Derivation of Pre-oligodendrocytes from Human Endometrial Stromal Cells by Using Overexpression of MicroRNA 338

Exosome loaded hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffold promotes bone regeneration in calvarial defect: an in vivo study

In this study, hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds were synthesized and characterized, following the osteogenic and angiogenic effects of HA scaffolds with or without endometrial mesenchymal stem stromal cells (hEnSCs) derived Exosomes were investigated in rat animal model with calvaria defect. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of HA powder formation was confirmed with Joint Corporation of Powder Diffraction Standards (JCPDS) files numbers of 34-0010 and 24-0033A and Ball mill, and sintering manufactured Nano-size particles. Obtained results containing FE-SEM images presented that the surface of scaffolds has a rough and porous structure, which makes them ideal and appropriate for tissue engineering. Additionally, the XRD showed that these scaffolds exhibited a crystallized structure without undergoing phase transformation; meanwhile, manufactured scaffolds consistently release exosomes; moreover, in vivo findings containing hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, Masson's trichrome staining, and histomorphometric analysis confirmed that our implant has an osteogenic and angiogenic characteristic. So prepared scaffolds containing exosomes can be proposed as a promising substitute in tissue engineering.

Insights Into the Role of Platelet-Derived Growth Factors: Implications for Parkinson’s Disease Pathogenesis and Treatment

Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease, commonly occurs in the elderly population, causing a significant medical and economic burden to the aging society worldwide. At present, there are few effective methods that achieve satisfactory clinical results in the treatment of PD. Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) and platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRs) are important neurotrophic factors that are expressed in various cell types. Their unique structures allow for specific binding that can effectively regulate vital functions in the nervous system. In this review, we summarized the possible mechanisms by which PDGFs/PDGFRs regulate the occurrence and development of PD by affecting oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, protein folding and aggregation, Ca2+ homeostasis, and cell neuroinflammation. These modes of action mainly depend on the type and distribution of PDGFs in different nerve cells. We also summarized the possible clinical applications and prospects for PDGF in the treatment of PD, especially in genetic treatment. Recent advances have shown that PDGFs have contradictory roles within the central nervous system (CNS). Although they exert neuroprotective effects through multiple pathways, they are also associated with the disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Our recommendations based on our findings include further investigation of the contradictory neurotrophic and neurotoxic effects of the PDGFs acting on the CNS.

Stem Cell Therapy in Limb Ischemia: State-of-Art, Perspective, and Possible Impacts of Endometrial-Derived Stem Cells

As an evidence-based performance, the rising incidence of various ischemic disorders has been observed across many nations. As a result, there is a growing need for the development of more effective regenerative approaches that could serve as main therapeutic strategies for the treatment of these diseases. From a cellular perspective, promoted complex inflammatory mechanisms, after inhibition of organ blood flow, can lead to cell death in all tissue types. In this case, using the stem cell technology provides a safe and regenerative approach for ischemic tissue revascularization and functional cell formation. Limb ischemia (LI) is one of the most frequent ischemic disease types and has been shown to have a promising regenerative response through stem cell therapy based on several clinical trials. Bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs), peripheral blood CD34-positive mononuclear cells (CD34+ PB-MNCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and endothelial stem/progenitor cells (ESPCs) are the main, well-examined stem cell types in these studies. Additionally, our investigations reveal that endometrial tissue can be considered a suitable candidate for isolating new safe, effective, and feasible multipotent stem cells for limb regeneration. In addition to other teams’ results, our in-depth studies on endometrial-derived stem cells (EnSCs) have shown that these cells have translational potential for limb ischemia treatment. The EnSCs are able to generate diverse types of cells which are essential for limb reconstruction, including endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, muscle cells, and even peripheral nervous system populations. Hence, the main object of this review is to present stem cell technology and evaluate its method of regeneration in ischemic limb tissue.

