1
|
Genchi G, Lauria G, Catalano A, Carocci A, Sinicropi MS. Neuroprotective Effects of Curcumin in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Foods 2024; 13:1774. [PMID: 38891002 PMCID: PMC11172163 DOI: 10.3390/foods13111774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Curcumin, a hydrophobic polyphenol extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, is now considered a candidate drug for the treatment of neurological diseases, including Parkinson's Disease (PD), Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Huntington's Disease (HD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and prion disease, due to its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant potential, anticancerous, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, antiproliferative, and antibacterial activities. Traditionally, curcumin has been used for medicinal and dietary purposes in Asia, India, and China. However, low water solubility, poor stability in the blood, high rate of metabolism, limited bioavailability, and little capability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) have limited the clinical application of curcumin, despite the important pharmacological activities of this drug. A variety of nanocarriers, including liposomes, micelles, dendrimers, cubosome nanoparticles, polymer nanoparticles, and solid lipid nanoparticles have been developed with great success to effectively deliver the active drug to brain cells. Functionalization on the surface of nanoparticles with brain-specific ligands makes them target-specific, which should significantly improve bioavailability and reduce harmful effects. The aim of this review is to summarize the studies on curcumin and/or nanoparticles containing curcumin in the most common neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting the high neuroprotective potential of this nutraceutical.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Genchi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Scienze della Salute e della Nutrizione, Università della Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (G.G.); (G.L.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Graziantonio Lauria
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Scienze della Salute e della Nutrizione, Università della Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (G.G.); (G.L.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Alessia Catalano
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy;
| | - Alessia Carocci
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy;
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Scienze della Salute e della Nutrizione, Università della Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (G.G.); (G.L.); (M.S.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Manora L, Borlongan CV, Garbuzova-Davis S. Cellular and Noncellular Approaches for Repairing the Damaged Blood-CNS-Barrier in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2024; 13:435. [PMID: 38474399 PMCID: PMC10931261 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous reports have demonstrated the breakdown of the blood-CNS barrier (B-CNS-B) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurodegenerative disease. Re-establishing barrier integrity in the CNS is critical to prevent further motor neuron degeneration from harmful components in systemic circulation. Potential therapeutic strategies for repairing the B-CNS-B may be achieved by the replacement of damaged endothelial cells (ECs) via stem cell administration or enhancement of endogenous EC survival through the delivery of bioactive particles secreted by stem cells. These cellular and noncellular approaches are thoroughly discussed in the present review. Specific attention is given to certain stem cell types for EC replacement. Also, various nanoparticles secreted by stem cells as well as other biomolecules are elucidated as promising agents for endogenous EC repair. Although the noted in vitro and in vivo studies show the feasibility of the proposed therapeutic approaches to the repair of the B-CNS-B in ALS, further investigation is needed prior to clinical transition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Larai Manora
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 78, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (L.M.); (C.V.B.)
| | - Cesario V. Borlongan
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 78, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (L.M.); (C.V.B.)
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 78, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Svitlana Garbuzova-Davis
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 78, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (L.M.); (C.V.B.)
