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Arcuri S, Pennarossa G, Ledda S, Gandolfi F, Brevini TAL. Use of Epigenetic Cues and Mechanical Stimuli to Generate Blastocyst-Like Structures from Mammalian Skin Dermal Fibroblasts. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2767:161-173. [PMID: 37199907 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2023_486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian embryogenesis is characterized by complex interactions between embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues that coordinate morphogenesis, coupling bio-mechanical and bio-chemical cues, to regulate gene expression and influence cell fate. Deciphering such mechanisms is essential to understand early embryogenesis, as well as to harness differentiation disorders. Currently, several early developmental events remain unclear, mainly due to ethical and technical limitations related to the use of natural embryos.Here, we describe a three-step approach to generate 3D spherical structures, arbitrarily defined "epiBlastoids," whose phenotype is remarkably similar to natural embryos. In the first step, adult dermal fibroblasts are converted into trophoblast-like cells, combining the use of 5-azacytidine, to erase the original cell phenotype, with an ad hoc induction protocol, to drive erased cells into the trophoblast lineage. In the second step, once again epigenetic erasing is applied, in combination with mechanosensing-related cues, to generate inner cell mass (ICM)-like spheroids. More specifically, erased cells are encapsulated in micro-bioreactors to promote 3D cell rearrangement and boost pluripotency. In the third step, chemically induced trophoblast-like cells and ICM-like spheroids are co-cultured in the same micro-bioreactors. The newly generated embryoids are then transferred to microwells, to encourage further differentiation and favor epiBlastoid formation. The procedure here described is a novel strategy for in vitro generation of 3D spherical structures, phenotypically similar to natural embryos. The use of easily accessible dermal fibroblasts and the lack of retroviral gene transfection make this protocol a promising strategy to study early embryogenesis as well as embryo disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Arcuri
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Centre for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Lodi, Italy
| | - Georgia Pennarossa
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Centre for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Lodi, Italy
| | - Sergio Ledda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, Centre for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana A L Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Centre for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Lodi, Italy
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Grobbelaar S, Mercier AE, van den Bout I, Durandt C, Pepper MS. Considerations for enhanced mesenchymal stromal/stem cell myogenic commitment in vitro. Clin Transl Sci 2024; 17:e13703. [PMID: 38098144 PMCID: PMC10787211 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The generation of tissue from stem cells is an alluring concept as it holds a number of potential applications in clinical therapeutics and regenerative medicine. Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) can be isolated from a number of different somatic sources, and have the capacity to differentiate into adipogenic, osteogenic, chondrogenic, and myogenic lineages. Although the first three have been extensively investigated, there remains a paucity of literature on the latter. This review looks at the various strategies available in vitro to enhance harvested MSC commitment and differentiation into the myogenic pathway. These include chemical inducers, myogenic-enhancing cell culture substrates, and mechanical and dynamic culturing conditions. Drawing on information from embryonic and postnatal myogenesis from somites, satellite, and myogenic progenitor cells, the mechanisms behind the chemical and mechanical induction strategies can be studied, and the sequential gene and signaling cascades can be used to monitor the progression of myogenic differentiation in the laboratory. Increased understanding of the stimuli and signaling mechanisms in the initial stages of MSC myogenic commitment will provide tools with which we can enhance their differentiation efficacy and advance the process to clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Grobbelaar
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Immunology, and South African Medical Research Council Extramural Unit for Stem Cell Research and Therapy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
| | - Anne E. Mercier
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
| | - Iman van den Bout
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
| | - Chrisna Durandt
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Immunology, and South African Medical Research Council Extramural Unit for Stem Cell Research and Therapy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
| | - Michael S. Pepper
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Immunology, and South African Medical Research Council Extramural Unit for Stem Cell Research and Therapy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
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Pennarossa G, Arcuri S, De Iorio T, Ledda S, Gandolfi F, Brevini TAL. Combination of epigenetic erasing and mechanical cues to generate human epiBlastoids from adult dermal fibroblasts. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1015-1027. [PMID: 36933093 PMCID: PMC10024007 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02773-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study is to develop a new protocol that combines the use of epigenetic cues and mechanical stimuli to assemble 3D spherical structures, arbitrarily defined "epiBlastoids," whose phenotype is remarkably similar to natural embryos. METHODS A 3-step approach is used to generate epiBlastoids. In the first step, adult dermal fibroblasts are converted into trophoblast (TR)-like cells, combining the use of 5-azacytidine, to erase the original phenotype, with an ad hoc induction protocol, to drive cells towards TR lineage. In the second step, epigenetic erasing is applied once again, in combination with mechanosensing-related cues, to generate inner cell mass (ICM)-like organoids. Specifically, erased cells are encapsulated into micro-bioreactors to promote 3D cell rearrangement and boost pluripotency. In the third step, TR-like cells are co-cultured with ICM-like spheroids in the same micro-bioreactors. Subsequently, the newly generated embryoids are transferred to microwells to favor epiBlastoid formation. RESULTS Adult dermal fibroblasts are successfully readdressed towards TR lineage. Cells subjected to epigenetic erasing and encapsulated into micro-bioreactors rearrange in 3D ICM-like structures. Co-culture of TR-like cells and ICM-like spheroids into micro-bioreactors and microwells induces the formation of single structures with uniform shape reminiscent in vivo embryos. CDX2+ cells localized in the out layer of the spheroids, while OCT4+ cells in the inner of the structures. TROP2+ cells display YAP nuclear accumulation and actively transcribed for mature TR markers, while TROP2- cells showed YAP cytoplasmic compartmentalization and expressed pluripotency-related genes. CONCLUSION We describe the generation of epiBlastoids that may find useful application in the assisted reproduction field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Pennarossa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Center for Stem Cell Research, Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Sharon Arcuri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Center for Stem Cell Research, Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Teresina De Iorio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Center for Stem Cell Research, Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Sergio Ledda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana A L Brevini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Center for Stem Cell Research, Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy.