From OPC to Oligodendrocyte: An Epigenetic Journey

Oligodendrocytes provide metabolic and functional support to neuronal cells, rendering them key players in the functioning of the central nervous system. Oligodendrocytes need to be newly formed from a pool of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). The differentiation of OPCs into mature and myelinating cells is a multistep process, tightly controlled by spatiotemporal activation and repression of specific growth and transcription factors. While oligodendrocyte turnover is rather slow under physiological conditions, a disruption in this balanced differentiation process, for example in case of a differentiation block, could have devastating consequences during ageing and in pathological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis. Over the recent years, increasing evidence has shown that epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs, are major contributors to OPC differentiation. In this review, we discuss how these epigenetic mechanisms orchestrate and influence oligodendrocyte maturation. These insights are a crucial starting point for studies that aim to identify the contribution of epigenetics in demyelinating diseases and may thus provide new therapeutic targets to induce myelin repair in the long run.

Alginate/chitosan hydrogel containing olfactory ectomesenchymal stem cells for sciatic nerve tissue engineering

Regeneration and functional recovery after peripheral nerve damage still remain a significant clinical problem. In this study, alginate/chitosan (alg/chit) hydrogel was used for the transplantation of olfactory ectomesenchymal stem cells (OE-MSCs) to promote peripheral nerve regeneration. The OE-MSCs were isolated from olfactory mucosa biopsies and evaluated by different cell surface markers and differentiation capacity. After creating sciatic nerve injury in a rat model, OE-MSCs were transplanted to the injured area with alg/chit hydrogel which was prepared and well-characterized. The prepared hydrogel had the porosity of 91.3 ± 1.27%, the swelling ratio of 379% after 240 min, weight loss percentages of 80 ± 5.56% after 14 days, and good blood compatibility. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, and LIVE/DEAD staining were done to assay the behavior of OE-MSCs on alg/chit hydrogel and the results confirmed that the hydrogel can provide a suitable substrate for cell survival. For functional analysis, alg/chit hydrogel with and without OE- MSCs was injected into a 3-mm sciatic nerve defect of Wistar rats. The results of the sciatic functional index, hot plate latency, electrophysiological assessment, weight-loss percentage of wet gastrocnemius muscle, and histopathological examination using hematoxylin-eosin and Luxol fast blue staining showed that utilizing alg/chit hydrogel with OE-MSCs to the sciatic nerve defect enhance regeneration compared to the control group and hydrogel without cells.

Therapeutic strategies involving uterine stem cells in reproductive medicine

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The current review provides an update on recent advances in stem cell biology relevant to female reproduction.

RECENT FINDINGS

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that often serve as a reservoir of cells to regenerate tissue in settings or injury or cell loss. The endometrium has progenitor stem cells that can replace all of the endometrium during each menstrual cycle. In addition, multipotent endometrial cells replace these progenitor cells when depleted. Recruitment of stem cells from outside of the uterus occurs in setting of increased demand such as ischemia or injury. Bone marrow-derived multipotent stem cells are recruited to the uterus by estrogen or injury-induced expression of the chemokine CXCL12. In the setting of overwhelming injury, especially in the setting of low estrogen levels, there may be insufficient stem cell recruitment to adequately repair the uterus resulting in conditions such as Asherman syndrome or other endometrial defects. In contrast, excessive recruitment of stem cells underlies endometriosis. Enhanced understanding of stem-cell mobilization, recruitment, and engraftment has created the possibility of improved therapy for endometrial defects and endometriosis through enhanced manipulation of stem-cell trafficking. Further, the normal endometrium is a rich source of multipotent stem cells that can be used for numerous applications in regenerative medicine beyond reproduction.

SUMMARY

A better understanding of reproductive stem-cell biology may allow improved treatment of endometrial disease such as Asherman syndrome and other endometrial receptivity defects. Inhibiting stem-cell mobilization may also be helpful in endometriosis therapy. Finally, endometrial derived multipotent stem cells may play a crucial role in cell therapy for regenerative medicine.

Effects of endometrial stem cell transplantation combined with estrogen in the repair of endometrial injury