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 78, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Babaei-Abraki S, Karamali F, Nasr-Esfahani MH. The Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum and Mitochondria in Maintaining Redox Status and Glycolytic Metabolism in Pluripotent Stem Cells. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:1789-1808. [PMID: 35141862 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10338-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), including embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), can be applicable for regenerative medicine. They strangely rely on glycolysis metabolism akin to aerobic glycolysis in cancer cells. Upon differentiation, PSCs undergo a metabolic shift from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). The metabolic shift depends on organelles maturation, transcriptome modification, and metabolic switching. Besides, metabolism-driven chromatin regulation is necessary for cell survival, self-renewal, proliferation, senescence, and differentiation. In this respect, mitochondria may serve as key organelle to adapt environmental changes with metabolic intermediates which are necessary for maintaining PSCs identity. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is another organelle whose role in cellular identity remains under-explored. The purpose of our article is to highlight the recent progress on these two organelles' role in maintaining PSCs redox status focusing on metabolism. Topics include redox status, metabolism regulation, mitochondrial dynamics, and ER stress in PSCs. They relate to the maintenance of stem cell properties and subsequent differentiation of stem cells into specific cell types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahnaz Babaei-Abraki
- Department of Plant and Animal Biology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.,Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Karamali
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Puranik N, Arukha AP, Yadav SK, Yadav D, Jin JO. Exploring the Role of Stem Cell Therapy in Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases: Challenges and Current Perspectives. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 17:113-125. [DOI: 10.2174/1574888x16666210810103838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
:
Several human neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease,
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and brain
stroke, are caused by the injury to neurons or glial cells. The recent years have witnessed the successful
generation of neurons and glia cells driving efforts to develop stem-cell-based therapies for
patients to combat a broad spectrum of human neurological diseases. The inadequacy of suitable
cell types for cell replacement therapy in patients suffering from neurological disorders has hampered
the development of this promising therapeutic approach. Attempts are thus being made to reconstruct
viable neurons and glial cells from different stem cells, such as embryonic stem cells,
mesenchymal stem cells, and neural stem cells. Dedicated research to cultivate stem cell-based
brain transplantation therapies has been carried out. We aim at compiling the breakthroughs in the
field of stem cell-based therapy for the treatment of neurodegenerative maladies, emphasizing the
shortcomings faced, victories achieved, and the future prospects of the therapy in clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Puranik
- Department of Biological Science, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu-641046, India
| | - Ananta Prasad Arukha
- Comparative Diagnostic
and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville- 32608, U.S.A
| | - Shiv Kumar Yadav
- Department of Botany, Government Lal Bahadur Shastri PG college, Sironj, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Dhananjay Yadav
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 712-749, Korea
| | - Jun O. Jin
- Department
of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 712-749, Korea
- Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dhasmana S, Dhasmana A, Narula AS, Jaggi M, Yallapu MM, Chauhan SC. The panoramic view of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A fatal intricate neurological disorder. Life Sci 2022; 288:120156. [PMID: 34801512 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal neurological disease affecting both upper and lower motor neurons. In the United States alone, there are 16,000-20,000 established cases of ALS. The early disease diagnosis is challenging due to many overlapping pathophysiologies with other neurological diseases. The etiology of ALS is unknown; however, it is divided into two categories: familial ALS (fALS) which occurs due to gene mutations & contributes to 5-10% of ALS, and sporadic ALS (sALS) which is due to environmental factors & contributes to 90-95% of ALS. There is still no curative treatment for ALS: palliative care and symptomatic treatment are therefore essential components in the management of these patients. In this review, we provide a panoramic view of ALS, which includes epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiologies, biomarkers, diagnosis, therapeutics (natural, synthetic, gene-based, pharmacological, stem cell, extracellular vesicles, and physical therapy), controversies (in the clinical trials of ALS), the scope of nanomedicine in ALS, and future perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swati Dhasmana
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
| | - Anupam Dhasmana
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
| | - Acharan S Narula
- Narula Research LLC, 107 Boulder Bluff, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
| | - Meena Jaggi
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
| | - Murali M Yallapu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
| | - Subhash C Chauhan