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Ahmadi BM, Noori A, Ashtiani MK, Rajabi S, Talkhabi M. 5-Azacytidine incorporated skeletal muscle-derived hydrogel promotes rat skeletal muscle regeneration. Cells Dev 2023; 173:203826. [PMID: 36739913 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2023.203826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Decellularized skeletal muscle is a promising biomaterial for muscle regeneration due to the mimicking of the natural microenvironment. Previously, it has been reported that 5-Azacytidine (5-Aza), a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, induces myogenesis in different types of stem cells. In the current study, we investigated the effect of 5-Aza incorporated muscle-derived hydrogel on the viability and proliferation of muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) in vitro and muscle regeneration in vivo. Wistar rat skeletal muscles were decellularized using a physico-chemical protocol. The decellularized tissue was analyzed using SEM, histological staining and evaluation of DNA content. Then, muscle-derived hydrogel was made from Pepsin-digested decellularized muscle tissues. 5-Aza was physically adsorbed in prepared hydrogels. Then, MDSCs were cultured on hydrogels with/without 5-Aza, and their proliferation and cell viability were determined using LIVE/DEAD and DAPI staining. Moreover, myectomy lesions were done in rat femoris muscles, muscle-derived hydroges with/without 5-Aza were injected to the myectomy sites, and histological evaluation was performed after three weeks. The analysis of decellularized muscle tissues showed that they maintained extracellular matrix components of native muscles, while they lacked DNA. LIVE/DEAD and DAPI staining showed that the hydrogel containing 5-Aza supported MDSCs viability. Histological analysis of myectomy sites showed an improvement in muscle regeneration after administration of 5-Aza incorporated hydrogel. These findings suggest that the combination of 5-Aza with skeletal muscle hydrogel may serve as an alternative treatment option to improve the regeneration of injured muscle tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnaz Mirza Ahmadi
- Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afshin Noori
- Department of Cell Engineering, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Kazemi Ashtiani
- Department of Cell Engineering, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sarah Rajabi
- Department of Cell Engineering, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mahmood Talkhabi
- Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
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Tayabally SEH, Khan AA, Abdallah SH, Khattak MNK, Jayakumar MN, Rani Samsudin A. Increased strength in the Col-Tgel induces apoptosis in the human dental pulp stem cells: 3D culturing of human dental pulp stem cells at different strengths of collagen. Saudi J Biol Sci 2022; 29:2674-2682. [PMID: 35531240 PMCID: PMC9072883 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.12.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs) have great potential to be used in regenerative medicine. To use these stem cells effectively for this purpose, they should be grown in a 3D cell culture that mimics their natural niches instead of a 2D conventional cell culture. The aim of this study was to grow the HDPSCs in the 3D cell culture created by Transglutaminase-crosslinked collagen hydrogels (Col-Tgel) in two different strengths to find a suitable 3D cell culture environment for these stem cells. Two stiffness of the 3D Col-Tgel were used to grow the HDPSCs: soft and medium matrix with strength of 0.9-1.5 kPa and 14-20 kPa, respectively. HDPSCs express markers similar to MSCs, therefore seven such markers were analyzed in the HDPSCs during their growth in the 2D and in the 3D soft and medium Col-Tgel. The CD105 and CD90 markers were significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated in HDPSCs cultured in both 3D cell culture conditions compared with HDPSCs in 2D cell culture. Furthermore, CD34 marker, a negative marker, expressed by a few cells in HDPSCs culture was upregulated (p < 0.05) in HDPSCs cultured in medium 3D Col-Tgel, indicating cells that expressing the marker grow better in medium 3D Col-Tgel. The apoptosis results revealed that HDPSCs in medium 3D Col-Tgel had the least number of live cells and a significantly (p < 0.05) higher early apoptosis rate compared to HDPSCs in 2D and 3D Col-Tgel medium. MTT analysis also showed a significant difference among the three cell culture conditions. We conclude that HDPSCs cultured on 3D soft Col-Tgel showed better proliferation than cells cultured in 3D medium gel. These results demonstrate that the ideal environment to grow HDPSCs in 3D is the soft Col-Tgel not medium Col-Tgel.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amir Ali Khan
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Human Genetics and Stem Cell Research Group, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sallam Hasan Abdallah
- Human Genetics and Stem Cell Research Group, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Muhammad Nasir Khan Khattak
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Human Genetics and Stem Cell Research Group, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - A.B. Rani Samsudin
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Tan S, Fang W, Vangsness CT, Han B. Influence of Cellular Microenvironment on Human Articular Chondrocyte Cell Signaling. Cartilage 2021; 13:935S-946S. [PMID: 32672057 PMCID: PMC8804849 DOI: 10.1177/1947603520941219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alteration of the cellular microenvironment may influence the intra- and intercellular communication and contribute to cartilage injury and repair. The purpose of this study was to investigate how matrix elasticity/stiffness affects chondrogenic activities, including cell survival, phenotypic expression, and the release of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. DESIGN Human articular chondrocytes (HACs) cultured on traditional 2-dimensional (2D) plastic surfaces were compared with those cultured within 3D hydrogel matrices of varying stiffness. Chondrogenic proliferation, differentiation, and the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were evaluated. Both interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β) and human synovial fluid-derived cells (hSFCs) were introduced to study the effects of matrix stiffness on chondrocyte response. RESULTS Cells demonstrated the most robust chondrogenic differentiation and secreted the least pro-inflammatory cytokines when the matrix stiffness was close to their native microenvironment. The IL-1β effects were attenuated when HACs were co-cultured with hSFCs. CONCLUSION Modifying the matrix stiffness to mimic the native cartilage microenvironment not only optimized chondrogenic expression but also was essential for the regulation of physiological homeostasis. This study proposed a new toolkit to study cell-molecule, cell-cell, and cell-matrix influence on cartilage physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- ShihJye Tan
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical
Engineering, Keck School of Medicine, Uuniversity of Southern California, Los
Angeles, CA, USA
| | - William Fang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keck
School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - C. Thomas Vangsness
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keck
School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bo Han
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical
Engineering, Keck School of Medicine, Uuniversity of Southern California, Los
Angeles, CA, USA,Bo Han, Department of Surgery and Biomedical
Engineering, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1333
San Pablo Street, BMT 302A, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9112, USA.
