Labeling of olfactory ensheathing glial cells with fluorescent tracers for neurotransplantation

Fast Blue and Cholera Toxin-B Survival Guide for Alpha-Motoneurons Labeling: Less Is Better in Young B6SJL Mice, but More Is Better in Aged C57Bl/J Mice

Fast Blue (FB) and Cholera Toxin-B (CTB) are two retrograde tracers extensively used to label alpha-motoneurons (α-MNs). The overall goals of the present study were to (1) assess the effectiveness of different FB and CTB protocols in labeling α-MNs, (2) compare the labeling quality of these tracers at standard concentrations reported in the literature (FB 2% and CTB 0.1%) versus lower concentrations to overcome tracer leakage, and (3) determine an optimal protocol for labeling α-MNs in young B6SJL and aged C57Bl/J mice (when axonal transport is disrupted by aging). Hindlimb muscles of young B6SJL and aged C57Bl/J mice were intramuscularly injected with different FB or CTB concentrations and then euthanized at either 3 or 5 days after injection. Measurements were performed to assess labeling quality via seven different parameters. Our results show that tracer protocols of lower concentration and shorter labeling durations were generally better in labeling young α-MNs, whereas tracer protocols of higher tracer concentration and longer labeling durations were generally better in labeling aged α-MNs. A 0.2%, 3-day FB protocol provided optimal labeling of young α-MNs without tracer leakage, whereas a 2%, 5-day FB protocol or 0.1% CTB protocol provided optimal labeling of aged α-MNs. These results inform future studies on the selection of optimal FB and CTB protocols for α-MNs labeling in normal, aging, and neurodegenerative disease conditions.

Ginseng-derived nanoparticles induce skin cell proliferation and promote wound healing

Background

Past studies suggested that ginseng extracts and ginseng-derived molecules exerted significant regulatory effects on skin. However, no reports have described the effects of ginseng-derived nanoparticles (GDNPs) on skin cell proliferation and wound healing. In this study, we investigated whether GDNPs regulate the proliferation of skin cells and promote wound healing in a mouse model.

Methods

GDNPs were separated and purified via differential centrifugation and sucrose/D2O gradient ultracentrifugation. GDNP uptake, cell proliferation and cell cycle progression were measured by confocal microscopy, CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Cell migration and angiogenic effects were assessed by the wound scratch assay and tube formation assay, respectively. ELISA was used to detect extracellular matrix secretion. The relevant signaling pathway was confirmed by western blotting. The effects of GDNPs on skin wound healing were assessed by wound observation, HE staining, and western blotting.

Results

GDNPs possessed the essential features of exosomes, and they were accumulated by skin cells. Treatment with GDNPs notably enhanced the proliferation of HaCaT, BJ and HUVECs. GDNPs also enhanced the migration in HaCaT cells and HUVECs and angiogenesis in HUVECs. GDNPs increased the secretion of MMP-1, fibronectin-1, elastin-1, and COL1A1 in all three cell lines. GDNPs regulated cell proliferation through the ERK and AKT/ mTOR pathways. Furthermore, GDNPs facilitated skin wound healing and decreased inflammation in a mouse skin wound model.

Conclusion

GDNPs can promote skin wound healing through the ERK and AKT/mTOR pathways. GDNPs thus represent an alternative treatment for chronic skin wounds.

Trimethylene carbonate-caprolactone conduit with poly-p-dioxanone microfilaments to promote regeneration after spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is often associated with scarring and cavity formation and therefore bridging strategies are essential to provide a physical substrate for axonal regeneration. In this study we investigated the effects of a biodegradable conduit made from trimethylene carbonate and ε-caprolactone (TC) containing poly-p-dioxanone microfilaments (PDO) with longitudinal grooves on regeneration after SCI in adult rats. In vitro studies demonstrated that different cell types including astrocytes, meningeal fibroblasts, Schwann cells and adult sensory dorsal root ganglia neurons can grow on the TC and PDO material. For in vivo experiments, the TC/PDO conduit was implanted into a small 2-3 mm long cavity in the C3-C4 cervical segments immediately after injury (acute SCI) or at 2-5 months after initial surgery (chronic SCI). At 8 weeks after implantation into acute SCI, numerous 5HT-positive descending raphaespinal axons and sensory CGRP-positive axons regenerated across the conduit and were often associated with PDO microfilaments and migrated host cells. Implantation into chronically injured SCI induced regeneration mainly of the sensory CGRP-positive axons. Although the conduit had no effect on the density of OX42-positive microglial cells when compared with SCI control, the activity of GFAP-positive astrocytes was reduced. The results suggest that a TC/PDO conduit can support axonal regeneration after acute and chronic SCI even without addition of exogenous glial or stem cells.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Biosynthetic conduits can support regeneration after spinal cord injury but often require addition of cell therapy and neurotrophic factors. This study demonstrates that biodegradable conduits made from trimethylene carbonate and ε-caprolactone with poly-p-dioxanone microfilaments alone can promote migration of different host cells and stimulate axonal regeneration after implantation into acute and chronic spinal cord injury. These results can be used to develop biosynthetic conduits for future clinical applications.

