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Xu N, Xu T, Mirasol R, Holmberg L, Vincent PH, Li X, Falk A, Benedikz E, Rotstein E, Seiger Å, Åkesson E, Falci S, Sundström E. Transplantation of Human Neural Precursor Cells Reverses Syrinx Growth in a Rat Model of Post-Traumatic Syringomyelia. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:1257-1272. [PMID: 33469829 PMCID: PMC8423938 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00987-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic syringomyelia (PTS) is a serious condition of progressive expansion of spinal cord cysts, affecting patients with spinal cord injury years after injury. To evaluate neural cell therapy to prevent cyst expansion and potentially replace lost neurons, we developed a rat model of PTS. We combined contusive trauma with subarachnoid injections of blood, causing tethering of the spinal cord to the surrounding vertebrae, resulting in chronically expanding cysts. The cysts were usually located rostral to the injury, extracanalicular, lined by astrocytes. T2*-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed hyperintense fluid-filled cysts but also hypointense signals from debris and iron-laden macrophages/microglia. Two types of human neural stem/progenitor cells-fetal neural precursor cells (hNPCs) and neuroepithelial-like stem cells (hNESCs) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells-were transplanted to PTS cysts. Cells transplanted into cysts 10 weeks after injury survived at least 10 weeks, migrated into the surrounding parenchyma, but did not differentiate during this period. The cysts were partially obliterated by the cells, and cyst walls often merged with thin layers of cells in between. Cyst volume measurements with MRI showed that the volumes continued to expand in sham-transplanted rats by 102%, while the cyst expansion was effectively prevented by hNPCs and hNESCs transplantation, reducing the cyst volumes by 18.8% and 46.8%, respectively. The volume reductions far exceeded the volume of the added human cells. Thus, in an animal model closely mimicking the clinical situation, we provide proof-of-principle that transplantation of human neural stem/progenitor cells can be used as treatment for PTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Xu
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, and Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tingting Xu
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, BioClinicum J10:30, Karolinska University Hospital, S17164, Solna, Sweden
| | - Raymond Mirasol
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Stroke Branch, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lena Holmberg
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Henrik Vincent
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xiaofei Li
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Falk
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eirikur Benedikz
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- TEK-Innovation, Faculty of Engineering, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Emilia Rotstein
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, S-14186, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Åke Seiger
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Åkesson
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Stockholms Sjukhem Foundation, Box 12230, S-10226, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Scott Falci
- Department of Neurosurgery, Craig Hospital, 3425 S. Clarkson St, Englewood, CO, 80110, USA
| | - Erik Sundström
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, BioClinicum J9:20, Karolinska University Hospital, S17164, Solna, Sweden.
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Khazaei M, Ahuja CS, Rodgers CE, Chan P, Fehlings MG. Generation of Definitive Neural Progenitor Cells from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells for Transplantation into Spinal Cord Injury. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1919:25-41. [PMID: 30656619 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9007-8_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In this chapter, we first describe two interchangeable protocols optimized in our lab for deriving definitive neuronal progenitor cells from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). The resultant NPCs can then be propagated and differentiated to produce differing proportions of neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes as required for in vitro cell culture studies or in vivo transplantation. Following these protocols, we explain the method for transplanting these cells into the rat model of spinal cord injury (SCI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Khazaei
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher S Ahuja
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher E Rodgers
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Priscilla Chan
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Spinal Program, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Payne SL, Anandakumaran PN, Varga BV, Morshead CM, Nagy A, Shoichet MS. In Vitro Maturation of Human iPSC-Derived Neuroepithelial Cells Influences Transplant Survival in the Stroke-Injured Rat Brain. Tissue Eng Part A 2017; 24:351-360. [PMID: 28594288 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2016.0515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell transplantation is a promising strategy for brain tissue regeneration; yet, despite some success, cell survival following transplantation remains low. In this study, we demonstrate that cell viability is enhanced by control over maturation of neuronal precursor cells, which are delivered in an injectable blend of hyaluronan and methylcellulose. We selected three subpopulations of human neuronal precursor cells derived from a cortically specified neuroepithelial stem cell (cNESC) population based on differences in expression of multipotent and neuron-specific proteins: early-, mid-, and late-differentiated neurons. These cells were transplanted into an endothelin-1 stroke-injured rat brain and their survival and fate were investigated 1 week later. Significantly, more cells were found in the brain after transplanting early- or mid- differentiated cNESCs compared to the late-differentiated population. The mid-differentiated population also had significantly more β-III tubulin-positive cells than either the early- or late-differentiated populations. These results suggest that maturity has a significant impact on cell survival following transplantation and cells with an intermediate maturity differentiate to neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Payne
- 1 Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto , Toronto, Canada .,2 Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto , Toronto, Canada
| | - Priya N Anandakumaran
- 2 Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto , Toronto, Canada
| | - Balazs V Varga
- 3 Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute , Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Cindi M Morshead
- 4 Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto , Toronto Canada
| | - Andras Nagy
- 3 Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute , Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Molly S Shoichet
- 1 Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto , Toronto, Canada .,2 Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto , Toronto, Canada .,5 Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto , Toronto, Canada