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Man K, Brunet MY, Louth S, Robinson TE, Fernandez-Rhodes M, Williams S, Federici AS, Davies OG, Hoey DA, Cox SC. Development of a Bone-Mimetic 3D Printed Ti6Al4V Scaffold to Enhance Osteoblast-Derived Extracellular Vesicles' Therapeutic Efficacy for Bone Regeneration. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:757220. [PMID: 34765595 PMCID: PMC8576375 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.757220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are considered promising nanoscale therapeutics for bone regeneration. To date, EVs are typically procured from cells on 2D tissue culture plastic, an artificial environment that limits cell growth and does not replicate in situ biochemical or biophysical conditions. This study investigated the potential of 3D printed titanium scaffolds coated with hydroxyapatite to promote the therapeutic efficacy of osteoblast-derived EVs. Ti6Al4V titanium scaffolds with different pore sizes (500 and 1000 µm) and shapes (square and triangle) were fabricated by selective laser melting. A bone-mimetic nano-needle hydroxyapatite (nnHA) coating was then applied. EVs were procured from scaffold-cultured osteoblasts over 2 weeks and vesicle concentration was determined using the CD63 ELISA. Osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) following treatment with primed EVs was evaluated by assessing alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen production and calcium deposition. Triangle pore scaffolds significantly increased osteoblast mineralisation (1.5-fold) when compared to square architectures (P ≤ 0.001). Interestingly, EV yield was also significantly enhanced on these higher permeability structures (P ≤ 0.001), in particular (2.2-fold) for the larger pore structures (1000 µm). Furthermore osteoblast-derived EVs isolated from triangular pore scaffolds significantly increased hBMSCs mineralisation when compared to EVs acquired from square pore scaffolds (1.7-fold) and 2D culture (2.2-fold) (P ≤ 0.001). Coating with nnHA significantly improved osteoblast mineralisation (>2.6-fold) and EV production (4.5-fold) when compared to uncoated scaffolds (P ≤ 0.001). Together, these findings demonstrate the potential of harnessing bone-mimetic culture platforms to enhance the production of pro-regenerative EVs as an acellular tool for bone repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenny Man
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Mathieu Y. Brunet
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Louth
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas E. Robinson
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Fernandez-Rhodes
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Soraya Williams
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Angelica S. Federici
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre, Trinity College Dublin and RCSI, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Owen G. Davies
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - David A. Hoey
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre, Trinity College Dublin and RCSI, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sophie C. Cox
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Ovarian Decellularized Bioscaffolds Provide an Optimal Microenvironment for Cell Growth and Differentiation In Vitro. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082126. [PMID: 34440895 PMCID: PMC8393799 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian failure is the most common cause of infertility. Although numerous strategies have been proposed, a definitive solution for recovering ovarian functions and restoring fertility is currently unavailable. One innovative alternative may be represented by the development of an “artificial ovary” that could be transplanted in patients for re-establishing reproductive activities. Here, we describe a novel approach for successful repopulation of decellularized ovarian bioscaffolds in vitro. Porcine whole ovaries were subjected to a decellularization protocol that removed the cell compartment, while maintaining the macrostructure and microstructure of the original tissue. The obtained bioscaffolds were then repopulated with porcine ovarian cells or with epigenetically erased porcine and human dermal fibroblasts. The results obtained demonstrated that the decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM)-based scaffold may constitute a suitable niche for ex vivo culture of ovarian cells. Furthermore, it was able to properly drive epigenetically erased cell differentiation, fate, and viability. Overall, the method described represents a powerful tool for the in vitro creation of a bioengineered ovary that may constitute a promising solution for hormone and fertility restoration. In addition, it allows for the creation of a suitable 3D platform with useful applications both in toxicological and transplantation studies.
