1
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Gupta S, Sharma A, Rajakannu M, Bisevac J, Rela M, Verma RS. Small Molecule-Mediated Stage-Specific Reprogramming of MSCs to Hepatocyte-Like Cells and Hepatic Tissue for Liver Injury Treatment. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024:10.1007/s12015-024-10771-x. [PMID: 39259445 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10771-x] [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: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Derivation of hepatocytes from stem cells has been established through various protocols involving growth factor (GF) and small molecule (SM) agents, among others. However, mesenchymal stem cell-based derivation of hepatocytes still remains expensive due to the use of a cocktail of growth factors, and a long duration of differentiation is needed, thus limiting its potential clinical application. METHODS In this study, we developed a chemically defined differentiation strategy that is exclusively based on SM and takes 14 days, while the GF-based protocol requires 23-28 days. RESULTS We optimized a stage-specific differentiation protocol for the differentiation of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into functional hepatocyte-like cells (dHeps) that involved four stages, i.e., definitive endoderm (DE), hepatic competence (HC), hepatic specification (HS) and hepatic differentiation and growth. We further generated hepatic tissue using human decellularized liver extracellular matrix and compared it with hepatic tissue derived from the growth factor-based protocol at the transcriptional level. dHep, upon transplantation in a rat model of acute liver injury (ALI), was capable of ameliorating liver injury in rats and improving liver function and tissue damage compared to those in the ALI model. CONCLUSIONS In summary, this is the first study in which hepatocytes and hepatic tissue were derived from MSCs utilizing a stage-specific strategy by exclusively using SM as a differentiation factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Gupta
- Stem Cell and Molecular Biology, Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600036, India.
- Centre for Eye Research and Innovative Diagnostics, Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Akriti Sharma
- Stem Cell and Molecular Biology, Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600036, India
| | - Muthukumarassamy Rajakannu
- The Institute of Liver Disease & Transplantation, Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre, Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research, Chromepet, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jovana Bisevac
- Centre for Eye Research and Innovative Diagnostics, Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mohamed Rela
- The Institute of Liver Disease & Transplantation, Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre, Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research, Chromepet, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rama Shanker Verma
- Stem Cell and Molecular Biology, Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600036, India.
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2
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Wildey A, Harrington S, Stehno-Bittel L, Karanu F. Reduction of Activin A gives rise to comparable expression of key definitive endoderm and mature beta cell markers. Regen Med 2024; 19:47-63. [PMID: 38240144 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2023-0187] [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] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: Cell therapies for diabetes rely on differentiation of stem cells into insulin-producing cells, which is complex and expensive. Our goal was to evaluate production costs and test ways to reduce it. Methods: Cost of Goods (COGs) analysis for differentiation was completed and the effects of replacement or reduction of the most expensive item was tested using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry along with glucose-stimulated insulin release. Results: Activin A (AA) was responsible for significant cost. Replacement with small molecules failed to form definitive endoderm (DE). Reducing AA by 50% did not negatively affect expression of beta cell markers. Conclusion: Reduction of AA concentration is feasible without adversely affecting DE and islet-like cell differentiation, leading to significant cost savings in manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lisa Stehno-Bittel
- Likarda LLC, Kansas City, MO 64137, USA
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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3
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Stefaniak F, Bujnicki JM. AnnapuRNA: A scoring function for predicting RNA-small molecule binding poses. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1008309. [PMID: 33524009 PMCID: PMC7877745 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA is considered as an attractive target for new small molecule drugs. Designing active compounds can be facilitated by computational modeling. Most of the available tools developed for these prediction purposes, such as molecular docking or scoring functions, are parametrized for protein targets. The performance of these methods, when applied to RNA-ligand systems, is insufficient. To overcome these problems, we developed AnnapuRNA, a new knowledge-based scoring function designed to evaluate RNA-ligand complex structures, generated by any computational docking method. We also evaluated three main factors that may influence the structure prediction, i.e., the starting conformer of a ligand, the docking program, and the scoring function used. We applied the AnnapuRNA method for a post-hoc study of the recently published structures of the FMN riboswitch. Software is available at https://github.com/filipspl/AnnapuRNA. Drug development is a lengthy and complicated process, which requires costly experiments on a very large number of chemical compounds. The identification of chemical molecules with desired properties can be facilitated by computational methods. Several methods were developed for computer-aided design of drugs that target protein molecules. However, recently the ribonucleic acid (RNA) emerged as an attractive target for the development of new drugs. Unfortunately, the portfolio of the computer methods that can be applied to study RNA and its interactions with small chemical molecules is very limited. This situation motivated us to develop a new computational method, with which to predict RNA-small molecule interactions. To this end, we collected the information on the statistics of interactions in experimentally determined structures of complexes formed by RNA with small molecules. We then used the statistical data to train machine learning methods aiming to distinguish between RNA-ligand interactions observed experimentally and other interactions that can be observed in theoretical analyses, but are not observed in nature. The resulting method called AnnapuRNA is superior to other similar tools and can be used to predict preferred ligands of RNA molecules and how RNA and small molecules interact with each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Stefaniak