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shafiee S, Heidarpour M, Sabbagh S, Amini E, Saffari H, Dolati S, Meamar R. Stem cell transplantation therapy for diabetic foot ulcer: a narrative review. ASIAN BIOMED 2021; 15:3-18. [PMID: 37551298 PMCID: PMC10388749 DOI: 10.2478/abm-2021-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease associated with high cardiovascular risk. A vascular complication of diabetes is foot ulcers. Diabetic foot ulcers are prevalent and substantially reduce the quality of life of patients who have them. Currently, diabetic foot ulcer is a major problem for wound care specialists, and its treatment requires considerable health care resources. So far, various therapeutic modalities have been proposed to treat diabetic foot ulcers and one of them is stem cell-based therapy. Stem cell-based therapy has shown great promise for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. This strategy has been shown to be safe and effective in both preclinical and clinical trials. In this review, we provide an overview of the stem cell types and possible beneficial effects of stem cell transplantation therapy for diabetic foot ulcers, and an overview of the current status of stem cell research in both preclinical and clinical trial stages of treatment strategies for diabetic foot ulcers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Shafiee
- Isfahan Clinical Toxicology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan81746-73461, Iran
- Clinical Development Research Center, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, Isfahan81737-35131, Iran
| | - Maryam Heidarpour
- Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan81737-35131, Iran
| | - Sima Sabbagh
- Isfahan Clinical Toxicology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan81746-73461, Iran
- Clinical Development Research Center, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, Isfahan81737-35131, Iran
| | - Elham Amini
- Isfahan Clinical Toxicology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan81746-73461, Iran
- Clinical Development Research Center, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, Isfahan81737-35131, Iran
| | - Hanieh Saffari
- Clinical Development Research Center, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, Isfahan81737-35131, Iran
| | - Sara Dolati
- Clinical Development Research Center, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, Isfahan81737-35131, Iran
| | - Rokhsareh Meamar
- Isfahan Clinical Toxicology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan81746-73461, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mokhtarinia K, Masaeli E. Transiently thermally responsive surfaces: Concepts for cell sheet engineering. Eur Polym J 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2020.110076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
8
|
ASC-Exosomes Ameliorate the Disease Progression in SOD1(G93A) Murine Model Underlining Their Potential Therapeutic Use in Human ALS. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103651. [PMID: 32455791 PMCID: PMC7279464 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive degeneration of motoneurons. To date, there is no effective treatment available. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that play important roles in intercellular communication, recapitulating the effect of origin cells. In this study, we tested the potential neuroprotective effect of exosomes isolated from adipose-derived stem cells (ASC-exosomes) on the in vivo model most widely used to study ALS, the human SOD1 gene with a G93A mutation (SOD1(G93A)) mouse. Moreover, we compared the effect of two different routes of exosomes administration, intravenous and intranasal. The effect of exosomes administration on disease progression was monitored by motor tests and analysis of lumbar motoneurons and glial cells, neuromuscular junction, and muscle. Our results demonstrated that repeated administration of ASC-exosomes improved the motor performance; protected lumbar motoneurons, the neuromuscular junction, and muscle; and decreased the glial cells activation in treated SOD1(G93A) mice. Moreover, exosomes have the ability to home to lesioned ALS regions of the animal brain. These data contribute by providing additional knowledge for the promising use of ASC-exosomes as a therapy in human ALS.
Collapse
|
9
|
Aly RM. Current state of stem cell-based therapies: an overview. Stem Cell Investig 2020; 7:8. [PMID: 32695801 DOI: 10.21037/sci-2020-001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Recent research reporting successful translation of stem cell therapies to patients have enriched the hope that such regenerative strategies may one day become a treatment for a wide range of vexing diseases. In fact, the past few years witnessed, a rather exponential advancement in clinical trials revolving around stem cell-based therapies. Some of these trials resulted in remarkable impact on various diseases. In this review, the advances and challenges for the development of stem-cell-based therapies are described, with focus on the use of stem cells in dentistry in addition to the advances reached in regenerative treatment modalities in several diseases. The limitations of these treatments and ongoing challenges in the field are also discussed while shedding light on the ethical and regulatory challenges in translating autologous stem cell-based interventions, into safe and effective therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riham Mohamed Aly
- Department of Basic Dental Science, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt.,Stem Cell Laboratory, Center of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
The Anti-Apoptotic Effect of ASC-Exosomes in an In Vitro ALS Model and Their Proteomic Analysis. Cells 2019; 8:cells8091087. [PMID: 31540100 PMCID: PMC6770878 DOI: 10.3390/cells8091087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell therapy represents a promising approach in the treatment of several neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The beneficial effect of stem cells is exerted by paracrine mediators, as exosomes, suggesting a possible potential use of these extracellular vesicles as non-cell based therapy. We demonstrated that exosomes isolated from adipose stem cells (ASC) display a neuroprotective role in an in vitro model of ALS. Moreover, the internalization of ASC-exosomes by the cells was shown and the molecules and the mechanisms by which exosomes could exert their beneficial effect were addressed. We performed for the first time a comprehensive proteomic analysis of exosomes derived from murine ASC. We identified a total of 189 proteins and the shotgun proteomics analysis revealed that the exosomal proteins are mainly involved in cell adhesion and negative regulation of the apoptotic process. We correlated the protein content to the anti-apoptotic effect of exosomes observing a downregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and cleaved caspase-3 and upregulation of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 α, in an in vitro model of ALS after cell treatment with exosomes. Overall, this study shows the neuroprotective effect of ASC-exosomes after their internalization and their global protein profile, that could be useful to understand how exosomes act, demonstrating that they can be employed as therapy in neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