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Arcuri S, Pennarossa G, Gandolfi F, Brevini TAL. Generation of Trophoblast-Like Cells From Hypomethylated Porcine Adult Dermal Fibroblasts. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:706106. [PMID: 34350230 PMCID: PMC8326560 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.706106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The first differentiation event in mammalian embryos is the formation of the trophectoderm, which is the progenitor of the outer epithelial components of the placenta, and which supports the fetus during the intrauterine life. However, the epigenetic and paracrine controls at work in trophectoderm differentiation are still to be fully elucidated and the creation of dedicated in vitro models is desirable to increase our understanding. Here we propose a novel approach based on the epigenetic conversion of adult dermal fibroblasts into trophoblast-like cells. The method combines the use of epigenetic erasing with an ad hoc differentiation protocol. Dermal fibroblasts are erased with 5-azacytidine (5-aza-CR) that confers cells a transient high plasticity state. They are then readdressed toward the trophoblast (TR) phenotype, using MEF conditioned medium, supplemented with bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) and inhibitors of the Activin/Nodal and FGF2 signaling pathways in low O2 conditions. The method here described allows the generation of TR-like cells from easily accessible material, such as dermal fibroblasts, that are very simply propagated in vitro. Furthermore, the strategy proposed is free of genetic modifications that make cells prone to instability and transformation. The TR model obtained may also find useful application in order to better characterize embryo implantation mechanisms and developmental disorders based on TR defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Arcuri
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Centre for Stem Cell Research, UniStem, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Georgia Pennarossa
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Centre for Stem Cell Research, UniStem, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences-Production, Landscape, Agroenergy and Centre for Stem Cell Research, UniStem, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana A L Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Centre for Stem Cell Research, UniStem, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Correia CR, Bjørge IM, Nadine S, Mano JF. Minimalist Tissue Engineering Approaches Using Low Material-Based Bioengineered Systems. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2002110. [PMID: 33709572 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202002110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
From an "over-engineering" era in which biomaterials played a central role, now it is observed to the emergence of "developmental" tissue engineering (TE) strategies which rely on an integrative cell-material perspective that paves the way for cell self-organization. The current challenge is to engineer the microenvironment without hampering the spontaneous collective arrangement ability of cells, while simultaneously providing biochemical, geometrical, and biophysical cues that positively influence tissue healing. These efforts have resulted in the development of low-material based TE strategies focused on minimizing the amount of biomaterial provided to the living key players of the regenerative process. Through a "minimalist-engineering" approach, the main idea is to fine-tune the spatial balance occupied by the inanimate region of the regenerative niche toward maximum actuation of the key living components during the healing process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara R. Correia
- CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials Department of Chemistry University of Aveiro Campus Universitário de Santiago Aveiro 3810‐193 Portugal
| | - Isabel M. Bjørge
- CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials Department of Chemistry University of Aveiro Campus Universitário de Santiago Aveiro 3810‐193 Portugal
| | - Sara Nadine
- CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials Department of Chemistry University of Aveiro Campus Universitário de Santiago Aveiro 3810‐193 Portugal
| | - João F. Mano
- CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials Department of Chemistry University of Aveiro Campus Universitário de Santiago Aveiro 3810‐193 Portugal
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11
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赵 健, 李 东, 安 阳. [Roles of ten eleven translocation proteins family and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in epigenetic regulation of stem cells and regenerative medicine]. BEIJING DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF PEKING UNIVERSITY. HEALTH SCIENCES 2021; 53:420-424. [PMID: 33879920 PMCID: PMC8072413 DOI: 10.19723/j.issn.1671-167x.2021.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The methylation of cytosine is one of the most fundamental epigenetic modifications in mammalian genomes, and is involved in multiple crucial processes including gene expression, cell differentiation, embryo development and oncogenesis. In the past, DNA methylation was thought to be an irreversible process, which could only be diluted passively through DNA replication. It is now becoming increa-singly obvious that DNA demethylation can be an active process and plays a crucial role in biological processes. Ten eleven translocation (TET) proteins are the key factors modulating DNA demethylation. This family contains three members: TET1, TET2 and TET3. Although three TET proteins have relatively conserved catalytic domains, their roles in organisms are not repeated, and their expression has significant cell/organ specificity. TET1 is mainly expressed in embryonic stem cells, TET2 is mainly expressed in hematopoietic system, and TET3 is widely expressed in cerebellum, cortex and hippocampus. This family catalyzes 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and other oxidative products, reactivates silenced-gene expression, in turn maintains stem cell pluripotency and regulates lineage specification. With the development of tissue engineering, organ transplantation, autologous tissue transplantation and artificial prosthesis have been widely used in clinical treatment, but these technologies have limitations. Regenerative medicine, which uses stem cells and stem cell related factors for treatment, may provide alternative therapeutic strategies for multiple diseases. Among all kinds of human stem cells, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are the most prospective stem cell lineage since they have no ethical issues and can be easily obtained with large quantities. To date, ADSCs have been shown to have strong proli-feration capacity, secrete numerous soluble factors and have multipotent differentiation ability. However, the underlying mechanism of the proliferation, secretion, acquired pluripotency, and lineage specific differentiation of ADSCs are still largely unknown. Some studies have explored the role of epigenetic regulation and TET protein in embryonic stem cells, but little is known about its role in ADSCs. By studying the roles of TET proteins and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in ADSCs, we could provide new theoretical foundation for the clinical application of ADSCs and the stem cell-based therapy. In the future, combined with bioprinting technology, ADSCs may be used in tissue and organ regeneration, plastic surgery reconstruction and other broader fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- 健芳 赵
