Multilineage potential research of Beijing duck amniotic mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from chicken peripheral blood secrete bioactive factors with antimicrobial and regenerative properties

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are adult multipotent progenitor cells that have been isolated from various tissue sources of many species, primarily mammals. Generally, these cells proliferate extensively in culture and have been shown to secrete bioactive factors that contribute to healing processes by regulating inflammation, modulating immune responses, inhibiting bacterial growth, and promoting tissue regeneration. The present study reports on the isolation and characterization of MSCs from the peripheral blood (PB) of chickens. Chicken PBMSCs were characterized based on their trilineage differentiation potential and gene and protein expression of MSC-specific cell surface markers. To determine functionality, conditioned medium (CM), which contains all bioactive factors secreted by MSCs, was collected from chicken PBMSCs, and used in in vitro antimicrobial, migration, and angiogenesis assays. Chicken PBMSC CM was found to (i) inhibit the growth of planktonic Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and even more significantly the methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), (ii) decrease adhesion and promote migration of fibroblasts, and (iii) support endothelial cell tube formation. Collectively, these data indicate that chicken PBMSCs secrete bioactive factors with antimicrobial and regenerative properties, and as such, provide a novel source of cell-based therapies for the poultry industry.

Characterization and Immunomodulation of Canine Amniotic Membrane Stem Cells

PURPOSE

Amniotic membrane stem cells have a high capacity of proliferation, cell expansion, and plasticity, as well as immunomodulatory properties that contribute to maternal-fetal tolerance. Owing to the lack of research on human amniotic membrane at different gestational stages, the canine model is considered ideal because of its genetic and physiological similarities. We aimed to characterize the canine amniotic membrane (CAM) cell lineage in different gestational stages and evaluate the expression of immunomodulatory genes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty CAMs from early (20-30 days) (n=7), mid- (31-45 days) (n=7), and late gestation (46-63 days) (n=6) stages were studied. The cell features were assessed by cell viability tests, growth curve, colony-forming units, in vitro differentiation, cell labeling for different immunophenotypes, and pluripotent potential markers. The cells were subjected to RT-PCR and qPCR analysis to determine the expression of IDO, HGF, EGF, PGE2, and IL-10 genes.

RESULTS

CAM cells exhibited a fibroblastoid morphology and adherence to plastic with an average cell viability of 78.5%. The growth curve indicated a growth peak in the second passage and we obtained an average of 138.2 colonies. Osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic lineages were confirmed by in vitro differentiation assays. Cellular immunophenotyping experiments confirmed the presence of positive mesenchymal markers (CD90 and CD105) and the low or negative expression of hematopoietic markers (CD45 and CD34). Qualitative analysis of the immunomodulatory functions indicated the expression of the IDO, HGF, EGF5, and PGE2 genes. When stimulated by interferon-gamma, CAM cells exhibited higher IDO levels throughout gestation.

CONCLUSION

The CAMs from different gestational stages presented features consistent with mesenchymal stem cell lineage; better results were observed during the late gestation stage. Therefore, the gestational stage is a key factor that may influence the functionality of therapies when using fetal membrane tissues from different periods of pregnancy.