The present study investigated the effects of endometrial stem cell (EnSCs) transplantation combined with estrogen in the repair of endometrial injury. A total of 30 patients with intrauterine adhesions (IUA) and 30 healthy individuals were selected. Expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB in endometrial tissue was assessed. Additionally, expression levels of epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), cytokeratin (CK), integrin α-6 (CD49f), Thy-1 membrane glycoprotein (THY-1), collagen type 1 (Col I), fibroblast (5B5) and vimentin in EnSCs were detected using western blot analysis and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. A rat model of IUA was established and female rats were divided into the control, model, EnSCs, estrogen and estrogen plus EnSCs (E+EnSCs) groups. Blood was extracted at 1 and 5 weeks post-treatment, and serum levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, EGF, 17 β-estradiol (E2) and PDGF-BB were measured using ELISA. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to observe the pathological changes of endometrial tissue in rats. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of estrogen receptor (ESR1) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 in the endometrium. The results revealed that patients with IUA exhibited increased expression levels of EGF and PDGF-BB compared with those in control group. Additionally, EnSCs exhibited significantly increased expression levels of EMA, CD49f, CK, Col I, THY-1, 5B5 and vimentin compared with the remaining groups. An increased number of newly formed glands was observed in the E+EnSCs group compared with that in the EnSCs group. Increased levels of E2, but decreased levels of TGF-β1, EGF, PDGF-BB, ESR1 and MMP-9 were detected in EnSCs and estrogen groups compared with those in E+EnSCs group. These results suggest that EnSCs transplantation combined with estrogen could improve endometrial abnormalities.

Decoding cell signalling and regulation of oligodendrocyte differentiation

Oligodendrocytes are fundamental for the functioning of the nervous system; they participate in several cellular processes, including axonal myelination and metabolic maintenance for astrocytes and neurons. In the mammalian nervous system, they are produced through waves of proliferation and differentiation, which occur during embryogenesis. However, oligodendrocytes and their precursors continue to be generated during adulthood from specific niches of stem cells that were not recruited during development. Deficiencies in the formation and maturation of these cells can generate pathologies mainly related to myelination. Understanding the mechanisms involved in oligodendrocyte development, from the precursor to mature cell level, will allow inferring therapies and treatments for associated pathologies and disorders. Such mechanisms include cell signalling pathways that involve many growth factors, small metabolic molecules, non-coding RNAs, and transcription factors, as well as specific elements of the extracellular matrix, which act in a coordinated temporal and spatial manner according to a given stimulus. Deciphering those aspects will allow researchers to replicate them in vitro in a controlled environment and thus mimic oligodendrocyte maturation to understand the role of oligodendrocytes in myelination in pathologies and normal conditions. In this study, we review these aspects, based on the most recent in vivo and in vitro data on oligodendrocyte generation and differentiation.

Increased expression of microRNA-338-3p contributes to production of Dsg3 antibody in pemphigus vulgaris patients

Expression of microRNA-338-3p (miR-338-3p) was aberrantly elevated in pemphigus vulgaris (PV), although its role in PV is still unknown. The present study investigated the functional role and possible molecular mechanisms of miR-338-3p in PV. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect miR-338-3p expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with PV. Correlation with disease severity and anti-desmoglein 3 antibody (anti-Dsg3) titers were analyzed in patients with PV. The effects of overexpression and knockdown of miR-338-3p expression in PBMCs and effects on Th1 and Th2 cytokines were also examined using ELISA. The luciferase reporter analysis, RT-qPCR and western blot analysis were applied to investigate potential and functional target genes. The data showed that miR-338-3p expression was significantly upregulated in PV and the upregulation of miR-338-3p associated with disease severity and a high anti-Dsg3 antibody titer. Expression of miR-338-3p/mimic in healthy PBMCs significantly downregulated Th1 cytokine (IFN-γ) and upregulated Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10), whereas knockdown of miR-338-3p expression in PBMCs from patients with PV induced the reverse effects. Overexpression of miR-338-3p suppressed cell viability. Luciferase reporter, RT-qPCR and western blot assays idnicated that TNFR1-associated death domain protein (TRADD) was the direct and functional target of miR-338-3p. Increased expression of miR-338-3p contributed to the production of Dsg3 antibody by inhibiting TRADD expression to induce an imbalance in Th1/Th2 cell functions. Taken together, this study suggests that miR-338-3p may be used as a potential therapeutic target for PV treatment.

Possible sexually dimorphic role of miRNA and other sncRNA in ASD brain

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is sexually dimorphic in brain structure, genetics, and behaviors. In studies of brain tissue, the age of the population is clearly a factor in interpreting study outcome, yet sex is rarely considered. To begin to address this issue, we extend our previously published microarray analyses to examine expression of small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), in ASD and in the control temporal cortex in males and females. Predicted miRNA targets were identified as well as the pathways they overpopulate.