- 北京大学第三医院成形外科,北京 100191Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- 北京大学第一医院整形烧伤外科,北京 100034Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - 东 李
- 北京大学第三医院成形外科,北京 100191Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 阳 安
- 北京大学第三医院成形外科,北京 100191Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
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12
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Su J, Guo L, Wu C. A mechanoresponsive PINCH-1-Notch2 interaction regulates smooth muscle differentiation of human placental mesenchymal stem cells. Stem Cells 2021; 39:650-668. [PMID: 33529444 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness plays an important role in the decision making process of smooth muscle differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here we show that a signaling axis consisting of PINCH-1 and Notch2 is critically involved in mediating the effect of ECM stiffness on smooth muscle differentiation of MSCs. Notch2 level is markedly increased in ECM stiffness-induced smooth muscle differentiation of human placental MSCs. Knockdown of Notch2 from human placental MSCs effectively inhibits ECM stiffness-induced smooth muscle differentiation, whereas overexpression of North intracellular domain (NICD2) is sufficient to drive human placental MSC differentiation toward smooth muscle cells. At the molecular level, Notch2 directly interacts with PINCH-1. The interaction of Notch2 with PINCH-1 is significantly increased in response to ECM stiffness favoring smooth muscle differentiation. Furthermore, depletion of PINCH-1 from human placental MSCs reduces Notch2 level and consequently suppresses ECM stiffness-induced smooth muscle differentiation. Re-expression of PINCH-1, but not that of a Notch2-binding defective PINCH-1 mutant, in PINCH-1 knockdown human placental MSCs restores smooth muscle differentiation. Finally, overexpression of NICD2 is sufficient to override PINCH-1 deficiency-induced defect in smooth muscle differentiation. Our results identify an ECM stiffness-responsive PINCH-1-Notch2 interaction that is critically involved in ECM stiffness-induced smooth muscle differentiation of human placental MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Su
- Department of Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Guo
- Department of Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China.,Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanyue Wu
- Department of Pathology and the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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13
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Pennarossa G, Manzoni EFM, Ledda S, deEguileor M, Gandolfi F, Brevini TAL. Use of a PTFE Micro-Bioreactor to Promote 3D Cell Rearrangement and Maintain High Plasticity in Epigenetically Erased Fibroblasts. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2020; 15:82-92. [PMID: 30397853 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-018-9862-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Phenotype definition is driven by epigenetic mechanisms as well as directly influenced by the cell microenvironment and by biophysical signals deriving from the extracellular matrix. The possibility to interact with the epigenetic signature of an adult mature cell, reversing its differentiated state and inducing a short transient high plasticity window, was previously demonstrated. In parallel, in vitro studies have shown that 3D culture systems, mimicking cell native tissue, exert significant effects on cell behavior and functions. Here we report the production of "PTFE micro-bioreactors" for long-term culture of epigenetically derived high plasticity cells. The system promotes 3D cell rearrangement, global DNA demethylation and elevated transcription of pluripotency markers, that is dependent on WW domain containing transcription regulator 1 (TAZ) nuclear accumulation and SMAD family member 2 (SMAD2) co-shuttling. Our findings demonstrate that the use of 3D culture strategies greatly improves the induction and maintenance of a high plasticity state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Pennarossa
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena F M Manzoni
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Sergio Ledda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Magda deEguileor
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy.,Unistem, Centre for Stem Cell Research, Universita' degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana A L Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy. .,Unistem, Centre for Stem Cell Research, Universita' degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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14
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Han B, Fang WH, Zhao S, Yang Z, Hoang BX. Zinc sulfide nanoparticles improve skin regeneration. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2020; 29:102263. [PMID: 32645446 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2020.102263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Wound healing has been intensely studied to expedite recovery times and reduce scarring. However, current technologies fail to achieve regenerative capabilities, leaving wounds with scarring and lack of skin accessories. The recent emergence of nanotechnology has provided a new clinical modality of zinc nanoparticles in wound care. This present study investigated Zinc Sulfide nanoparticles (ZnS-NP) on wound healing in vitro with 2D and 3D models and in vivo with rat full-thickness wound model. ZnS-NP inhibited fetal bovine serum-stimulated rat skin fibroblast cell proliferation, altered cytoskeletal organization, and reduced collagen synthesis as well as contractile activity. ZnS-NP regulated redox homeostatsis and promoted fibroblast viability in 3D hypoxia conditions. In the rat full-thickness wound model, ZnS-NP reduced wound contraction, enhanced re-epithelization, and promoted skin appendage formation. The biological activities of ZnS-NPs determined in our current study may suggest promising practical applications for topical or systemic treatment for wound repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Han
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California; Department of Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, Keck School of Medicine USC, Los Angeles, CA.
