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Taherian M, Bayati P, Mojtabavi N. Stem cell-based therapy for fibrotic diseases: mechanisms and pathways. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:170. [PMID: 38886859 PMCID: PMC11184790 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03782-5] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological process, that could result in permanent scarring and impairment of the physiological function of the affected organ; this condition which is categorized under the term organ failure could affect various organs in different situations. The involvement of the major organs, such as the lungs, liver, kidney, heart, and skin, is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality across the world. Fibrotic disorders encompass a broad range of complications and could be traced to various illnesses and impairments; these could range from simple skin scars with beauty issues to severe rheumatologic or inflammatory disorders such as systemic sclerosis as well as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Besides, the overactivation of immune responses during any inflammatory condition causing tissue damage could contribute to the pathogenic fibrotic events accompanying the healing response; for instance, the inflammation resulting from tissue engraftment could cause the formation of fibrotic scars in the grafted tissue, even in cases where the immune system deals with hard to clear infections, fibrotic scars could follow and cause severe adverse effects. A good example of such a complication is post-Covid19 lung fibrosis which could impair the life of the affected individuals with extensive lung involvement. However, effective therapies that halt or slow down the progression of fibrosis are missing in the current clinical settings. Considering the immunomodulatory and regenerative potential of distinct stem cell types, their application as an anti-fibrotic agent, capable of attenuating tissue fibrosis has been investigated by many researchers. Although the majority of the studies addressing the anti-fibrotic effects of stem cells indicated their potent capabilities, the underlying mechanisms, and pathways by which these cells could impact fibrotic processes remain poorly understood. Here, we first, review the properties of various stem cell types utilized so far as anti-fibrotic treatments and discuss the challenges and limitations associated with their applications in clinical settings; then, we will summarize the general and organ-specific mechanisms and pathways contributing to tissue fibrosis; finally, we will describe the mechanisms and pathways considered to be employed by distinct stem cell types for exerting anti-fibrotic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Taherian
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Paria Bayati
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nazanin Mojtabavi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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2
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Calligaris M, Zito G, Busà R, Bulati M, Iannolo G, Gallo A, Carreca AP, Cuscino N, Castelbuono S, Carcione C, Centi C, Amico G, Bertani A, Chinnici CM, Conaldi PG, Scilabra SD, Miceli V. Proteomic analysis and functional validation reveal distinct therapeutic capabilities related to priming of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells with IFN-γ and hypoxia: potential implications for their clinical use. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1385712. [PMID: 38882056 PMCID: PMC11179434 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1385712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are a heterogeneous population of multipotent cells that can be obtained from various tissues, such as dental pulp, adipose tissue, bone marrow and placenta. MSCs have gained importance in the field of regenerative medicine because of their promising role in cell therapy and their regulatory abilities in tissue repair and regeneration. However, a better characterization of these cells and their products is necessary to further potentiate their clinical application. In this study, we used unbiased high-resolution mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis to investigate the impact of distinct priming strategies, such as hypoxia and IFN-γ treatment, on the composition and therapeutic functionality of the secretome produced by MSCs derived from the amniotic membrane of the human placenta (hAMSCs). Our investigation revealed that both types of priming improved the therapeutic efficacy of hAMSCs, and these improvements were related to the secretion of functional factors present in the conditioned medium (CM) and exosomes (EXOs), which play crucial roles in mediating the paracrine effects of MSCs. In particular, hypoxia was able to induce a pro-angiogenic, innate immune response-activating, and tissue-regenerative hAMSC phenotype, as