|
11
|
Cruciani S, Santaniello S, Montella A, Ventura C, Maioli M. Orchestrating stem cell fate: Novel tools for regenerative medicine. World J Stem Cells 2019; 11:464-475. [PMID: 31523367 PMCID: PMC6716083 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v11.i8.464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells are undifferentiated cells able to acquire different phenotypes under specific stimuli. In vitro manipulation of these cells is focused on understanding stem cell behavior, proliferation and pluripotency. Latest advances in the field of stem cells concern epigenetics and its role in maintaining self-renewal and differentiation capabilities. Chemical and physical stimuli can modulate cell commitment, acting on gene expression of Oct-4, Sox-2 and Nanog, the main stemness markers, and tissue-lineage specific genes. This activation or repression is related to the activity of chromatin-remodeling factors and epigenetic regulators, new targets of many cell therapies. The aim of this review is to afford a view of the current state of in vitro and in vivo stem cell applications, highlighting the strategies used to influence stem cell commitment for current and future cell therapies. Identifying the molecular mechanisms controlling stem cell fate could open up novel strategies for tissue repairing processes and other clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Cruciani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Engineering, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems – Eldor Lab, Innovation Accelerator, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bologna 40129, Italy
| | - Sara Santaniello
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Engineering, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems – Eldor Lab, Innovation Accelerator, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bologna 40129, Italy
| | - Andrea Montella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
- Operative Unit of Clinical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - Carlo Ventura
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Engineering, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems – Eldor Lab, Innovation Accelerator, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bologna 40129, Italy
| | - Margherita Maioli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Engineering, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems – Eldor Lab, Innovation Accelerator, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bologna 40129, Italy
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Cagliari 09042, Italy
- Center for Developmental Biology and Reprogramming-CEDEBIOR, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kopach O, Rybachuk O, Krotov V, Kyryk V, Voitenko N, Pivneva T. Maturation of neural stem cells and integration into hippocampal circuits - a functional study in an in situ model of cerebral ischemia. J Cell Sci 2018; 131:jcs.210989. [PMID: 29361548 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.210989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus is the region of the brain that is most susceptible to ischemic lesion because it contains pyramidal neurons that are highly vulnerable to ischemic cell death. A restricted brain neurogenesis limits the possibility of reversing massive cell death after stroke and, hence, endorses cell-based therapies for neuronal replacement strategies following cerebral ischemia. Neurons differentiated from neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) can mature and integrate into host circuitry, improving recovery after stroke. However, how the host environment regulates the NSPC behavior in post-ischemic tissue remains unknown. Here, we studied functional maturation of NSPCs in control and post-ischemic hippocampal tissue after modelling cerebral ischemia in situ We traced the maturation of electrophysiological properties and integration of the NSPC-derived neurons into the host circuits, with these cells developing appropriate activity 3 weeks or less after engraftment. In the tissue subjected to ischemia, the NSPC-derived neurons exhibited functional deficits, and differentiation of embryonic NSPCs to glial types - oligodendrocytes and astrocytes - was boosted. Our findings of the delayed neuronal maturation in post-ischemic conditions, while the NSPC differentiation was promoted towards glial cell types, provide new insights that could be applicable to stem cell therapy replacement strategies used after cerebral ischemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Kopach
- Department of Sensory Signalling, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Kyiv 01024, Ukraine .,Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Oksana Rybachuk
- Department of Sensory Signalling, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Kyiv 01024, Ukraine.,State Institute of Genetic and Regenerative Medicine, Kyiv 04114, Ukraine
| | - Volodymyr Krotov
- Department of Sensory Signalling, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Kyiv 01024, Ukraine
| | - Vitalii Kyryk
- State Institute of Genetic and Regenerative Medicine, Kyiv 04114, Ukraine
| | - Nana Voitenko
- Department of Sensory Signalling, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Kyiv 01024, Ukraine.,Kyiv Academic University, Kyiv 03142, Ukraine
| | - Tatyana Pivneva
- Department of Sensory Signalling, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Kyiv 01024, Ukraine.,State Institute of Genetic and Regenerative Medicine, Kyiv 04114, Ukraine.,Kyiv Academic University, Kyiv 03142, Ukraine