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
- * E-mail: (FS); (JMB)
| | - Janusz M. Bujnicki
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
- * E-mail: (FS); (JMB)
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4
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Scalable Cardiac Differentiation of Pluripotent Stem Cells Using Specific Growth Factors and Small Molecules. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2018; 163:39-69. [PMID: 29071404 DOI: 10.1007/10_2017_30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The envisioned routine application of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes (CMs) for therapies and industry-compliant screening approaches will require efficient and highly reproducible processes for the mass production of well-characterized CM batches.On their way toward beating CMs, hPSCs initially undergo an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition into a primitive-streak (PS)-like population that later gives rise to all endodermal and mesodermal lineages, including cardiovascular progenies (CVPs). CVPs are multipotent and possess the capability to give rise to all major cell types of the heart, including CMs, endothelial cells, cardiac fibroblasts, and smooth muscle cells. This article provides an historical overview and describes the stepwise development of protocols that typically result in the appearance of beating CMs within 7-12 days of hPSC differentiation.We describe the development of directed and closely controlled cardiomyogenic differentiation, which now enables the induction of >90% CM purity without further lineage enrichment. Although secreted lineage specifiers (revealed from developmental biology) were initially used, we outline the advantages of chemical pathway modulators, as defined by more recent screening approaches. Subsequently, we discuss the use of defined culture media for upscaling the production of hPSC-CMs in controlled bioreactors and how this, in principle, unlimited source of human CMs can be used to progress heart regeneration and stimulate the drug discovery pipeline. Graphical Abstract.
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5
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Yakhkeshi S, Rahimi S, Sharafi M, Hassani S, Taleahmad S, Shahverdi A, Baharvand H. In vitro improvement of quail primordial germ cell expansion through activation of TGF‐beta signaling pathway. J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:4309-4319. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Yakhkeshi
- Department of Poultry ScienceFaculty of AgricultureTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran
| | - Shaban Rahimi
- Department of Poultry ScienceFaculty of AgricultureTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran
| | - Mohsen Sharafi
- Department of Poultry ScienceFaculty of AgricultureTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran
| | - Seyedeh‐Nafiseh Hassani
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental BiologyCell Science Research CenterRoyan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECRTehranIran
| | - Sara Taleahmad
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental BiologyCell Science Research CenterRoyan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECRTehranIran
| | - Abdolhossein Shahverdi
- Department of EmbryologyReproductive Biomedicine Research CenterRoyan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECRTehranIran
| | - Hossein Baharvand
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental BiologyCell Science Research CenterRoyan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECRTehranIran
- Department of Developmental BiologyUniversity of Science and CultureTehranIran
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6
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Jung SE, Kim YH, Cho S, Kim BJ, Lee HS, Hwang S, Kim GB, Kim YH, Pang MG, Lee S, Ryu BY. A Phytochemical Approach to Promotion of Self-renewal in Murine Spermatogonial Stem Cell by Using Sedum Sarmentosum Extract. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11441. [PMID: 28900261 PMCID: PMC5595968 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11790-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the basis of spermatogenesis, which is dependent on the ability to self-renew and differentiation. Controlling self-renewal and differentiation of SSCs could apply to treatment of disease such as male infertility. Recently, in the field of stem cell research, it was demonstrated that effective increase in stem cell activity can be achieved by using growth factors derived from plant extracts. In this study, our aim is to investigate components from natural plant to improve the self-renewal of SSCs. To find the components, germ cells were cultured with comprehensive natural plant extracts, and then the more pure fraction, and finally single compound at different concentrations. As a result, we found 5H-purin-6-amine at 1 µg/mL, originated from Sedum sarmentosum, was a very effective compound induced SSCs proliferation. Our data showed that germ cells cultured with 5H-purin-6-amine could maintain their stable characteristics. Furthermore, transplantation results demonstrated that 5H-purin-6-amine at 1 µg/mL increased the activity of SSCs, indicating the compound could increase true SSC concentration within germ cells to 1.96-fold. These findings would be contributed to improve further reproductive research and treat male infertility by using natural plant extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Eun Jung
- Department of Animal Science & Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Hee Kim
- Department of Animal Science & Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunghun Cho
- Department of Integrative Plant Science, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea
| | - Bang-Jin Kim
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Hee-Seok Lee
- Food Safety Risk Assessment Division, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, MFDS Korea, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongsoo Hwang
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Geun-Bae Kim
- Department of Animal Science & Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Hyun Kim
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 30 Yeongudangi-ro, Ochang-eup, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Deajeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Geol Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghyun Lee
- Department of Integrative Plant Science, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea.
