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Tan Z, Chen P, Dong X, Guo S, Leung VYL, Cheung JPY, Chan D, Richardson SM, Hoyland JA, To MKT, Cheah KSE. Progenitor-like cells contributing to cellular heterogeneity in the nucleus pulposus are lost in intervertebral disc degeneration. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114342. [PMID: 38865240 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114342] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The nucleus pulposus (NP) in the intervertebral disc (IVD) arises from embryonic notochord. Loss of notochordal-like cells in humans correlates with onset of IVD degeneration, suggesting that they are critical for healthy NP homeostasis and function. Comparative transcriptomic analyses identified expression of progenitor-associated genes (GREM1, KRT18, and TAGLN) in the young mouse and non-degenerated human NP, with TAGLN expression reducing with aging. Lineage tracing using Tagln-CreERt2 mice identified peripherally located proliferative NP (PeriNP) cells in developing and postnatal NP that provide a continuous supply of cells to the entire NP. PeriNP cells were diminished in aged mice and absent in puncture-induced degenerated discs. Single-cell transcriptomes of postnatal Tagln-CreERt2 IVD cells indicate enrichment for TGF-β signaling in Tagln descendant NP sub-populations. Notochord-specific removal of TGF-β/BMP mediator Smad4 results in loss of Tagln+ cells and abnormal NP morphologies. We propose Tagln+ PeriNP cells are potential progenitors crucial for NP homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijia Tan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China; Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Peikai Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China; Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Lab, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaonan Dong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shuang Guo
- School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Victor Y L Leung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jason P Y Cheung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Danny Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stephen M Richardson
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Judith A Hoyland
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Michael K T To
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China; Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kathryn S E Cheah
- School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Tang Y, Zhou Y, Zhang M. A Chitosan Scaffold Supports the Enhanced and Prolonged Differentiation of HiPSCs into Nucleus Pulposus-like Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:28263-28275. [PMID: 38788694 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c06013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a progressive condition and stands as one of the primary causes of low back pain. Cell therapy that uses nucleus pulposus (NP)-like cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) holds great promise as a treatment for IDD. However, the conventional two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures oversimplify cell-cell interactions, leading to suboptimal differentiation efficiency and potential loss of phenotype. While three-dimensional (3D) culture systems like Matrigel improve hiPSC differentiation efficiency, they are limited by animal-derived materials for translation, poorly defined composition, short-term degradation, and high cost. In this study, we introduce a new 3D scaffold fabricated using medical-grade chitosan with a high degree of deacetylation. The scaffold features a highly interconnected porous structure, near-neutral surface charge, and exceptional degradation stability, benefiting iPSC adhesion and proliferation. This scaffold remarkably enhances the differentiation efficiency and allows uninterrupted differentiation for up to 25 days without subculturing. Notably, cells differentiated on the chitosan scaffold exhibited increased cell survival rates and upregulated gene expression associated with extracellular matrix secretion under a chemically defined condition mimicking the challenging microenvironment of intervertebral discs. These characteristics qualify the chitosan scaffold-cell construct for direct implantation, serving as both a structural support and a cellular source for enhanced stem cell therapy for IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanzhang Tang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Miqin Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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3
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Liu Y, Li L, Li X, Cherif H, Jiang S, Ghezelbash F, Weber MH, Juncker D, Li-Jessen NYK, Haglund L, Li J. Viscoelastic hydrogels regulate adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells for nucleus pulposus regeneration. Acta Biomater 2024; 180:244-261. [PMID: 38615812 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.04.017] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide, often attributed to intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration with loss of the functional nucleus pulposus (NP). Regenerative strategies utilizing biomaterials and stem cells are promising for NP repair. Human NP tissue is highly viscoelastic, relaxing stress rapidly under deformation. However, the impact of tissue-specific viscoelasticity on the activities of adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) remains largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the role of matrix viscoelasticity in regulating ASC differentiation for IVD regeneration. Viscoelastic alginate hydrogels with stress relaxation time scales ranging from 100 s to 1000s were developed and used to culture human ASCs for 21 days. Our results demonstrated that the fast-relaxing hydrogel significantly enhanced ASCs long-term cell survival and NP-like extracellular matrix secretion of aggrecan and type-II collagen. Moreover, gene expression analysis revealed a substantial upregulation of the mechanosensitive ion channel marker TRPV4 and NP-specific markers such as SOX9, HIF-1α, KRT18, CDH2 and CD24 in ASCs cultured within the fast-relaxing hydrogel, compared to slower-relaxing hydrogels. These findings highlight the critical role of matrix viscoelasticity in regulating ASC behavior and suggest