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Yang Y, Zhao RC, Zhang F. Potential mesenchymal stem cell therapeutics for treating primary biliary cholangitis: advances, challenges, and perspectives. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:933565. [PMID: 35923849 PMCID: PMC9339990 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.933565] [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: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a cholestatic autoimmune liver disease characterized by the gradual destruction of small intrahepatic bile ducts that eventually leads to liver cirrhosis, failure, and even carcinoma. The treatment options for PBC are limited, and the main treatment choices are the US Food and Drug Administration–approved ursodeoxycholic acid and obeticholic acid. However, many patients fail to respond adequately to these drugs and the adverse effects frequently lead to low life quality. For patients with end-stage PBC, liver transplantation remains the only effective treatment. Given their low immunogenicity, prominent immunomodulation property, differentiation potential, and tissue maintenance capacity, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are emerging as new options for treating liver diseases, including PBC. Accumulating evidence from basic research to clinical studies supports the positive effects of MSC-based therapy for treating PBC. In this review, we characterized the underlying roles and mechanisms of MSCs for treating liver diseases and highlight recent basic and clinical advances in MSC-based therapy for treating PBC. Finally, the current challenges and perspectives for MSC-based therapy in clinical application are discussed, which could help accelerate the application of MSCs in clinical practice, especially for refractory diseases such as PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlei Yang
- Clinical Biobank, National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Medical Science Research Centre, Medical Science Research Centre, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Robert Chunhua Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Center of Excellence in Tissue Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Fengchun Zhang, ; Robert Chunhua Zhao,
| | - Fengchun Zhang
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Fengchun Zhang, ; Robert Chunhua Zhao,
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Luo S, Ai Y, Xiao S, Wang B, Wang Y. Functional hit 1 (FH1)-based rapid and efficient generation of functional hepatocytes from human mesenchymal stem cells: a novel strategy for hepatic differentiation. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1087. [PMID: 34422999 PMCID: PMC8339809 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-2829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Because the liver is central to the physiology of the body, primary hepatocytes are widely used in liver pathology and physiological research, such as liver drug screening, bioartificial liver support system, and cell therapy for liver diseases. However, the source of primary hepatocytes is limited. We describe a novel non-transgenic protocol that facilitates the rapid generation of hepatocyte-like cells from human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs), providing a new source of functional hepatocytes. Methods In this study, we used hUC-MSCs and human induced pluripotent cells (iPSCs) derived mesenchymal stem cells (iMSCs) to investigate the new induction strategy. Passage 3 MSCs were induced into hepatocyte-like cells using small-molecule compounds combined with cell factors in vitro. Functional hit 1 (FH1), a promising small molecule compound was achieved to replace HGF in the hepatocyte maturation stage to induce the hepatocyte-like cells differentiation. Results We rapidly induced hUC-MSCs and human iMSCs into hepatocyte-like cells within 10 days in vitro, and the cells were morphologically similarly to both hepatocytes derived from the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-based method and the primary hepatocytes. They expressed mature hepatocyte special genes and achieved functions such as glycogen storage, albumin expression, urea secretion, cytochrome P450 activity, Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake, and indocyanine green (ICG) uptake. Conclusions We successfully established a small-molecule protocol without using HGF to differentiate MSCs into hepatocyte-like cells, which provides a rapid and cost-effective platform for in vitro studies of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuai Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ben Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yefu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Yang Y, Liu S, He C, Chen Z, Lyu T, Zeng L, Wang L, Zhang F, Chen H, Zhao RC. Long Non-coding RNA Regulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Homeostasis and Differentiation: Advances, Challenges, and Perspectives. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:711005. [PMID: 34368161 PMCID: PMC8339964 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.711005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the self-renewal, multi-differentiation, immunoregulatory, and tissue maintenance properties, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for stem cell-based therapies. Breakthroughs have been made in uncovering MSCs as key contributors to homeostasis and the regenerative repair of tissues and organs derived from three germ layers. MSC differentiation into specialized cell types is sophisticatedly regulated, and accumulating evidence suggests long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as the master regulators of various biological processes including the maintenance of homeostasis and multi-differentiation functions through epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-translational mechanisms. LncRNAs are ubiquitous and generally referred to as non-coding transcripts longer than 200 bp. Most lncRNAs are evolutionary conserved and species-specific; however, the weak conservation of their sequences across species does not affect their diverse biological functions. Although numerous lncRNAs have been annotated and studied, they are nevertheless only the tip of the iceberg; the rest remain to be discovered. In this review, we characterize MSC functions in homeostasis and highlight recent advances on the functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs in regulating MSC homeostasis and differentiation. We also discuss the current challenges and perspectives for understanding the roles of lncRNAs in MSC functions in homeostasis, which could help develop promising targets for MSC-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlei Yang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Clinical Immunology Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory (No. BZO381), School of Basic Medicine, Center of Excellence in Tissue Engineering, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Suying Liu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Clinical Immunology Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chengmei He
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Clinical Immunology Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhilei Chen
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Clinical Immunology Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Taibiao Lyu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Clinical Immunology Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Liuting Zeng
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Clinical Immunology Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Li Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Clinical Immunology Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Fengchun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Clinical Immunology Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Chen
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Clinical Immunology Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Robert Chunhua Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory (No. BZO381), School of Basic Medicine, Center of Excellence in Tissue Engineering, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
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Serras AS, Rodrigues JS, Cipriano M, Rodrigues AV, Oliveira NG, Miranda JP. A Critical Perspective on 3D Liver Models for Drug Metabolism and Toxicology Studies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:626805. [PMID: 33732695 PMCID: PMC7957963 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.626805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The poor predictability of human liver toxicity is still causing high attrition rates of drug candidates in the pharmaceutical industry at the non-clinical, clinical, and post-marketing authorization stages. This is in part caused by animal models that fail to predict various human adverse drug reactions (ADRs), resulting in undetected hepatotoxicity at the non-clinical phase of drug development. In an effort to increase the prediction of human hepatotoxicity, different approaches to enhance the physiological relevance of hepatic in vitro systems are being pursued. Three-dimensional (3D) or microfluidic technologies allow to better recapitulate hepatocyte organization and cell-matrix contacts, to include additional cell types, to incorporate fluid flow and to create gradients of oxygen and nutrients, which have led to improved differentiated cell phenotype and functionality. This comprehensive review addresses the drug-induced hepatotoxicity mechanisms and the currently available 3D liver in vitro models, their characteristics, as well as their advantages and limitations for human hepatotoxicity assessment. In addition, since toxic responses are greatly dependent on the culture model, a comparative analysis of the toxicity studies performed using two-dimensional (2D) and 3D in vitro strategies with recognized hepatotoxic compounds, such as paracetamol, diclofenac, and troglitazone is performed, further highlighting the need for harmonization of the respective characterization methods. Finally, taking a step forward, we propose a roadmap for the assessment of drugs hepatotoxicity based on fully characterized fit-for-purpose in vitro models, taking advantage of the best of each model, which will ultimately contribute to more informed decision-making in the drug development and risk assessment fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana S. Serras
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana S. Rodrigues
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Madalena Cipriano
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Armanda V. Rodrigues
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nuno G. Oliveira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana P. Miranda