| | - Buom-Yong Ryu
- Department of Animal Science & Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea.
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7
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Dadashpour M, Pilehvar-Soltanahmadi Y, Zarghami N, Firouzi-Amandi A, Pourhassan-Moghaddam M, Nouri M. Emerging Importance of Phytochemicals in Regulation of Stem Cells Fate via Signaling Pathways. Phytother Res 2017; 31:1651-1668. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Dadashpour
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
- Stem Cell Research Center; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
- Student Research Committee; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
| | - Younes Pilehvar-Soltanahmadi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
- Stem Cell Research Center; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
| | - Nosratollah Zarghami
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
- Stem Cell Research Center; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Pourhassan-Moghaddam
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
- Stem Cell Research Center; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
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8
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Bhanu NV, Sidoli S, Garcia BA. Histone modification profiling reveals differential signatures associated with human embryonic stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. Proteomics 2016; 16:448-58. [PMID: 26631989 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201500231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Revised: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we trace developmental stages using epigenome changes in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) treated with drugs modulating either self-renewal or differentiation. Based on microscopy, qPCR and flow cytometry, we classified the treatment outcome as inducing pluripotency (hESC, flurbiprofen and gatifloxacin), mesendoderm (sinomenine), differentiation (cyamarin, digoxin, digitoxin, selegeline and theanine) and lineage-commitment (RA). When we analyzed histone PTMs that imprinted these gene and protein expressions, the above classification was reassorted. Hyperacetylation at H3K4, 9, 14, 18, 56 and 122 as well as H4K5, 8, 12 and 16 emerged as the pluripotency signature of hESCs. Methylations especially of H3 at K9, K20, K27 and K36 characterized differentiation initiation as seen in no-drug control and fluribiprofen. Sinomenine-treated cells clustered close to "differentiation initiators", consistent with flow cytometry where it induced mesendoderm, along with cyamarin and possibly selegnine. Neurectoderm, induced by RA and theanine manifested methylations on H3 shifts to H3.3. By both flow cytometry and histone PTM clustering, it appears that cells treated with gatifloxacin, flurbiprofen, digitoxin and digoxin were not yet lineage-committed or mixed cell types. Taken together, our moderate-throughput histone PTM profiling approach highlighted subtle epigenetic signatures that permitted us to predict divergent lineage progression even in differentiating cells with similar phenotype and gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natarajan V Bhanu
- Epigenetics Program, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Simone Sidoli
- Epigenetics Program, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Benjamin A Garcia
- Epigenetics Program, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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9
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Najumudeen AK, Posada IMD, Lectez B, Zhou Y, Landor SKJ, Fallarero A, Vuorela P, Hancock J, Abankwa D. Phenotypic Screening Identifies Protein Synthesis Inhibitors as H-Ras-Nanocluster-Increasing Tumor Growth Inducers. Biochemistry 2015; 54:7212-21. [PMID: 26568031 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.5b00724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Ras isoforms H-, N-, and K-ras are each mutated in specific cancer types at varying frequencies and have different activities in cell fate control. On the plasma membrane, Ras proteins are laterally segregated into isoform-specific nanoscale signaling hubs, termed nanoclusters. As Ras nanoclusters are required for Ras signaling, chemical modulators of nanoclusters represent ideal candidates for the specific modulation of Ras activity in cancer drug development. We therefore conducted a chemical screen with commercial and in-house natural product libraries using a cell-based H-ras-nanoclustering FRET assay. Next to established Ras inhibitors, such as a statin and farnesyl-transferase inhibitor, we surprisingly identified five protein synthesis inhibitors as positive regulators. Using commonly employed cycloheximide as a representative compound, we show that protein synthesis inhibition increased nanoclustering and effector recruitment specifically of active H-ras but not of K-ras. Consistent with these data, cycloheximide treatment activated both Erk and Akt kinases and specifically promoted H-rasG12V-induced, but not K-rasG12V-induced, PC12 cell differentiation. Intriguingly, cycloheximide increased the number of mammospheres, which are enriched for cancer stem cells. Depletion of H-ras in combination with cycloheximide significantly reduced mammosphere formation, suggesting an exquisite synthetic lethality. The potential of cycloheximide to promote tumor cell growth was also reflected in its ability to increase breast cancer cell tumors grown in ovo. These results illustrate the possibility of identifying Ras-isoform-specific modulators using nanocluster-directed screening. They also suggest an unexpected feedback from protein synthesis inhibition to Ras signaling, which might present a vulnerability in certain tumor cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arafath K Najumudeen
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, Åbo Akademi University , Tykistökatu 6B, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Itziar M D Posada