that viscoelasticity is a key parameter for novel biomaterials design to improve the efficacy of stem cell therapy for IVD regeneration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Systematically characterized the influence of tissue-mimetic viscoelasticity on ASC. NP-mimetic hydrogels with tunable viscoelasticity and tissue-matched stiffness. Long-term survival and metabolic activity of ASCs are substantially improved in the fast-relaxing hydrogel. The fast-relaxing hydrogel allows higher rate of cell protrusions formation and matrix remodeling. ASC differentiation towards an NP-like cell phenotype is promoted in the fast-relaxing hydrogel, with more CD24 positive expression indicating NP committed cell fate. The expression of TRPV4, a molecular sensor of matrix viscoelasticity, is significantly enhanced in the fast-relaxing hydrogel, indicating ASC sensing matrix viscoelasticity during cell development. The NP-specific ECM secretion of ASC is considerably influenced by matrix viscoelasticity, where the deposition of aggrecan and type-II collagen are significantly enhanced in the fast-relaxing hydrogel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, 3775 Rue University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, 817 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, QC H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Li Li
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montréal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Xuan Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, 817 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, QC H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Hosni Cherif
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montréal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Shuaibing Jiang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, 817 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, QC H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Farshid Ghezelbash
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, 817 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, QC H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Michael H Weber
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montréal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - David Juncker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, 3775 Rue University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; McGill University & Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, 740 Avenue Dr. Penfield, Montréal, QC H4A 0G1, Canada
| | - Nicole Y K Li-Jessen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, 3775 Rue University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, McGill University, 2001 McGill College Avenue, Montréal, QC H3A 1G1, Canada; Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Bd Décarie, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; Research Institute of McGill University Health Center, McGill University, 1001 Bd Décarie, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Lisbet Haglund
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montréal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada; Shriners Hospital for Children, 1003 Bd Décarie, Montréal, QC H4A 0A9, Canada.
| | - Jianyu Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, 3775 Rue University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, 817 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, QC H3A 0C3, Canada; Department of Surgery, McGill University, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montréal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada.
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Xia Y, Wu Y, Gong Y, Yue C, Tao L, Xin T, Shen C, Zhu Y, Shen M, Shen J. Brachyury promotes extracellular matrix synthesis through transcriptional regulation of Smad3 in nucleus pulposus. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C1384-C1397. [PMID: 38690917 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00475.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is one of the primary causes of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Previous studies have demonstrated that the transcription factor Brachyury (Bry) has the potential to promote the synthesis of collagen II and aggrecan, while the specific mechanism is still unknown. In this study, we used a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced model of nucleus pulposus cell (NPC) degeneration and a rat acupuncture IVDD model to elucidate the precise mechanism through which Bry affects collagen II and aggrecan synthesis in vitro and in vivo. First, we confirmed Bry expression decreased in degenerated human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells (NPCs). Knockdown of Bry exacerbated the decrease in collagen II and aggrecan expression in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NPCs degeneration in vitro model. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that Smad3 may participate in the regulatory pathway of ECM synthesis regulated by Bry. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (ChIP-qPCR) and luciferase reporter gene assays demonstrated that Bry enhances the transcription of Smad3 by interacting with a specific motif on the promoter region. In addition, Western blot and reverse transcription-qPCR assays demonstrated that Smad3 positively regulates the expression of aggrecan and collagen II in NPCs. The following rescue experiments revealed that Bry-mediated regulation of ECM synthesis is partially dependent on Smad3 phosphorylation. Finally, the findings from the in vivo rat acupuncture-induced IVDD model were consistent with those obtained from in vitro assays. In conclusion, this study reveals that Bry positively regulates the synthesis of collagen II and aggrecan in NP through transcriptional activation of Smad3.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Mechanically, in the nucleus, Bry enhances the transcription of Smad3, leading to increased expression of Smad3 protein levels; in the cytoplasm, elevated substrate levels further lead to an increase in the phosphorylation of Smad3, thereby regulating collagen II and aggrecan expression. Further in vivo experiments provide additional evidence that Bry can alleviate IVDD through this mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhang Xia
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Orthopedic Medical Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinghui Wu