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Couto de Carvalho LA, Tosta Dos Santos SL, Sacramento LV, de Almeida VR, de Aquino Xavier FC, Dos Santos JN, Gomes Henriques Leitão ÁC. Mesenchymal stem cell markers in periodontal tissues and periapical lesions. Acta Histochem 2020; 122:151636. [PMID: 33132168 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2020.151636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are characterized by the potential to differentiate into multiple cell lineages, high proliferation rates, and self-renewal capacity, in addition to the ability to maintain their undifferentiated state. These cells have been identified in physiological oral tissues such as pulp tissue, dental follicle, apical papilla and periodontal ligament, as well as in pathological situations such as chronic periapical lesions (CPLs). The criteria used for the identification of MSCs include the positive expression of specific surface antigens, with CD73, CD90, CD105, CD44, CD146, STRO-1, CD166, NANOG and OCT4 being the most specific for these cells. AIM The aim of this review was to explore the literature on markers able to identify MSCs as well as the presence of these cells in the healthy periodontal ligament and CPLs, highlighting their role in regenerative medicine and implications in the progression of these lesions. METHODS Narrative literature review searching the PubMed and Medline databases. Articles published in English between 1974 and 2020 were retrieved. CONCLUSION The included studies confirmed the presence of MSCs in the healthy periodontal ligament and in CPLs. Several surface markers are used for the characterization of these cells which, although not specific, are effective in cell recognition. Mesenchymal stem cells participate in tissue repair, exerting anti- inflammatory, immunosuppressive and proangiogenic effects, and are therefore involved in the progression and attenuation of CPLs or even in the persistence of these lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jean Nunes Dos Santos
- Postgraduation Program in Dentistry and Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil
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Chen F, Wang H, Xiao J. Regulated differentiation of stem cells into an artificial 3D liver as a transplantable source. Clin Mol Hepatol 2020; 26:163-179. [PMID: 32098013 PMCID: PMC7160355 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2019.0022n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
End-stage liver disease is one of the leading causes of death around the world. Since insufficient sources of transplantable liver and possible immune rejection severely hinder the wide application of conventional liver transplantation therapy, artificial three-dimensional (3D) liver culture and assembly from stem cells have become a new hope for patients with end-stage liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. However, the induced differentiation of single-layer or 3D-structured hepatocytes from stem cells cannot physiologically support essential liver functions due to the lack of formation of blood vessels, immune regulation, storage of vitamins, and other vital hepatic activities. Thus, there is emerging evidence showing that 3D organogenesis of artificial vascularized liver tissue from combined hepatic cell types derived from differentiated stem cells is practical for the treatment of end-stage liver diseases. The optimization of novel biomaterials, such as decellularized matrices and natural macromolecules, also strongly supports the organogenesis of 3D tissue with the desired complex structure. This review summarizes new research updates on novel differentiation protocols of stem cell-derived major hepatic cell types and the application of new supportive biomaterials. Future biological and clinical challenges of this concept are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Chen
- National Key Disciplines for Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jia Xiao
- Clinical Medicine Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Pu W, Xu D, Zhang C, Zhao Z, Yang M. Rapid generation of functional hepatocyte-like cells from human minor salivary gland-derived stem cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 522:805-810. [PMID: 31791589 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.11.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Liver failure is one of the major risk factors for death worldwide, and the only effective liver transplantation is currently very limited. Adult stem cells can be induced into hepatocytes in vitro and implanted into the body to repair damaged liver. However, most of the induction time in vitro is relatively long, which is not suitable for practical application. Therefore, search for new seed cells that can rapidly differentiate into functional hepatocytes is crucial for the clinical application of cell transplantation therapy. In this study, we explored a three-step protocol to rapidly induce human minor salivary gland mesenchymal stem cells (hMSG-MSCs) into hepatocytes in vitro, and finally obtained hepatocyte-like cells within 6 days. After a series of relevant detection from gene, protein and functional levels, we confirmed that the finally induced cells were mature hepatocyte-like cells with certain hepatocyte functions to some extent. Besides, we injected the preliminary induced cells into mice with acute liver injury, showing a good repair effect on the damaged liver. All these results indicate that the hMSG-MSCs have potential to be a kind of seed cells for rapid hepatic differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Pu
- Department No.14, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100144, China
| | - Duojiao Xu
- Department of Stomatology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhenmin Zhao
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Mingyong Yang
- Department No.14, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100144, China.
