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Albayrak E, Kocabaş F. Therapeutic targeting and HSC proliferation by small molecules and biologicals. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2023; 135:425-496. [PMID: 37061339 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2022.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have considerably therapeutic value on autologous and allogeneic transplantation for many malignant/non-malignant hematological diseases, especially with improvement of gene therapy. However, acquirement of limited cell dose from HSC sources is the main handicap for successful transplantation. Therefore, many strategies based on the utilization of various cytokines, interaction of stromal cells, modulation of several extrinsic and intrinsic factors have been developed to promote ex vivo functional HSC expansion with high reconstitution ability until today. Besides all these strategies, small molecules become prominent with their ease of use and various advantages when they are translated to the clinic. In the last two decades, several small molecule compounds have been investigated in pre-clinical studies and, some of them were evaluated in different stages of clinical trials for their safety and efficiencies. In this chapter, we will present an overview of HSC biology, function, regulation and also, pharmacological HSC modulation with small molecules from pre-clinical and clinical perspectives.
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Albayrak E, Akgol S, Turan RD, Uslu M, Kocabas F. BML-260 promotes the growth of cord blood and mobilized peripheral blood hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells with improved reconstitution ability. J Cell Biochem 2022; 123:2009-2029. [PMID: 36070493 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are multipotent and have the ability to self-renew, are frequently used in the treatment of hematological diseases and cancer. Small molecules that target HSC quiescence regulators could be used for ex vivo expansion of both mobilized peripheral blood (mPB) and umbilical cord blood (UCB) hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC). We identified and investigated 35 small molecules that target HSC quiescence factors. We looked at how they affected HSC activity, such as expansion, quiescence, multilineage capacity, cycling ability, metabolism, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity. A transplantation study was carried out on immunocompromised mice to assess the expanded cells' repopulation and engraftment abilities. 4-[(5Z)-5-benzylidene-4-oxo-2-sulfanylidene-1,3-thiazolidin-3-yl]benzoic acid (BML)-260 and tosyl-l-arginine methyl ester (TAME) significantly increased both mPB and UCB-HSPC content and activated HSC re-entry into the cell cycle. The improved multilineage capacity was confirmed by the colony forming unit (CFU) assay. Furthermore, gene expression analysis revealed that BML-260 and TAME molecules aided HSC expansion by modulating cell cycle kinetics, such as p27, SKP2, and CDH1. In addition to these in vitro findings, we discovered that BML-260-expanded HSCs had a high hematopoietic reconstitution capacity with increased immune cell content after xenotransplantation into immunocompromised mice. In addition to the BML-260 molecule, a comparison study of serum-containing and serum-free chemically defined media, including various supplements, was performed. These in vitro and xenotransplantation results show that BML-260 molecules can be used for human HSC expansion and regulation of function. Furthermore, the medium composition discovered may be a novel platform for human HSPC expansion that could be used in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Albayrak
- Center of Stem Cell Research and Application, 19 Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey.,Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sezer Akgol
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Raife Dilek Turan
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Merve Uslu
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
| | - Fatih Kocabas
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Huang X, Wang Y, Wang T, Wen F, Liu S, Oudeng G. Recent advances in engineering hydrogels for niche biomimicking and hematopoietic stem cell culturing. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1049965. [PMID: 36507253 PMCID: PMC9730123 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1049965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) provide a life-long supply of haemopoietic cells and are indispensable for clinical transplantation in the treatment of malignant hematological diseases. Clinical applications require vast quantities of HSCs with maintained stemness characteristics. Meeting this demand poses often insurmountable challenges for traditional culture methods. Creating a supportive artificial microenvironment for the culture of HSCs, which allows the expansion of the cells while maintaining their stemness, is becoming a new solution for the provision of these rare multipotent HSCs. Hydrogels with good biocompatibility, excellent hydrophilicity, tunable biochemical and biophysical properties have been applied in mimicking the hematopoietic niche for the efficient expansion of HSCs. This review focuses on recent progress in the use of hydrogels in this specialized application. Advanced biomimetic strategies use for the creation of an artificial haemopoietic niche are discussed, advances in combined use of hydrogel matrices and microfluidics, including the emerging organ-on-a-chip technology, are summarized. We also provide a brief description of novel stimulus-responsive hydrogels that are used to establish an intelligent dynamic cell microenvironment. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives of engineering hydrogels for HSC biomedicine are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochan Huang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuting Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, China Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Tianci Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Feiqiu Wen
