Gene expression profiles of early adipogenesis in human mesenchymal stem cells

Image-based discrimination of the early stages of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are self-renewing, multipotent cells, which can be used in cellular and tissue therapeutics. MSCs cell number can be expanded in vitro, but premature differentiation results in reduced cell number and compromised therapeutic efficacies. Current techniques fail to discriminate the "stem-like" population from early stages (12 h) of differentiated MSC population. Here, we imaged nuclear structure and actin architecture using immunofluorescence and used deep learning-based computer vision technology to discriminate the early stages (6-12 h) of MSC differentiation. Convolutional neural network models trained by nucleus and actin images have high accuracy in reporting MSC differentiation; nuclear images alone can identify early stages of differentiation. Concurrently, we show that chromatin fluidity and heterochromatin levels or localization change during early MSC differentiation. This study quantifies changes in cell architecture during early MSC differentiation and describes a novel image-based diagnostic tool that could be widely used in MSC culture, expansion and utilization.

Single nucleus RNA-sequencing integrated into risk variant colocalization discovers 17 cell-type-specific abdominal obesity genes for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

BACKGROUND

Abdominal obesity increases the risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

METHODS

To elucidate the directional cell-type level biological mechanisms underlying the association between abdominal obesity and MASLD, we integrated adipose and liver single nucleus RNA-sequencing and bulk cis-expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) data with the UK Biobank genome-wide association study (GWAS) data using colocalization. Then we used colocalized cis-eQTL variants as instrumental variables in Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses, followed by functional validation experiments on the target genes of the cis-eQTL variants.

FINDINGS

We identified 17 colocalized abdominal obesity GWAS variants, regulating 17 adipose cell-type marker genes. Incorporating these 17 variants into MR discovers a putative tissue-of-origin, cell-type-aware causal effect of abdominal obesity on MASLD consistently with multiple MR methods without significant evidence for pleiotropy or heterogeneity. Single cell data confirm the adipocyte-enriched mean expression of the 17 genes. Our cellular experiments across human adipogenesis identify risk variant -specific epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms. Knocking down two of the 17 genes, PPP2R5A and SH3PXD2B, shows a marked decrease in adipocyte lipidation and significantly alters adipocyte function and adipogenesis regulator genes, including DGAT2, LPL, ADIPOQ, PPARG, and SREBF1. Furthermore, the 17 genes capture a characteristic MASLD expression signature in subcutaneous adipose tissue.

INTERPRETATION

Overall, we discover a significant cell-type level effect of abdominal obesity on MASLD and trace its biological effect to adipogenesis.

FUNDING

NIH grants R01HG010505, R01DK132775, and R01HL170604; the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (Grant No. 802825), Academy of Finland (Grants Nos. 333021), the Finnish Foundation for Cardiovascular Research the Sigrid Jusélius Foundation and the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation; American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) Advanced Transplant Hepatology award and NIH/NIDDK (P30DK41301) Pilot and Feasibility award; NIH/NIEHS F32 award (F32ES034668); Finnish Diabetes Research Foundation, Kuopio University Hospital Project grant (EVO/VTR grants 2005-2021), the Academy of Finland grant (Contract no. 138006); Academy of Finland (Grant Nos 335443, 314383, 272376 and 266286), Sigrid Jusélius Foundation, Finnish Medical Foundation, Finnish Diabetes Research Foundation, Novo Nordisk Foundation (#NNF20OC0060547, NNF17OC0027232, NNF10OC1013354) and Government Research Funds to Helsinki University Hospital; Orion Research Foundation, Maud Kuistila Foundation, Finish Medical Foundation, and University of Helsinki.

Single-cell epigenomic dysregulation of Systemic Sclerosis fibroblasts via CREB1/EGR1 axis in self-assembled human skin equivalents

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by skin fibrosis, internal organ involvement and vascular dropout. We previously developed and phenotypically characterized an in vitro 3D skin-like tissue model of SSc, and now analyze the transcriptomic (scRNA-seq) and epigenetic (scATAC-seq) characteristics of this model at single-cell resolution. SSc 3D skin-like tissues were fabricated using autologous fibroblasts, macrophages, and plasma from SSc patients or healthy control (HC) donors. SSc tissues displayed increased dermal thickness and contractility, as well as increased α-SMA staining. Single-cell transcriptomic and epigenomic analyses identified keratinocytes, macrophages, and five populations of fibroblasts (labeled FB1 - 5). Notably, FB1 APOE-expressing fibroblasts were 12-fold enriched in SSc tissues and were characterized by high EGR1 motif accessibility. Pseudotime analysis suggests that FB1 fibroblasts differentiate from a TGF-β1-responsive fibroblast population and ligand-receptor analysis indicates that the FB1 fibroblasts are active in macrophage crosstalk via soluble ligands including FGF2 and APP. These findings provide characterization of the 3D skin-like model at single cell resolution and establish that it recapitulates subsets of fibroblasts and macrophage phenotypes observed in skin biopsies.

Single-cell transcriptome dataset of human and mouse in vitro adipogenesis models

Adipogenesis is a process in which fat-specific progenitor cells (preadipocytes) differentiate into adipocytes that carry out the key metabolic functions of the adipose tissue, including glucose uptake, energy storage, and adipokine secretion. Several cell lines are routinely used to study the molecular regulation of adipogenesis, in particular the immortalized mouse 3T3-L1 line and the primary human Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS) line. However, the cell-to-cell variability of transcriptional changes prior to and during adipogenesis in these models is not well understood. Here, we present a single-cell RNA-Sequencing (scRNA-Seq) dataset collected before and during adipogenic differentiation of 3T3-L1 and SGBS cells. To minimize the effects of experimental variation, we mixed 3T3-L1 and SGBS cells and used computational analysis to demultiplex transcriptomes of mouse and human cells. In both models, adipogenesis results in the appearance of three cell clusters, corresponding to preadipocytes, early and mature adipocytes. These data provide a groundwork for comparative studies on these widely used in vitro models of human and mouse adipogenesis, and on cell-to-cell variability during this process.

Single-cell transcriptome dataset of human and mouse in vitro adipogenesis models

Adipogenesis is a process in which fat-specific progenitor cells (preadipocytes) differentiate into adipocytes that carry out the key metabolic functions of the adipose tissue, including glucose uptake, energy storage, and adipokine secretion. Several cell lines are routinely used to study the molecular regulation of adipogenesis, in particular the immortalized mouse 3T3-L1 line and the primary human Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS) line. However, the cell-to-cell variability of transcriptional changes prior to and during adipogenesis in these models is not well understood. Here, we present a single-cell RNA-Sequencing (scRNA-Seq) dataset collected before and during adipogenic differentiation of 3T3-L1 and SGBS cells. To minimize the effects of experimental variation, we mixed 3T3-L1 and SGBS cells and used computational analysis to demultiplex transcriptomes of mouse and human cells. In both models, adipogenesis results in the appearance of three cell clusters, corresponding to preadipocytes, early and mature adipocytes. These data provide a groundwork for comparative studies on human and mouse adipogenesis, as well as on cell-to-cell variability in gene expression during this process.

Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Derived from Human and Animal Perinatal Tissues-Origins, Characteristics, Signaling Pathways, and Clinical Trials

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are currently one of the most extensively researched fields due to their promising opportunity for use in regenerative medicine. There are many sources of MSCs, of which cells of perinatal origin appear to be an invaluable pool. Compared to embryonic stem cells, they are devoid of ethical conflicts because they are derived from tissues surrounding the fetus and can be safely recovered from medical waste after delivery. Additionally, perinatal MSCs exhibit better self-renewal and differentiation properties than those derived from adult tissues. It is important to consider the anatomy of perinatal tissues and the general description of MSCs, including their isolation, differentiation, and characterization of different types of perinatal MSCs from both animals and humans (placenta, umbilical cord, amniotic fluid). Ultimately, signaling pathways are essential to consider regarding the clinical applications of MSCs. It is important to consider the origin of these cells, referring to the anatomical structure of the organs of origin, when describing the general and specific characteristics of the different types of MSCs as well as the pathways involved in differentiation.

The Effect of Liposomal Curcumin as an Anti-Inflammatory Strategy on Lipopolysaccharide e from Porphyromonas gingivalis Treated Endothelial Committed Neural Crest Derived Stem Cells: Morphological and Molecular Mechanisms

Curcumin, a yellow polyphenol extracted from the turmeric root is used as a diet supplement. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor properties by modulating different intracellular mechanisms. Due to their low solubility in water, the curcumin molecules must be encapsulated into liposomes to improve the bioavailability and biomedical potential. For the periodontal tissue and systemic health, it is essential to regulate the local inflammatory response. In this study, the possible beneficial effect of liposomes loaded with curcumin (CurLIP) in neural crest-derived human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) and in endothelial-differentiated hPDLSCs (e-hPDLSCs) induced with an inflammatory stimulus (lipopolysaccharide obtained from Porphyromonas gingivalis, LPS-G) was evaluated. The CurLIP formulation exhibited a significant anti-inflammatory effect by the downregulation of Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4)/Myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NFkB)/NLR Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3)/Caspase-1/Interleukin (IL)-1β inflammation cascade and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. Moreover, the exposure to LPS-G caused significant alterations in the expression of epigenetic modifiers, such as DNA Methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and P300, while the CurLIP treatment showed physiological expression. Overall, our in vitro study provides novel mechanistic insights into the intracellular pathway exert by CurLIP in the regulation of inflammation and epigenetic modifications.

Osteogenic differentiation potential of porcine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell subpopulations selected in different basal media

Multipotent porcine mesenchymal stem cells (pMSC) are invaluable for research and therapeutic use in regenerative medicine. Media used for derivation and expansion of pMSC may play an important role for the selection of MSC subpopulation at an early stage and thereby, the specific basal medium may also affect differentiation potential of these cells. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of αMEM, aDMEM, M199, αMEM/M199, aDMEM/M199 and αMEM/aDMEM media on (1) porcine bone marrow MSC derivation; (2) expression of number of osteogenic markers (ALP, COL1A1, SPP1 and BGLAP) at 5th and 10th passage in pMSC before differentiation; and (3) differentiation of pMSC (at 5th passage) to osteogenic lineage. Morphological changes and matrix formation in osteogenic cells were evaluated by microscopic examination. Calcium deposits in osteocytes were confirmed by Alizarin Red S staining. Based on expression of different markers, it was evident that selection of bone marrow pMSC subpopulations was independent of basal media used. However, the differentiation of those pMSCs, specifically to osteogenic lineage, was dependent on the medium used for expansion of pMSC at the pre-differentiation stage. We demonstrated here that the pMSC grown in combined αMEM/aDMEM (1:1) medium expressed number of osteogenic markers and these pMSC underwent osteogenic differentiation most efficiently, in comparison to porcine mesenchymal stem cells grown in other media. In conclusion, osteogenic differentiation potential of pMSC maintained in αMEM/aDMEM medium was observed significantly higher compared to cells cultivated in other media and therefore, the combined medium αMEM/aDMEM (1:1) may preferentially be used for expansion of pMSC, if needed for osteogenic differentiation.

Identification of potential specific biomarkers and key signaling pathways between osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of hBMSCs for osteoporosis therapy

Background

The differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into adipogenesis (AD) rather than osteogenesis (OS) is an important pathological feature of osteoporosis. Illuminating the detailed mechanisms of the differentiation of BMSCs into OS and AD would contribute to the interpretation of osteoporosis pathology.

Methods

To identify the regulated mechanism in lineage commitment of the BMSCs into OS and AD in the early stages, the gene expression profiles with temporal series were downloaded to reveal the distinct fates when BMSCs adopt a committed lineage. For both OS and AD lineages, the profiles of days 2–4 were compared with day 0 to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively. Next, the functional enrichment analysis was utilized to find out the biological function, and protein-protein interaction network to predict the central genes. Finally, experiments were performed to verify our finding.

Results

FoxO signaling pathway with central genes like FoxO3, IL6, and CAT is the crucial mechanism of OS, while Rap1 signaling pathway of VEGFA and FGF2 enrichment is more significant for AD. Besides, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway might serve as the latent mechanism about the initiation of differentiation of BMSCs into multiple lineages.

Conclusion

Above hub genes and early-responder signaling pathways control osteogenic and adipogenic fates of BMSCs, which maybe mechanistic models clarifying the changes of bone metabolism in the clinical progress of osteoporosis. The findings provide a crucial reference for the prevention and therapy of osteoporosis.

Adipogenesis, Osteogenesis, and Chondrogenesis of Human Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells: A Comparative Transcriptome Approach

Adipogenesis, osteogenesis and chondrogenesis of human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) are complex and highly regulated processes. Over the years, several studies have focused on understanding the mechanisms involved in the MSC commitment to the osteogenic, adipogenic and/or chondrogenic phenotypes. High-throughput methodologies have been used to investigate the gene expression profile during differentiation. Association of data analysis of mRNAs, microRNAs, circular RNAs and long non-coding RNAs, obtained at different time points over these processes, are important to depict the complexity of differentiation. This review will discuss the results that were highlighted in transcriptome analyses of MSC undergoing adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. The focus is to shed light on key molecules, main signaling pathways and biological processes related to different time points of adipogenesis, osteogenesis and chondrogenesis.

Genome-wide meta-analysis of variant-by-diuretic interactions as modulators of lipid traits in persons of European and African ancestry

Hypertension (HTN) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Metabolic abnormalities, including adverse cholesterol and triglycerides (TG) profiles, are frequent comorbid findings with HTN and contribute to cardiovascular disease. Diuretics, which are used to treat HTN and heart failure, have been associated with worsening of fasting lipid concentrations. Genome-wide meta-analyses with 39,710 European-ancestry (EA) individuals and 9925 African-ancestry (AA) individuals were performed to identify genetic variants that modify the effect of loop or thiazide diuretic use on blood lipid concentrations. Both longitudinal and cross sectional data were used to compute cohort-specific interaction results, which were then combined through meta-analysis in each ancestry. These ancestry-specific results were further combined through trans-ancestry meta-analysis. Analysis of EA data identified two genome-wide significant (p < 5 × 10-8) loci with single nucleotide variant (SNV)-loop diuretic interaction on TG concentrations (including COL11A1). Analysis of AA data identified one genome-wide significant locus adjacent to BMP2 with SNV-loop diuretic interaction on TG concentrations. Trans-ancestry analysis strengthened evidence of association for SNV-loop diuretic interaction at two loci (KIAA1217 and BAALC). There were few significant SNV-thiazide diuretic interaction associations on TG concentrations and for either diuretic on cholesterol concentrations. Several promising loci were identified that may implicate biologic pathways that contribute to adverse metabolic side effects from diuretic therapy.