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bonafede R, Mariotti R. ALS Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Approaches: The Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Extracellular Vesicles. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:80. [PMID: 28377696 PMCID: PMC5359305 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive muscle paralysis determined by the degeneration of motoneurons in the motor cortex brainstem and spinal cord. The ALS pathogenetic mechanisms are still unclear, despite the wealth of studies demonstrating the involvement of several altered signaling pathways, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, glutamate excitotoxicity, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. To date, the proposed therapeutic strategies are targeted to one or a few of these alterations, resulting in only a minimal effect on disease course and survival of ALS patients. The involvement of different mechanisms in ALS pathogenesis underlines the need for a therapeutic approach targeted to multiple aspects. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) can support motoneurons and surrounding cells, reduce inflammation, stimulate tissue regeneration and release growth factors. On this basis, MSC have been proposed as promising candidates to treat ALS. However, due to the drawbacks of cell therapy, the possible therapeutic use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by stem cells is raising increasing interest. The present review summarizes the main pathological mechanisms involved in ALS and the related therapeutic approaches proposed to date, focusing on MSC therapy and their preclinical and clinical applications. Moreover, the nature and characteristics of EVs and their role in recapitulating the effect of stem cells are discussed, elucidating how and why these vesicles could provide novel opportunities for ALS treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Bonafede
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of VeronaVerona, Italy
| | - Raffaella Mariotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of VeronaVerona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tang C, Zhu L, Gan W, Liang H, Li J, Zhang J, Zhang X, Lu Y, Xu R. Distributed Features of Vimentin-Containing Neural Precursor Cells in Olfactory Bulb of SOD1G93A Transgenic Mice: a Study about Resource of Endogenous Neural Stem Cells. Int J Biol Sci 2016; 12:1405-1414. [PMID: 27994506 PMCID: PMC5166483 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.16696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
No any effective treatments can prevent from the motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at present. In order to modulating the endogenous neural precursor cells (NPCs) to repairing the degenerative motor neurons in ALS, we studied the alteration of endogenous vimentin-containing NPCs in olfactory bulb (OB) at the different stages of SOD1 wlid-type and G93A transgenic mice. The results showed that the vimentin-containing cells (VCCs) were mainly distributed in the glomerular layer (Gl), the accessory OB (AOB), the OB core, the granular cell layer (GRO) and the mitral cell layer (MI)+the internal plexiform layer (IPL) of the OB of adult mice. Almost all VCCs in Gl, OB core and GRO were the GFAP positive cells. Almost all VCCs in AOB were the Oligo-2 positive cells. Fewer VCCs in MI+IPL were the NeuN positive cells. VCCs significantly increased in the OB core and Gl of adult OB at the pre-onset, onset and progression stages of ALS-like G93A transgenic disease, particularly in OB core. All increased VCCs were the GFAP positive cells. Our data suggested that there extensively existed the endogenous vimentin-containing NPCs in the OB of adult mice, which was a potential resource of neural stem cells, they could differentiate into astrocyte, oligodendrocyte and neuron cells, were a potential astrocyte neuroregenerative response in adult OB in the ALS-like disease, were a potential pathway to repair the degenerated motor neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Tang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Weiming Gan
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Huiting Liang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jiao Li
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiong Zhang
- Graduate School of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China;; Department of Neurology, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Neuroscience Institute, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Renshi Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Therapeutic progress in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-beginning to learning. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 121:903-917. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
16
|
Meamar R, Nematollahi S, Dehghani L, Mirmosayyeb O, Shayegannejad V, Basiri K, Tanhaei AP. The role of stem cell therapy in multiple sclerosis: An overview of the current status of the clinical studies. Adv Biomed Res 2016; 5:46. [PMID: 27110543 PMCID: PMC4817403 DOI: 10.4103/2277-9175.178791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The complexity of multiple sclerosis (MS) and the incompetence of a large number of promised treatments for MS urge us to plan new and more effective therapeutic approaches that aim to suppress ongoing autoimmune responses and induction of local endogenous regeneration. Emerging data propose that hematopoietic, mesenchymal, and neural stem cells have the potential to restore self-tolerance, provide in situ immunomodulation and neuroprotection, as well as promote regeneration. Thus, in this article, we will first provide an overview of the cell sources for proposed mechanisms that contribute to the beneficial effects of stem cell transplantation, the ideal route and/or timing of stem cell-based therapies for each main stem cell group, and finally, an overview of the current status of stem cell research in clinical trial stages in MS by comparable and healthy therapeutic effects of different stem cell therapies for MS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rokhsareh Meamar
- Department of Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, Tehran, Iran
- Isfahan Neurosciences Research Center, Al Zahra Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrzad Nematollahi
- PhD Candidate in Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Institute of Public Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Dehghani
- Department of Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, Tehran, Iran