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, China Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Sixi Liu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Gerile Oudeng
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Uslu M, Kocabaş F. Development of a novel and synthetic HematoMiR technology that broadly modulates quiescence of stem cells and enhances HSC expansion. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 79:68. [PMID: 34971431 PMCID: PMC11072120 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04031-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell (HSCs) transplantation is the primary therapeutic modality used to treat hematopoietic disorders. It centers on the capability of a small quantity of HSCs to repopulate whole blood lineages. Along with limited availability of suitable donors, the need for sufficient number of donor HSCs is still challenging in clinical relevance. This has been addressed by ex vivo HSC expansion albeit with partial success, and thus development of an alternative strategy that could improve HSC expansion is required. To that end, we aimed to build HematoMiR, an oligo-based technology that broadly targets HSC quiescence factors. Here, we show that HematoMiRs and their combinations targeting over 50 factors involved in HSC quiescence could induce robust ex vivo murine and human HSC expansion. In particular, HematoMiR-5 treatment enhanced cell cycle through down-regulation of negative cell cycle regulators in HSCs. HematoMiR-5 treated HSPCs had reduced DNA damage during the course of ex vivo expansion. Moreover, HematoMiR-5 treatment led to sustained HSC self-renewal ability and a low apoptosis rate. In addition, HematoMiR-5 expanded HSCs demonstrated successful engraftment and repopulation capacity in the recipient animals. Furthermore, combinatorial treatments of HematoMiR-2 and 5 allowed vigorous ex vivo HSC expansion. These findings demonstrate that novel and synthetic HematoMiR technology is feasible for HSC ex vivo expansion through the sequence-dependent modulation of numerous HSC quiescence modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Uslu
- Regenerative Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatih Kocabaş
- Regenerative Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.
- Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Turgutalp B, Uslu M, Helvacioglu S, Charehsaz M, Gurdal EE, Sippl W, Kocabas F, Yarim M. Lead Optimization and Structure-Activity Relationship Studies on Myeloid Ecotropic Viral Integration Site 1 Inhibitor. J Med Chem 2021; 64:14448-14464. [PMID: 34542289 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The pivotal role of the myeloid ecotropic viral integration site 1 (MEIS1) transcriptional factor was reported in cardiac regeneration and hematopoietic stem-cell (HSC) regulation with our previous findings. MEIS1 as a promising target in the context of pharmacological inhibition, we identified a potent myeloid ecotropic viral integration site (MEIS) inhibitor, MEISi-1, to induce murine and human HSC expansion ex vivo and in vivo. In this work, we performed lead optimization on MEISi-1 by synthesizing 45 novel analogues. Structure-activity relationship studies revealed the significance of a para-methoxy group on ring A and a hydrophobic moiety at the meta position of ring B. Obtained biological data were supported by inhibitor docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies. Eleven compounds were depicted as potent inhibitors demonstrating a better inhibitory profile on MEIS1 and target genes Meis1, Hif-1α, and p21. Among those, 4h, 4f, and 4b were the most potent inhibitors. The predicted pharmacokinetics properties fulfill drug-likeness criteria. In addition, compounds exerted neither cytotoxicity on human dermal fibroblasts nor mutagenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bengisu Turgutalp
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yeditepe University, Istanbul 34755, Turkey.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Helmholtz Association, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Merve Uslu
- Regenerative Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul 34755, Turkey
| | - Sinem Helvacioglu
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yeditepe University, Istanbul 34755, Turkey
| | - Mohammad Charehsaz
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yeditepe University, Istanbul 34755, Turkey
| | - Enise Ece Gurdal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yeditepe University, Istanbul 34755, Turkey.,Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale) 06120, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Sippl
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale) 06120, Germany
| | - Fatih Kocabas
- Regenerative Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul 34755, Turkey
| | - Mine Yarim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yeditepe University, Istanbul 34755, Turkey