highlighted by the elevated production of regulatory factors such as VEGFA, PDGFRB, ANGPTL4, ENG, GRO-γ, IL8, and GRO-α. IFN-γ priming, instead, led to an immunosuppressive profile in hAMSCs, as indicated by increased levels of TGFB1, ANXA1, THBS1, HOMER2, GRN, TOLLIP and MCP-1. Functional assays validated the increased angiogenic properties of hypoxic hAMSCs and the enhanced immunosuppressive activity of IFN-γ-treated hAMSCs. This study extends beyond the direct priming effects on hAMSCs, demonstrating that hypoxia and IFN-γ can influence the functional characteristics of hAMSC-derived secretomes, which, in turn, orchestrate the production of functional factors by peripheral blood cells. This research provides valuable insights into the optimization of MSC-based therapies by systematically assessing and comparing the priming type-specific functional features of hAMSCs. These findings highlight new strategies for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs, particularly in the context of multifactorial diseases, paving the way for the use of hAMSC-derived products in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Calligaris
- Proteomics Group, Ri.MED Foundation c/o IRCCS ISMETT, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Zito
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosalia Busà
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
| | - Matteo Bulati
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
| | - Gioacchin Iannolo
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessia Gallo
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Cuscino
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Castelbuono
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Centi
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Bertani
- Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation Unit, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
| | - Cinzia Maria Chinnici
- Regenerative Medicine and Immunotherapy Area, Ri.MED Foundation c/o IRCCS ISMETT, Palermo, Italy
| | - Pier Giulio Conaldi
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Vitale Miceli
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
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3
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Miceli V. Use of priming strategies to advance the clinical application of mesenchymal stromal/stem cell-based therapy. World J Stem Cells 2024; 16:7-18. [PMID: 38292438 PMCID: PMC10824041 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v16.i1.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) have garnered significant attention in the field of regenerative medicine due to their remarkable therapeutic potential. MSCs play a pivotal role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and possess diverse functions in tissue repair and recovery in various organs. These cells are characterized by easy accessibility, few ethical concerns, and adaptability to in vitro cultures, making them a valuable resource for cell therapy in several clinical conditions. Over the years, it has been shown that the true therapeutic power of MSCs lies not in cell engraftment and replacement but in their ability to produce critical paracrine factors, including cytokines, growth factors, and exosomes (EXOs), which modulate the tissue microenvironment and facilitate repair and regeneration processes. Consequently, MSC-derived products, such as conditioned media and EXOs, are now being extensively evaluated for their potential medical applications, offering advantages over the long-term use of whole MSCs. However, the efficacy of MSC-based treatments varies in clinical trials due to both intrinsic differences resulting from the choice of diverse cell sources and non-standardized production methods. To address these concerns and to enhance MSC therapeutic potential, researchers have explored many priming strategies, including exposure to inflammatory molecules, hypoxic conditions, and three-dimensional culture techniques. These approaches have optimized MSC secretion of functional factors, empowering them with enhanced immunomodulatory, angiogenic, and regenerative properties tailored to specific medical conditions. In fact, various priming strategies show promise in the treatment of numerous diseases, from immune-related disorders to acute injuries and cancer. Currently, in order to exploit the full therapeutic potential of MSC therapy, the most important challenge is to optimize the modulation of MSCs to obtain adapted cell therapy for specific clinical disorders. In other words, to unlock the complete potential of MSCs in regenerative medicine, it is crucial to identify the most suitable tissue source and develop in vitro manipulation protocols specific to the type of disease being treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitale Miceli
- Department of Research, Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta Specializzazione, Palermo 90127, Italy.