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Orthopedic Medical Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhao Gong
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Orthopedic Medical Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Caichun Yue
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Orthopedic Medical Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Linfeng Tao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianwen Xin
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Orthopedic Medical Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Zhu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Minghong Shen
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Shen
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Orthopedic Medical Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
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5
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Zhang Y, Li Y, Liu C, Shang X. Decellularized Nucleus Pulposus Matrix/Chitosan Hybrid Hydrogels for Nucleus Pulposus Tissue Engineering. Global Spine J 2024; 14:1175-1183. [PMID: 36330701 DOI: 10.1177/21925682221135768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Basic research. OBJECTIVE To prepared 3 DNPM/chitosan hybrid hydrogels and chose the best DNPM/chitosan hybrid hydrogel for NP tissue engineering. METHODS Three DNPM/chitosan hybrid hydrogels were fabricated by changing the ratio of the decellularized NP matrix to chitosan and crosslinking with genipin. NP stem cells (NPSCs) were cultured on the hybrid hydrogels and their proliferation, morphology, and gene expression were evaluated. Finally, an in vivo experiment was performed to evaluate the immune response to the hydrogels. RESULTS The adhered NPSCs proliferated well on the hybrid hydrogel. The gene expression of NP-related collagen type II, aggrecan, and Sox-9 from NPSCs cultured on DNPM/chitosan hybrid hydrogel-1 was greater than from cells cultured on DNPM/chitosan hybrid hydrogel-2 and DNPM/chitosan hybrid hydrogel-3. Few inflammatory cells were observed during the in vivo experiment with DNPM/chitosan hybrid hydrogel-1. CONCLUSIONS DNPM/chitosan hybrid hydrogel-1 is a potential candidate scaffold for NP tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, China
- The first Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, China
- Key Laboratory of Non-coding RNA Transformation Research of Anhui Higher Education Institution, China
- Department of Spine Surgery, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, China
| | - Yifeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Non-coding RNA Transformation Research of Anhui Higher Education Institution, China
- Department of Spine Surgery, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, China
| | - Chen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Non-coding RNA Transformation Research of Anhui Higher Education Institution, China
- Department of Spine Surgery, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, China
| | - Xifu Shang
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, China
- The first Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, China
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Peredo AP, Tsinman TK, Bonnevie ED, Jiang X, Smith HE, Gullbrand SE, Dyment NA, Mauck RL. Developmental morphogens direct human induced pluripotent stem cells toward an annulus fibrosus-like cell phenotype. JOR Spine 2024; 7:e1313. [PMID: 38283179 PMCID: PMC10810760 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Therapeutic interventions for intervertebral disc herniation remain scarce due to the inability of endogenous annulus fibrosus (AF) cells to respond to injury and drive tissue regeneration. Unlike other orthopedic tissues, such as cartilage, delivery of exogenous cells to the site of annular injury remains underdeveloped, largely due to a lack of an ideal cell source and the invasive nature of cell isolation. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be differentiated to specific cell fates using biochemical factors and are, therefore, an invaluable tool for cell therapy approaches. While differentiation protocols have been developed for cartilage and fibrous connective tissues (e.g., tendon), the signals that regulate the induction and differentiation of human iPSCs toward the AF fate remain unknown. Methods iPSC-derived sclerotome cells were treated with various combinations of developmental signals including transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGF-β3), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), platelet derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), or the Hedgehog pathway activator, Purmorphamine, and gene expression changes in major AF-associated ECM genes were assessed. The top performing combination treatments were further validated by using three distinct iPSC lines and by assessing the production of upregulated ECM proteins of interest. To conduct a broader analysis of the transcriptomic shifts elicited by each factor combination, and to compare genetic profiles of treated cells to mature human AF cells, a 96.96 Fluidigm gene expression array was applied, and principal component analysis was employed to identify the transcriptional signatures of each cell population and treatment group in comparison to native AF cells. Results TGF-β3, in combination with PDGF-BB, CTGF, or IGF-1, induced an upregulation of key AF ECM genes in iPSC-derived sclerotome cells. In particular, treatment with a combination of TGF-β3 with PDGF-BB for 14 days significantly increased gene expression of collagen II and aggrecan and increased protein deposition of collagen I and elastin compared to other treatment groups. Assessment of genes uniquely highly expressed by AF cells or SCL cells, respectively, revealed a shift toward the genetic profile of AF cells with the addition of TGF-β3 and PDGF-BB for 14 days. Discussion These findings represent an initial approach to guide human induced pluripotent stem cells toward an AF-like fate for cellular delivery strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P. Peredo
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Translational Musculoskeletal Research CenterPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Tonia K. Tsinman
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Translational Musculoskeletal Research CenterPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Edward D. Bonnevie