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, Åbo Akademi University , Tykistökatu 6B, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Benoit Lectez
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, Åbo Akademi University , Tykistökatu 6B, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Yong Zhou
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston , Medical School, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Sebastian K-J Landor
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, Åbo Akademi University , Tykistökatu 6B, 20520 Turku, Finland.,Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB), Karolinska Institutet , SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Adyary Fallarero
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki , FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pia Vuorela
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki , FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - John Hancock
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston , Medical School, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Daniel Abankwa
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, Åbo Akademi University , Tykistökatu 6B, 20520 Turku, Finland
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10
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Wang Y, Zhu G, Li N, Song J, Wang L, Shi X. Small molecules and their controlled release that induce the osteogenic/chondrogenic commitment of stem cells. Biotechnol Adv 2015; 33:1626-40. [PMID: 26341834 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2015.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell-based tissue engineering plays a significant role in skeletal system repair and regenerative therapies. However, stem cells must be differentiated into specific mature cells prior to implantation (direct implantation may lead to tumour formation). Natural or chemically synthesised small molecules provide an efficient, accurate, reversible, and cost-effective way to differentiate stem cells compared with bioactive growth factors and gene-related methods. Thus, investigating the influences of small molecules on the differentiation of stem cells is of great significance. Here, we review a series of small molecules that can induce or/and promote the osteogenic/chondrogenic commitment of stem cells. The controlled release of these small molecules from various vehicles for stem cell-based therapies and tissue engineering applications is also discussed. The extensive studies in this field represent significant contributions to stem cell-based tissue engineering research and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjun Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, PR China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
| | - Guanglin Zhu
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, PR China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
| | - Nanying Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, PR China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
| | - Juqing Song
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, PR China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
| | - Lin Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, PR China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
| | - Xuetao Shi
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, PR China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, PR China.
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11
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García S, Sunyer R, Olivares A, Noailly J, Atencia J, Trepat X. Generation of stable orthogonal gradients of chemical concentration and substrate stiffness in a microfluidic device. LAB ON A CHIP 2015; 15:2606-14. [PMID: 25977997 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc00140d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Cellular responses to chemical cues are at the core of a myriad of fundamental biological processes ranging from embryonic development to cancer metastasis. Most of these biological processes are also influenced by mechanical cues such as the stiffness of the extracellular matrix. How a biological function is influenced by a synergy between chemical concentration and extracellular matrix stiffness is largely unknown, however, because no current strategy enables the integration of both types of cues in a single experiment. Here we present a robust microfluidic device that generates a stable, linear and diffusive chemical gradient over a biocompatible hydrogel with a well-defined stiffness gradient. Device fabrication relies on patterned PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive) stacks that can be implemented with minimal cost and lab equipment. This technique is suitable for long-term observation of cell migration and application of traction force microscopy. We validate our device by testing MDCK cell scattering in response to perpendicular gradients of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and substrate stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- S García
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Baldiri Reixac 15-21, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
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12
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Davies SG, Kennewell PD, Russell AJ, Seden PT, Westwood R, Wynne GM. Stemistry: the control of stem cells in situ using chemistry. J Med Chem 2015; 58:2863-94. [PMID: 25590360 DOI: 10.1021/jm500838d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A new paradigm for drug research has emerged, namely the deliberate search for molecules able to selectively affect the proliferation, differentiation, and migration of adult stem cells within the tissues in which they exist. Recently, there has been significant interest in medicinal chemistry toward the discovery and design of low molecular weight molecules that affect stem cells and thus have novel therapeutic activity. We believe that a successful agent from such a discover program would have profound effects on the treatment of many long-term degenerative disorders. Among these conditions are examples such as cardiovascular decay, neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease, and macular degeneration, all of which have significant unmet medical needs. This perspective will review evidence from the literature that indicates that discovery of such agents is achievable and represents a worthwhile pursuit for the skills of the medicinal chemist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen G Davies