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Rebuilding the hematopoietic stem cell niche: Recent developments and future prospects. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:129-148. [PMID: 33813090 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.03.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have proven their clinical relevance in stem cell transplantation to cure patients with hematological disorders. Key to their regenerative potential is their natural microenvironment - their niche - in the bone marrow (BM). Developments in the field of biomaterials enable the recreation of such environments with increasing preciseness in the laboratory. Such artificial niches help to gain a fundamental understanding of the biophysical and biochemical processes underlying the interaction of HSCs with the materials in their environment and the disturbance of this interplay during diseases affecting the BM. Artificial niches also have the potential to multiply HSCs in vitro, to enable the targeted differentiation of HSCs into mature blood cells or to serve as drug-testing platforms. In this review, we will introduce the importance of artificial niches followed by the biology and biophysics of the natural archetype. We will outline how 2D biomaterials can be used to dissect the complexity of the natural niche into individual parameters for fundamental research and how 3D systems evolved from them. We will present commonly used biomaterials for HSC research and their applications. Finally, we will highlight two areas in the field of HSC research, which just started to unlock the possibilities provided by novel biomaterials, in vitro blood production and studying the pathophysiology of the niche in vitro. With these contents, the review aims to give a broad overview of the different biomaterials applied for HSC research and to discuss their potentials, challenges and future directions in the field. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are multipotent cells responsible for maintaining the turnover of all blood cells. They are routinely applied to treat patients with hematological diseases. This high clinical relevance explains the necessity of multiplication or differentiation of HSCs in the laboratory, which is hampered by the missing natural microenvironment - the so called niche. Biomaterials offer the possibility to mimic the niche and thus overcome this hurdle. The review introduces the HSC niche in the bone marrow and discusses the utility of biomaterials in creating artificial niches. It outlines how 2D systems evolved into sophisticated 3D platforms, which opened the gateway to applications such as, expansion of clinically relevant HSCs, in vitro blood production, studying niche pathologies and drug testing.
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Oliveira FA, Nucci MP, Mamani JB, Alves AH, Rego GNA, Kondo AT, Hamerschlak N, Junqueira MS, de Souza LEB, Gamarra LF. Multimodal Tracking of Hematopoietic Stem Cells from Young and Old Mice Labeled with Magnetic-Fluorescent Nanoparticles and Their Grafting by Bioluminescence in a Bone Marrow Transplant Model. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9070752. [PMID: 34209598 PMCID: PMC8301491 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study proposes an innovative way to evaluate the homing and tracking of hematopoietic stem cells from young and old mice labeled with SPIONNIRF-Rh conjugated with two types of fluorophores (NIRF and Rhodamine), and their grafting by bioluminescence (BLI) in a bone marrow transplant (BMT) model. In an in vitro study, we isolated bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNC) from young and old mice, and analyzed the physical-chemical characteristics of SPIONNIRF-Rh, their internalization, cell viability, and the iron quantification by NIRF, ICP-MS, and MRI. The in vivo study was performed in a BMT model to evaluate the homing, tracking, and grafting of young and old BM-MNC labeled with SPIONNIRF-Rh by NIRF and BLI, as well as the hematological reconstitution for 120 days. 5FU influenced the number of cells isolated mainly in young cells. SPIONNIRF-Rh had adequate characteristics for efficient internalization into BM-MNC. The iron load quantification by NIRF, ICP-MS, and MRI was in the order of 104 SPIONNIRF-Rh/BM-MNC. In the in vivo study, the acute NIRF evaluation showed higher signal intensity in the spinal cord and abdominal region, and the BLI evaluation allowed follow-up (11-120 days), achieving a peak of intensity at 30 days, which remained stable around 108 photons/s until the end. The hematologic evaluation showed similar behavior until 30 days and the histological results confirm that iron is present in almost all tissue evaluated. Our results on BM-MNC homing and tracking in the BMT model did not show a difference in migration or grafting of cells from young or old mice, with the hemogram analysis trending to differentiation towards the myeloid lineage in mice that received cells from old animals. The cell homing by NIRF and long term cell follow-up by BLI highlighted the relevance of the multimodal nanoparticles and combined techniques for evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando A. Oliveira
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-000, SP, Brazil; (F.A.O.); (M.P.N.); (J.B.M.); (A.H.A.); (G.N.A.R.); (A.T.K.); (N.H.)
| | - Mariana P. Nucci
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-000, SP, Brazil; (F.A.O.); (M.P.N.); (J.B.M.); (A.H.A.); (G.N.A.R.); (A.T.K.); (N.H.)