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Translational Musculoskeletal Research CenterPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Xi Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Harvey E. Smith
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Translational Musculoskeletal Research CenterPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Sarah E. Gullbrand
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Translational Musculoskeletal Research CenterPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Nathaniel A. Dyment
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Robert L. Mauck
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Translational Musculoskeletal Research CenterPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
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Zhao Y, Dong H, Xia Q, Wang Y, Zhu L, Hu Z, Xia J, Mao Q, Weng Z, Yi J, Feng S, Jiang Y, Liao W, Xin Z. A new strategy for intervertebral disc regeneration: The synergistic potential of mesenchymal stem cells and their extracellular vesicles with hydrogel scaffolds. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 172:116238. [PMID: 38308965 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116238] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a disease that severely affects spinal health and is prevalent worldwide. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have regenerative potential and have emerged as promising therapeutic tools for treating degenerative discs. However, challenges such as the harsh microenvironment of degenerated intervertebral discs and EVs' limited stability and efficacy have hindered their clinical application. In recent years, hydrogels have attracted much attention in the field of IDD therapy because they can mimic the physiologic microenvironment of the disc and provide a potential solution by providing a suitable growth environment for MSCs and EVs. This review introduced the biological properties of MSCs and their derived EVs, summarized the research on the application of MSCs and EVs in IDD, summarized the current clinical trial studies of MSCs and EVs, and also explored the mechanism of action of MSCs and EVs in intervertebral discs. In addition, plenty of research elaborated on the mechanism of action of different classified hydrogels in tissue engineering, the synergistic effect of MSCs and EVs in promoting intervertebral disc regeneration, and their wide application in treating IDD. Finally, the challenges and problems still faced by hydrogel-loaded MSCs and EVs in the treatment of IDD are summarized, and potential solutions are proposed. This paper outlines the synergistic effects of MSCs and EVs in treating IDD in combination with hydrogels and aims to provide theoretical references for future related studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Huaize Dong
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Qiuqiu Xia
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Yanyang Wang
- Department of Cell Engineering Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Lu Zhu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Zongyue Hu
- Department of Pain Rehabilitation, Affiliated Sinopharm Gezhouba Central Hospital, Third Clinical Medical College of Three Gorges University, Yichang 443003, Hubei, China
| | - Jiyue Xia
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Qiming Mao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Zijing Weng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Jiangbi Yi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Shuai Feng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Youhong Jiang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Wenbo Liao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Zhijun Xin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China; Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR3244, Dynamics of Genetic Information, Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France.
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8
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Zhu S, Wang J, Suo M, Huang H, Liu X, Wang J, Li Z. Can extracellular vesicles be considered as a potential frontier in the treatment of intervertebral disc disease? Ageing Res Rev 2023; 92:102094. [PMID: 37863436 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
As a global public health problem, low back pain (LBP) caused by intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) seriously affects patients' quality of life. In addition, the prevalence of IDD tends to be younger, which brings a huge burden to individuals and society economically. Current treatments do not delay or reverse the progression of IDD. The emergence of biologic therapies has brought new hope for the treatment of IDD. Among them, extracellular vesicles (EVs), as nanoscale bioactive substances that mediate cellular communication, have now produced many surprising results in the research of the treatment of IDD. This article reviews the mechanisms and roles of EVs in delaying IDD and describes the prospects and challenges of EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengxu Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, the People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic Diseases, Liaoning Province, the People's Republic of China
| | - Junlin Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, the People's Republic of China
| | - Moran Suo
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, the People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic Diseases, Liaoning Province, the People's Republic of China
| | - Huagui Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, the People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic Diseases, Liaoning Province, the People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, the People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic Diseases, Liaoning Province, the People's Republic of China
| | - Jinzuo Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, the People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic Diseases, Liaoning Province, the People's Republic of China
| | - Zhonghai Li
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, the People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic Diseases, Liaoning Province, the People's Republic of China.