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition, where regenerative failure and cell loss lead to paralysis. The heterogeneous and time-sensitive pathophysiology has made it difficult to target tissue repair. Despite many medical advances, there are no effective regenerative therapies. As stem cells offer multi-targeted and environmentally responsive benefits, cell therapy is a promising treatment approach. Areas covered: This review highlights the cell therapies being investigated for SCI, including Schwann cells, olfactory ensheathing cells, mensenchymal stem/stromal cells, neural precursors, oligodendrocyte progenitors, embryonic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells. Through mechanisms of cell replacement, scaffolding, trophic support and immune modulation, each approach targets unique features of SCI pathology. However, as the injury is multifaceted, it is increasingly recognized that a combinatorial approach will be necessary to treat SCI. Expert opinion: Most preclinical studies, and an increasing number of clinical trials, are finding that single cell therapies have only modest benefits after SCI. These considerations, alongside issues of therapy cost-effectiveness, need to be addressed at the bench. In addition to exploring combinatorial strategies, researchers should consider cell reproducibility and storage parameters when designing animal experiments. Equally important, clinical trials must follow strict regulatory guidelines that will enable transparency of results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Badner
- a Department of Genetics and Development , Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network , Toronto , ON , Canada.,b Institute of Medical Sciences , University of Toronto , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Ahad M Siddiqui
- a Department of Genetics and Development , Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- a Department of Genetics and Development , Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network , Toronto , ON , Canada.,b Institute of Medical Sciences , University of Toronto , Toronto , ON , Canada.,c Canada Spinal Program , University Health Network, Toronto Western Hospital , Toronto , ON , Canada
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Sethi R, Sethi R, Redmond A, Lavik E. Olfactory ensheathing cells promote differentiation of neural stem cells and robust neurite extension. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2015; 10:772-85. [PMID: 24996386 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-014-9539-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The goal of this study was to gain insight into the signaling between olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) and neural stem cells (NSCs). We sought to understand the impact of OECs on NSC differentiation and neurite extension and to begin to elucidate the factors involved in these interactions to provide new targets for therapeutic interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODS We utilized lines of OECs that have been extremely well characterized in vitro and in vivo along with well studied NSCs in gels to determine the impact of the coculture in three dimensions. To further elucidate the signaling, we used conditioned media from the OECs as well as fractioned components on NSCs to determine the molecular weight range of the soluble factors that was most responsible for the NSC behavior. RESULTS We found that the coculture of NSCs and OECs led to robust NSC differentiation and extremely long neural processes not usually seen with NSCs in three dimensional gels in vitro. Through culture of NSCs with fractioned OEC media, we determined that molecules larger than 30 kDa have the greatest impact on the NSC behavior. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings suggest that cocultures of NSCs and OECs may be a novel combination therapy for neural injuries including spinal cord injury (SCI). Furthermore, we have identified a class of molecules which plays a substantial role in the behavior that provides new targets for investigating pharmacological therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosh Sethi
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA,
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Siddiqui AM, Khazaei M, Fehlings MG. Translating mechanisms of neuroprotection, regeneration, and repair to treatment of spinal cord injury. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2015; 218:15-54. [PMID: 25890131 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2014.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
One of the big challenges in neuroscience that remains to be understood is why the central nervous system is not able to regenerate to the extent that the peripheral nervous system does. This is especially problematic after traumatic injuries, like spinal cord injury (SCI), since the lack of regeneration leads to lifelong deficits and paralysis. Treatment of SCI has improved during the last several decades due to standardized protocols for emergency medical response teams and improved medical, surgical, and rehabilitative treatments. However, SCI continues to result in profound impairments for the individual. There are many processes that lead to the pathophysiology of SCI, such as ischemia, vascular disruption, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, demyelination, and cell death. Current treatments include surgical decompression, hemodynamic control, and methylprednisolone. However, these early treatments are associated with modest functional recovery. Some treatments currently being investigated for use in SCI target neuroprotective (riluzole, minocycline, G-CSF, FGF-2, and polyethylene glycol) or neuroregenerative (chondroitinase ABC, self-assembling peptides, and rho inhibition) strategies, while many cell therapies (embryonic stem cells, neural stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, Schwann cells, olfactory ensheathing cells, and macrophages) have also shown promise. However, since SCI has multiple factors that determine the progress of the injury, a combinatorial therapeutic approach will most likely be required for the most effective treatment of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahad M Siddiqui
- Department of Genetics and Development, Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohamad Khazaei
- Department of Genetics and Development, Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- Department of Genetics and Development, Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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The Potential for iPS-Derived Stem Cells as a Therapeutic Strategy for Spinal Cord Injury: Opportunities and Challenges. J Clin Med 2014; 4:37-65. [PMID: 26237017 PMCID: PMC4470238 DOI: 10.3390/jcm4010037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating trauma causing long-lasting disability. Although advances have occurred in the last decade in the medical, surgical and rehabilitative treatments of SCI, the therapeutic approaches are still not ideal. The use of cell transplantation as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of SCI is promising, particularly since it can target cell replacement, neuroprotection and regeneration. Cell therapies for treating SCI are limited due to several translational roadblocks, including ethical and practical concerns regarding cell sources. The use of iPSCs has been particularly attractive, since they avoid the ethical and moral concerns that surround other stem cells. Furthermore, various cell types with potential for application in the treatment of SCI can be created from autologous sources using iPSCs. For applications in SCI, the iPSCs can be differentiated into neural precursor cells, neurons, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, neural crest cells and mesenchymal stromal cells that can act by replacing lost cells or providing environmental support. Some methods, such as direct reprogramming, are being investigated to reduce tumorigenicity and improve reprogramming efficiencies, which have been some of the issues surrounding the use of iPSCs clinically to date. Recently, iPSCs have entered clinical trials for use in age-related macular degeneration, further supporting their promise for translation in other conditions, including SCI.