Muscle transcriptome analysis identifies genes involved in ciliogenesis and the molecular cascade associated with intramuscular fat content in Large White heavy pigs

Intramuscular fat content (IMF) is a complex trait influencing the technological and sensorial features of meat products and determining pork quality. Thus, we aimed at analyzing through RNA-sequencing the Semimembranosus muscle transcriptome of Italian Large White pigs to study the gene networks associated with IMF deposition. Two groups of samples were used; each one was composed of six unrelated pigs with extreme and divergent IMF content (0.67 ± 0.09% in low IMF vs. 6.81 ± 1.17% in high IMF groups) that were chosen from 950 purebred individuals. Paired-end RNA sequences were aligned to Sus scrofa genome assembly 11.1 and gene counts were analyzed using WGCNA and DeSeq2 packages in R environment. Interestingly, among the 58 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), several were related to primary cilia organelles (such as Lebercilin 5 gene), in addition to the genes involved in the regulation of cell differentiation, in the control of RNA-processing, and G-protein and ERK signaling pathways. Together with cilia-related genes, we also found in high IMF pigs an over-expression of the Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF2) gene, which in other animal species was found to be a regulator of ciliogenesis. Four WGCNA gene modules resulted significantly associated with IMF deposition: grey60 (P = 0.003), darkturquoise (P = 0.022), skyblue1 (P = 0.022), and lavenderblush3 (P = 0.030). The genes in the significant modules confirmed the results obtained for the DEGs, and the analysis with “cytoHubba” indicated genes controlling RNA splicing and cell differentiation as hub genes. Among the complex molecular processes affecting muscle fat depots, genes involved in primary cilia may have an important role, and the transcriptional reprogramming observed in high IMF pigs may be related to an FGF-related molecular cascade and to ciliogenesis, which in the literature have been associated with fibro-adipogenic precursor differentiation.

Selenium and Selenoproteins in Adipose Tissue Physiology and Obesity

Selenium (Se) homeostasis is tightly related to carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, but its possible roles in obesity development and in adipocyte metabolism are unclear. The objective of the present study is to review the current data on Se status in obesity and to discuss the interference between Se and selenoprotein metabolism in adipocyte physiology and obesity pathogenesis. The overview and meta-analysis of the studies on blood Se and selenoprotein P (SELENOP) levels, as well as glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity in obese subjects, have yielded heterogenous and even conflicting results. Laboratory studies demonstrate that Se may modulate preadipocyte proliferation and adipogenic differentiation, and also interfere with insulin signaling, and regulate lipolysis. Knockout models have demonstrated that the selenoprotein machinery, including endoplasmic reticulum-resident selenoproteins together with GPXs and thioredoxin reductases (TXNRDs), are tightly related to adipocyte development and functioning. In conclusion, Se and selenoproteins appear to play an essential role in adipose tissue physiology, although human data are inconsistent. Taken together, these findings do not support the utility of Se supplementation to prevent or alleviate obesity in humans. Further human and laboratory studies are required to elucidate associations between Se metabolism and obesity.

Vaspin protects mouse mesenchymal stem cells from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis through the MAPK/p38 pathway

The aim of the work was to study the influence of vaspin on oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of mouse mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs originated from bone marrow of C57BL/6 mouse were treated with vaspin and/or H₂O₂ in a dose-dependent manner. Cellular viability detected by CCK-8 and cell apoptosis studied by flow cytometry and TUNEL assay were observed in these cells. The protein expressions of PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, T-ERK1/2, p-ERK1/2, p38, p-p38, JNK, and p-JNK were tested by Western blot. Vaspin had no significant effect on cellular viability, but significantly reduced H₂O₂-induced apoptosis. Western blot assay showed that pretreatment with vaspin promoted the activation of p-p38. Inhibition of p38 by SB203580 suppressed the protective effect of vaspin on oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Vaspin inhibits oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of MSCs via the activation of MAPK/p38 signaling pathway. These findings indicate that vaspin is prone to osteoporosis protection.

Identification of Three Early Phases of Cell-Fate Determination during Osteogenic and Adipogenic Differentiation by Transcription Factor Dynamics

Age-related skeletal degeneration in patients with osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone mass and occurs concomitant with an increase in bone marrow adipocytes. Using microarray expression profiling with high temporal resolution, we identified gene regulatory events in early stages of osteogenic and adipogenic lineage commitment of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs). Data analysis revealed three distinct phases when cells adopt a committed expression phenotype: initiation of differentiation (0-3 hr, phase I), lineage acquisition (6-24 hr, phase II), and early lineage progression (48-96 hr, phase III). Upstream regulator analysis identified 34 transcription factors (TFs) in phase I with a role in hMSC differentiation. Interestingly, expression levels of identified TFs did not always change and indicate additional post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Functional analysis revealed that forced expression of IRF2 enhances osteogenic differentiation. Thus, IRF2 and other early-responder TFs may control osteogenic cell fate of MSCs and should be considered in mechanistic models that clarify bone-anabolic changes during clinical progression of osteoporosis.

Synchrotron FTIR microspectroscopy reveals early adipogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells at single-cell level

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have been used as an ideal in vitro model to study human adipogenesis. However, little knowledge of the early stage differentiation greatly hinders our understanding on the mechanism of the adipogenesis processes. In this study, synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) microspectroscopy was applied to track the global structural and compositional changes of lipids, proteins and nucleic acids inside individual hMSCs along the time course. The multivariate analysis of the SR-FTIR spectra distinguished the dynamic and significant changes of the lipids and nucleic acid at early differentiation stage. Importantly, changes of lipid structure during early days (Day 1-3) of differentiation might serve as a potential biomarker in identifying the state in early differentiation at single cell level. These results proved that SR-FTIR is a powerful tool to study the stem cell fate determination and early lipogenesis events.

Comprehensive DNA Methylation and Gene Expression Profiling in Differentiating Human Adipocytes

Insight into the processes controlling adipogenesis is important in the battle against the obesity epidemic and its related disorders. The transcriptional regulatory cascade involved in adipocyte differentiation has been extensively studied, however, the mechanisms driving the transcription activation are still poorly understood. In this study, we explored the involvement of DNA methylation in transcriptional regulation during adipocyte differentiation of primary human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Genome-wide changes in DNA methylation were measured using the Illumina 450K BeadChip. In addition, expression of 84 adipogenic genes was determined, of which 43 genes showed significant expression changes during the differentiation process. Among these 43 differentially expressed genes, differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were detected in only three genes. By comparing genome-wide DNA methylation profiles in undifferentiated and differentiated adipocytes 793 significant DMRs were detected. Pathway analysis revealed the adipogenesis pathway as the most statistically significant, although only a small number of genes were differentially methylated. Genome-wide DNA methylation changes for single probes were most often located in intergenic regions, and underrepresented close to the transcription start site. In conclusion, DNA methylation remained relatively stable during adipocyte differentiation, implying that changes in DNA methylation are not the underlying mechanism regulating gene expression during adipocyte differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2707-2718, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Adipose progenitor cells reside among the mature adipocytes: morphological research using an organotypic culture system

The precise localization and biological characteristics of the adipose progenitor cells are still a focus of debate. In this study, the localization of the adipose progenitor cells was determined using an organotypic culture system of adipose tissue slices. The tissue slices of subcutaneous white adipose tissue from rats were placed on a porous membrane and cultured at the interface between air and the culture medium for up to 5 days with or without adipogenic stimulation. The structure of adipose tissue components was sufficiently preserved during the culture and, following adipogenic stimulation with insulin, dexamethasone, and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, numerous multilocular adipocytes appeared in the interstitium among the mature adipocytes. Histomorphological 3-D observation using confocal laser microscopy revealed the presence of small mesenchymal cells containing little or no fat residing in the perivascular region and on the mature adipocytes and differentiation from the pre-existing mesenchymal cells to multilocular adipocytes. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that these cells were initially present within the fibronectin-positive extracellular matrix (ECM). The adipose differentiation of the mesenchymal cells was confirmed by the enhanced expression of C/EBP-β suggesting adipose differentiation and the concurrent advent of CD105-expressing mesenchymal cells within the interstitium of the mature adipocytes. Based on the above, the mesenchymal cells embedded in the ECM around the mature adipocytes were confirmed to be responsible for adipogenesis because the transition of the mesenchymal cells to the stem state contributed to the increase in the number of adipocytes in rat adipose tissue.