- Isfahan Neurosciences Research Center, Al Zahra Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Mirmosayyeb
- Isfahan Neurosciences Research Center, Al Zahra Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Shayegannejad
- Isfahan Neurosciences Research Center, Al Zahra Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Neurology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Keivan Basiri
- Isfahan Neurosciences Research Center, Al Zahra Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Neurology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Amir Pouya Tanhaei
- Isfahan Neurosciences Research Center, Al Zahra Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Nafissi S, Kazemi H, Tiraihi T, Beladi-Moghadam N, Faghihzadeh S, Faghihzadeh E, Yadegarynia D, Sadeghi M, Chamani-Tabriz L, Khanfakhraei A, Taheri T. Intraspinal delivery of bone marrow stromal cell-derived neural stem cells in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A safety and feasibility study. J Neurol Sci 2016; 362:174-81. [PMID: 26944143 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.01.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stem cells have been used in several studies with different methodologies to treat patients with ALS. METHODS In this safety and feasibility study, 11 patients with definite or probable ALS according to El Escorial criteria were selected. 3 patients were excluded due to inadequate bone marrow or safety measures after acquisition of bone marrow. Bone marrow stromal cell-derived neural stem cells were injected in C7-T1 spinal cord under general anesthesia. Patients were followed for 12months after injection with manual muscle testing, ALSFRS-R, quality of life changes, pulmonary function test and electromyography. RESULTS None of the patients had perioperative mortality or major morbidity. One patient had temporary deterioration in lower extremities after injection which improved after a few weeks. In the 12months post-injection, only one patient died due to pulmonary embolism. From the remaining 7 patients, all had a stable course after 4months and 5 were stable for the first 8months post-injection and deteriorated afterwards. DISCUSSION In this study, intraspinal injection of bone marrow derived neural stem cells appears to be safe. Patients experienced a temporary stabilization for the first few months post-injection and then gradually deteriorated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahriar Nafissi
- Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam-Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran; Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Department of Neurology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hadi Kazemi
- Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam-Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran; Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Taki Tiraihi
- Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nahid Beladi-Moghadam
- Department of Neurology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soghrat Faghihzadeh
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Science, Zanjan, Iran
| | | | - Davoud Yadegarynia
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Sadeghi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leili Chamani-Tabriz
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdollah Khanfakhraei
- Department of Spinal Cord Injury, Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam-Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Taher Taheri
- Department of Spinal Cord Injury, Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam-Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bonafede R, Scambi I, Peroni D, Potrich V, Boschi F, Benati D, Bonetti B, Mariotti R. Exosome derived from murine adipose-derived stromal cells: Neuroprotective effect on in vitro model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Exp Cell Res 2015; 340:150-8. [PMID: 26708289 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2015.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic strategies for the fatal neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have not yet provided satisfactory results. Interest in stem cells for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing and their beneficial action seems to be due to a paracrine effect via the release of exosomes, main mediators of cell-cell communication. Here we wished to assess, in vitro, the efficacy of a novel non-cell therapeutic approach based on the use of exosomes derived from murine adipose-derived stromal cells on motoneuron-like NSC-34 cells expressing ALS mutations, and used as in vitro models of disease. In particular, we set out to investigate the effect of exosomes on NSC-34 naïve cells and NSC-34 cells overexpressing human SOD1(G93A) or SOD1(G37R) or SOD1(A4V) mutants, exposed to oxidative stress. The data presented here indicate for the first time that exosomes (0.2 µg/ml) are able to protect NSC-34 cells from oxidative damage, which is one of the main mechanism of damage in ALS, increasing cell viability. These data highlight a promising role of exosomes derived from stem cells for potential therapeutic applications in motoneuron disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Bonafede
- Department of Neurological, Biomedical and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Scambi
- Department of Neurological, Biomedical and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Daniele Peroni
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Valentina Potrich
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Federico Boschi
- Department of Computer Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Donatella Benati
- Department of Neurological, Biomedical and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Bruno Bonetti
- Department of Neurological, Biomedical and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Raffaella Mariotti
- Department of Neurological, Biomedical and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