- LIM44—Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Javier B. Mamani
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-000, SP, Brazil; (F.A.O.); (M.P.N.); (J.B.M.); (A.H.A.); (G.N.A.R.); (A.T.K.); (N.H.)
| | - Arielly H. Alves
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-000, SP, Brazil; (F.A.O.); (M.P.N.); (J.B.M.); (A.H.A.); (G.N.A.R.); (A.T.K.); (N.H.)
| | - Gabriel N. A. Rego
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-000, SP, Brazil; (F.A.O.); (M.P.N.); (J.B.M.); (A.H.A.); (G.N.A.R.); (A.T.K.); (N.H.)
| | - Andrea T. Kondo
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-000, SP, Brazil; (F.A.O.); (M.P.N.); (J.B.M.); (A.H.A.); (G.N.A.R.); (A.T.K.); (N.H.)
| | - Nelson Hamerschlak
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-000, SP, Brazil; (F.A.O.); (M.P.N.); (J.B.M.); (A.H.A.); (G.N.A.R.); (A.T.K.); (N.H.)
| | - Mara S. Junqueira
- Center for Translational Research in Oncology, Cancer Institute of the State of Sao Paulo—ICESP, São Paulo 01246-000, SP, Brazil;
| | - Lucas E. B. de Souza
- Hemocentro de Ribeirão Preto, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14051-060, SP, Brazil;
| | - Lionel F. Gamarra
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-000, SP, Brazil; (F.A.O.); (M.P.N.); (J.B.M.); (A.H.A.); (G.N.A.R.); (A.T.K.); (N.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-2151-0243
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Uslu M, Siyah P, Harvey AJ, Kocabaş F. Modulating Cas9 activity for precision gene editing. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 181:89-127. [PMID: 34127203 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 is a RNA-guided nuclease complex that can be specifically programmed to target a user-specified DNA sequence. It has been a powerful and effective tool of genome editing. However, off-target activity of the Cas9 nuclease limits its potential use in the correction of inherited diseases and bona fide gene editing. Various protein engineering and guide RNA selection strategies have been utilized to improve Cas9-based genome-editing specificity and efficiency. We, however, have not yet achieved a degree of safety such that Cas9 gene editing approaches could be applicable in clinical settings. Here, we discuss the recently developed and precise gene editing technologies based on spCas9. Furthermore, we describe Cas9 modulating tools to increase the fidelity of the CRISPR/Cas9 system. These studies suggest that there is still a need for pharmaceutical modulation of Cas9 activity during gene editing procedures. Pharmaceutical modulation of Cas9 nuclease activity at on-target or off-target genomic loci could 1 day allow researchers to develop robust and precise therapeutical strategies in gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Uslu
- Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Pınar Siyah
- Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Andrew John Harvey
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatih Kocabaş
- Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Hafizi M, Kalanaky S, Fakharzadeh S, Janzamin E, Arjmandi T, Atashi A, Nazaran MH. GFc7 as a Smart Growth Nanofactor for ex vivo Expansion and Cryoprotection of Humans' Hematopoietic Stem Cells. Int J Nanomedicine 2020; 15:6263-6277. [PMID: 32922002 PMCID: PMC7457843 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s256104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nowadays, smart synthesized nanostructures have attracted wide attention in the field of stem cell nanotechnology due to their effect on different properties of stem cells. Methods GFc7 growth nanofactor was synthesized based on nanochelating technology as an iron-containing copper chelator nanocomplex. The effect of this nanocomplex on the expansion and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) as well as its performance as a cryoprotectant was evaluated in the present study. Results The results showed that the absolute count of CD34+ and CD34+CD38- cells on days 4, 7, 10 and 13; the percentage of lactate dehydrogenase enzyme on the same days and CD34+CXCR4 population on day 10 were significantly increased when they were treated with GFc7 growth nanofactor in a fetal bovine serum (FBS)-free medium. This medium also led to delayed differentiation in HSCs. One noticeable result was that CD34+CD38- cells cultured in an FBS medium were immediately differentiated into CD34+CD38+ cells, while CD34+CD38- cells treated with GFc7 growth nanofactor in FBS medium did not show such an immediate significant differentiation. De-freezing GFc7-treated CD34+ cells, which were already frozen according to cord blood bank protocols, showed a higher percentage of cell viability and a larger number of colonies according to colony-forming cell assay as compared to control. Conclusion It can be claimed that treating HSCs with GFc7 growth nanofactor leads to quality and quantity improvement of HSCs, both in terms of expansion in vitro and freezing and de-freezing processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Hafizi
- Department of Research and Development, Sodour Ahrar Shargh Company, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Kalanaky
- Department of Research and Development, Sodour Ahrar Shargh Company, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saideh Fakharzadeh
- Department of Research and Development, Sodour Ahrar Shargh Company, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Tarlan Arjmandi
- Department of Research and Development, Sodour Ahrar Shargh Company, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Atashi
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