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Wang S, Su X, Xu M, Xiao X, Li X, Li H, Keating A, Zhao RC. Exosomes secreted by mesenchymal stromal/stem cell-derived adipocytes promote breast cancer cell growth via activation of Hippo signaling pathway. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:117. [PMID: 30971292 PMCID: PMC6458638 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1220-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Although adipocytes are the most abundant stromal cell component in breast cancer tissues, their interaction with breast cancer cells has been less investigated compared to cancer-associated fibroblasts or macrophages. Exosomes are a novel way of cell-cell communication and have been demonstrated to play an important role in various biological processes. However, to our knowledge, only a few studies have reported the effects of adipocyte exosomes on tumor development. Here, utilizing exosomes isolated from in vitro mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (MSC)-differentiated adipocytes, we systematically investigated this issue in a breast cancer model. Material and methods Exosomes were isolated from MSC-differentiated adipocytes and added to breast cancer cells MCF7. Cell proliferation was detected by MTS, and migration was analyzed by wound healing and transwell assay. An in vivo mouse xenograft model was used to evaluate MSC-differentiated adipocyte exosomes’ contribution to tumor growth. Signaling pathway activation was evaluated by western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Results We found MSC-differentiated adipocyte-derived exosomes are actively incorporated by breast cancer cell MCF7 and subsequently promote MCF7 proliferation and migration as well as protect MCF7 from serum derivation or chemotherapeutic drug-induced apoptosis in vitro. In the in vivo mouse xenograft model, depletion of exosomes reduces tumor-promoting effects of adipocytes. Transcriptomic analysis of MSC-differentiated adipocyte exosome-treated MCF7 identified several activated signaling pathways, among which we confirm the Hippo signaling pathway and found a blockade of this pathway leads to a reduced growth-promoting effect of adipocyte exosomes. Conclusion Taken together, our findings provide new insights into the role of adipocyte exosomes in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihua Wang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Center of Excellence in Tissue Engineering Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Xiaodong Su
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Center of Excellence in Tissue Engineering Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100005, China.,Brain Tumor Research Center, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing Tiantan Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University, Tiantan Xili 6, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Meiqian Xu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Center of Excellence in Tissue Engineering Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Xian Xiao
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Center of Excellence in Tissue Engineering Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Xiaoxia Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Hongling Li
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Center of Excellence in Tissue Engineering Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100005, China.
| | - Armand Keating
- Cell Therapy Program, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada. .,Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada. .,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada.
| | - Robert Chunhua Zhao
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Center of Excellence in Tissue Engineering Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100005, China.
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Kasprzak A, Adamek A. Role of Endoglin (CD105) in the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Anti-Angiogenic Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E3887. [PMID: 30563158 PMCID: PMC6321450 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is perfused by both arterial and venous blood, with a resulting abnormal microenvironment selecting for more-aggressive malignancies. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary liver cancer, the sixth most common cancer globally, and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. HCC is characterized by its hypervascularization. Improving the efficiency of anti-angiogenic treatment and mitigation of anti-angiogenic drug resistance are the top priorities in the development of non-surgical HCC therapies. Endoglin (CD105), a transmembrane glycoprotein, is one of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) co-receptors. Involvement of that protein in angiogenesis of solid tumours is well documented. Endoglin is a marker of activated endothelial cells (ECs), and is preferentially expressed in the angiogenic endothelium of solid tumours, including HCC. HCC is associated with changes in CD105-positive ECs within and around the tumour. The large spectrum of endoglin effects in the liver is cell-type- and HCC- stage-specific. High expression of endoglin in non-tumour tissue suggests that this microenvironment might play an especially important role in the progression of HCC. Evaluation of tissue expression, as well as serum concentrations of this glycoprotein in HCC, tends to confirm its role as an important biomarker in HCC diagnosis and prognosis. The role of endoglin in liver fibrosis and HCC progression also makes it an attractive therapeutic target. Despite these facts, the exact molecular mechanisms of endoglin functioning in hepatocarcinogenesis are still poorly understood. This review summarizes the current data concerning the role and signalling pathways of endoglin in hepatocellular carcinoma development and progression, and provides an overview of the strategies available for a specific targeting of CD105 in anti-angiogenic therapy in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldona Kasprzak
- Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Medical Sciences, Poznań 60-781, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Adamek
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology and Acquired Immunodeficiencies, University of Medical Sciences, Poznań 61-285, Poland.
