1
|
Ariyasinghe NR, Gupta D, Escopete S, Stotland AB, Sundararaman N, Ngu B, Dabke K, Rai D, McCarthy L, Santos RS, McCain ML, Sareen D, Parker SJ. Identification of Disease-relevant, Sex-based Proteomic Differences in iPSC-derived Vascular Smooth Muscle. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.30.605659. [PMID: 39211096 PMCID: PMC11361011 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.30.605659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of cardiovascular disease varies with sex, and the impact of intrinsic sex-based differences on vasculature is not well understood. Animal models can provide important insight into some aspects of human biology, however not all discoveries in animal systems translate well to humans. To explore the impact of chromosomal sex on proteomic phenotypes, we used iPSC-derived vascular smooth muscle cells from healthy donors of both sexes to identify sex-based proteomic differences and their possible effects on cardiovascular pathophysiology. Our analysis confirmed that differentiated cells have a proteomic profile more similar to healthy primary aortic smooth muscle than iPSCs. We also identified sex-based differences in iPSC- derived vascular smooth muscle in pathways related to ATP binding, glycogen metabolic process, and cadherin binding as well as multiple proteins relevant to cardiovascular pathophysiology and disease. Additionally, we explored the role of autosomal and sex chromosomes in protein regulation, identifying that proteins on autosomal chromosomes also show sex-based regulation that may affect the protein expression of proteins from autosomal chromosomes. This work supports the biological relevance of iPSC-derived vascular smooth muscle cells as a model for disease, and further exploration of the pathways identified here can lead to the discovery of sex-specific pharmacological targets for cardiovascular disease. Significance In this work, we have differentiated 4 male and 4 female iPSC lines into vascular smooth muscle cells, giving us the ability to identify statistically-significant sex-specific proteomic markers that are relevant to cardiovascular disease risk (such as PCK2, MTOR, IGFBP2, PTGR2, and SULTE1).
Collapse
|
2
|
Bačáková L, Chlupáč J, Filová E, Musílková J, Tomšů J, Wu YC, Svobodová L, Pražák Š, Brož A. Vascular Damage and Repair - Are Small-Diameter Vascular Grafts Still the "Holy Grail" of Tissue Engineering? Physiol Res 2024; 73:S335-S363. [PMID: 38836460 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.935294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in the civilized world. Stenosis or occlusion of blood vessels leads not only to events that are directly life-threatening, such as myocardial infarction or stroke, but also to a significant reduction in quality of life, for example in lower limb ischemia as a consequence of metabolic diseases. The first synthetic polymeric vascular replacements were used clinically in the early 1950s. However, they proved to be suitable only for larger-diameter vessels, where the blood flow prevents the attachment of platelets, pro-inflammatory cells and smooth muscle cells on their inner surface, whereas in smaller-diameter grafts (6 mm or less), these phenomena lead to stenosis and failure of the graft. Moreover, these polymeric vascular replacements, like biological grafts (decellularized or devitalized), are cell-free, i.e. there are no reconstructed physiological layers of the blood vessel wall, i.e. an inner layer of endothelial cells to prevent thrombosis, a middle layer of smooth muscle cells to perform the contractile function, and an outer layer to provide innervation and vascularization of the vessel wall. Vascular substitutes with these cellular components can be constructed by tissue engineering methods. However, it has to be admitted that even about 70 years after the first polymeric vascular prostheses were implanted into human patients, there are still no functional small-diameter vascular grafts on the market. The damage to small-diameter blood vessels has to be addressed by endovascular approaches or by autologous vascular substitutes, which leads to some skepticism about the potential of tissue engineering. However, new possibilities of this approach lie in the use of modern technologies such as 3D bioprinting and/or electrospinning in combination with stem cells and pre-vascularization of tissue-engineered vascular grafts. In this endeavor, sex-related differences in the removal of degradable biomaterials by the cells and in the behavior of stem cells and pre-differentiated vascular cells need to be taken into account. Key words: Blood vessel prosthesis, Regenerative medicine, Stem cells, Footprint-free iPSCs, sr-RNA, Dynamic bioreactor, Sex-related differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Bačáková