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Lu H, Xu WL, Wu YF, Yang WJ, Liu SW. Mucin 1 promotes salivary gland cancer cell proliferation and metastasis by regulating the epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway. J Dent Sci 2023; 18:1651-1662. [PMID: 37799896 PMCID: PMC10547961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jds.2023.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/purpose Salivary gland cancer (SGC) is the common malignant tumor of the head and neck region with poor prognosis. Mucin 1 (MUC1) has been reported to be associated with the development of cancer. However, whether MUC1 contributed to the progression of SGC remains to be explored. Materials and methods Immunohistochemical analysis was used to explore the expression levels of MUC1 in SGC tissues. Cell proliferation, colony formation, wound healing, transwell, and xenograft assays were performed to examine the effects of MUC1 on SGC in vitro and in vivo. Results We found that the expression level of MUC1 was significantly upregulated in SGC tissues, and the expression level of MUC1 was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis and TNM stage of SGC. Further exploration demonstrated that MUC1 knockdown drastically inhibited, while its overexpression promoted, cell growth, colony formation, migration, and invasion abilities of SGC cells in vitro. MUC1 knockdown significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo, and vice versa. More importantly, we found that MUC1 promotes malignant phenotypes of SGC cells by regulating the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway. Conclusion Our results revealed that MUC1 promotes the development of SGC by mediating the EGFR signaling pathway, which highlights the potential therapeutic target of MUC1/ EGFR in SGC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Lu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Wan-Lin Xu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oral Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Fan Wu
- Department of Oral Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Jun Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng-Wen Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
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Bulati M, Gallo A, Zito G, Busà R, Iannolo G, Cuscino N, Castelbuono S, Carcione C, Centi C, Martucci G, Bertani A, Baiamonte MP, Chinnici CM, Conaldi PG, Miceli V. 3D Culture and Interferon-γ Priming Modulates Characteristics of Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells by Modifying the Expression of Both Intracellular and Exosomal microRNAs. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1063. [PMID: 37626949 PMCID: PMC10451847 DOI: 10.3390/biology12081063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a therapeutic tool in regenerative medicine. Recent studies have shown that exosome (EXO)-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in mediating MSC functions. Additionally, intracellular miRNAs have been found to regulate MSC therapeutic capacities. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying miRNA-mediated MSC effects are not fully understood. We used 3D culture and IFN-γ to prime/enhance the MSC therapeutic effects in terms of functional miRNAs. After priming, our analysis revealed stable variations in intracellular miRNA among the MSC biological replicates. Conversely, a significant variability of miRNA was observed among EXOs released from biological replicates of the priming treatment. For each priming, we observed distinct miRNA expression profiles between the MSCs and their EXOs. Moreover, in both types of priming, gene ontology (GO) analysis of deregulated miRNAs highlighted their involvement in tissue repair/regeneration pathways. In particular, the 3D culture enhanced angiogenic properties in both MSCs and EXOs, while IFN-γ treatment enriched miRNAs associated with immunomodulatory pathways. These findings suggest that 3D culture and IFN-γ treatment are promising strategies for enhancing the therapeutic potential of MSCs by modulating miRNA expression. Additionally, the identified miRNAs may contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the miRNA-mediated therapeutic effects of MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Bulati
- Research Department, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.B.); (A.G.); (G.Z.); (R.B.); (G.I.); (N.C.); (S.C.); (C.C.); (M.P.B.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Alessia Gallo
- Research Department, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.B.); (A.G.); (G.Z.); (R.B.); (G.I.); (N.C.); (S.C.); (C.C.); (M.P.B.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Giovanni Zito
- Research Department, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.B.); (A.G.); (G.Z.); (R.B.); (G.I.); (N.C.); (S.C.); (C.C.); (M.P.B.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Rosalia Busà
- Research Department, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.B.); (A.G.); (G.Z.); (R.B.); (G.I.); (N.C.); (S.C.); (C.C.); (M.P.B.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Gioacchin Iannolo
- Research Department, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.B.); (A.G.); (G.Z.); (R.B.); (G.I.); (N.C.); (S.C.); (C.C.); (M.P.B.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Nicola Cuscino
- Research Department, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.B.); (A.G.); (G.Z.); (R.B.); (G.I.); (N.C.); (S.C.); (C.C.); (M.P.B.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Salvatore Castelbuono
- Research Department, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.B.); (A.G.); (G.Z.); (R.B.); (G.I.); (N.C.); (S.C.); (C.C.); (M.P.B.); (P.G.C.)