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Liu QW, Liu QY, Li JY, Wei L, Ren KK, Zhang XC, Ding T, Xiao L, Zhang WJ, Wu HY, Xin HB. Therapeutic efficiency of human amniotic epithelial stem cell-derived functional hepatocyte-like cells in mice with acute hepatic failure. Stem Cell Res Ther 2018; 9:321. [PMID: 30463600 PMCID: PMC6249765 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-018-1063-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocyte transplantation has been proposed as an effective treatment for patients with acute liver failure (ALF), but its application is limited by a severe shortage of donor livers. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have emerged as a potential cell source for regenerative medicine. Human amniotic epithelial stem cells (hAESCs) derived from amniotic membrane have multilineage differentiation potential which makes them suitable for possible application in hepatocyte regeneration and ALF treatment. Methods The pluripotent characteristics, immunogenicity, and tumorigenicity of hAESCs were studied by various methods. hAESCs were differentiated to hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) using a non-transgenic and three-step induction protocol. ALB secretion, urea production, periodic acid-Schiff staining, and ICG uptake were performed to investigate the function of HLCs. The HLCs were transplanted into ALF NOD-SCID (nonobese diabetic severe combined immunodeficient) mouse, and the therapeutic effects were determined via liver function test, histopathology, and survival rate analysis. The ability of HLCs to engraft the damaged liver was evaluated by detecting the presence of GFP-positive cells. Results hAESCs expressed various markers of embryonic stem cells, epithelial stem cells, and mesenchymal stem cells and have low immunogenicity and no tumorigenicity. hAESC-derived hepatocytes possess the similar functions of human primary hepatocytes (hPH) such as producing urea, secreting ALB, uptaking ICG, storing glycogen, and expressing CYP enzymes. HLC transplantation via the tail vein could engraft in live parenchymal, improve the liver function, and protect hepatic injury from CCl4-induced ALF in mice. More importantly, HLC transplantation was able to significantly prolong the survival of ALF mouse. Conclusion We have established a rapid and efficient differentiation protocol that is able to successfully generate ample functional HLCs from hAESCs, in which the liver injuries and death rate of CCl4-induced ALF mouse can be significantly rescued by HLC transplantation. Therefore, our results may offer a superior approach for treating ALF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan-Wen Liu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, No. 1299 Xuefu Road, Honggutan District, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian-Yu Liu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, No. 1299 Xuefu Road, Honggutan District, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Yuan Li
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, No. 1299 Xuefu Road, Honggutan District, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China.,School of Life and Science, Nanchang University, No. 1299 Xuefu Road, Honggutan District, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Wei
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, No. 1299 Xuefu Road, Honggutan District, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kang-Kang Ren
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, No. 1299 Xuefu Road, Honggutan District, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang-Cheng Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwaizheng Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Ding
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, No. 1299 Xuefu Road, Honggutan District, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Xiao
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, No. 1299 Xuefu Road, Honggutan District, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Jie Zhang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, No. 1299 Xuefu Road, Honggutan District, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Han-You Wu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, No. 1299 Xuefu Road, Honggutan District, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Bo Xin
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, No. 1299 Xuefu Road, Honggutan District, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China. .,School of Life and Science, Nanchang University, No. 1299 Xuefu Road, Honggutan District, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China.