Molecular beacon-loaded polymeric nanoparticles for non-invasive imaging of mRNA expression

Assessment of intracellular mRNA expression is invaluable for understanding cellular signaling activities, identifying disease stages, and monitoring the gene expression pattern of therapeutic cells during their culture, expansion and/or differentiation process. Previous methods suffer from the need to disrupt the biological samples to perform polymerase chain reaction analysis which can be laborious, fragmented and destructive. Herein, we develop a mRNA nanosensor based on the sustained release of mRNA-specific molecular beacons (probes that fluoresce upon hybridization) from the biodegradable poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles. Post cellular internalization, the particles gradually degrade and release the encapsulated probes which are initially weakly fluorescent. When the released probes meet and hybridize with target mRNA, they restore pre-quenched fluorescence. By virtue of quantifying the fluorescence intensity, we can estimate the cellular mRNA expression. As a case study, β-actin mRNA expression in mesenchymal stem cells cultured on a 3D matrix was monitored and compared with those cultured on a 2D plate for one week. Critically, the observed expression profile shows a great correlation with the established quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis.

miR-125a-3p and miR-483-5p promote adipogenesis via suppressing the RhoA/ROCK1/ERK1/2 pathway in multiple symmetric lipomatosis

Multiple symmetric lipomatosis (MSL) is a rare disease characterized by symmetric and abnormal distribution of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT); however, the etiology is largely unknown. We report here that miR-125a-3p and miR-483-5p are upregulated in the SAT of MSL patients, promoting adipogenesis through suppressing the RhoA/ROCK1/ERK1/2 pathway. TaqMan microRNA (miR) array analysis revealed that 18 miRs were upregulated in the SAT of MSL patients. Transfection of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) with the individual agomirs of these 18 miRs showed that miR-125a-3p and miR-483-5p significantly promoted adipogenesis. A dual-luciferase assay showed that RhoA and ERK1 were the targets of miR-125a-3p and miR-483-5p, respectively. Moreover, transfection of hADSCs with mimics of miR-125a-3p and miR-483-5p resulted in a pronounced decrease of ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the nucleus; conversely, transfection of hADSCs with inhibitors of miR-125a-3p and miR-483-5p led to a significant increase of ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the nucleus. Most importantly, we found that miR-125a-3p and miR-483-5p promoted de novo adipose tissue formation in nude mice. These results demonstrated that miR-125a-3p and miR-483-5p coordinately promoted adipogenesis through suppressing the RhoA/ROCK1/ERK1/2 pathway. Our findings may provide novel strategies for the management and treatment of MSL or obesity.

The notch signaling regulates CD105 expression, osteogenic differentiation and immunomodulation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a group of multipotent cells with key properties of multi-lineage differentiation, expressing a set of relatively specific surface markers and unique immunomodulatory functions. IDO1, a catabolic enzyme of tryptophan, represents a critical molecule mediating immunomodulatory functions of MSCs. However, the signaling pathways involved in regulating these key properties still remain elusive. To investigate the involvement of Notch signaling as well as other potential signaling pathway(s) in regulating these critical properties of MSCs, we treated human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) with γ-secreatase inhibitor I (GSI-I), which inhibits both Notch signaling and ubiquitin-proteasome activities. It was shown that the GSI-I treatment resulted in apoptosis, reduced expression of surface markers CD73, CD90 and CD105, reduced osteogenic differentiation, and reduction of the hUC-MSCs-mediated suppression of Th1 lymphocyte proliferation and the IFN-γ-induced IDO1 expression. Through distinguishing the effects of GSI-I between Notch inhibition and proteasome inhibition, it was further observed that, whereas both Notch inhibition and proteasome inhibition were attributable to the reduced CD105 expression and osteogenic differentiation, but not to the induced apoptosis. However, Notch inhibition, but not proteasome inhibition, only contributed to the significant effect of GSI-I on Th1 proliferation probably through reducing IDO1 promoter activity. In conclusion, the Notch signaling may represent a very important cell signaling capable of regulating multiple critical properties, especially the immunomodulatory functions of MSCs.

Dexamethasone and rosiglitazone are sufficient and necessary for producing functional adipocytes from mesenchymal stem cells

The final product of adipogenesis is a functional adipocyte. This mature cell acquires the necessary machinery for lipid metabolism, loses its proliferation potential, increases its insulin sensitivity, and secretes adipokines. Multipotent mesechymal stromal cells have been recognized as a source of adipocytes both in vivo and in vitro. The in vitro adipogenic differentiation of human MSC (hMSC) has been induced up to now by using a complex stimulus which includes dexamethasone, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, indomethacin, and insulin (a classical cocktail) and evaluated according to morphological changes. The present work was aimed at demonstrating that the simultaneous activation of dexamethasone's canonical signaling pathways, through the glucocorticoid receptor and CCAAT-enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPs) and rosiglitazone through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma) is sufficient yet necessary for inducing hMSC adipogenic differentiation. It was also ascertained that hMSC exposed just to dexamethasone and rosiglitazone (D&R) differentiated into cells which accumulated neutral lipid droplets, expressed C/EBP-alpha, PPAR-gamma, aP2, lipoprotein lipase, acyl-CoA synthetase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, adiponectin, and leptin genes but did not proliferate. Glucose uptake was dose dependent on insulin stimulus and high levels of adipokines were secreted (i.e. displaying not only the morphology but also expressing mature adipocytes' specific genes and functional characteristics). This work has demonstrated that (i) the activating C/EBPs and PPAR-gamma signaling pathways were sufficient to induce adipogenic differentiation from hMSC, (ii) D&R producing functional adipocytes from hMSC, (iii) D&R induce adipogenic differentiation from mammalian MSC (including those which are refractory to classical adipogenic differentiation stimuli). D&R would thus seem to be a useful tool for MSC characterization, studying adipogenesis pathways and producing functional adipocytes.

Identification of mechanisms of action of bisphenol a-induced human preadipocyte differentiation by transcriptional profiling

OBJECTIVE

Exposure to the endocrine-disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA) is correlated with obesity and adipogenesis of human preadipocytes. However, the mechanism of action of BPA-induced human adipogenesis remains to be determined.

METHODS

Primary human preadipocytes were differentiated in the presence of 50 µM BPA or 1 µM dexamethasone (DEX) for 48 hours. Potential mechanisms of BPA-induced adipogenesis were evaluated using gene expression microarray analysis.