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Saito MK, Osawa M, Tsuchida N, Shiraishi K, Niwa A, Woltjen K, Asaka I, Ogata K, Ito S, Kobayashi S, Yamanaka S. A disease-specific iPS cell resource for studying rare and intractable diseases. Inflamm Regen 2023; 43:43. [PMID: 37684663 PMCID: PMC10485998 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-023-00294-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disease-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are useful tools for pathological analysis and diagnosis of rare diseases. Given the limited available resources, banking such disease-derived iPSCs and promoting their widespread use would be a promising approach for untangling the mysteries of rare diseases. Herein, we comprehensively established iPSCs from patients with designated intractable diseases in Japan and evaluated their properties to enrich rare disease iPSC resources. METHODS Patients with designated intractable diseases were recruited for the study and blood samples were collected after written informed consent was obtained from the patients or their guardians. From the obtained samples, iPSCs were established using the episomal method. The established iPSCs were deposited in a cell bank. RESULTS We established 1,532 iPSC clones from 259 patients with 139 designated intractable diseases. The efficiency of iPSC establishment did not vary based on age and sex. Most iPSC clones originated from non-T and non-B hematopoietic cells. All iPSC clones expressed key transcription factors, OCT3/4 (range 0.27-1.51; mean 0.79) and NANOG (range 0.15-3.03; mean 1.00), relative to the reference 201B7 iPSC clone. CONCLUSIONS These newly established iPSCs are readily available to the researchers and can prove to be a useful resource for research on rare intractable diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megumu K Saito
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 6068507, Japan.
| | - Mitsujiro Osawa
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 6068507, Japan
| | - Nao Tsuchida
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Headquarters, Tokyo, 1528621, Japan
| | - Kotaro Shiraishi
- Information Security Office, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 6068507, Japan
| | - Akira Niwa
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 6068507, Japan
| | - Knut Woltjen
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 6068507, Japan
| | - Isao Asaka
- Department of Fundamental Cell Technology, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 6068507, Japan
| | - Katsuhisa Ogata
- National Hospital Organization Higashisaitama National Hospital, Hasuda, 3490196, Japan
| | - Suminobu Ito
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Headquarters, Tokyo, 1528621, Japan
| | - Shuzo Kobayashi
- Kidney Disease and Transplant Center, Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, Kamakura, 2478533, Japan
| | - Shinya Yamanaka
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 6068507, Japan
- CiRA Foundation, Kyoto, 6068397, Japan
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hernandez PA, Moreno M, Barati Z, Hutcherson C, Sathe AA, Xing C, Wright J, Welch T, Dhaher Y. Sexual Dimorphism in the Extracellular and Pericellular Matrix of Articular Cartilage. Cartilage 2022; 13:19476035221121792. [PMID: 36069595 PMCID: PMC9459468 DOI: 10.1177/19476035221121792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Women have a higher prevalence and burden of joint injuries and pathologies involving articular cartilage than men. Although knee injuries affecting young women are on the rise, most studies related to sexual dimorphism target postmenopausal women. We hypothesize that sexual dimorphism in cartilage structure and mechanics is present before menopause, which can contribute to sex disparities in cartilage pathologies. DESIGN Bovine knee was used as a model to study healthy adult cartilage. We compared elastic moduli under compression, abundances of extracellular and pericellular matrix (PCM) proteins using proteomics, and PCM constituency with tissue immunofluorescence. The gene expression of matrix-related genes under basal, anabolic, and catabolic conditions was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). RESULTS The equilibrium modulus was higher in male cartilage compared with female cartilage. Proteoglycans were not associated with this biomechanical dimorphism. Proteomic and pathway analyses of tissue showed dimorphic enriched pathways in extracellular matrix (ECM)-related proteins in which male cartilage was enriched in matrix interconnectors and crosslinkers that strengthen the ECM network. Moreover, male and female tissue differed in enriched PCM components. Females had more abundance of collagen type VI and decorin, suggesting different PCM mechanics. Furthermore, the activation of regenerative and catabolic function in chondrocytes triggered sex-dependent signatures in gene expression, indicating dimorphic genetic regulation that is dependent on stimulation. CONCLUSIONS We provide evidence for sexual dimorphism in cartilage before menopause. Some differences are intrinsic to chondrocytes' gene expression defined by their XX versus XY chromosomal constituency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula A. Hernandez
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery,
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA,Paula A. Hernandez, Department of
Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry
Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Miranda Moreno
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery,
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Zahra Barati
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery,
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Conner Hutcherson
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery,
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Adwait A. Sathe
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human
Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,
USA
| | - Chao Xing
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human
Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,
USA,Department of Bioinformatics,
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA,Department of Population and Data
Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jamie Wright
- Department of Cardiovascular and
Thoracic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,
USA
| | - Tre Welch
- Department of Cardiovascular and
Thoracic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,
USA
| | - Yasin Dhaher
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery,
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA,Department of Physical Medicine &
Rehabilitation, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,
USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Knewtson KE, Ohl NR, Robinson JL. Estrogen Signaling Dictates Musculoskeletal Stem Cell Behavior: Sex Differences in Tissue Repair. TISSUE ENGINEERING. PART B, REVIEWS 2022; 28:789-812. [PMID: 34409868 PMCID: PMC9419932 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2021.0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Sexual dimorphisms in humans and other species exist in visually evident features such as body size and less apparent characteristics, including disease prevalence. Current research is adding to a growing understanding of sex differences in stem cell function and response to external stimuli, including sex hormones such as estrogens. These differences are proving significant and directly impact both the understanding of stem cell processes in tissue repair and the clinical implementation of stem cell therapies. Adult stem cells of the musculoskeletal system, including those used for development and repair of muscle, bone, cartilage, fibrocartilage, ligaments, and tendons, are no exception. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have found differences in stem cell number, proliferative and differentiation capabilities, and response to estrogen treatment between males and females of many species. Maintaining the stemness and reducing senescence of adult stem cells is an important topic with implications in regenerative therapy and aging. As such, this review discusses the effect of estrogens on musculoskeletal system stem cell response in multiple species and highlights the research gaps that still need to be addressed. The following evidence from investigations of sex-related phenotypes in adult progenitor and stem cells are pieces to the big puzzle of sex-related effects on aging and disease and critical information for both fundamental tissue repair and regeneration studies and safe and effective clinical use of stem cells. Impact Statement This review summarizes current knowledge of sex differences in and the effects of estrogen treatment on musculoskeletal stem cells in the context of tissue engineering. Specifically, it highlights the impact of sex on musculoskeletal stem cell function and ability to regenerate tissue. Furthermore, it discusses the varying effects of estrogen on stem cell properties, including proliferation and differentiation, important to tissue engineering. This review aims to highlight the potential impact of estrogens and the importance of performing sex comparative studies in the field of tissue engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey E. Knewtson
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Nathan R. Ohl
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Robinson
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
- Address correspondence to: Jennifer L. Robinson, PhD, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, The University of Kansas, 1530 West 15th Street Room 4132, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Models for Studying Sex-Specific Differences in Neurodegenerative Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1387:57-88. [PMID: 34921676 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2021_683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is steadily increasing worldwide, and epidemiological studies strongly suggest that many of the diseases are sex-biased. It has long been suggested that biological sex differences are crucial for neurodegenerative diseases; however, how biological sex affects disease initiation, progression, and severity is not well-understood. Sex is a critical biological variable that should be taken into account in basic research, and this review aims to highlight the utility of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived models for studying sex-specific differences in neurodegenerative diseases, with advantages and limitations. In vitro systems utilizing species-specific, renewable, and physiologically relevant cell sources can provide powerful platforms for mechanistic studies, toxicity testings, and drug discovery. Matched healthy, patient-derived, and gene-corrected human iPSCs, from both sexes, can be utilized to generate neuronal and glial cell types affected by specific neurodegenerative diseases to study sex-specific differences in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) human culture systems. Such relatively simple and well-controlled systems can significantly contribute to the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying sex-specific differences, which can yield effective, and potentially sex-based strategies, against neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
|
7
|