| | - William H Fang
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California
| | - Shuqing Zhao
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ba X Hoang
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California
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15
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Abstract
Cell fate specification, gene expression and spatial restriction are process finely tuned by epigenetic regulatory mechanisms. At the same time, mechanical forces have been shown to be crucial to drive cell plasticity and boost differentiation. Indeed, several studies have demonstrated that transitions along different specification states are strongly influenced by 3D rearrangement and mechanical properties of the surrounding microenvironment, that can modulate both cell potency and differentiation, through the activation of specific mechanosensing-related pathways. An overview of small molecule ability to modulate cell plasticity and define cell fate is here presented and results, showing the possibility to erase the epigenetic signature of adult dermal fibroblasts and convert them into insulin-producing cells (EpiCC) are described. The beneficial effects exerted on such processes, when cells are homed on an adequate substrate, that shows “in vivo” tissue-like stiffness are also discussed and the contribution of the Hippo signalling mechano-transduction pathway as one of the mechanisms involved is examined. In addition, results obtained using a genetically modified fibroblast cell line, expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) under the control of the porcine insulin gene (INS) promoter (INS-eGFP transgenic pigs), are reported. This model offers the advantage to monitor the progression of cell conversion in real time mode. All these observations have a main role in order to allow a swift scale-up culture procedure, essential for cell therapy and tissue engineering applied to human regenerative medicine, and fundamental to ensure an efficient translation process from the results obtained at the laboratory bench to the patient bedside. Moreover, the creation of reliable in vitro model represents a key point to ensure the development of more physiological models that, in turn, may reduce the number of animals used, implementing non-invasive investigations and animal welfare and protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana A L Brevini
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20122, Italy
| | - Elena F M Manzoni
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20122, Italy
| | - Sharon Arcuri
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20122, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20122, Italy
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16
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Cheng YW, Shiwarski DJ, Ball RL, Whitehead KA, Feinberg AW. Engineering Aligned Skeletal Muscle Tissue Using Decellularized Plant-Derived Scaffolds. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:3046-3054. [PMID: 33463300 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To achieve organization and function, engineered tissues require a scaffold that supports cell adhesion, alignment, growth, and differentiation. For skeletal muscle tissue engineering, decellularization has been an approach for fabricating 3D scaffolds that retain biological architecture. While many decellularization approaches are focused on utilizing animal muscle as the starting material, decellularized plants are a potential source of highly structured cellulose-rich scaffolds. Here, we assessed the potential for a variety of decellularized plant scaffolds to promote mouse and human muscle cell alignment and differentiation. After decellularizing a range of fruits and vegetables, we identified the green-onion scaffold to have appropriate surface topography for generating highly confluent and aligned C2C12 and human skeletal muscle cells (HSMCs). The topography of the green-onion cellulose scaffold contained a repeating pattern of grooves that are approximately 20 μm wide by 10 μm deep. The outer white section of the green onion had a microstructure that guided C2C12 cell differentiation into aligned myotubes. Quantitative analysis of C2C12 and HSMC alignment revealed an almost complete anisotropic organization compared to 2D isotropic controls. Our results demonstrate that the decellularized green onion cellulose scaffolds, particularly from the outer white bulb segment, provide a simple and low-cost substrate to engineer aligned human skeletal muscle.
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17
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He XT, Li X, Xia Y, Yin Y, Wu RX, Sun HH, Chen FM. Building capacity for macrophage modulation and stem cell recruitment in high-stiffness hydrogels for complex periodontal regeneration: Experimental studies in vitro and in rats. Acta Biomater 2019; 88:162-180. [PMID: 30735811 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recently, we found that although high-stiffness matrices stimulated osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived stromal cells (BMSCs), the macrophages (Mφs) in high-stiffness transglutaminase crosslinked gelatins (TG-gels) tended to undergo M1 polarization and hence compromised cell osteogenesis. In this study, we hypothesized that the copresentation of interleukin (IL)-4 and stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1α in high-stiffness TG-gels may enhance periodontal regeneration by modulating Mφ polarization and promoting endogenous stem cell recruitment. We found that Mφs were more likely to polarize toward an immunomodulatory M2 state in the presence of IL-4 and hence positively influence the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs when these cells coexisted in either indirect or direct co-culture systems. In cell migration assays, BMSCs exhibited an enhanced capability to move toward gels containing SDF-1α, and more cells could be recruited into the three-dimensional matrix of TG-gels. When TG-gels containing IL-4 and/or SDF-1α were used to repair periodontal defects, more new bone (MicroCT) was formed in animals that received the dual cytokine-loaded transplants at 4 weeks postsurgery. Mφs were recruited to all the transplanted gels, and after one week, more M1-phenotype cells were found in the groups without IL-4, while the presence of IL-4 was more likely to result in M2 polarization (immunofluorescence staining). When the tissue biopsies were histologically examined, the TG-gels containing both IL-4 and SDF-1α led to a generally satisfactory regeneration with respect to attachment recovery (epithelial and connective tissue) and hybrid tissue regeneration (bone, periodontal ligament and cementum). Our data suggest that the incorporation of IL-4 into high-stiffness TG-gels may promote the M2 polarization of Mφs and that SDF-1α can be applied to guide endogenous cell homing. Overall, building capacity for Mφ modulation and cell recruitment in high-stiffness hydrogels represents a simple and effective strategy that can support high levels of periodontal tissue regeneration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The development of hydrogel-based regenerative therapies centered on the mobilization and stimulation of native cells for therapeutics opens a window toward realizing periodontal endogenous regeneration. In the present study, the parallel use of immunomodulatory and homing factors in high-stiffness hydrogel materials is shown to induce stem cell homing, modulate cell differentiation and indeed induce regrowth of the periodontium. We found that incorporation of interleukin (IL)-4 in high-stiffness TG-gels coaxed macrophages to polarize into M2 phenotypes, and stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1α could be applied to direct endogenous cell homing. Hence, we present for the first time a clinically relevant strategy based on macrophage modulation and host cell recruitment that can support high levels of periodontal tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Tao He
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, P.R. China; Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials and Advanced Manufacture, Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Xuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Yu Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Rui-Xin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, P.R. China; Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials and Advanced Manufacture, Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Hua Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, P.R. China; Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials and Advanced Manufacture, Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Fa-Ming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, P.R. China; Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials and Advanced Manufacture, Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, P.R. China.