- †Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Peter D Kennewell
- †Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Angela J Russell
- †Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K.,‡Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, U.K
| | - Peter T Seden
- †Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Robert Westwood
- †Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Graham M Wynne
- †Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K
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13
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Jo J, Song H, Park SG, Lee S, Ko J, Park J, Jeong J, Cheon Y, Lee DR. Regulation of Differentiation Potential of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Intracytoplasmic Delivery of Coactivator‐Associated Arginine Methyltransferase 1 Protein Using Cell‐Penetrating Peptide. Stem Cells 2012; 30:1703-1713. [DOI: 10.1002/stem.1146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Junghyun Jo
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Haengseok Song
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Gyu Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soo‐Hong Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung‐Jae Ko
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong‐Hyuk Park
- Division of Development and Physiology, School of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, Institute for Basic Sciences, College of Natural Science, Sungshin Women's University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jaemin Jeong
- Division of Radiation Cancer Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Science, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong‐Pil Cheon
- Division of Development and Physiology, School of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, Institute for Basic Sciences, College of Natural Science, Sungshin Women's University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Ryul Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
- CHA Stem Cell Institute, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
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Abstract
Stem cell technology holds great promises for the cures of devastating diseases, injuries, aging, and even cancers as it is applied in regenerative medicine. Recent breakthroughs in the development of induced pluripotent stem cell techniques and efficient differentiation strategies have generated tremendous enthusiasm and efforts to explore the therapeutic potential of stem cells. Small molecules, which target specific signaling pathways and/or proteins, have been demonstrated to be particularly valuable for manipulating cell fate, state, and function. Such small molecules not only are useful in generating desired cell types in vitro for various applications but also could be further developed as conventional therapeutics to stimulate patients' endogenous cells to repair and regenerate in vivo. Here, we focus on recent progress in the use of small molecules in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saiyong Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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Transdifferentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells into urothelial cells: potential for urinary tract tissue engineering. Cell Tissue Res 2012; 347:737-746. [PMID: 22290635 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-011-1317-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2011] [Accepted: 12/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autologous urothelial cells (UCs) provide a cell source for urinary tissue engineering because they can be used safely due to their lack of immunogenicity. However, these cells cannot be harvested under the following circumstances: malignancy, infection and organ loss, etc. Human adipose-derived stem cells (HADSCs) possess the traits of high differentiation potential and ease of isolation, representing a promising resource for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Nevertheless, HADSCs have been poorly investigated in urology and the optimal approaches to induce HADSCs into urothelium are still under investigation. In this study, we hypothesized that the change of microenvironment by a conditioned medium was essential for the transdifferentiation of HADSCs into UCs. We then used a conditioned medium derived from urothelium to alternate the microenvironment of HADSCs. After 14 days of culture in a conditioned medium, about 25-50% HADSCs changed their morphology into polygonal epithelium-like shapes. In addition, these cells expressed up-regulating of urothelial lineage-specific markers (uroplakin 2and cytokeratin-18) and down-regulating of mesenchymal marker (vimentin) in RNA and protein level, respectively, which confirmed that HADSCs were induced into urothelial lineage cells. We also measured the growth factors in the conditioned medium in order to analyze the molecular mechanisms regulating transdifferentiation. We observed that the expression levels of PDGF-BB and VEGF were significantly higher than those of the control group after 14 days induction, suggesting they were abundantly secreted into the medium during the culturing period. In conclusion, HADSCs showed in vitro the upregulation of markers for differentiation towards urothelial cells by culturing in an urothelial-conditioned medium, which provides an alternative cell source for potential use in urinary tract tissue engineering.