Walker CJ, Schroeder ME, Aguado BA, Anseth KS, Leinwand LA. Matters of the heart: Cellular sex differences. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2021; 160:42-55. [PMID: 34166708 PMCID: PMC8571046 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2021.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nearly all cardiovascular diseases show sexual dimorphisms in prevalence, presentation, and outcomes. Until recently, most clinical trials were carried out in males, and many animal studies either failed to identify the sex of the animals or combined data obtained from males and females. Cellular sex in the heart is relatively understudied and many studies fail to report the sex of the cells used for in vitro experiments. Moreover, in the small number of studies in which sex is reported, most of those studies use male cells. The observation that cells from males and females are inherently different is becoming increasingly clear - either due to acquired differences from hormones and other factors or due to intrinsic differences in genotype (XX or XY). Because of the likely contribution of cellular sex differences in cardiac health and disease, here, we explore differences in mammalian male and female cells in the heart, including the less-studied non-myocyte cell populations. We discuss how the heart's microenvironment impacts male and female cellular phenotypes and vice versa, including how secretory profiles are dependent on cellular sex, and how hormones contribute to sexually dimorphic phenotypes and cellular functions. Intracellular mechanisms that contribute to sex differences, including gene expression and epigenetic remodeling, are also described. Recent single-cell sequencing studies have revealed unexpected sex differences in the composition of cell types in the heart which we discuss. Finally, future recommendations for considering cellular sex differences in the design of bioengineered in vitro disease models of the heart are provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cierra J Walker
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, United States of America; Interdisciplinary Quantitative Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, United States of America; BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, United States of America
| | - Megan E Schroeder
- Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, United States of America; BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, United States of America
| | - Brian A Aguado
- Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, United States of America; BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, United States of America
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, United States of America; BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, United States of America
| | - Leslie A Leinwand
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, United States of America; Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tegtmeyer M, Nehme R. Leveraging the Genetic Diversity of Human Stem Cells in Therapeutic Approaches. J Mol Biol 2021; 434:167221. [PMID: 34474087 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Since their discovery 15 years ago, human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) technologies have begun to revolutionize science and medicine, rapidly expanding beyond investigative research to drug discovery and development. Efforts to leverage hPSCs over the last decade have focused on increasing both the complexity and in vivo fidelity of human cellular models through enhanced differentiation methods. While these evolutions have fostered novel insights into disease mechanisms and influenced clinical drug discovery and development, there are still several considerations that limit the utility of hPSC models. In this review, we highlight important, yet underexplored avenues to broaden their reach. We focus on (i) the importance of diversifying existing hPSC collections, and their utilization to investigate therapeutic strategies in individuals from different genetic backgrounds, ancestry and sex; (ii) considerations for the selection of therapeutically relevant hPSC-based models; (iii) strategies to adequately increase the scale of cell-based studies; and (iv) the advances and constraints of clinical trials in a dish. Moreover, we advocate for harnessing the translational capabilities of hPSC models along with the use of innovative, scalable approaches for understanding genetic biases and the impact of sex and ancestry on disease mechanisms and drug efficacy and response. The next decade of hPSC innovation is poised to provide vast insights into the genetic basis of human disease and enable rapid advances to develop, repurpose, and ensure the safety of the next generation of disease therapies across diverse human populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Tegtmeyer
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ralda Nehme