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Chaker D, Mouawad C, Azar A, Quilliot D, Achkar I, Fajloun Z, Makdissy N. Inhibition of the RhoGTPase Cdc42 by ML141 enhances hepatocyte differentiation from human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells via the Wnt5a/PI3K/miR-122 pathway: impact of the age of the donor. Stem Cell Res Ther 2018; 9:167. [PMID: 29921325 PMCID: PMC6009972 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-018-0910-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) are promising cells that may promote hepatocyte differentiation (Hep-Dif) and improve liver function, but the involvement of Cdc42, a key small RhoGTPase which plays a crucial role in aging, is still not well established. We hypothesized that the inhibition of Cdc42 may rescue the hepatogenic potential of hADSCs derived from aged donors. Methods hADSCs isolated from 61 women of different ages were cultured for evaluation of the proliferation of cells, adherence, apoptosis, immunomodulation, immunophenotyping, multipotency, gene expression, and cell function during Hep-Dif. Inhibition of Cdc42 by ML141 was realized during two phases: initiation (days –2 to 14 (D–2/14)) from undifferentiated to hepatoblast-like cells, or maturation (days 14 to 28 (D14/28)) from undifferentiated to hepatocyte-like cells. Mechanistic insights of the Wnt(s)/MAPK/PI3K/miR-122 pathways were studied. Results Cdc42 activity in undifferentiated hADSCs showed an age-dependent significant increase in Cdc42-GTP correlated to a decrease in Cdc42GAP; the low potentials of cell proliferation, doubling, adherence, and immunomodulatory ability (proinflammatory over anti-inflammatory) contrary to the apoptotic index of the aged group were significantly reversed by ML141. Aged donor cells showed a decreased potential for Hep-Dif which was rescued by ML141 treatment, giving rise to mature and functional hepatocyte-like cells as assessed by hepatic gene expression, cytochrome activity, urea and albumin production, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake, and glycogen storage. ML141-induced Hep-Dif showed an improvement in mesenchymal-epithelial transition, a switch from Wtn-3a/β-catenin to Wnt5a signaling, involvement of PI3K/PKB but not the MAPK (ERK/JNK/p38) pathway, induction of miR-122 expression, reinforcing the exosomes release and the production of albumin, and epigenetic changes. Inhibition of PI3K and miR-122 abolished completely the effects of ML141 indicating that inhibition of Cdc42 promotes the Hep-Dif through a Wnt5a/PI3K/miR-122/HNF4α/albumin/E-cadherin-positive action. The ML141(D–2/14) protocol had more pronounced effects when compared with ML141(D14/28); inhibition of DNA methylation in combination with ML141(D–2/14) showed more efficacy in rescuing the Hep-Dif of aged hADSCs. In addition to Hep-Dif, the multipotency of aged hADSC-treated ML141 was observed by rescuing the adipocyte and neural differentiation by inducing PPARγ/FABP4 and NeuN/O4 but inhibiting Pref-1 and GFAP, respectively. Conclusion ML141 has the potential to reverse the age-related aberrations in aged stem cells and promotes their hepatogenic differentiation. Selective inhibition of Cdc42 could be a potential target of drug therapy for aging and may give new insights on the improvement of Hep-Dif. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13287-018-0910-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Chaker
- Lebanese University, Doctoral School for Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology, Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and its Applications, Tripoli, Lebanon.,Reviva Regenerative Medicine Center, Human Genetic Center, Middle East Institute of Health Hospital, Bsalim, Lebanon.,Paris Saclay University, Doctoral School, Therapeutical Innovation, Inserm UMR935, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Albert Azar
- Reviva Regenerative Medicine Center, Human Genetic Center, Middle East Institute of Health Hospital, Bsalim, Lebanon
| | - Didier Quilliot
- Diabetologia-Endocrinology & Nutrition, CHRU Nancy, INSERM 954, University Henri Poincaré de Lorraine, Faculty of Medicine, Nancy, France
| | | | - Ziad Fajloun
- Lebanese University, Doctoral School for Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology, Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and its Applications, Tripoli, Lebanon.,Lebanese University, Faculty of Sciences III, Department of Biology, Kobbe, Lebanon
| | - Nehman Makdissy
- Lebanese University, Doctoral School for Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology, Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and its Applications, Tripoli, Lebanon. .,Lebanese University, Faculty of Sciences III, Department of Biology, Kobbe, Lebanon.