DeLoach A, Cozart M, Kiaei A, Kiaei M. A retrospective review of the progress in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis drug discovery over the last decade and a look at the latest strategies. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2015; 10:1099-118. [PMID: 26307158 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2015.1067197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Drug discovery for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has experienced a surge in clinical studies and remarkable preclinical milestones utilizing a variety of mutant superoxide dismutase 1 model systems. Of the drugs that were tested and showed positive preclinical effects, none demonstrated therapeutic benefits to ALS patients in clinical settings. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the advances made in drug discovery for ALS and highlights why drug development is proving to be so difficult. It also discusses how a closer look at both preclinical and clinical studies could uncover the reasons why these preclinical successes have yet to result in the availability of an effective drug for clinical use. EXPERT OPINION Valuable lessons from the numerous preclinical and clinical studies supply the biggest advantage in the monumental task of finding a cure for ALS. Obviously, a single design type for ALS clinical trials has not yielded success. The authors suggest a two-pronged approach that may prove essential to achieve clinical efficacy in the identification of novel targets and preclinical testing in multiple models to identify biomarkers that can function in diagnostic, predictive and prognostic roles, and changes to clinical trial design and patient recruitment criteria. The advancement of technology and invention of more powerful tools will further enhance the above. This will give rise to more sophisticated clinical trials with consideration of a range of criteria from: optimum dose, route of delivery, specific biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and toxicology to biomarkers, timing for trial and patients' clinical status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail DeLoach
- a 1 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences , Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Michael Cozart
- b 2 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Arianna Kiaei
- a 1 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences , Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Mahmoud Kiaei
- a 1 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences , Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.,b 2 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.,c 3 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Neurology , 4301 W. Markham St, 846, Little Rock, AR 72205 7199, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mancuso R, Navarro X. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Current perspectives from basic research to the clinic. Prog Neurobiol 2015; 133:1-26. [PMID: 26253783 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive degeneration of upper and lower motoneurons, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis, and finally death. Considerable recent advances have been made in basic research and preclinical therapeutic attempts using experimental models, leading to increasing clinical and translational research in the context of this disease. In this review we aim to summarize the most relevant findings from a variety of aspects about ALS, including evaluation methods, animal models, pathophysiology, and clinical findings, with particular emphasis in understanding the role of every contributing mechanism to the disease for elucidating the causes underlying degeneration of motoneurons and the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renzo Mancuso
- Institute of Neurosciences and Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Xavier Navarro
- Institute of Neurosciences and Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Bellaterra, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lunn JS, Sakowski SA, Feldman EL. Concise review: Stem cell therapies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: recent advances and prospects for the future. Stem Cells 2014; 32:1099-109. [PMID: 24448926 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Revised: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a lethal disease involving the loss of motor neurons. Although the mechanisms responsible for motor neuron degeneration in ALS remain elusive, the development of stem cell-based therapies for the treatment of ALS has gained widespread support. Here, we review the types of stem cells being considered for therapeutic applications in ALS, and emphasize recent preclinical advances that provide supportive rationale for clinical translation. We also discuss early trials from around the world translating cellular therapies to ALS patients, and offer important considerations for future clinical trial design. Although clinical translation is still in its infancy, and additional insight into the mechanisms underlying therapeutic efficacy and the establishment of long-term safety are required, these studies represent an important first step toward the development of effective cellular therapies for the treatment of ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Simon Lunn
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
Given their capacity to regenerate cells lost through injury or disease, stem cells offer new vistas into possible treatments for degenerative diseases and their underlying causes. As such, stem cell biology is emerging as a driving force behind many studies in regenerative medicine. This review focuses on the current understanding of the applications of stem cells in treating ailments of the human brain, with an emphasis on neurodegenerative diseases. Two types of neural stem cells are discussed: endogenous neural stem cells residing within the adult brain and pluripotent stem cells capable of forming neural cells in culture. Endogenous neural stem cells give rise to neurons throughout life, but they are restricted to specialized regions in the brain. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms regulating these cells is key in determining their therapeutic potential as well as finding mechanisms to activate dormant stem cells outside these specialized microdomains. In parallel, patient-derived stem cells can be used to generate neural cells in culture, providing new tools for disease modeling, drug testing, and cell-based therapies. Turning these technologies into viable treatments will require the integration of basic science with clinical skills in rehabilitation.