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Sidal H, Colakoglu Erkan P, Uslu M, Kocabas F. Development of small-molecule-induced fibroblast expansion technologies. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2020; 14:1476-1487. [PMID: 32770632 DOI: 10.1002/term.3112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Dermal fibroblasts are responsible from the production of extracellular matrix and take role in the closure of skin wounds. Dermal fibroblasts are major cells of origin in the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs) and are historically being used as feeder layer and biofiller in the restorative surgeries. ex vivo expansion of the dermal fibroblasts provides a suitable model to study skin biology and to engineer bioartifical skins. Thus, development of efficient fibroblast expansion technologies gets outmost importance day by day. We sought to identify small molecules that induce ex vivo fibroblast expansion and understand their mechanisms. We analyzed the effect of 35 small molecules, which are expected to target molecular pathways involving cellular quiescence. We have found that small molecules, especially AS1949490 and SKF96365, increase human dermal fibroblast expansion of at least three different fibroblasts. Cell cycle analysis confirms that these small molecules allow cell cycle progression, as evident by increased percentage of cells in S-G2 -M phase of cell cycle. They led to a lower profile of apoptotic or necrotic fibroblasts. Intriguingly, we have found that identified small molecules could also endogenously induce the expression of IPSC generation, collagen synthesis, and aging-related genes. Identified small molecules may contribute to the induction of collagen synthesis in the biofiller products, the development of fibroblast products with better aging profile, and the improvement of IPSC generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humeyra Sidal
- Biology Department, Claude Bernard University, Lyon, France.,Regenerative Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Pinar Colakoglu Erkan
- Regenerative Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Biotechnology Program, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Merve Uslu
- Regenerative Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Biotechnology Program, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatih Kocabas
- Regenerative Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Biotechnology Program, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
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11
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Turan RD, Albayrak E, Uslu M, Siyah P, Alyazici LY, Kalkan BM, Aslan GS, Yucel D, Aksoz M, Tuysuz EC, Meric N, Durdagi S, Gulbas Z, Kocabas F. Development of Small Molecule MEIS Inhibitors that modulate HSC activity. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7994. [PMID: 32409701 PMCID: PMC7224207 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64888-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Meis1, which belongs to TALE-type class of homeobox gene family, appeared as one of the key regulators of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal and a potential therapeutical target. However, small molecule inhibitors of MEIS1 remained unknown. This led us to develop inhibitors of MEIS1 that could modulate HSC activity. To this end, we have established a library of relevant homeobox family inhibitors and developed a high-throughput in silico screening strategy against homeodomain of MEIS proteins using the AutoDock Vina and PaDEL-ADV platform. We have screened over a million druggable small molecules in silico and selected putative MEIS inhibitors (MEISi) with no predicted cytotoxicity or cardiotoxicity. This was followed by in vitro validation of putative MEIS inhibitors using MEIS dependent luciferase reporter assays and analysis in the ex vivo HSC assays. We have shown that small molecules named MEISi-1 and MEISi-2 significantly inhibit MEIS-luciferase reporters in vitro and induce murine (LSKCD34l°w cells) and human (CD34+, CD133+, and ALDHhi cells) HSC self-renewal ex vivo. In addition, inhibition of MEIS proteins results in downregulation of Meis1 and MEIS1 target gene expression including Hif-1α, Hif-2α and HSC quiescence modulators. MEIS inhibitors are effective in vivo as evident by induced HSC content in the murine bone marrow and downregulation of expression of MEIS target genes. These studies warrant identification of first-in-class MEIS inhibitors as potential pharmaceuticals to be utilized in modulation of HSC activity and bone marrow transplantation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raife Dilek Turan
- Regenerative Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.,LabCell, Acibadem University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Esra Albayrak
- Regenerative Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Merve Uslu
- Regenerative Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Pinar Siyah
- Regenerative Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Lamia Yazgi Alyazici
- Regenerative Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | | | - Dogacan Yucel
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, USA
| | - Merve Aksoz
- MRC Molecular Hematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Emre Can Tuysuz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Neslihan Meric
- Regenerative Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, Anadolu Medical Center, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Serdar Durdagi
- Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zafer Gulbas
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, Anadolu Medical Center, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Fatih Kocabas
- Regenerative Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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12
