs when signaling pathways related to EC differentiation are initiated. Hence, a deep understanding of the responses of stem cells to mechanical stresses and the underlying mechanisms involved in this process is essential for clinical translation. In this the review, we provide an overview of the role of stem cells in vascular repair, outline the performance of stem cells under the mechanical stress stimulation, and describe the related signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge-Er Tian
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jun-Teng Zhou
- Department of Cardiology of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Liu
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yong-Can Huang
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory of Orthopaedic Regenerative Technologies, National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Orthopaedic Biomaterials, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, Guangdong Province, China
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Swaminathan G, Krishnamurthy VK, Sridhar S, Robson DC, Ning Y, Grande-Allen KJ. Hypoxia Stimulates Synthesis of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin in Aortic Valve Disease. Front Cardiovasc Med 2019; 6:156. [PMID: 31737648 PMCID: PMC6828964 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2019.00156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Aortic valve disease is commonly found in the elderly population. It is characterized by dysregulated extracellular matrix remodeling followed by extensive microcalcification of the aortic valve and activation of valve interstitial cells. The mechanism behind these events are largely unknown. Studies have reported expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF1α) in calcific nodules in aortic valve disease, therefore we investigated the effect of hypoxia on extracellular matrix remodeling in aged aortic valves. Approach and Results: Western blotting revealed elevated expression of HIF1α and the complex of matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP9) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in aged porcine aortic valves cultured under hypoxic conditions. Consistently, immunofluorescence staining showed co-expression of MMP9 and NGAL in the fibrosa layer of these porcine hypoxic aortic valves. Gelatinase zymography demonstrated that the activity of MMP9-NGAL complex was significantly increased in aortic valves in 13% O2 compared to 20% O2. Importantly, the presence of ectopic elastic fibers in the fibrosa of hypoxic aortic valves, also detected in human diseased aortic valves, suggests altered elastin homeostasis due to hypoxia. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that hypoxia stimulates pathological extracellular matrix remodeling via expression of NGAL and MMP9 by valve interstitial cells.
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Ramaswamy AK, Sides RE, Cunnane EM, Lorentz KL, Reines LM, Vorp DA, Weinbaum JS. Adipose-derived stromal cell secreted factors induce the elastogenesis cascade within 3D aortic smooth muscle cell constructs. Matrix Biol Plus 2019; 4:100014. [PMID: 33543011 PMCID: PMC7852215 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbplus.2019.100014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Elastogenesis within the medial layer of the aortic wall involves a cascade of events orchestrated primarily by smooth muscle cells, including transcription of elastin and a cadre of elastin chaperone matricellular proteins, deposition and cross-linking of tropoelastin coacervates, and maturation of extracellular matrix fiber structures to form mechanically competent vascular tissue. Elastic fiber disruption is associated with aortic aneurysm; in aneurysmal disease a thin and weakened wall leads to a high risk of rupture if left untreated, and non-surgical treatments for small aortic aneurysms are currently limited. This study analyzed the effect of adipose-derived stromal cell secreted factors on each step of the smooth muscle cell elastogenesis cascade within a three-dimensional fibrin gel culture platform. Approach and results We demonstrate that adipose-derived stromal cell secreted factors induce an increase in smooth muscle cell transcription of tropoelastin, fibrillin-1, and chaperone proteins fibulin-5, lysyl oxidase, and lysyl oxidase-like 1, formation of extracellular elastic fibers, insoluble elastin and collagen protein fractions in dynamically-active 30-day constructs, and a mechanically competent matrix after 30 days in culture. Conclusion Our results reveal a potential avenue for an elastin-targeted small aortic aneurysm therapeutic, acting as a supplement to the currently employed passive monitoring strategy. Additionally, the elastogenesis analysis workflow explored here could guide future mechanistic studies of elastin formation, which in turn could lead to new non-surgical treatment strategies. Stromal cells stimulate smooth muscle cells (SMC) using paracrine signals. Stimulated SMC make RNA for both elastin and associated proteins. After protein synthesis, new elastic fibers form that contain insoluble elastin. Stromal cell products could promote elastin production in vivo.
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Key Words
- AA, aortic aneurysm
- ACA, epsilon-amino caproic acid
- ASC, adipose-derived stromal cell
- ASC-SF, ASC secreted factors
- Aneurysm
- Aorta
- ECM, extracellular matrix
- Elastin
- Extracellular matrix
- FBS, fetal bovine serum
- LOX, lysyl oxidase
- LOXL-1, LOX-like 1
- LTBP, latent TGF-β binding protein
- NCM, non-conditioned media
- NT, no treatment
- PBS, phosphate buffered saline
- RT, reverse transcriptase
- SMC, smooth muscle cell
- TGF-β, transforming growth factor-β
- Vascular regeneration
- qPCR, quantitative polymerase chain reaction
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneesh K. Ramaswamy
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Rachel E. Sides
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Eoghan M. Cunnane
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Katherine L. Lorentz
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Leila M. Reines
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - David A. Vorp
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Justin S. Weinbaum
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Corresponding author at: Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Center for Bioengineering, Suite 300, 300 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States of America.
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Dahal S, Broekelman T, Mecham RP, Ramamurthi A. Maintaining Elastogenicity of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Smooth Muscle Cells in Two-Dimensional Culture. Tissue Eng Part A 2018; 24:979-989. [PMID: 29264957 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2017.0237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are localized expansions of the abdominal aorta that grow slowly to rupture. AAA growth is driven by irreversible elastic matrix breakdown in the aorta wall by chronically upregulated matrix metalloproteases (MMPs). Since adult vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) poorly regenerate elastic matrix, we previously explored utility of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and SMCs derived therefrom (BM-SMCs) for this purpose. One specific differentiated phenotype (cBM-SMCs) generated on a fibronectin substrate in presence of exogenous transforming growth factor-β and platelet-derived growth factor exhibited superior elastogenicity versus other phenotypes, and usefully provided proelastogenic and antiproteolytic stimuli to aneurysmal SMCs. Since in vivo cell therapy demands large cell inoculates, these derived SMCs must be propagated in vitro while maintaining their superior elastogenic, proelastogenic, and antiproteolytic characteristics. In this work, we thus investigated the culture conditions that must be provided to this propagation phase, which ensure that the differentiated SMCs maintain their phenotype and matrix regenerative benefits. Our results indicate that our BM-SMCs retain their phenotype in long-term culture even in the absence of differentiation growth factors and fibronectin substrate, but these conditions must be continued to be provided during postdifferentiation propagation if they are to maintain their superior elastic matrix deposition, crosslinking, and fiber formation properties. Our study, however, showed that cells propagated under these conditions exhibit higher expression of MMP-2, but favorably, no expression of elastolytic MMP-9. Hence, the study outcomes provide crucial guidelines to maintain phenotypic stability of cBM-SMCs during their propagation in two-dimensional culture before their delivery to the AAA wall for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shataakshi Dahal
- 1 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic , Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Thomas Broekelman
- 2 Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University at St. Louis , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Robert P Mecham
- 2 Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University at St. Louis , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Anand Ramamurthi
- 1 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic , Cleveland, Ohio.,3 Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University , Cleveland, Ohio
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