RESULTS

Microarray analysis revealed 373 differentially expressed genes following BPA treatment, including upregulation of sterol regulatory element binding factor 1 (SREBF1), a key regulator of lipid metabolism. For DEX-treated preadipocytes, 2167 genes were differentially expressed, including upregulation of the adipogenic marker lipoprotein lipase. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis was used to identify functional annotations of the gene expression changes associated with response to BPA and DEX. BPA exposure was associated with expression changes in the genes involved in triacylglycerol accumulation while DEX was linked to triacylglycerol and fatty acid metabolism. The analysis also revealed enrichment of genes following BPA exposure in the thyroid-receptor/retinoic X receptor (TR/RXR) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that potential mechanisms of action of BPA-induced adipogenesis involve SREBF1, the TR/RXR, and the mTOR pathways.

Modified protocol for improvement of differentiation potential of menstrual blood-derived stem cells into adipogenic lineage

OBJECTIVES

To characterize potency of menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs) for future cell therapies, we examined differentiation potential of MenSCs into adipocytes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Differentiation potential of MenSCs in comparison to bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) was assessed in conventional culture medium. Differentiation potential of MenSCs into adipocytes was improved using different combinations of growth factors and hormones.

RESULTS

First, we demonstrated that MenSCs preserve their appearance and karyotypic stability during passages. Although these cells express mesenchymal stem cells markers, they cannot simply be classified as mesenchymal stem cells due to expression of embryonic stem cells marker, OCT-4. Oil red O staining showed that differentiated MenSCs in conventional medium with/without retinoic acid (protocols 1 and 2) did not attain adipocyte characteristics, whereas differentiated BMSCs in conventional medium accumulated oil vacuoles typically. Nevertheless, real-time RT-PCR results showed that LPL gene expression was up-regulated in both protocols 1 and 2, whereas LEPR was up-regulated only in protocol 2 (fortified with retinoic acid). Surprisingly, protocol 3 (including rosiglitazone) had odd influence on mRNA expression of all genes (LEPR, LPL and PPAR-γ). Oil red O staining confirmed fat-producing ability of MenSCs under protocol 3.

CONCLUSIONS

Presented data suggest an efficient differentiation protocol for in vitro production of MenSC-derived adipocytes. These cells are suggested to be an apt alternative to BMSCs for future stem cell therapy of soft tissue injuries.

Adipogenic transcriptome profiling using high throughput technologies

The recent technological innovations in the area of functional genomics, gene expression/transcriptomic profiling can provide new insights to understand the molecular basis of adipogenesis. The focus of this review is to highlight the recent advances in our understanding of the complex interplay of gene expression events and the regulatory mechanisms of adipogenesis in mouse cell lines, humans and farm animals. All these studies have employed the availability of constantly evolving high throughput 'omics' technologies including microarrays, RNA-Seq, chromatin immunoprecipitation, next generation sequencing, RNAi, miRNA profiling and quantitative PCR arrays.

Automated microscopy as a quantitative method to measure differences in adipogenic differentiation in preparations of human mesenchymal stromal cells

BACKGROUND AIMS

Multipotent stromal cells, also called mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), are potentially valuable as a cellular therapy because of their differentiation and immunosuppressive properties. As the result of extensive heterogeneity of MSCs, quantitative approaches to measure differentiation capacity between donors and passages on a per-cell basis are needed.

METHODS

Human bone marrow-derived MSCs were expanded to passages P3, P5 and P7 from eight different donors and were analyzed for colony-forming unit capacity (CFU), cell size, surface marker expression and forward/side-scatter analysis by flow cytometry. Adipogenic differentiation potential was quantified with the use of automated microscopy. Percentage of adipogenesis was determined by quantifying nuclei and Nile red-positive adipocytes after automated image acquisition.

RESULTS

MSCs varied in expansion capacity and increased in average cell diameter with passage. CFU capacity decreased with passage and varied among cell lines within the same passage. The number of adipogenic precursors varied between cell lines, ranging from 0.5% to 13.6% differentiation at P3. Adipogenic capacity decreased significantly with increasing passage. MSC cell surface marker analysis revealed no changes caused by passaging or donor differences.

CONCLUSIONS

We measured adipogenic differentiation on a per-cell basis with high precision and accuracy with the use of automated fluorescence microscopy. We correlated these findings with other quantitative bioassays to better understand the role of donor variability and passaging on CFU, cell size and adipogenic differentiation capacity in vitro. These quantitative approaches provide valuable tools to measure MSC quality and measure functional biological differences between donors and cell passages that are not revealed by conventional MSC cell surface marker analysis.

Adipose tissue-related proteins locally associated with resolution of inflammation in obese mice

OBJECTIVE

Resolution of low-grade inflammation of white adipose tissue (WAT) is one of the keys for amelioration of obesity-associated metabolic dysfunctions. We focused on the identification of adipokines, which could be involved at the early stages of resolution of WAT inflammation.

METHODS AND PROCEDURE

Male C57BL/6J mice with obesity induced in response to a 22-week feeding corn oil-based high-fat (cHF) diet were divided into four groups and were fed with, for 2 weeks, control cHF diet or cHF-based diets supplemented with: (i) concentrate of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (cHF+F); (ii) thiazolidinedione drug rosiglitazone (cHF+TZD); and (iii) both compounds (cHF+F+TZD).

RESULTS

The short-term combined intervention exerted additive effect in the amelioration of WAT inflammation in obese mice, namely in the epididymal fat, even in the absence of any changes in either adipocyte volume or fat mass. The combined intervention elicited hypolipidaemic effect and induced adiponectin, whereas the responses to single interventions (cHF+F, cHF+TZD) were less pronounced. In addition, analysis in WAT lysates using protein arrays revealed that the levels of a small set of adipose tissue-related proteins, namely macrophage inflammatory protein 1γ, endoglin, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist, changed in response to the anti-inflammatory interventions and were strongly reduced in the cHF+F+TZD mice. These results were verified using both the analysis of gene expression and enzyme-linked immunosorbent analysis in WAT lysates. In contrast with adiponectin, which showed changing plasma levels in response to dietary interventions, the levels of the above proteins were affected only in WAT.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified several adipose tissue-related proteins, which are locally involved in resolution of low-grade inflammation and remodelling of WAT.

Reprogramming adult Schwann cells to stem cell-like cells by leprosy bacilli promotes dissemination of infection

Differentiated cells possess a remarkable genomic plasticity that can be manipulated to reverse or change developmental commitments. Here, we show that the leprosy bacterium hijacks this property to reprogram adult Schwann cells, its preferred host niche, to a stage of progenitor/stem-like cells (pSLC) of mesenchymal trait by downregulating Schwann cell lineage/differentiation-associated genes and upregulating genes mostly of mesoderm development. Reprogramming accompanies epigenetic changes and renders infected cells highly plastic, migratory, and immunomodulatory. We provide evidence that acquisition of these properties by pSLC promotes bacterial spread by two distinct mechanisms: direct differentiation to mesenchymal tissues, including skeletal and smooth muscles, and formation of granuloma-like structures and subsequent release of bacteria-laden macrophages. These findings support a model of host cell reprogramming in which a bacterial pathogen uses the plasticity of its cellular niche for promoting dissemination of infection and provide an unexpected link between cellular reprogramming and host-pathogen interaction.