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Mortazavi MM, Harmon OA, Adeeb N, Deep A, Tubbs RS. Treatment of spinal cord injury: a review of engineering using neural and mesenchymal stem cells. Clin Anat 2014; 28:37-44. [PMID: 25156268 DOI: 10.1002/ca.22443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Over time, various treatment modalities for spinal cord injury have been trialed, including pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods. Among these, replacement of the injured neural and paraneural tissues via cellular transplantation of neural and mesenchymal stem cells has been the most attractive. Extensive experimental studies have been done to identify the safety and effectiveness of this transplantation in animal and human models. Herein, we review the literature for studies conducted, with a focus on the human-related studies, recruitment, isolation, and transplantation, of these multipotent stem cells, and associated outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin M Mortazavi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Emgård M, Piao J, Aineskog H, Liu J, Calzarossa C, Odeberg J, Holmberg L, Samuelsson EB, Bezubik B, Vincent PH, Falci SP, Seiger Å, Åkesson E, Sundström E. Neuroprotective effects of human spinal cord-derived neural precursor cells after transplantation to the injured spinal cord. Exp Neurol 2014; 253:138-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2013.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Revised: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Anderson AJ, Haus DL, Hooshmand MJ, Perez H, Sontag CJ, Cummings BJ. Achieving stable human stem cell engraftment and survival in the CNS: is the future of regenerative medicine immunodeficient? Regen Med 2011; 6:367-406. [PMID: 21548741 DOI: 10.2217/rme.11.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is potential for a variety of stem cell populations to mediate repair in the diseased or injured CNS; in some cases, this theoretical possibility has already transitioned to clinical safety testing. However, careful consideration of preclinical animal models is essential to provide an appropriate assessment of stem cell safety and efficacy, as well as the basic biological mechanisms of stem cell action. This article examines the lessons learned from early tissue, organ and hematopoietic grafting, the early assumptions of the stem cell and CNS fields with regard to immunoprivilege, and the history of success in stem cell transplantation into the CNS. Finally, we discuss strategies in the selection of animal models to maximize the predictive validity of preclinical safety and efficacy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen J Anderson
- Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Center, 845 Health Science Road, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-1705, USA.