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The promotion of chondrogenesis, osteogenesis, and adipogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells by multiple growth factors incorporated into nanosphere-coated microspheres. Biomaterials 2011; 32:28-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2010.08.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2010] [Accepted: 08/27/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Wen Y, Chen B, Ildstad ST. Stem cell-based strategies for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2010; 11:41-53. [PMID: 21110785 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2011.540235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD β-Cell regeneration and β-cell preservation are two promising therapeutic approaches for the management of patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Stem cell-based strategies to address the problems of shortage in β cells, autoimmune and alloimmune responses have become an area of intense study. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW This review focuses on the progress that has been made in obtaining functional, insulin-producing cells from various types of stem/progenitor cells, including the current knowledge on the immunomodulatory roles of hematopoietic stem cell and multipotent stromal cell in the therapies for T1D. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN A broad overview of recent advancements in this field is provided. The hurdles that remain in the path of using stem cell-based strategies for the treatment of T1D and possible approaches to overcome these challenges are discussed. TAKE HOME MESSAGE Stem cell-based strategies hold great promise for the treatment of T1D. In spite of the progress that has been made over the last decade, a number of obstacles and concerns need to be cleared before widespread clinical application is possible. In particular, the mechanism of ESC and iPSC-derived β-cell maturation in vivo is poorly understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Wen
- University of Louisville, Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, Louisville, KY 40202-1760, USA
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Mayhew CN, Wells JM. Converting human pluripotent stem cells into beta-cells: recent advances and future challenges. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2010; 15:54-60. [PMID: 19855279 PMCID: PMC2832838 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0b013e3283337e1c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The transplantation of insulin-producing beta-cells derived from human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (collectively termed pluripotent stem cells or PSCs) holds great promise for therapy of diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent advances in this area, emphasizing the importance of studies of endocrine pancreas development in efforts to direct PSC differentiation into endocrine cells, as well as to outline the major challenges remaining before transplantation of PSC-derived beta-cells can become a reality. RECENT FINDINGS Although several protocols to generate glucose-responsive pancreatic beta-cells in vitro have been described, the most successful approaches are those that most closely mimic embryonic development of the endocrine pancreas. Until recently, cells generated by these methods have exhibited immature pancreatic endocrine phenotypes. However, protocols that generate more functional beta-like cells have now been described. In addition, small molecules are being used to improve protocols to direct differentiation of PSCs into endoderm and pancreatic lineages. SUMMARY Advances over the last decade suggest that generating functional beta-cells from human PSCs is achievable. However, there are aspects of beta-cell development that are not well understood and are hampering generation of PSC-derived beta-cells. In particular, the signaling pathways that instruct endocrine progenitor cells to differentiate into mature and functional beta-cells are poorly understood. Other significant obstacles remain, including the need for safe and cost-effective differentiation methods for large-scale generation of transplantation quality beta-cells, methods to prevent immune rejection of grafted tissues, and amelioration of the risks of tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher N Mayhew
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
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Wang S, Yan J, Anderson DA, Xu Y, Kanal MC, Cao Z, Wright CVE, Gu G. Neurog3 gene dosage regulates allocation of endocrine and exocrine cell fates in the developing mouse pancreas. Dev Biol 2009; 339:26-37. [PMID: 20025861 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2009.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2009] [Revised: 12/05/2009] [Accepted: 12/07/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Neurog3 (Neurogenin3 or Ngn3) actively drives endodermal progenitor cells towards endocrine islet cell differentiation during embryogenesis. Here, we manipulate Neurog3 expression levels in endocrine progenitor cells without altering its expression pattern using heterozygosity and a hypomorph. Lowered Neurog3 gene dosage in the developing pancreatic epithelium reduces the overall production of endocrine islet cells without significantly affecting the proportions of various islet cell types that do form. A reduced Neurog3 production level in the endocrine-directed pancreatic progenitor population activates the expression of Neurog3 in an increased number of epithelial progenitors. Yet a significant number of these Neurog3+ cells detected in heterozygous and hypomorphic pancreata, possibly those that express low levels of Neurog3, move on to adopt pancreatic ductal or acinar fates. These data directly demonstrate that achieving high levels of Neurog3 expression is a critical step for endocrine commitment from multipotent pancreatic progenitors. These findings also suggest that a high level of Neurog3 expression could mediate lateral inhibition or other unknown feedback mechanisms to regulate the number of cells that initiate Neurog3 transcription and protein production. The control of Neurog3+ cell number and the Neurog3 threshold-dependent endocrine differentiation mechanism combine to select a specific proportion of pancreatic progenitor cells to adopt the islet cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sui Wang
- Program in Developmental Biology and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 465 21st Avenue South, Rm 4128, Vanderbilt Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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