Biglycan deletion alters adiponectin expression in murine adipose tissue and 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Obesity promotes increased secretion of a number of inflammatory factors from adipose tissue. These factors include cytokines and very lately, extracellular matrix components (ECM). Biglycan, a small leucine rich proteoglycan ECM protein, is up-regulated in obesity and has recently been recognized as a pro-inflammatory molecule. However, it is unknown whether biglycan contributes to adipose tissue dysfunction. In the present study, we characterized biglycan expression in various adipose depots in wild-type mice fed a low fat diet (LFD) or obesity-inducing high fat diet (HFD). High fat feeding induced biglycan mRNA expression in multiple adipose depots. Adiponectin is an adipokine with anti-inflammatory and insulin sensitizing effects. Due to the importance of adiponectin, we examined the effect of biglycan on adiponectin expression. Comparison of adiponectin expression in biglycan knockout (bgn(-/0)) and wild-type (bgn(+/0)) reveals higher adiponectin mRNA and protein in epididymal white adipose tissue in bgn(-/0) mice, as well higher serum concentration of adiponectin, and lower serum insulin concentration. On the contrary, knockdown of biglycan in 3T3-L1 adipocytes led to decreased expression and secretion of adiponectin. Furthermore, treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with conditioned medium from biglycan treated macrophages resulted in an increase in adiponectin mRNA expression. These data suggest a link between biglycan and adiponectin expression. However, the difference in the pattern of regulation between in vivo and in vitro settings reveals the complexity of this relationship.

Quantitative approaches to detect donor and passage differences in adipogenic potential and clonogenicity in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Bone marrow-derived multipotent stromal cells (MSCs), also known as mesenchymal stem cells, have great promise due to their capacity for tri-lineage differentiation and immunosuppressive properties, which allows for their allogeneic use and ultimately may allow for treatment of many diseases. MSCs will require extensive expansion and passaging to obtain cells in sufficient numbers necessary for cell therapies. MSCs from many donors could potentially be used. Because of this, there is a need to understand the role of passaging and donor differences on differentiation capacity using quantitative approaches. Here, we evaluated MSCs from two donors (noted as PCBM1632 and PCBM1641 by the manufacturer) at tissue culture passages 3, 5, and 7. We used a colony forming unit (CFU) assay and limiting dilution to quantify clonogenicity and precursor frequency during adipogenesis, and quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction for adipogenic markers to evaluate changes on a gene expression level. Further, we observed changes in cell size, and we sorted small and large populations to evaluate size-related adipogenic potential. While the adipogenic precursor frequency of ∼1 in 76 cells remained similar through passages for cells from PCBM1641, we found a large decrease in the adipogenic potential of MSCs from PCBM1632, with 1 in 2035 cells being capable of differentiating into an adipocyte at passage 7. MSCs from both donors showed an increase in cell diameter with increasing passage, which correlates with a decrease in clonogenicity by CFU analysis. We also measured adipose lineage gene expression following induction of adipocyte differentiation. Expression of these genes decreased with passage number for MSCs from PCBM1632 and correlated with the decrease in adipogenic potential by passage 7. In contrast, MSCs from PCBM1641 showed increased expression of these genes with increasing passage. We have shown that several quantitative assays can detect differences in MSC differentiation capacity, clonogenicity, and cell size between donors and passages. These quantitative methods are useful to assess the quality of MSCs.

Bisphenol A-mediated suppression of LPL gene expression inhibits triglyceride accumulation during adipogenic differentiation of human adult stem cells

The endocrine disrupting chemical, bisphenol A (BPA), has been shown to accelerate the rate of adipogenesis and increase the amount of triglyceride accumulation during differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. The objective of this study was to investigate if that observation is mirrored in human primary cells. Here we investigated the effect of BPA on adipogenesis in cultured human primary adult stem cells. Continuous exposure to BPA throughout the 14 days of differentiation dramatically reduced triglyceride accumulation and suppressed gene transcription of the lipogenic enzyme, lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Results presented in the present study show for the first time that BPA can reduce triglyceride accumulation during adipogenesis by attenuating the expression of LPL gene transcription. Also, by employing image cytometric analysis rather than conventional Oil red O staining techniques we show that BPA regulates triglyceride accumulation in a manner which does not appear to effect adipogenesis per se.

Bone morphogenetic protein-2-induced signaling and osteogenesis is regulated by cell shape, RhoA/ROCK, and cytoskeletal tension

Osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) is classically thought to be mediated by different cytokines such as the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). Here, we report that cell adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM), and its effects on cell shape and cytoskeletal mechanics, regulates BMP-induced signaling and osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. Using micropatterned substrates to progressively restrict cell spreading and flattening against ECM, we demonstrated that BMP-induced osteogenesis is progressively antagonized with decreased cell spreading. BMP triggered rapid and sustained RhoA/Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) activity and contractile tension only in spread cells, and this signaling was required for BMP-induced osteogenesis. Exploring the molecular basis for this effect, we found that restricting cell spreading, reducing ROCK signaling, or inhibiting cytoskeletal tension prevented BMP-induced SMA/mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD)1 c-terminal phosphorylation, SMAD1 dimerization with SMAD4, and SMAD1 translocation into the nucleus. Together, these findings demonstrate the direct involvement of cell spreading and RhoA/ROCK-mediated cytoskeletal tension generation in BMP-induced signaling and early stages of in vitro osteogenesis, and highlight the essential interplay between biochemical and mechanical cues in stem cell differentiation.

Inhibition of Protein Farnesylation Arrests Adipogenesis and Affects PPARgamma Expression and Activation in Differentiating Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Protein farnesylation is required for the activation of multiple proteins involved in cell differentiation and function. In white adipose tissue protein, farnesylation has shown to be essential for the successful differentiation of preadipocytes into adipocytes. We hypothesize that protein farnesylation is required for PPARγ2 expression and activation, and therefore for the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into adipocytes. MSCs were plated and induced to differentiate into adipocytes for three weeks. Differentiating cells were treated with either an inhibitor of farnesylation (FTI-277) or vehicle alone. The effect of inhibition of farnesylation in differentiating adipocytes was determined by oil red O staining. Cell survival was quantified using MTS Formazan. Additionally, nuclear extracts were obtained and prelamin A, chaperon protein HDJ-2, PPARγ, and SREBP-1 were determined by western blot. Finally, DNA binding PPARγ activity was determined using an ELISA-based PPARγ activation quantification method. Treatment with an inhibitor of farnesylation (FTI-277) arrests adipogenesis without affecting cell survival. This effect was concomitant with lower levels of PPARγ expression and activity. Finally, accumulation of prelamin A induced an increased proportion of mature SREBP-1 which is known to affect PPARγ activity. In summary, inhibition of protein farnesylation arrests the adipogenic differentiation of MSCs and affects PPARγ expression and activity.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Stem cells have two features: the ability to differentiate along different lineages and the ability of self-renewal. Two major types of stem cells have been described, namely, embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells (ESC) are obtained from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst and are associated with tumorigenesis, and the use of human ESCs involves ethical and legal considerations. The use of adult mesenchymal stem cells is less problematic with regard to these issues. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are stromal cells that have the ability to self-renew and also exhibit multilineage differentiation. MSCs can be isolated from a variety of tissues, such as umbilical cord, endometrial polyps, menses blood, bone marrow, adipose tissue, etc. This is because the ease of harvest and quantity obtained make these sources most practical for experimental and possible clinical applications. Recently, MSCs have been found in new sources, such as menstrual blood and endometrium. There are likely more sources of MSCs waiting to be discovered, and MSCs may be a good candidate for future experimental or clinical applications. One of the major challenges is to elucidate the mechanisms of differentiation, mobilization, and homing of MSCs, which are highly complex. The multipotent properties of MSCs make them an attractive choice for possible development of clinical applications. Future studies should explore the role of MSCs in differentiation, transplantation, and immune response in various diseases.