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Hejčl A, Jendelová P, Syková E. Experimental reconstruction of the injured spinal cord. Adv Tech Stand Neurosurg 2011:65-95. [PMID: 21997741 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-7091-0673-0_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Injury to the spinal cord, with its pathological sequelae, results in a permanent neurological deficit. With currently available tools at hand, there is very little that clinicians can do to treat such a condition with the view of helping patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). On the other hand, in the last 20 years experimental research has brought new insights into the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury; we can divide the time course into 3 phases: primary injury (the time of traumatic impact and the period immediately afterwards), the secondary phase (cell death, inflammation, ischemia), and the chronic phase (scarring, demyelination, cyst formation). Increased knowledge about the pathophysiology of SCI can stimulate the development of new therapeutic modalities and approaches, which may be feasible in the future in clinical practice. Some of the most promising experimental therapies include: neurotrophic factors, enzymes and antibodies against inhibitory molecules (such as Nogo), activated macrophages, stem cells and bridging scaffolds. Their common goal is to reconstitute the damaged tissue in order to recover the lost function. In the current review, we focus on some of the recent developments in experimental SCI research.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hejčl
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
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12
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Pickard MR, Barraud P, Chari DM. The transfection of multipotent neural precursor/stem cell transplant populations with magnetic nanoparticles. Biomaterials 2010; 32:2274-84. [PMID: 21193228 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2010.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2010] [Accepted: 12/01/2010] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Multipotent neural precursor/stem cells (NPCs) are a major transplant population with key properties to promote repair in several neuropathological conditions. Magnetic nanoparticle (MNP)-based vector systems, in turn, offer a combination of key benefits for cell therapies including (i) safety (ii) delivery of therapeutic biomolecules (DNA/siRNA) enhanceable by 'magnetofection' approaches (iii) magnetic cell targeting of MNP-labelled cells to injury sites and (iv) non-invasive imaging of MNP-labelled transplant populations for cell tracking. However, the applications of the versatile MNP platform for NPC transplantation therapies have received limited attention so far. We have evaluated the potential of MNP vectors for gene transfer to NPCs using a neurosphere culture model system; we also assessed repeat transfection ("multifection") and repeat transfection plus applied magnetic field ("magneto-multifection") strategies [to enhance transfection efficiency]. We show for the first time that MNPs can safely mediate single/combinatorial gene delivery to NPCs. Multifection approaches significantly enhanced transfection with negligible toxicity; no adverse effects were observed on stem cell proliferation/differentiation. "Multifected" NPCs survived and differentiated in 3D neural tissue arrays post-transplantation. Our findings demonstrate that MNPs offer a simple and robust alternative to the viral vector systems currently used widely to transfect neural stem cells in neurobiology/neural transplantation research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Pickard
- Cellular and Neural Engineering Group, Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
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Cova L, Silani V. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: applications of stem cells - an update. STEM CELLS AND CLONING-ADVANCES AND APPLICATIONS 2010; 3:145-56. [PMID: 24198520 PMCID: PMC3781739 DOI: 10.2147/sccaa.s8662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are a growing public health challenge, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains a fatal incurable disease. The advent of stem cell therapy has opened new horizons for both researchers and ALS patients, desperately looking for a treatment. ALS must be considered a systemic disease affecting many cell phenotypes besides motor neurons, even outside the central nervous system. Cell replacement therapy needs to address the specific neurobiological issues of ALS to safely and efficiently reach clinical settings. Moreover, the enormous potential of induced pluripotent cells directly derived from patients for modeling and understanding the pathological mechanisms, in correlation with the discoveries of new genes and animal models, provides new opportunities that need to be integrated with previously described transplantation strategies. Finally, a careful evaluation of preclinical data in conjunction with wary patient choice in clinical trials needs to be established in order to generate meaningful results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Cova
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milano, Italy
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Sundberg M, Andersson PH, Åkesson E, Odeberg J, Holmberg L, Inzunza J, Falci S, Öhman J, Suuronen R, Skottman H, Lehtimäki K, Hovatta O, Narkilahti S, Sundström E. Markers of pluripotency and differentiation in human neural precursor cells derived from embryonic stem cells and CNS tissue. Cell Transplant 2010; 20:177-91. [PMID: 20875224 DOI: 10.3727/096368910x527266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell transplantation therapies for central nervous system (CNS) deficits such as spinal cord injury (SCI) have been shown to be effective in several animal models. One cell type that has been transplanted is neural precursor cells (NPCs), for which there are several possible sources. We have studied NPCs derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human fetal CNS tissue (hfNPCs), cultured as neurospheres, and the expression of pluripotency and neural genes during neural induction and in vitro differentiation. mRNA for the pluripotency markers Nanog, Oct-4, Gdf3, and DNMT3b were downregulated during neural differentiation of hESCs. mRNA for these markers was found in nonpluripotent hfNPC at higher levels compared to hESC-NPCs. However, Oct-4 protein was found in hESC-NPCs after 8 weeks of culture, but not in hfNPCs. Similarly, SSEA-4 and CD326 were only found in hESC-NPCs. NPCs from both sources differentiated as expected to cells with typical features of neurons and astrocytes. The expressions of neuronal markers in hESC-NPCs were affected by the composition of cell culture medium, while this did not affect hfNPCs. Transplantation of hESC-NPC or hfNPC neurospheres into immunodeficient mouse testis or subcutaneous tissue did not result in tumor formation. In contrast, typical teratomas appeared in all animals after transplantation of hESC-NPCs to injured or noninjured spinal cords of immunodeficient rats. Our data show that transplantation to the subcutaneous tissue or the testes of immunodeficient mice is not a reliable method for evaluation of the tumor risk of remaining pluripotent cells in grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sundberg
- Regea-Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Tampere and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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Mazzini L, Vercelli A, Ferrero I, Mareschi K, Boido M, Servo S, Oggioni GD, Testa L, Monaco F, Fagioli F. Stem cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: state of the art. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2009; 9:1245-58. [DOI: 10.1517/14712590903186956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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