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhuang G, Wen Y, Briggs M, Shao Q, Tran D, Wang H, Chen B. Secretomes of human pluripotent stem cell-derived smooth muscle cell progenitors upregulate extracellular matrix metabolism in the lower urinary tract and vagina. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:228. [PMID: 33823931 PMCID: PMC8025391 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02292-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been studied extensively for regenerative medicine; however, they have limited proliferation in vitro, and the long culture time induces cell senescence. MSCs also contribute to tissue repair through their paracrine function. In this study, we sought to examine the paracrine effects of human smooth muscle cell progenitors (pSMC) on the urethra and adjacent vagina of stress urinary incontinence rodents. We use human pluripotent stem cell (PSC) lines to derive pSMCs to overcome the issue of decreased proliferation in tissue culture and to obtain a homogenous cell population. METHOD Three human PSC lines were differentiated into pSMCs. The conditioned medium (CM) from pSMC culture, which contain pSMC secretomes, was harvested. To examine the effect of the CM on the extracellular matrix of the lower urinary tract, human bladder smooth muscle cells (bSMCs) and vaginal fibroblasts were treated with pSMC-CM in vitro. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) was induced in rats by surgical injury of the urethra and adjacent vagina. SUI rats were treated with pSMC-CM and monitored for 5 weeks. Urethral pressure testing was performed prior to euthanasia, and tissues were harvested for PCR, Western blot, and histological staining. Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA test and Student t test were used for statistical comparisons. RESULTS pSMC-CM upregulated MMP-2, TIMP-2, collagen, and elastin gene expression, and MMP-9 activity in the human bladder and vaginal cells consistent with elastin metabolism modulation. pSMC-CM treatment in the SUI rat improved urethral pressure (increase in leak point pressure compared to intact controls, p < 0.05) and increased collagen and elastin expression in the urethra and the adjacent vagina. CONCLUSION Conditioned media from smooth muscle cell progenitors derived from human pluripotent stem cells improved urethral leak point pressure and collagen and elastin content in the SUI rat. These findings suggest a novel therapeutic potential for PSC-based treatments for SUI and pelvic floor disorders where tissues are affected by collagen, elastin, and smooth muscle loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guobing Zhuang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive HH-333, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Wen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive HH-333, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Mason Briggs
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive HH-333, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Qingchun Shao
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive HH-333, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Darlene Tran
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive HH-333, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Hongbo Wang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bertha Chen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive HH-333, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Diaz EC, Briggs M, Wen Y, Zhuang G, Wallace SL, Dobberfuhl AD, Kao CS, Chen BC. Characterizing relaxin receptor expression and exploring relaxin's effect on tissue remodeling/fibrosis in the human bladder. BMC Urol 2020; 20:44. [PMID: 32321501 PMCID: PMC7178754 DOI: 10.1186/s12894-020-00607-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Relaxin is an endogenous protein that has been shown to have antifibrotic properties in various organ systems. There has been no characterization of relaxin’s role in the human bladder. Our objective was to characterize relaxin receptor expression in the human bladder and assess relaxin’s effect on tissue remodeling/fibrosis pathways in bladder smooth muscle cells. Methods Relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) and RXFP2 expression was assessed using quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) on primary bladder tissue. Primary human smooth muscle bladder cells were cultured and stimulated with various concentrations of relaxin. Western blot, qRTPCR, ELISA, and zymogram assays were used to analyze fibrosis/tissue remodeling pathway proteins. Results There was universal mRNA transcript detection and protein expression of relaxin receptors in primary bladder specimens. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated RXFP1 and RXFP2 localizing to both urothelial and smooth muscle cell layers of the bladder. 24 h of in vitro relaxin stimulation did not affect mRNA expression of selected proteins in human bladder smooth muscle cells. However, 48 h of in vitro relaxin stimulation resulted in upregulation of active (p = 0.004) and latent (p = 0.027) MMP-2 in cell lysate, and upregulation of active MMP-2 in supernatant (p = 0.04). There was a dose dependent relationship with increasing expression of MMP-2 with increasing relaxin concentration. Relaxin stimulation resulted in decreased levels of active and total TGF-β1 in supernatant and extracellular matrix (p < 0.005 with 100 ng/mL relaxin stimulation). Conclusions In the human bladder, relaxin receptors are expressed at the dome and trigone and localize to the urothelium and smooth muscle cell layers. Stimulation of human bladder SMCs with relaxin in vitro affects expression of MMP-2 and TGF-β1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward C Diaz
- Department of Urology, Stanford University Medical Center, 300 Pasteur Drive, Grant S-287, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA. .,Present Address: Division of Pediatric Urology, Advocate Children's Hospital, 8901 West Golf Road, Suite 301, Des Plaines, IL, 60016, USA.