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18
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Epigenetic Erasing and Pancreatic Differentiation of Dermal Fibroblasts into Insulin-Producing Cells are Boosted by the Use of Low-Stiffness Substrate. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2018; 14:398-411. [PMID: 29285667 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-017-9799-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated the possibility to revert differentiation process, reactivating hypermethylated genes and facilitating cell transition to a different lineage. Beside the epigenetic mechanisms driving cell conversion processes, growing evidences highlight the importance of mechanical forces in supporting cell plasticity and boosting differentiation. Here, we describe epigenetic erasing and conversion of dermal fibroblasts into insulin-producing cells (EpiCC), and demonstrate that the use of a low-stiffness substrate positively influences these processes. Our results show a higher expression of pluripotency genes and a significant bigger decrease of DNA methylation levels in 5-azacytidine (5-aza-CR) treated cells plated on soft matrix, compared to those cultured on plastic dishes. Furthermore, the use of low-stiffness also induces a significant increased up-regulation of ten-eleven translocation 2 (Tet2) and histone acetyltransferase 1 (Hat1) genes, and more decreased histone deacetylase enzyme1 (Hdac1) transcription levels. The soft substrate also encourages morphological changes, actin cytoskeleton re-organization, and the activation of the Hippo signaling pathway, leading to yes-associated protein (YAP) phosphorylation and its cytoplasmic translocation. Altogether, this results in increased epigenetic conversion efficiency and in EpiCC acquisition of a mono-hormonal phenotype. Our findings indicate that mechano-transduction related responsed influence cell plasticity induced by 5-aza-CR and improve fibroblast differentiation toward the pancreatic lineage.
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19
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Schumann C, Nguyen DX, Norgard M, Bortnyak Y, Korzun T, Chan S, Lorenz AS, Moses AS, Albarqi HA, Wong L, Michaelis K, Zhu X, Alani AWG, Taratula OR, Krasnow S, Marks DL, Taratula O. Increasing lean muscle mass in mice via nanoparticle-mediated hepatic delivery of follistatin mRNA. Am J Cancer Res 2018; 8:5276-5288. [PMID: 30555546 PMCID: PMC6276093 DOI: 10.7150/thno.27847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscle atrophy occurs during chronic diseases, resulting in diminished quality of life and compromised treatment outcomes. There is a high demand for therapeutics that increase muscle mass while abrogating the need for special dietary and exercise requirements. Therefore, we developed an efficient nanomedicine approach capable of increasing muscle mass. Methods: The therapy is based on nanoparticle-mediated delivery of follistatin messenger RNA (mRNA) to the liver after subcutaneous administration. The delivered mRNA directs hepatic cellular machinery to produce follistatin, a glycoprotein that increases lean mass through inhibition of negative regulators of muscle mass (myostatin and activin A). These factors are elevated in numerous disease states, thereby providing a target for therapeutic intervention. Results: Animal studies validated that mRNA-loaded nanoparticles enter systemic circulation following subcutaneous injection, accumulate and internalize in the liver, where the mRNA is translated into follistatin. Follistatin serum levels were elevated for 72 h post injection and efficiently reduced activin A and myostatin serum concentrations. After eight weeks of repeated injections, the lean mass of mice in the treatment group was ~10% higher when compared to that of the controls. Conclusion: Based on the obtained results demonstrating an increased muscle mass as well as restricted fat accumulation, this nanoplatform might be a milestone in the development of mRNA technologies and the treatment of muscle wasting disorders.
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20
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Jones JM, Player DJ, Martin NRW, Capel AJ, Lewis MP, Mudera V. An Assessment of Myotube Morphology, Matrix Deformation, and Myogenic mRNA Expression in Custom-Built and Commercially Available Engineered Muscle Chamber Configurations. Front Physiol 2018; 9:483. [PMID: 29867538 PMCID: PMC5951956 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
There are several three-dimensional (3D) skeletal muscle (SkM) tissue engineered models reported in the literature. 3D SkM tissue engineering (TE) aims to recapitulate the structure and function of native (in vivo) tissue, within an in vitro environment. This requires the differentiation of myoblasts into aligned multinucleated myotubes surrounded by a biologically representative extracellular matrix (ECM). In the present work, a new commercially available 3D SkM TE culture chamber manufactured from polyether ether ketone (PEEK) that facilitates suitable development of these myotubes is presented. To assess the outcomes of the myotubes within these constructs, morphological, gene expression, and ECM remodeling parameters were compared against a previously published custom-built model. No significant differences were observed in the morphological and gene expression measures between the newly introduced and the established construct configuration, suggesting biological reproducibility irrespective of manufacturing process. However, TE SkM fabricated using the commercially available PEEK chambers displayed reduced variability in both construct attachment and matrix deformation, likely due to increased reproducibility within the manufacturing process. The mechanical differences between systems may also have contributed to such differences, however, investigation of these variables was beyond the scope of the investigation. Though more expensive than the custom-built models, these PEEK chambers are also suitable for multiple use after autoclaving. As such this would support its use over the previously published handmade culture chamber system, particularly when seeking to develop higher-throughput systems or when experimental cost is not a factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Jones
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Darren J Player
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Neil R W Martin
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J Capel
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Mark P Lewis
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Vivek Mudera
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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21