Findings

After considering age, sexual dimorphism in ASD sncRNA expression persists in the temporal cortex and in the patterning that distinguishes regions. Among the sexually dimorphic miRNAs are miR-219 and miR-338, which promote oligodendrocyte differentiation, miR-125, implicated in neuronal differentiation, and miR-488, implicated in anxiety. Putative miRNA targets are significantly over-represented in immune and nervous system pathways in both sexes, consistent with previous mRNA studies. Even for common pathways, the specific target mRNAs are often sexually dimorphic. For example, both male and female target genes significantly populate the Axonal Guidance Signaling pathway, yet less than a third of the targets are common to both sexes.

Conclusions

Our findings of sexual dimorphism in sncRNA levels underscore the importance of considering sex, in addition to age, when interpreting molecular findings on ASD brain.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13229-017-0117-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

BMP-2 can promote the osteogenic differentiation of human endometrial stem cells

Background: Human endometrial-derived stem cells (hEnSCs) as multipotent accessible source of cells are known as useful cell candidates in the field of bone tissue engineering. However, the effect of bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2) as an osteoinductive growth factor has not been clearly ascertained.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of the remarkable osteoinductive growth factor BMP-2, on promotion of osteogenic differentiation in hEnSCs.

Methods: Endometrial biopsies were obtained from healthy women referred to the hospital for infertility treatment. After tissue digestion in collagenase, the isolated endometrial cells were expanded in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% FBS. The propagated cells were characterized based on the expression of endometrial (CD90, CD105), endothelial (CD31), and hematopoietic (CD34, CD133) stem cell markers. Cells were differentiated in osteogenic medium containing DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS, 10 nM dexamethasone, 50 μg/ml Ascorbic acid, and 10 mM β-glycerophosphate in the presence or absence of BMP-2 for 21 days. Alizarin red staining was performed to verify the matrix mineralization. Immunocytochemical staining was conducted to detect the expression of OCT-4, CD133, and osteopontin as well as osteocalcin. The expression of osteoblast transcripts, including osteopontin, osteonectin, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were analyzed by semi quantitative PCR.

Results: The expanded EnSCs were spindle shaped. They were positive for the expression of Oct-4, CD90, and CD105, while they were negative for endothelial and hematopoietic markers. The matrix mineralization was confirmed by Alizarin red in both groups at day 21. Although the expression of osteopontin and osteocalcin was detected in both groups by immunological staining, the expression of osteocalcin was more intense in the presence of BMP-2. ALP, Osteonectin and osteopontin transcripts were expressed in all groups; however, the expression of ALP and osteopontin was upregulated in the presence of BMP-2.

Conclusion: BMP-2 as an osteoinductive growth factor, could promote the osteogenic differentiation of EnSCs in vitro.

Oleic acid promotes the expression of neural markers in differentiated human endometrial stem cells

Variety of neurodegenerative diseases in humans are caused by loss of cells along with loss of function and disability. Cell replacement therapy is a potential strategy to cure neurodegenerative diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells are pluripotent non-hematopoietic cells that can be isolated from numerous tissues. Human endometrial-derived stem cell (hEnSC) are the abundant and easy available source with no immunological response, for cell replacement therapy. In the nervous system, where fatty acids are found in huge amounts, they participate in its development and maintenance throughout life. Oleic acid is a kind of the saturated fatty acids which plays crucial role in brain development. Oleic acid released by astrocytes is used by neurons for the synthesis of phospholipids and is specifically incorporated into growth cones. Human endometrial-derived stem cells in the third passage were divided into 3 groups including: control, sham (cultured in full differentiation medium without oleic acid) and experimental group (cultured in full differentiation medium with oleic acid) to differentiate over a 18-day period. Data from Real-Time PCR showed that mRNA levels of NF and β-TUBULIN were increased significantly (p<0.05) in oleic acid treated cells in comparison to control and sham groups. Immunocytochemistry analysis of Chat and NF expression also showed the same results. The present study clearly demonstrates that oleic acid promotes neural differentiation of hEnSC through regulation of gene expression.