| | - Mason Briggs
- Department of Urology, Stanford University Medical Center, 300 Pasteur Drive, Grant S-287, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University Medical Center, 300 Pasteur Drive, Rm A370, MC 5317, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Yan Wen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University Medical Center, 300 Pasteur Drive, Rm A370, MC 5317, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Guobing Zhuang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University Medical Center, 300 Pasteur Drive, Rm A370, MC 5317, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Shannon L Wallace
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University Medical Center, 300 Pasteur Drive, Rm A370, MC 5317, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Amy D Dobberfuhl
- Department of Urology, Stanford University Medical Center, 300 Pasteur Drive, Grant S-287, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Chia-Sui Kao
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University Medical Center, 300 Pasteur Drive, Rm L235, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Bertha C Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University Medical Center, 300 Pasteur Drive, Rm A370, MC 5317, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sex-dependent VEGF expression underlies variations in human pluripotent stem cell to endothelial progenitor differentiation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16696. [PMID: 31723192 PMCID: PMC6853961 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53054-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) offer tremendous promise in tissue engineering and cell-based therapies because of their unique combination of two properties: pluripotency and a high proliferative capacity. To realize this potential, development of efficient hPSC differentiation protocols is required. In this work, sex-based differences are identified in a GSK3 inhibitor based endothelial progenitor differentiation protocol. While male hPSCs efficiently differentiate into CD34 + CD31+ endothelial progenitors upon GSK3 inhibition, female hPSCs showed limited differentiation capacity using this protocol. Using VE-cadherin-GFP knockin reporter cells, female cells showed significantly increased differentiation efficiency when treated with VEGF during the second stage of endothelial progenitor differentiation. Interestingly, male cells showed no significant change in differentiation efficiency with VEGF treatment, but did show augmented early activation of VE-cadherin expression. A sex-based difference in endogenous expression of VEGF was identified that is likely the underlying cause of discrepancies in sex-dependent differentiation efficiency. These findings highlight the importance of sex differences in progenitor biology and the development of new stem cell differentiation protocols.