Collapse
|
23
|
Mesenchymal stromal cells loading curcumin-INVITE-micelles: a drug delivery system for neurodegenerative diseases. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2014; 125:300-8. [PMID: 25524221 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2014.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Revised: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
This work reports on the formation of a carrier-in-carrier device for the systemic delivery and targeting of hydrophobic drugs mediated by micelle-loaded mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) (carrier-in-carrier) to be administered by intravenous injection. The innate ability of MSCs to reach injured tissues such as the central nervous system or other damaged tissues, is the key for the second order delivery and first order targeting. Inulin-D-alfa-tocopherol succinate micelles (INVITE M) are able to incorporate highly hydrophobic drugs and, due to their dimensions (≈7 nm diameter), to penetrate the cell membrane easily and quickly. This study demonstrates that the curcumin loaded micelles (INVITE MC), sterilized by filtration, reached the maximum loading in MSCs in few minutes and that the loading was concentration-dependent. When "naked" curcumin was used, an evident cytotoxicity on MSCs was detected, while INVITE micelles protected them from this effect. Moreover, MSCs loaded with INVITE MC are able to release the entrapped drug. This study strongly supports the feasibility of the carrier-in-carrier approach for the therapy of selected diseases, i.e., this innovative drug delivery system will be proposed for the treatment of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Collapse
|
24
|
Bai S, Zhang W, Lu Q, Ma Q, Kaplan DL, Zhu H. Silk Nanofiber Hydrogels with Tunable Modulus to Regulate Nerve Stem Cell Fate. J Mater Chem B 2014; 2:6590-6600. [PMID: 25530851 PMCID: PMC4269376 DOI: 10.1039/c4tb00878b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Reconstruction of damaged nerves remains a significant unmet challenge in clinical medicine. To foster improvements, the control of neural stem cell (NSC) behaviors, including migration, proliferation and differentiation are critical factors to consider. Topographical and mechanical stimulation based on the control of biomaterial features is a promising approach, which are usually studied separately. The synergy between topography and mechanical rigidity could offer new insights into the control of neural cell fate if they could be utilized concurrently in studies. To achieve this need, silk fibroin self-assembled nanofibers with a beta-sheet-enriched structure are formed into hydrogels. Stiffness is tuned using different annealing processes to enable mechanical control without impacting the nanofiber topography. Compared with nonannealed nanofibers, NSCs on methanol annealed nanofibers with stiffness similar to nerve tissues differentiate into neurons with the restraint of glial differentiation, without the influence of specific differentiation biochemical factors. These results demonstrate that combining topographic and mechanical cues provides the control of nerve cell behaviors, with potential for neurogenerative repair strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- ShuMeng Bai
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, People’s Republic of China
| | - WenMin Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiang Lu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Research, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, People’s Republic of China
| | - QuanHong Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, People’s Republic of China
| | - David L. Kaplan
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - HeSun Zhu
- Research Center of Materials Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Thomsen GM, Gowing G, Svendsen S, Svendsen CN. The past, present and future of stem cell clinical trials for ALS. Exp Neurol 2014; 262 Pt B:127-37. [PMID: 24613827 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2013] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the cortex, brainstem and spinal cord. This leads to paralysis, respiratory insufficiency and death within an average of 3 to 5 years from disease onset. While the genetics of ALS are becoming more understood in familial cases, the mechanisms underlying disease pathology remain unclear and there are no effective treatment options. Without understanding what causes ALS it is difficult to design treatments. However, in recent years stem cell transplantation has emerged as a potential new therapy for ALS patients. While motor neuron replacement remains a focus of some studies trying to treat ALS with stem cells, there is more rationale for using stem cells as support cells for dying motor neurons as they are already connected to the muscle. This could be through reducing inflammation, releasing growth factors, and other potential less understood mechanisms. Prior to moving into patients, stringent pre-clinical studies are required that have at least some rationale and efficacy in animal models and good safety profiles. However, given our poor understanding of what causes ALS and whether stem cells may ameliorate symptoms, there should be a push to determine cell safety in pre-clinical models and then a quick translation to the clinic where patient trials will show if there is any efficacy. Here, we provide a critical review of current clinical trials using either mesenchymal or neural stem cells to treat ALS patients. Pre-clinical data leading to these trials, as well as those in development are also evaluated in terms of mechanisms of action, validity of conclusions and rationale for advancing stem cell treatment strategies for this devastating disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gretchen M Thomsen
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Genevieve Gowing
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Soshana Svendsen
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Clive N Svendsen
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
| |
Collapse
|