Characterization of the Human Adipocyte Proteome and Reproducibility of Protein Abundance by One-Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis and HPLC-ESI-MS/MS

Abnormalities in adipocytes play an important role in various conditions, including the metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, but little is known about alterations at the protein level. We therefore sought to (1) comprehensively characterize the human adipocyte proteome for the first time and (2) demonstrate feasibility of measuring adipocyte protein abundances by one-dimensional SDS-PAGE and high performance liquid chromatography-electron spray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). In adipocytes isolated from approximately 0.5 g of subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue of three healthy, lean subjects, we identified a total of 1493 proteins. Triplicate analysis indicated a 22.5% coefficient of variation of protein abundances. Proteins ranged from 5.8 to 629 kDa and included a large number of proteins involved in lipid metabolism, such as fatty acid transport, fatty acid oxidation, lipid storage, lipolysis, and lipid droplet maintenance. Furthermore, we found most glycolysis enzymes and numerous proteins associated with oxidative stress, protein synthesis and degradation as well as some adipokines. 22% of all proteins were of mitochondrial origin. These results provide the first detailed characterization of the human adipocyte proteome, suggest an important role of adipocyte mitochondria, and demonstrate feasibility of this approach to examine alterations of adipocyte protein abundances in human diseases.

Microarray evidences the role of pathologic adipose tissue in insulin resistance and their clinical implications

Clustering of insulin resistance and dysmetabolism with obesity is attributed to pathologic adipose tissue. The morphologic hallmarks of this pathology are adipocye hypertrophy and heightened inflammation. However, it's underlying molecular mechanisms remains unknown. Study of gene function in metabolically active tissues like adipose tissue, skeletal muscle and liver is a promising strategy. Microarray is a powerful technique of assessment of gene function by measuring transcription of large number of genes in an array. This technique has several potential applications in understanding pathologic adipose tissue. They are: (1) transcriptomic differences between various depots of adipose tissue, adipose tissue from obese versus lean individuals, high insulin resistant versus low insulin resistance, brown versus white adipose tissue, (2) transcriptomic profiles of various stages of adipogenesis, (3) effect of diet, cytokines, adipokines, hormones, environmental toxins and drugs on transcriptomic profiles, (4) influence of adipokines on transcriptomic profiles in skeletal muscle, hepatocyte, adipose tissue etc., and (5) genetics of gene expression. The microarray evidences of molecular basis of obesity and insulin resistance are presented here. Despite the limitations, microarray has potential clinical applications in finding new molecular targets for treatment of insulin resistance and classification of adipose tissue based on future risk of insulin resistance syndrome.

Dynamic three-dimensional culture methods enhance mesenchymal stem cell properties and increase therapeutic potential

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of self-renewal and differentiation along the osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic lineages and have potential applications in a range of therapies. MSCs can be cultured as monolayers on tissue culture plastic, but there are indications that they lose cell-specific properties with time in vitro and so poorly reflect in vivo MSC behavior. We developed dynamic three-dimensional (3D) techniques for in vitro MSC culture using spinner flasks and a rotating wall vessel bioreactor. We characterized the two methods for dynamic 3D MSC culture and compared the properties of these cultures with monolayer MSCs. Our results showed that under optimal conditions, MSCs form compact cellular spheroids and remain viable in dynamic 3D culture. We demonstrated altered cell size and surface antigen expression together with enhanced osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential in MSCs from dynamic 3D conditions. By microarray analysis of monolayer and spinner flask MSCs, we identified many differences in gene expression, including those confirming widespread changes to the cellular architecture and extracellular matrix. The upregulation of interleukin 24 in dynamic 3D cultures was shown to selectively impair the viability of prostate cancer cells cultured in medium conditioned by dynamic 3D MSCs. Overall, this work suggests a novel therapeutic application for dynamic 3D MSCs and demonstrates that these methods are a viable alternative to monolayer techniques and may prove beneficial for retaining MSC properties in vitro.

Cord lining progenitor cells: potential in vitro adipogenesis model

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of glucose and insulin concentrations on differentiation of umbilical cord lining progenitor cells to adipocyte-like cells (ALCs).

METHODS

Cord lining mesenchymal cells (CLMCs) were isolated from the explant of human umbilical cord amniotic membrane. CLMCs were subjected to differentiation under various culture conditions for 20 days. Lipid droplets were confirmed with Oil Red O staining. Gene expressions of adipsin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) were analyzed using reverse transcription-PCR. Leptin and adiponectin secretions were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.

RESULTS

CLMCs became irregular, cuboidal-shaped cells that resemble adipocytes, and Oil Red O staining showed the presence of lipid droplets. The gene expressions of PPARγ and adipsin were upregulated. Leptin and adiponectin secretions by naive CLMCs were below the limits of detection. Matured ALCs cultured in low-glucose medium significantly secreted leptin and adiponectin, whereas those in high-glucose medium significantly secreted only leptin. Insulin concentration affects leptin but not adiponectin secretion.

CONCLUSIONS

Under different culture conditions, CLMCs can differentiate into ALCs that resemble adipocytes in either normal-weight or obese individuals. Hence, these ALCs have the potential to be used as an in vitro model to study adipogenesis and obesity, and possibly as a drug discovery model for metabolic disorders.

Transcriptomes and Proteomes of Dental Follicle Cells

Ectomesenchymal dental stem cells could be feasible tools for dental tissue engineering. Dental follicle cells are a promising example, since they are capable of differentiation into various dental tissue cells, such as osteoblasts or cementoblasts. However, cellular mechanisms of cell proliferation and differentiation are not understood in detail. Basic knowledge of these molecular processes may shorten the time before ectomesenchymal dental stem cells can be exploited for bone augmentation in regenerative medicine. Recent developments in proteomics and transcriptomics have made information about genome-wide expression profiles accessible, which can aid in clarifying molecular mechanisms of cells. This review describes the transcriptomes and proteomes of dental follicle cells before and after differentiation, and compares them with differentially expressed populations from dental tissue or bone marrow.

Human fetal mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into brown and white adipocytes: a role for ERRalpha in human UCP1 expression

We investigated the ability of fetal mesenchymal stem cells (fMSCs) to differentiate into brown and white adipocytes and compared the expression of a number of marker genes and key regulatory factors. We showed that the expression of key adipocyte regulators and markers during differentiation is similar to that in other human and murine adipocyte models, including induction of PPARgamma2 and FABP4. Notably, we found that the preadipocyte marker, Pref-1, is induced early in differentiation and then declines markedly as the process continues, suggesting that fMSCs first acquire preadipocyte characteristics as they commit to the adipogenic lineage, prior to their differentiation into mature adipocytes. After adipogenic induction, some stem cell isolates differentiated into cells resembling brown adipocytes and others into white adipocytes. Detailed investigation of one isolate showed that the novel brown fat-determining factor PRDM16 is expressed both before and after differentiation. Importantly, these cells exhibited elevated basal UCP-1 expression, which was dependent on the activity of the orphan nuclear receptor ERRalpha, highlighting a novel role for ERRalpha in human brown fat. Thus fMSCs represent a useful in vitro model for human adipogenesis, and provide opportunities to study the stages prior to commitment to the adipocyte lineage. They also offer invaluable insights into the characteristics of human brown fat.