| | | | - Claudio Centi
- Research Department, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.B.); (A.G.); (G.Z.); (R.B.); (G.I.); (N.C.); (S.C.); (C.C.); (M.P.B.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Gennaro Martucci
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Bertani
- Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation Unit, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Maria Pia Baiamonte
- Research Department, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.B.); (A.G.); (G.Z.); (R.B.); (G.I.); (N.C.); (S.C.); (C.C.); (M.P.B.); (P.G.C.)
| | | | - Pier Giulio Conaldi
- Research Department, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.B.); (A.G.); (G.Z.); (R.B.); (G.I.); (N.C.); (S.C.); (C.C.); (M.P.B.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Vitale Miceli
- Research Department, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.B.); (A.G.); (G.Z.); (R.B.); (G.I.); (N.C.); (S.C.); (C.C.); (M.P.B.); (P.G.C.)
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Nykänen AI, Liu M, Keshavjee S. Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Therapy in Lung Transplantation. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:728. [PMID: 37370659 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10060728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung transplantation is often the only viable treatment option for a patient with end-stage lung disease. Lung transplant results have improved substantially over time, but ischemia-reperfusion injury, primary graft dysfunction, acute rejection, and chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) continue to be significant problems. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are pluripotent cells that have anti-inflammatory and protective paracrine effects and may be beneficial in solid organ transplantation. Here, we review the experimental studies where MSCs have been used to protect the donor lung against ischemia-reperfusion injury and alloimmune responses, as well as the experimental and clinical studies using MSCs to prevent or treat CLAD. In addition, we outline ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) as an optimal platform for donor lung MSC delivery, as well as how the therapeutic potential of MSCs could be further leveraged with genetic engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antti I Nykänen
- Latner Thoracic Surgery Research Laboratories, Toronto General Research Hospital Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, FI-00029 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Latner Thoracic Surgery Research Laboratories, Toronto General Research Hospital Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Shaf Keshavjee
- Latner Thoracic Surgery Research Laboratories, Toronto General Research Hospital Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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Miceli V, Zito G, Bulati M, Gallo A, Busà R, Iannolo G, Conaldi PG. Different priming strategies improve distinct therapeutic capabilities of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells: Potential implications for their clinical use. World J Stem Cells 2023; 15:400-420. [PMID: 37342218 PMCID: PMC10277962 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v15.i5.400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) have shown significant therapeutic potential, and have therefore been extensively investigated in preclinical studies of regenerative medicine. However, while MSCs have been shown to be safe as a cellular treatment, they have usually been therapeutically ineffective in human diseases. In fact, in many clinical trials it has been shown that MSCs have moderate or poor efficacy. This inefficacy appears to be ascribable primarily to the heterogeneity of MSCs. Recently, specific priming strategies have been used to improve the therapeutic properties of MSCs. In this review, we explore the literature on the principal priming approaches used to enhance the preclinical inefficacy of MSCs. We found that different priming strategies have been used to direct the therapeutic effects of MSCs toward specific pathological processes. Particularly, while hypoxic priming can be used primarily for the treatment of acute diseases, inflammatory cytokines can be used mainly to prime MSCs in order to treat chronic immune-related disorders. The shift in approach from regeneration to inflammation implies, in MSCs, a shift in the production of functional factors that stimulate regenerative or anti-inflammatory pathways. The opportunity to fine-tune the therapeutic properties of MSCs through different priming strategies could conceivably pave the way for optimizing their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitale Miceli
- Department of Research, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta Specializzazione), Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Giovanni Zito
- Department of Research, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta Specializzazione), Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Matteo Bulati