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Yang D, Li N, Zhang G. Spontaneous adipogenic differentiation potential of adipose‑derived stem cells decreased with increasing cell passages. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:6109-6115. [PMID: 29484393 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are a mixture of cell types including preadipocytes having the ability to spontaneously differentiate into adipocytes. The aim of the present study was to compare the spontaneous adipogenic differentiation potential of ADSCs at different passages to determine whether it decreased with continuous cell passages. Mouse ADSCs (mADSCs) were harvested and cells from passages 1 to 5 were used for experiments. The proliferation of mADSCs at different passages was tested using the cell counting kit‑8 assay. Reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to determine relative mRNA expression levels of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (Cebpa and C/EBPα) and peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor γ (Pparg and PPARγ), and western blot analysis was used to investigate C/EBPα and PPARγ protein expression. The cells were cultured using DMEM. The fixed cells were then stained using Oil Red O on days 14 and 28, and the obtained extracted dye was monitored for absorbance. The 510 nm absorbance from passages 1 to 5 was observed to be statistically different. The relative expression levels of Cebpa and Pparg for mADSCs from passage 1 were significantly higher when compared with those for mADSCs from passages 2 to 5 on days 3, 5 and 7. However, no difference was identified in the expression levels of proteins C/EBPα and PPARγ for different passages. Although the mRNA expression levels of Pparg from passages 4 to 5 were significantly higher when compared with those from passage 1, the results of Oil Red O absorbance, mRNA expression levels of Cebpa, and the protein expression levels of C/EBPα and PPARγ exhibited no difference between mADSCs from passages 1 to 5 when cultured with induced adipogenic differentiation medium. Therefore, it was concluded that the spontaneous adipogenic differentiation potential of ADSCs decreased with continuous cell passages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duo Yang
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Shijitan Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
| | - Na Li
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Shijitan Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
| | - Guoying Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Shijitan Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
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Mesenchymal Stem Cells as New Therapeutic Agents for the Treatment of Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2017; 2017:7492836. [PMID: 29410945 PMCID: PMC5749170 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7492836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 09/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune cholestatic liver disease characterized by the progressive destruction of small- and medium-sized intrahepatic bile ducts with resultant cholestasis and progressive fibrosis. Ursodeoxycholic acid and obethicholic acid are the only agents approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of PBC. However, for patients with advanced, end-stage PBC, liver transplantation is still the most effective treatment. Accordingly, the alternative approaches, such as mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation, have been suggested as an effective alternative therapy for these patients. Due to their immunomodulatory characteristics, MSCs are considered as promising therapeutic agents for the therapy of autoimmune liver diseases, including PBC. In this review, we have summarized the therapeutic potential of MSCs for the treatment of these diseases, emphasizing molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for MSC-based effects in an animal model of PBC and therapeutic potential observed in recently conducted clinical trials. We have also presented several outstanding problems including safety issues regarding unwanted differentiation of transplanted MSCs which limit their therapeutic use. Efficient and safe MSC-based therapy for PBC remains a challenging issue that requires continuous cooperation between clinicians, researchers, and patients.
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Guo X, Li W, Ma M, Lu X, Zhang H. Endothelial cell-derived matrix promotes the metabolic functional maturation of hepatocyte via integrin-Src signalling. J Cell Mol Med 2017; 21:2809-2822. [PMID: 28470937 PMCID: PMC5661128 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment is involved in the regulation of hepatocyte phenotype and function. Recently, the cell‐derived extracellular matrix has been proposed to represent the bioactive and biocompatible materials of the native ECM. Here, we show that the endothelial cell‐derived matrix (EC matrix) promotes the metabolic maturation of human adipose stem cell‐derived hepatocyte‐like cells (hASC‐HLCs) through the activation of the transcription factor forkhead box protein A2 (FOXA2) and the nuclear receptors hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α) and pregnane X receptor (PXR). Reducing the fibronectin content in the EC matrix or silencing the expression of α5 integrin in the hASC‐HLCs inhibited the effect of the EC matrix on Src phosphorylation and hepatocyte maturation. The inhibition of Src phosphorylation using the inhibitor PP2 or silencing the expression of Src in hASC‐HLCs also attenuated the up‐regulation of the metabolic function of hASC‐HLCs in a nuclear receptor‐dependent manner. These data elucidate integrin‐Src signalling linking the extrinsic EC matrix signals and metabolic functional maturation of hepatocyte. This study provides a model for studying the interaction between hepatocytes and non‐parenchymal cell‐derived matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Guo
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Weihong Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Minghui Ma
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Lu
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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