A Comparison of Exogenous Labels for the Histological Identification of Transplanted Neural Stem Cells

The interpretation of cell transplantation experiments is often dependent on the presence of an exogenous label for the identification of implanted cells. The exogenous labels Hoechst 33342, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU), PKH26, and Qtracker were compared for their labeling efficiency, cellular effects, and reliability to identify a human neural stem cell (hNSC) line implanted intracerebrally into the rat brain. Hoechst 33342 (2 mg/ml) exhibited a delayed cytotoxicity that killed all cells within 7 days. This label was hence not progressed to in vivo studies. PKH26 (5 μM), Qtracker (15 nM), and BrdU (0.2 μM) labeled 100% of the cell population at day 1, although BrdU labeling declined by day 7. BrdU and Qtracker exerted effects on proliferation and differentiation. PKH26 reduced viability and proliferation at day 1, but this normalized by day 7. In an in vitro coculture assay, all labels transferred to unlabeled cells. After transplantation, the reliability of exogenous labels was assessed against the gold standard of a human-specific nuclear antigen (HNA) antibody. BrdU, PKH26, and Qtracker resulted in a very small proportion (<2%) of false positives, but a significant amount of false negatives (∼30%), with little change between 1 and 7 days. Exogenous labels can therefore be reliable to identify transplanted cells without exerting major cellular effects, but validation is required. The interpretation of cell transplantation experiments should be presented in the context of the label's limitations.

Fluorescent probes as a tool for cell population tracking in spontaneously active neural networks derived from human pluripotent stem cells

Applications such as 3D cultures and tissue modelling require cell tracking with non-invasive methods. In this work, the suitability of two fluorescent probes, CellTracker, CT, and long chain carbocyanine dye, DiD, was investigated for long-term culturing of labeled human pluripotent stem cell-derived neural cells. We found that these dyes did not affect the cell viability. However, proliferation was decreased in DiD labeled cell population. With both dyes the labeling was stable up to 4 weeks. CT and DiD labeled cells could be co-cultured and, importantly, these mixed populations had their normal ability to form spontaneous electrical network activity. In conclusion, human neural cells can be successfully labeled with these two fluorescent probes without significantly affecting the cell characteristics. These labeled cells could be utilized further in e.g. building controlled neuronal networks for neurotoxicity screening platforms, combining cells with biomaterials for 3D studies, and graft development.

Myelin-associated proteins block the migration of olfactory ensheathing cells: an in vitro study using single-cell tracking and traction force microscopy

Newly generated olfactory receptor axons grow from the peripheral to the central nervous system aided by olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs). Thus, OEC transplantation has emerged as a promising therapy for spinal cord injuries and for other neural diseases. However, these cells do not present a uniform population, but instead a functionally heterogeneous population that exhibits a variety of responses including adhesion, repulsion, and crossover during cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Some studies report that the migratory properties of OECs are compromised by inhibitory molecules and potentiated by chemical gradients. Here, we demonstrated that rodent OECs express all the components of the Nogo receptor complex and that their migration is blocked by myelin. Next, we used cell tracking and traction force microscopy to analyze OEC migration and its mechanical properties over myelin. Our data relate the decrease of traction force of OEC with lower migratory capacity over myelin, which correlates with changes in the F-actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesion distribution. Lastly, OEC traction force and migratory capacity is enhanced after cell incubation with the Nogo receptor inhibitor NEP1-40.