Transcriptional profiling of human mesenchymal stem cells transduced with reporter genes for imaging

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into osteogenic, adipogenic, chondrogenic, myocardial, or neural lineages when exposed to specific stimuli, making them attractive for tissue repair and regeneration. We have used reporter gene-based imaging technology to track MSC transplantation or implantation in vivo. However, the effects of lentiviral transduction with the fluc-mrfp-ttk triple-fusion vector on the transcriptional profiles of MSCs remain unknown. In this study, gene expression differences between wild-type and transduced hMSCs were evaluated using an oligonucleotide human microarray. Significance Analysis of Microarray identified differential genes with high accuracy; RT-PCR validated the microarray results. Annotation analysis showed that transduced hMSCs upregulated cell differentiation and antiapoptosis genes while downregulating cell cycle, proliferation genes. Despite transcriptional changes associated with bone and cartilage remodeling, their random pattern indicates no systematic change of crucial genes that are associated with osteogenic, adipogenic, or chondrogenic differentiation. This correlates with the experimental results that lentiviral transduction did not cause the transduced MSCs to lose their basic stem cell identity as demonstrated by osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation assays with both transduced and wild-type MSCs, although a certain degree of alterations occurred. Histological analysis demonstrated osteogenic differentiation in MSC-loaded ceramic cubes in vivo. In conclusion, transduction of reporter genes into MSCs preserved the basic properties of stem cells while enabling noninvasive imaging in living animals to study the biodistribution and other biological activities of the cells.

Genomic profiling of mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) are an accessible source of precursor cells that can be expanded in vitro and used for tissue regeneration for different clinical applications. The advent of microarray technology has enabled the monitoring of individual and global gene expression patterns across multiple cell populations. Thus, genomic profiling has fundamentally changed our capacity to characterize MSCs, identify potential biomarkers and determined key molecules regulating biological processes involved in stem cell survival, growth and development. Numerous studies have now examined the genomic profiles of MSCs derived from different tissues that exhibit varying levels of differentiation and proliferation potentials. The knowledge gained from these studies will help improve our understanding of the cellular signalling pathways involved in MSC growth, survival and differentiation, and may aid in the development of strategies to improve the tissue regeneration potential of MSCs for different clinical indications. The present review summarizes studies characterizing the gene expression profile of MSCs.

Identification of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-transcription factors by microarray and knockdown analyses, and signature molecule-marked MSC in bone marrow by immunohistochemistry

Although ex vivo expanded mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been used in numerous studies, the molecular signature and in vivo distribution status of MSC remain unknown. To address this matter, we identified numerous human MSC-characteristic genes--including nine transcription factor genes--using DNA microarray and real-time RT-PCR analyses: Most of the MSC-characteristic genes were down-regulated 24 h after incubation with osteogenesis-, chondrogenesis- or adipogenesis-induction medium, or 48-72 h after knockdown of the nine transcription factors. Furthermore, knockdowns of ETV1, ETV5, FOXP1, GATA6, HMGA2, SIM2 or SOX11 suppressed the self-renewal capacity of MSC, whereas those of FOXP1, SOX11, ETV1, SIM2 or PRDM16 reduced the osteogenic- and/or adipogenic potential. In addition, immunohistochemistry using antibodies for the MSC characteristic molecules--including GATA6, TRPC4, FLG and TGM2--revealed that MSC-like cells were present near the endosteum and in the interior of bone marrow of adult mice. These findings indicate that MSC synthesize a set of MSC markers in vitro and in vivo, and that MSC-characteristic transcription factors are involved in MSC stemness regulation.

Novel insights into adipogenesis from omics data

Obesity, the excess accumulation of adipose tissue, is one of the most pressing health problems in both the Western world and in developing countries. Adipose tissue growth results from two processes: the increase in number of adipocytes (hyperplasia) that develop from precursor cells, and the growth of individual fat cells (hypertrophy) due to incorporation of triglycerides. Adipogenesis, the process of fat cell development, has been extensively studied using various cell and animal models. While these studies pointed out a number of key factors involved in adipogenesis, the list of molecular components is far from complete. The advance of high-throughput technologies has sparked many experimental studies aimed at the identification of novel molecular components regulating adipogenesis. This paper examines the results of recent studies on adipogenesis using high-throughput technologies. Specifically, it provides an overview of studies employing microarrays for gene expression profiling and studies using gel based and non-gel based proteomics as well as a chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by microarray analysis (ChIP-chip) or sequencing (ChIP-seq). Due to the maturity of the technology, the bulk of the available data was generated using microarrays. Therefore these data sets were not only reviewed but also underwent meta analysis. The review also shows that large-scale omics technologies in conjunction with sophisticated bioinformatics analyses can provide not only a list of novel players, but also a global view on biological processes and molecular networks. Finally, developing technologies and computational challenges associated with the data analyses are highlighted, and an outlook on the questions not previously addressed is provided.

Efficient method for generating nuclear fractions from marrow stromal cells

Stem cells have received significant attention for their envisioned potential to treat currently unapproachable diseases. No less important is the utility of stem cells to serve as model systems of differentiation. Analyses at the transcriptome, miRNA and proteome levels have yielded valuable insights into events underlying stem cell differentiation. Proteomic analysis is often cumbersome, detecting changes in hundreds of proteins that require subsequent identification and validation. Targeted analysis of nuclear constituents would simplify proteomic studies, focusing efforts on transcription factor abundance and modification. To facilitate such studies, a simple and efficient methodology to isolate pure nuclear fractions from Marrow Stromal Cells (MSCs), a clinically relevant stem cell population, has been developed. The modified protocol greatly enhances cell disruption, yielding free nuclei without attached cell body remnants. Light and electron microscopic analysis of purified nuclei demonstrated that preparations contained predominantly intact nuclei with minimal cytoplasmic contamination. Western analysis revealed an approximately eightfold enrichment of the transcription factor CREB in the isolated nuclei over that in the starting homogenates. This simple method for isolation of highly purified nuclear fractions from stem cell populations will allow rigorous examination of nuclear proteins critical for differentiation.

Human bone marrow adipocytes block granulopoiesis through neuropilin-1-induced granulocyte colony-stimulating factor inhibition

Adipocytes are part of hematopoietic microenvironment, even though up to now in humans, their role in hematopoiesis is still questioned. We have previously shown that accumulation of fat cells in femoral bone marrow (BM) coincides with increased expression of neuropilin-1 (NP-1), while it is weakly expressed in hematopoietic iliac crest BM. Starting from this observation, we postulated that adipocytes might exert a negative effect on hematopoiesis mediated through NP-1. To test this hypothesis, we set up BM adipocytes differentiated into fibroblast-like fat cells (FLFC), which share the major characteristics of primitive unilocular fat cells, as an experimental model. As expected, FLFCs constitutively produced macrophage colony stimulating factor and induced CD34(+) differentiation into macrophages independently of cell-to-cell contact. By contrast, granulopoiesis was hampered by cell-to-cell contact but could be restored in transwell culture conditions, together with granulocyte colony stimulating factor production. Both functions were also recovered when FLFCs cultured in contact with CD34(+) cells were treated with an antibody neutralizing NP-1, which proved its critical implication in contact inhibition. An inflammatory cytokine such as interleukin-1 beta or dexamethasone modulates FLFC properties to restore granulopoiesis. Our data provide the first evidence that primary adipocytes exert regulatory functions during hematopoiesis that might be implicated in some pathological processes. Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.