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He XT, Wu RX, Xu XY, Wang J, Yin Y, Chen FM. Macrophage involvement affects matrix stiffness-related influences on cell osteogenesis under three-dimensional culture conditions. Acta Biomater 2018; 71:132-147. [PMID: 29462712 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that the physicochemical properties of biomaterials exert profound influences on stem cell fate decisions. However, matrix-based regulation selected through in vitro analyses based on a given cell population do not genuinely reflect the in vivo conditions, in which multiple cell types are involved and interact dynamically. This study constitutes the first investigation of how macrophages (Mφs) in stiffness-tunable transglutaminase cross-linked gelatin (TG-gel) affect the osteogenesis of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs). When a single cell type was cultured, low-stiffness TG-gels promoted BMMSC proliferation, whereas high-stiffness TG-gels supported cell osteogenic differentiation. However, Mφs in high-stiffness TG-gels were more likely to polarize toward the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype. Using either conditioned medium (CM)-based incubation or Transwell-based co-culture, we found that Mφs encapsulated in the low-stiffness matrix exerted a positive effect on the osteogenesis of co-cultured BMMSCs. Conversely, Mφs in high-stiffness TG-gels negatively affected cell osteogenic differentiation. When both cell types were cultured in the same TG-gel type and placed into the Transwell system, the stiffness-related influences of Mφs on BMMSCs were significantly altered; both the low- and high-stiffness matrix induced similar levels of BMMSC osteogenesis. Although the best material parameter for synergistically affecting Mφs and BMMSCs remains unknown, our data suggest that Mφ involvement in the co-culture system alters previously identified material-related influences on BMMSCs, such as matrix stiffness-related effects, which were identified based on a culture system involving a single cell type. Such Mφ-stem cell interactions should be considered when establishing proper matrix parameter-associated cell regulation in the development of biomimetic biomaterials for regenerative applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The substrate stiffness of a scaffold plays critical roles in modulating both reparative cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and immune cells, such as macrophages (Mφs). Although the influences of material stiffness on either Mφs or MSCs, have been extensively described, how the two cell types respond to matrix cues to dynamically affect each other in a three-dimensional (3D) biosystem remains largely unknown. Here, we report our findings that, in a platform wherein Mφs and bone marrow-derived MSCs coexist, matrix stiffness can influence stem cell fate through both direct matrix-associated regulation and indirect Mφ-based modulation. Our data support future studies of the MSC-Mφ-matrix interplay in the 3D context to optimize matrix parameters for the development of the next biomaterial.
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22
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Zhou S, Yang R, Zou Q, Zhang K, Yin T, Zhao W, Shapter JG, Gao G, Fu Q. Fabrication of Tissue-Engineered Bionic Urethra Using Cell Sheet Technology and Labeling By Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide for Full-Thickness Urethral Reconstruction. Theranostics 2017; 7:2509-2523. [PMID: 28744331 PMCID: PMC5525753 DOI: 10.7150/thno.18833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Urethral strictures remain a reconstructive challenge, due to less than satisfactory outcomes and high incidence of stricture recurrence. An “ideal” urethral reconstruction should establish similar architecture and function as the original urethral wall. We fabricated a novel tissue-engineered bionic urethras using cell sheet technology and report their viability in a canine model. Small amounts of oral and adipose tissues were harvested, and adipose-derived stem cells, oral mucosal epithelial cells, and oral mucosal fibroblasts were isolated and used to prepare cell sheets. The cell sheets were hierarchically tubularized to form 3-layer tissue-engineered urethras and labeled by ultrasmall super-paramagnetic iron oxide (USPIO). The constructed tissue-engineered urethras were transplanted subcutaneously for 3 weeks to promote the revascularization and biomechanical strength of the implant. Then, 2 cm length of the tubularized penile urethra was replaced by tissue-engineered bionic urethra. At 3 months of urethral replacement, USPIO-labeled tissue-engineered bionic urethra can be effectively detected by MRI at the transplant site. Histologically, the retrieved bionic urethras still displayed 3 layers, including an epithelial layer, a fibrous layer, and a myoblast layer. Three weeks after subcutaneous transplantation, immunofluorescence analysis showed the density of blood vessels in bionic urethra was significantly increased following the initial establishment of the constructs and was further up-regulated at 3 months after urethral replacement and was close to normal level in urethral tissue. Our study is the first to experimentally demonstrate 3-layer tissue-engineered urethras can be established using cell sheet technology and can promote the regeneration of structural and functional urethras similar to normal urethra.
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23
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5-azacytidine affects TET2 and histone transcription and reshapes morphology of human skin fibroblasts. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37017. [PMID: 27841324 PMCID: PMC5107985 DOI: 10.1038/srep37017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotype definition is controlled by epigenetic regulations that allow cells to acquire their differentiated state. The process is reversible and attractive for therapeutic intervention and for the reactivation of hypermethylated pluripotency genes that facilitate transition to a higher plasticity state. We report the results obtained in human fibroblasts exposed to the epigenetic modifier 5-azacytidine (5-aza-CR), which increases adult cell plasticity and facilitates phenotype change. Although many aspects controlling its demethylating action have been widely investigated, the mechanisms underlying 5-aza-CR effects on cell plasticity are still poorly understood. Our experiments confirm decreased global methylation, but also demonstrate an increase of both Formylcytosine (5fC) and 5-Carboxylcytosine (5caC), indicating 5-aza-CR ability to activate a direct and active demethylating effect, possibly mediated via TET2 protein increased transcription. This was accompanied by transient upregulation of pluripotency markers and incremented histone expression, paralleled by changes in histone acetylating enzymes. Furthermore, adult fibroblasts reshaped into undifferentiated progenitor-like phenotype, with a sparse and open chromatin structure. Our findings indicate that 5-aza-CR induced somatic cell transition to a higher plasticity state is activated by multiple regulations that accompany the demethylating effect exerted by the modifier.
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