PKH26 is an excellent retrograde and anterograde fluorescent tracer characterized by a small injection site and strong fluorescence emission

The fluorescent dye PKH26, which binds mainly to the cell membrane, has long stability that enables the tracing of PKH26-labeled transplanted cells in host tissue. In the present study, we examined whether this fluorescent dye works as a retrograde or anterograde tracer to label neural networks within the central nervous system of adult and postnatal day 3 (P3) mice. A small injection of the dye into the medullospinal junction resulted in the retrograde labeling of corticospinal tract (CST) neurons in layer V of the sensory-motor cortex both in the adult mice and pups. Injection of the dye into the motor cortex of the P3 pups resulted in the anterograde labeling of CST fibers at a single fiber resolution level, although a similar injection of the dye into the motor cortex of the adult mice failed to stain CST fibers anterogradely. These results suggest that, while PKH26 works as a retrograde or anterograde tracer, anterograde labeling of the adult tracts can not be expected.

Labeling Stem Cells with a Near-Infrared Fluorescent Heptamethine Dye for Noninvasive Optical Tracking

Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent agents hold great promise for noninvasive in vivo imaging. We have recently reported that a NIR fluorescent heptamethine dye, IR-780 iodide, exhibits unique optical properties for biomedical imaging. On the basis of this foregoing work, we further describe here the potential application of IR-780 iodide as a novel NIR agent for stem cell labeling and tracking. The labeling efficiency, subcellular localization, and the effects on cell viability and differentiation of IR-780 iodide were investigated. The in vivo distribution of stem cells after intravenous transplantation was traced by whole-body animal NIR imaging. Our results showed that IR-780 iodide exhibited superior labeling efficiency and biocompatibility with unique optical properties. Following whole-body NIR imaging, the pulmonary passage of stem cells was noninvasively visualized in rats after systemic transplantation of IR-780 iodide-labeled stem cells through intravenous delivery. With this NIR imaging method, we further confirmed that pretreatment with sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a vasodilator agent, significantly reduced the cell trapping in the lung and increased the cell passage through the lung capillaries. Our study suggests that IR-780 iodide may represent an effective NIR fluorophore for stem cell labeling and tracking.

Nanomaterials for regenerative medicine

The application of nanotechnology has opened a new realm of advancement in the field of regenerative medicine and has provided hope for the culmination of long-felt needs by the development of an ideal means to control the biochemical and mechanical microenvironment for successful cell delivery and tissue regeneration. Both top-down and bottom-up approaches have been widely used in the advancement of this field, be it by improvement in scaffolds for cell growth, development of new and efficient delivery devices, cellular modification and tracking applications or by development of nanodevices such as biosensors. The current review elaborates the various nanomaterials used in regenerative medicine with a special focus on the development of this field during the last 5 years and the recent advances in their aforementioned applications. Furthermore, the key issues and challenges in using nanotechnology-based approaches are highlighted with an outlook on the likely future of nano-assisted regenerative medicine.

Efficacy of olfactory ensheathing cells to support regeneration after spinal cord injury is influenced by method of culture preparation

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OEC) have been shown to stimulate regeneration, myelination and functional recovery in different spinal cord injury models. However, recent reports from several laboratories have challenged this treatment strategy. The discrepancy in results could be attributed to many factors including variations in culture protocols. The present study investigates whether the differences in culture preparation could influence neuroprotective and growth-promoting effects of OEC after transplantation into the injured spinal cord. Primary OEC cultures were purified using method of differential cell adhesion (a-OEC) or separated with immunomagnetic beads (b-OEC). After cervical C4 hemisection in adult rats, short-term (3 weeks) or long-term (7 weeks) cultured OEC were transplanted into the lateral funiculus at 1mm rostral and caudal to the transection site. At 3-8 weeks after transplantation, labeled OEC were mainly found in the injection sites and in the trauma zone. Short-term cultured a-OEC supported regrowth of rubrospinal, raphaespinal and CGRP-positive fibers, and attenuated retrograde degeneration in the red nucleus. Short-term cultured b-OEC failed to promote axonal regrowth but increased the density of rubrospinal axons within the dorsolateral funiculus and provided significant neuroprotection for axotomized rubrospinal neurons. In addition, short-term cultured OEC attenuated sprouting of rubrospinal terminals. In contrast, long-term cultured OEC neither enhanced axonal growth nor prevented retrograde cell death. The results suggest that the age of OEC in culture and the method of cell purification could affect the efficacy of OEC to support neuronal survival and regeneration after spinal cord injury. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Understanding olfactory ensheathing glia and their prospect for nervous system repair.