Collapse
|
12
|
Synergistic Improvement in Children with Cerebral Palsy Who Underwent Double-Course Human Wharton's Jelly Stem Cell Transplantation. Stem Cells Int 2019; 2019:7481069. [PMID: 31636676 PMCID: PMC6766101 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7481069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Our previous studies confirmed that human Wharton's Jelly stem cell (hWJSC) transplantation improved motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). This study investigated the dose-effect relationship between the transplanted cell dosage and efficacy in CP children. Methods CP children who received one- or two-course (four or eight times lumbar puncture, 4 or 8 × 107 hWJSCs) cell therapy were recruited into this study. Assessments of motor function were performed according to scales for gross motor function measurement (GMFM) and fine motor function measurement (FMFM). The measurement data obtained in the two different groups were analyzed by t-test. Univariate repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare the data obtained at baseline and 6 or 12 months posttransplantation and met the conditions for Mauchly's sphericity test. Results The results for fifty-seven pediatric CP patients (including 35 male and 22 female patients) who completed follow-up showed that gross and fine motor functions improved after cell therapy. Interestingly, the GMFM and FMFM scores in patients who received one course of transplantation were significantly increased at 6 months after treatment. Moreover, another course of transplantation further improved gross and fine motor function in children. The scores for GMFM and FMFM were significantly higher at 6 months posttransplantation than at baseline and showed a linear upward trend. There was no gender difference in GMFM. Interestingly, there was a significant difference between male and female patients in the B and C dimensions of FMFM. These results reveal a gender-related susceptibility to stem cell therapy, especially for movement capability of the upper extremity joint and grasping ability. Similarly, in the group aged ≤3 years old, the improvement observed in dimension A (lying and rolling) of GMFM was nearly exponential and showed a quadratic trend. The results for FMFM were similar to those for GMFM. Moreover, the improvement in motor function was not age dependent. Conclusions In this study, our data collectively reveal that CP children display sex- or age-dependent responses to hWJSC therapy; these results shed light on the clinical utility of this approach in specific populations.
Collapse
|
13
|
Prakash SK, Milewicz DM. X Marks the Spot: The Profound Impact of Sex on Aortic Disease. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2018; 38:9-11. [PMID: 29282246 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.117.310433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth K Prakash
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
| | - Dianna M Milewicz
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhou Y, Kang G, Wen Y, Briggs M, Sebastiano V, Pederson R, Chen B. Do Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Characteristics Correlate with Efficient In Vitro Smooth Muscle Cell Differentiation? A Comparison of Three Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Lines. Stem Cells Dev 2018; 27:1438-1448. [PMID: 30153084 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2018.0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have the potential to repair/regenerate smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in different organs. However, there are many challenges in their translation to clinical therapies. In this study, we describe our observations of in vitro SMC differentiation in three iPSC lines derived from human fibroblasts using retroviral, episomal, and mRNA/miRNA reprogramming methods. We sought to elucidate correlations between differentiation characteristics and efficiencies that can facilitate large-scale production of differentiated cells for clinical applications, and to report differences in pluripotency marker expression in differentiated cells from different iPSC lines. A standardized SMC differentiation protocol was used to induce the CD31+/CD34+ vascular progenitor cell phenotype. These were sorted by magnetic-activated (MACS) and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and then treated with PDGF-BB and smooth muscle growth medium for further differentiation into smooth muscle progenitor cells (pSMCs). The expression of SMC and pluripotency markers in early- and late-passage (P1 and P4) pSMCs was analyzed. A total of 36 differentiation runs was performed on the three patient iPSC lines. All pSMC populations expressed SMC markers and Ki67 consistent with the progenitor phenotype. Initial iPSC density correlated positively with the sorted cell FACS efficiency, and this correlation could be fit to a quadratic equation. We also observed that a specific "honeycomb" pattern of the starting cultured iPSCs cultured correlated with higher efficiency in all three iPSC lines. Pluripotency marker expression decreased significantly to nearly undetectable levels in all three lines. There was no significant change in SMC and pluripotent marker expression between passage 1 and 4. In summary, our observations suggest that the method of iPSC reprogramming does not affect iPSC differentiation into pSMCs. Protocol efficiency can be modeled mathematically and coupled with the initial "honeycomb" cell pattern to optimize production of large cell numbers for clinical therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Zhou
- 1 Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford, California.,2 Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University , Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Gugene Kang
- 3 Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford, California
| | - Yan Wen
- 1 Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford, California
| | - Mason Briggs
- 1 Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford, California
| | - Vittorio Sebastiano
- 3 Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford, California
| | - Roger Pederson
- 1 Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford, California
| | - Bertha Chen
- 1 Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford, California
| |
Collapse
|