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Uslu M, Albayrak E, Kocabaş F. Temporal modulation of calcium sensing in hematopoietic stem cells is crucial for proper stem cell expansion and engraftment. J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:9644-9666. [PMID: 32394484 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29777] [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: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are known to reside in a bone marrow (BM) niche, which is associated with relatively higher calcium content. HSCs sense and respond to calcium changes. However, how calcium-sensing components modulate HSC function and expansion is largely unknown. We investigated temporal modulation of calcium sensing and Ca2+ homeostasis during ex vivo HSC culture and in vivo. Murine BM-HSCs, human BM, and umbilical cord blood (UCB) mononuclear cells (MNCs) were treated with store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) inhibitors SKF 96365 hydrochloride (abbreviated as SKF) and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB). Besides, K+ channel inhibitor TEA chloride (abbreviated as TEA) was used to compare the relationship between calcium-activated potassium channel activities. Seven days of SKF treatment induced mouse and human ex vivo BM-HSC expansion as well as UCB-derived primitive HSC expansion. SKF treatment induced the surface expression of CaSR, CXCR4, and adhesion molecules on human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. HSCs expanded with SKF successfully differentiated into blood lineages in recipient animals and demonstrated a higher repopulation capability. Furthermore, modulation of SOCE in the BM-induced HSC content and differentially altered niche-related gene expression profile in vivo. Intriguingly, treatments with SOCE inhibitors SKF and 2-APB boosted the mouse BM mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) and human adipose-derived MSCs proliferation, whereas they did not affect the endothelial cell proliferation. These findings suggest that temporal modulation of calcium sensing is crucial in expansion and maintenance of murine HSCs, human HSCs, and mouse BM-MSCs function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Uslu
- Regenerative Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Esra Albayrak
- Regenerative Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatih Kocabaş
- Regenerative Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
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13
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Kalkan BM, Kala EY, Yuce M, Karadag Alpaslan M, Kocabas F. Development of gene editing strategies for human β-globin (HBB) gene mutations. Gene 2020; 734:144398. [PMID: 31987908 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Recent developments in gene editing technology have enabled scientists to modify DNA sequence by using engineered endonucleases. These gene editing tools are promising candidates for clinical applications, especially for treatment of inherited disorders like sickle cell disease (SCD). SCD is caused by a point mutation in human β-globin gene (HBB). Clinical strategies have demonstrated substantial success, however there is not any permanent cure for SCD available. CRISPR/Cas9 platform uses a single endonuclease and a single guide RNA (gRNA) to induce sequence-specific DNA double strand break (DSB). When this accompanies a repair template, it allows repairing the mutated gene. In this study, it was aimed to target HBB gene via CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing tool to introduce nucleotide alterations for efficient genome editing and correction of point mutations causing SCD in human cell line, by Homology Directed Repair (HDR). We have achieved to induce target specific nucleotide changes on HBB gene in the locus of mutation causing SCD. The effect of on-target activity of bone fide standard gRNA and newly developed longer gRNA were examined. It is observed that longer gRNA has higher affinity to target DNA while having the same performance for targeting and Cas9 induced DSBs. HDR mechanism was triggered by co-delivery of donor DNA repair templates in circular plasmid form. In conclusion, we have suggested methodological pipeline for efficient targeting with higher affinity to target DNA and generating desired modifications on HBB gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batuhan Mert Kalkan
- Regenerative Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey; Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Yagmur Kala
- Regenerative Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey; Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Melek Yuce
- Regenerative Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Medine Karadag Alpaslan
- Regenerative Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Fatih Kocabas
- Regenerative Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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14
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Afreen S, Weiss JM, Strahm B, Erlacher M. Concise Review: Cheating Death for a Better Transplant. Stem Cells 2018; 36:1646-1654. [DOI: 10.1002/stem.2901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sehar Afreen
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg; University of Freiburg; Freiburg Germany
- Faculty of Biology; University of Freiburg; Freiburg Germany
| | - Julia Miriam Weiss
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg; University of Freiburg; Freiburg Germany
| | - Brigitte Strahm
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg; University of Freiburg; Freiburg Germany
| | - Miriam Erlacher
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg; University of Freiburg; Freiburg Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK); Freiburg Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ); Heidelberg Germany
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