miR-338 inhibits the metastasis of lung cancer by targeting integrin β3

miR-338 as an intronic miRNA from apoptosis-associated tyrosine kinase (AATK) is involved in tumor proliferation and apoptosis, but its function and regulatory mechanism in lung cancer is still obscure. In the present study, we found that miR-338 was strikingly downregulated in 115 lung cancer tissues and 5 lung cancer cell lines. Besides, low level of miR-338 was associated with tumor emboli, TNM stage, tumor recurrence and poor survival. Regaining the expression of miR-338 in lung cancer cell lines significantly impaired cellular adhesion, migration, invasion and lung tumor formation in nude mice. Furthermore, we also identified a metastasis related protein, integrin β3 (ITGB3), as a novel target gene of miR-338. Our results reveal a new regulatory mechanism of miR-338 which may help us better understand the metastasis of lung cancer.

Inhibitor of PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway Small Molecule Promotes Motor Neuron Differentiation of Human Endometrial Stem Cells Cultured on Electrospun Biocomposite Polycaprolactone/Collagen Scaffolds

Small molecules as useful chemical tools can affect cell differentiation and even change cell fate. It is demonstrated that LY294002, a small molecule inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signal pathway, can inhibit proliferation and promote neuronal differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The purpose of this study was to investigate the differentiation effect of Ly294002 small molecule on the human endometrial stem cells (hEnSCs) into motor neuron-like cells on polycaprolactone (PCL)/collagen scaffolds. hEnSCs were cultured in a neurogenic inductive medium containing 1 μM LY294002 on the surface of PCL/collagen electrospun fibrous scaffolds. Cell attachment and viability of cells on scaffolds were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazoyl-2-yl)2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The expression of neuron-specific markers was assayed by real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry analysis after 15 days post induction. Results showed that attachment and differentiation of hEnSCs into motor neuron-like cells on the scaffolds with Ly294002 small molecule were higher than that of the cells on tissue culture plates as control group. In conclusion, PCL/collagen electrospun scaffolds with Ly294002 have potential for being used in neural tissue engineering because of its bioactive and three-dimensional structure which enhances viability and differentiation of hEnSCs into neurons through inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Thus, manipulation of this pathway by small molecules can enhance neural differentiation.

Differentiation of human endometrial stem cells into endothelial-like cells on gelatin/chitosan/bioglass nanofibrous scaffolds

The capacity of gelatin/chitosan/bioactive glass nanopowders (GEL/CS/BGNPs) scaffolds was investigated for increasing human endometrial stem cells (hEnSCs) differentiation into the endothelial cells in the presence of angiogenic factors. GEL/CS nanofibrous scaffold with different contents of BGNPs were fabricated and assessed. Expression of endothelial markers (CD31, vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin), and KDR) in differentiated cells was evaluated. Results showed the diameter of nanofiber increases with decreasing the BG content in GEL/CS scaffolds. Moreover, in vitro study indicated that the GEL/CS/BGNPs scaffold with 1.5% BGNPs content provided a suitable three-dimensional structure for endothelial cells differentiation. Thus, the GEL/CS/BGNPs scaffold can be recommended for blood vessels repair.

Differentiation of Human Endometrial Stem Cells into Schwann Cells in Fibrin Hydrogel as 3D Culture

Human endometrial stem cells (hEnSCs) are a new source of adult multipotent stem cells with the ability of differentiation into many cell lineages. Many stem cell sources are desirable for differentiation into Schwann cells. Schwann-like cells derived from hEnSCs may be one of the ideal alternative cell sources for Schwann cell generation. In this study, for differentiation of hEnSCs into Schwann cells, hEnSCs were induced with RA/FSK/PDGF-AA/HRG as an induction medium for 14 days. The cells were cultured in a tissue culture plate (TCP) and fibrin gel matrix. The viability of cultured cells in the fibrin gel and TCP was analyzed with 3-[4,5-dimethyl-2-thia-zolyl]-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay for 7 days. The attachment of cells was analyzed with SEM and DAPI staining. The expression of S100 and P75 as Schwann cell markers was evaluated by immunocytochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR). The evaluation of the MTT assay and gene expression showed that the survival rate and differentiation of hEnSCs into Schwann cells in the fibrin gel were better than those in the TCP group. These results suggest that human EnSCs can be differentiated into Schwann cells in the fibrin gel better than in the TCP, and the fibrin gel might provide a suitable three-dimensional (3D) scaffold for clinical applications for cell therapy of the nervous system.