- Department of Research, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta Specializzazione), Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Alessia Gallo
- Department of Research, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta Specializzazione), Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Rosalia Busà
- Department of Research, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta Specializzazione), Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Gioacchin Iannolo
- Department of Research, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta Specializzazione), Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Pier Giulio Conaldi
- Department of Research, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta Specializzazione), Palermo 90127, Italy
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Gene Expression Profiles of Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Derived from Wharton’s Jelly and Amniotic Membrane before and after Osteo-Induction Using NanoString Platform. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:4240-4254. [PMID: 36135203 PMCID: PMC9497674 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44090291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of perinatal mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in bone tissue regeneration and engineering to substitute bone marrow MSCs has drawn great interest due to their high yield, ease of procurement, multilineage differentiation potential and lack of ethical concerns. Although amniotic membrane (AM) and Wharton’s jelly (WJ)-derived MSCs have been widely shown to possess osteogenic differentiation potential, the intrinsic properties determining their osteogenic capacity remain unclear. Here, we compared gene expression profiles of AM- and WJ-MSCs at basal and osteogenic conditions by using the NanoString Stem Cell Panel containing regulatory genes associated with stemness, self-renewal, Wnt, Notch and Hedgehog signalling pathways. At basal condition, WJ-MSCs displayed higher expression in most genes regardless of their functional roles in self-renewal, adhesion, or differentiation signalling pathways. After osteo-induction, elevated expression of self-renewal genes ADAR and PAFAH1B1 was observed in AM-MSCs, while stemness genes MME and ALDH1A1 were upregulated in WJ-MSC. Both MSCs showed differences in genes associated with ligands, receptors and ubiquitin ligases of the Notch pathway. In addition, further evidence was demonstrated in some signalling molecules including CTBPs, protein kinases, phosphatases, RHOA, RAC1. Downstream targets HES1 and JUN especially showed higher expression in non-induced WJ-MSCs. Hedgehog genes initially expressed in both MSCs were downregulated in WJ-MSCs during osteogenesis. This study has provided insights into the intrinsic biological differences that may lead to their discrimination in therapeutic intervention.
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Miceli V, Bertani A. Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells and Their Products as a Therapeutic Tool to Advance Lung Transplantation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050826. [PMID: 35269448 PMCID: PMC8909054 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung transplantation (LTx) has become the gold standard treatment for end-stage respiratory failure. Recently, extended lung donor criteria have been applied to decrease the mortality rate of patients on the waiting list. Moreover, ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) has been used to improve the number/quality of previously unacceptable lungs. Despite the above-mentioned progress, the morbidity/mortality of LTx remains high compared to other solid organ transplants. Lungs are particularly susceptible to ischemia-reperfusion injury, which can lead to graft dysfunction. Therefore, the success of LTx is related to the quality/function of the graft, and EVLP represents an opportunity to protect/regenerate the lungs before transplantation. Increasing evidence supports the use of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) as a therapeutic strategy to improve EVLP. The therapeutic properties of MSC are partially mediated by secreted factors. Hence, the strategy of lung perfusion with MSCs and/or their products pave the way for a new innovative approach that further increases the potential for the use of EVLP. This article provides an overview of experimental, preclinical and clinical studies supporting the application of MSCs to improve EVLP, the ultimate goal being efficient organ reconditioning in order to expand the donor lung pool and to improve transplant outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitale Miceli
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence: (V.M.); (A.B.); Tel.: +39-091-21-92-430 (V.M.); +39-091-21-92-111 (A.B.)
| | - Alessandro Bertani
- Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation Unit, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence: (V.M.); (A.B.); Tel.: +39-091-21-92-430 (V.M.); +39-091-21-92-111 (A.B.)