Isolation and Culture of Pig Spermatogonial Stem Cells and Their in Vitro Differentiation into Neuron-Like Cells and Adipocytes

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) renew themselves throughout the life of an organism and also differentiate into sperm in the adult. They are multipopent and therefore, can be induced to differentiate into many cells types in vitro. SSCs from pigs, considered an ideal animal model, are used in studies of male infertility, regenerative medicine, and preparation of transgenic animals. Here, we report on a culture system for porcine SSCs and the differentiation of these cells into neuron-like cells and adipocytes. SSCs and Sertoli cells were isolated from neonatal piglet testis by differential adhesion and SSCs were cultured on a feeder layer of Sertoli cells. Third-generation SSCs were induced to differentiate into neuron-like cells by addition of retinoic acid, β-mercaptoethanol, and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) to the induction media and into adipocytes by the addition of hexadecadrol, insulin, and IBMX to the induction media. The differentiated cells were characterized by biochemical staining, qRT-PCR, and immunocytochemistry. The cells were positive for SSC markers, including alkaline phosphatase and SSC-specific genes, consistent with the cells being undifferentiated. The isolated SSCs survived on the Sertoli cells for 15 generations. Karyotyping confirmed that the chromosomal number of the SSCs were normal for pig (2n = 38, n = 19). Pig SSCs were successfully induced into neuron-like cells eight days after induction and into adipocytes 22 days after induction as determined by biochemical and immunocytochemical staining. qPCR results also support this conclusion. The nervous tissue markers genes, Nestin and β-tubulin, were expressed in the neuron-like cells and the adipocyte marker genes, PPARγ and C/EBPα, were expressed in the adipocytes.

Induction of human umbilical Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells toward motor neuron-like cells

The most important property of stem cells from different sources is the capacity to differentiate into various cells and tissue types. However, problems including contamination, normal karyotype, and ethical issues cause many limitations in obtaining and using these cells from different sources. The cells in Wharton's jelly region of umbilical cord represent a pool source of primitive cells with properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The aim of this study was to determine the potential of human Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs) for differentiation to motor neuron cells. WJMSCs were induced to differentiate into motor neuron-like cells by using different signaling molecules and neurotrophic factors in vitro. Differentiated neurons were then characterized for expression of motor neuron markers including nestin, PAX6, NF-H, Islet 1, HB9, and choline acetyl transferase (ChAT) by quantitative reverse transcription PCR and immunocytochemistry. Our results showed that differentiated WJMSCs could significantly express motor neuron biomarkers in RNA and protein levels 15 d post induction. These results suggested that WJMSCs can differentiate to motor neuron-like cells and might provide a potential source in cell therapy for neurodegenerative disease.

MicroRNA: Key regulators of oligodendrocyte development and pathobiology

MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are a group of small non-coding RNAs that function through binding to messenger RNA (mRNA) targets and downregulating gene expression. miRNAs have been shown to regulate many cellular functions including proliferation, differentiation, development and apoptosis. Recently, evidence has grown which shows the involvement of miRs in oligodendrocyte (OL) specification and development. In particular, miRs-138, -219, -338, and -9 have been classified as key regulators of OL development, acting at various points in the OL lineage and influencing precursor cell transit into mature myelinating OLs. Many studies have emerged which link miRNAs with OL and myelin pathology in various central nervous system (CNS) diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS), ischemic stroke, spinal cord injury, and adult-onset autosomal dominant leukodystrophy (ADLD).

Endometrial stem cell transplantation in MPTP- exposed primates: an alternative cell source for treatment of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Cell-replacement therapies have emerged as a promising strategy to slow down or replace neuronal loss. Compared to other stem cell types, endometrium-derived stem cells (EDSCs) are an attractive source of stem cells for cellular therapies because of their ease of collection and vast differentiation potential. Here we demonstrate that endometrium-derived stem cells may be transplanted into an MPTP exposed monkey model of PD. After injection into the striatum, endometrium-derived stem cells engrafted, exhibited neuron-like morphology, expressed tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and increased the numbers of TH positive cells on the transplanted side and dopamine metabolite concentrations in vivo. Our results suggest that endometrium-derived stem cells may provide a therapeutic benefit in the primate model of PD and may be used in stem cell based therapies.