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10
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Gallo A, Cuscino N, Contino F, Bulati M, Pampalone M, Amico G, Zito G, Carcione C, Centi C, Bertani A, Conaldi PG, Miceli V. Changes in the Transcriptome Profiles of Human Amnion-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells Induced by Three-Dimensional Culture: A Potential Priming Strategy to Improve Their Properties. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020863. [PMID: 35055049 PMCID: PMC8778321 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are believed to function in vivo as a homeostatic tool that shows therapeutic properties for tissue repair/regeneration. Conventionally, these cells are expanded in two-dimensional (2D) cultures, and, in that case, MSCs undergo genotypic/phenotypic changes resulting in a loss of their therapeutic capabilities. Moreover, several clinical trials using MSCs have shown controversial results with moderate/insufficient therapeutic responses. Different priming methods were tested to improve MSC effects, and three-dimensional (3D) culturing techniques were also examined. MSC spheroids display increased therapeutic properties, and, in this context, it is crucial to understand molecular changes underlying spheroid generation. To address these limitations, we performed RNA-seq on human amnion-derived MSCs (hAMSCs) cultured in both 2D and 3D conditions and examined the transcriptome changes associated with hAMSC spheroid formation. We found a large number of 3D culture-sensitive genes and identified selected genes related to 3D hAMSC therapeutic effects. In particular, we observed that these genes can regulate proliferation/differentiation, as well as immunomodulatory and angiogenic processes. We validated RNA-seq results by qRT-PCR and methylome analysis and investigation of secreted factors. Overall, our results showed that hAMSC spheroid culture represents a promising approach to cell-based therapy that could significantly impact hAMSC application in the field of regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Gallo
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy; (A.G.); (N.C.); (F.C.); (M.B.); (G.Z.); (C.C.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Nicola Cuscino
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy; (A.G.); (N.C.); (F.C.); (M.B.); (G.Z.); (C.C.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Flavia Contino
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy; (A.G.); (N.C.); (F.C.); (M.B.); (G.Z.); (C.C.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Matteo Bulati
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy; (A.G.); (N.C.); (F.C.); (M.B.); (G.Z.); (C.C.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Mariangela Pampalone
- Fondazione Ri.MED, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.P.); (G.A.); (C.C.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Biotechnologies, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giandomenico Amico
- Fondazione Ri.MED, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.P.); (G.A.); (C.C.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Biotechnologies, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Zito
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy; (A.G.); (N.C.); (F.C.); (M.B.); (G.Z.); (C.C.); (P.G.C.)
| | | | - Claudio Centi
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy; (A.G.); (N.C.); (F.C.); (M.B.); (G.Z.); (C.C.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Alessandro Bertani
- Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation Unit, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Pier Giulio Conaldi
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy; (A.G.); (N.C.); (F.C.); (M.B.); (G.Z.); (C.C.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Vitale Miceli
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy; (A.G.); (N.C.); (F.C.); (M.B.); (G.Z.); (C.C.); (P.G.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-09-1219-2430
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11
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Afarid M, Sanie-Jahromi F. Mesenchymal Stem Cells and COVID-19: Cure, Prevention, and Vaccination. Stem Cells Int 2021; 2021:6666370. [PMID: 34035820 PMCID: PMC8103964 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6666370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 disease has been a global health problem since late 2019. There are many concerns about the rapid spread of this disease, and yet, there is no approved treatment for COVID-19. Several biological interventions have been under study recently to investigate efficient treatment for this viral disease. Besides, many efforts have been made to find a safe way to prevent and vaccinate people against COVID-19 disease. In severe cases, patients suffer from acute respiratory distress syndrome usually associated with an increased level of inflammatory cytokines, called a cytokine storm. It seems that reequilibrating the hyperinflammatory response of the host immune system and regeneration of damaged cells could be the main way to manage the disease. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been recently under investigation in this regard, and the achieved clinical outcomes show promising evidence for stem cell-based therapy of COVID-19. MSCs are known for their potential for immunomodulation, defense against virus infection, and tissue regeneration. MSCs are a newly emerged platform for designing vaccines and show promising evidence in this area. In the present study, we provided a thorough research study on the most recent clinical studies based on stem cells in the treatment of COVID-19 while introducing stem cell exclusivities for use as an immune disorder or lung cell therapy and its potential application for protection and vaccination against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Afarid
- Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sanie-Jahromi
- Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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12
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Miceli V, Bulati M, Iannolo G, Zito G, Gallo A, Conaldi PG. Therapeutic Properties of Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells: The Need of Cell Priming for Cell-Free Therapies in Regenerative Medicine. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020763. [PMID: 33466583 PMCID: PMC7828743 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent adult stem cells that support homeostasis during tissue regeneration. In the last decade, cell therapies based on the use of MSCs have emerged as a promising strategy in the field of regenerative medicine. Although these cells possess robust therapeutic properties that can be applied in the treatment of different diseases, variables in preclinical and clinical trials lead to inconsistent outcomes. MSC therapeutic effects result from the secretion of bioactive molecules affected by either local microenvironment or MSC culture conditions. Hence, MSC paracrine action is currently being explored in several clinical settings either using a conditioned medium (CM) or MSC-derived exosomes (EXOs), where these products modulate tissue responses in different types of injuries. In this scenario, MSC paracrine mechanisms provide a promising framework for enhancing MSC therapeutic benefits, where the composition of secretome can be modulated by priming of the MSCs. In this review, we examine the literature on the priming of MSCs as a tool to enhance their therapeutic properties applicable to the main processes involved in tissue regeneration, including the reduction of fibrosis, the immunomodulation, the stimulation of angiogenesis, and the stimulation of resident progenitor cells, thereby providing new insights for the therapeutic use of MSCs-derived products.
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13
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Miceli V, Bertani A, Chinnici CM, Bulati M, Pampalone M, Amico G, Carcione C, Schmelzer E, Gerlach JC, Conaldi PG. Conditioned Medium from Human Amnion-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells Attenuating the Effects of Cold Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in an In Vitro Model Using Human Alveolar Epithelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020510. [PMID: 33419219 PMCID: PMC7825633 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical results of lung transplantation (LTx) are still less favorable than other solid organ transplants in both the early and long term. The fragility of the lungs limits the procurement rate and can favor the occurrence of ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) with Steen SolutionTM (SS) aims to address problems, and the implementation of EVLP to alleviate the activation of IRI-mediated processes has been achieved using mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (MSC)-based treatments. In this study, we investigated the paracrine effects of human amnion-derived MSCs (hAMSCs) in an in vitro model of lung IRI that includes cold ischemia and normothermic EVLP. We found that SS enriched by a hAMSC-conditioned medium (hAMSC-CM) preserved the viability and delayed the apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells (A549) through the downregulation of inflammatory factors and the upregulation of antiapoptotic factors. These effects were more evident using the CM of 3D hAMSC cultures, which contained an increased amount of immunosuppressive and growth factors compared to both 2D cultures and encapsulated-hAMSCs. To conclude, we demonstrated an in vitro model of lung IRI and provided evidence that a hAMSC-CM attenuated IRI effects by improving the efficacy of EVLP, leading to strategies for a potential implementation of this technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitale Miceli
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.B.); (P.G.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-091-21-92-649
| | - Alessandro Bertani
- Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation Unit, Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Cinzia Maria Chinnici
- Regenerative Medicine Unit, Fondazione Ri.MED, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.M.C.); (M.P.); (G.A.); (C.C.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Biotechnologies, IRCCS–ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Matteo Bulati
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.B.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Mariangela Pampalone
- Regenerative Medicine Unit, Fondazione Ri.MED, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.M.C.); (M.P.); (G.A.); (C.C.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Biotechnologies, IRCCS–ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giandomenico Amico
- Regenerative Medicine Unit, Fondazione Ri.MED, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.M.C.); (M.P.); (G.A.); (C.C.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Biotechnologies, IRCCS–ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudia Carcione
- Regenerative Medicine Unit, Fondazione Ri.MED, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.M.C.); (M.P.); (G.A.); (C.C.)
| | - Eva Schmelzer
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219-3130, USA; (E.S.); (J.C.G.)
| | - Jörg C. Gerlach
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219-3130, USA; (E.S.); (J.C.G.)
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Medicine, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219-3130, USA
| | - Pier Giulio Conaldi
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.B.); (P.G.C.)
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