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9
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Chen Z, Lv Z, Zhuang Y, Saiding Q, Yang W, Xiong W, Zhang Z, Chen H, Cui W, Zhang Y. Mechanical Signal-Tailored Hydrogel Microspheres Recruit and Train Stem Cells for Precise Differentiation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2300180. [PMID: 37230467 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202300180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The aberrant mechanical microenvironment in degenerated tissues induces misdirection of cell fate, making it challenging to achieve efficient endogenous regeneration. Herein, a hydrogel microsphere-based synthetic niche with integrated cell recruitment and targeted cell differentiation properties via mechanotransduction is constructed . Through the incorporation of microfluidics and photo-polymerization strategies, fibronectin (Fn) modified methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) microspheres are prepared with the independently tunable elastic modulus (1-10Kpa) and ligand density (2 and 10 µg mL-1 ), allowing a wide range of cytoskeleton modulation to trigger the corresponding mechanobiological signaling. The combination of the soft matrix (2Kpa) and low ligand density (2 µg mL-1 ) can support the nucleus pulposus (NP)-like differentiation of intervertebral disc (IVD) progenitor/stem cells by translocating Yes-associated protein (YAP), without the addition of inducible biochemical factors. Meanwhile, platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) is loaded onto Fn-GelMA microspheres (PDGF@Fn-GelMA) via the heparin-binding domain of Fn to initiate endogenous cell recruitment. In in vivo experiments, hydrogel microsphere-niche maintained the IVD structure and stimulated matrix synthesis. Overall, this synthetic niche with cell recruiting and mechanical training capabilities offered a promising strategy for endogenous tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehao Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, P. R. China
- School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Nanchen Road 333, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Zhendong Lv
- Department of Spine Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Yaping Zhuang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, P. R. China
| | - Qimanguli Saiding
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, P. R. China
| | - Wu Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, P. R. China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, P. R. China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Nanchen Road 333, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Wenguo Cui
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, P. R. China
| | - Yuhui Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
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10
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Yin L, Gao W, Tang H, Yin Z. BASP1 knockdown suppresses chondrocyte apoptosis and extracellular matrix degradation in vivo and in vitro: A possible therapeutic approach for osteoarthritis. Exp Cell Res 2023:113648. [PMID: 37207971 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113648] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis(OA) is an age-related degenerative disease involving chondrocyte apoptosis and extracellular matrix(ECM) degradation.Brain acid soluble protein 1(BASP1) has been reported to induce apoptosis.Thus, we speculated that BASP1 might regulate OA progression by inducing apoptosis, which is also the purpose of this study.The cartilage of the knee joint was collected from OA patients who received the joint replacement.In OA cartilage tissue,we found BASP1 expression was highly expressed, which inferred that BASP1 might be involved in OA.To validate our hypothesis, destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery-induced male C57BL/6mice and interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-treated human chondrocytes were used to mimic the OA environment.BASP1 knockdown in mice and chondrocytes was achieved by adenovirus carried with BASP1-specific shRNA.High expression of BASP1 was observed in OA mice, which was also verified in IL-1β-treated chondrocytes.The potential mechanism of BASP1 in OA was further explored in vitro.BASP1 knockdown alleviated IL-1β-induced apoptosis and ECM degradation, as reflected by the decreased number of apoptotic cells and matrix metalloproteases 13 expression,and the increased collagen II expression.Our findings indicated that BASP1 knockdown alleviated OA progression by inhibiting apoptosis and ECM degradation, suggesting that inhibiting BASP1 may be a potentially applicable method for preventing OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yin
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Weilu Gao
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Hao Tang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zongsheng Yin
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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11
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Zhou T, Chen Y, Liao Z, Zhang L, Su D, Li Z, Yang X, Ke X, Liu H, Chen Y, Weng R, Shen H, Xu C, Wan Y, Xu R, Su P. Spatiotemporal Characterization of Human Early Intervertebral Disc Formation at Single-Cell Resolution. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206296. [PMID: 36965031 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The intervertebral disc (IVD) acts as a fibrocartilaginous joint to anchor adjacent vertebrae. Although several studies have demonstrated the cellular heterogeneity of adult mature IVDs, a single-cell transcriptomic atlas mapping early IVD formation is still lacking. Here, the authors generate a spatiotemporal and single cell-based transcriptomic atlas of human IVD formation at the embryonic stage and a comparative mouse transcript landscape. They identify two novel human notochord (NC)/nucleus pulposus (NP) clusters, SRY-box transcription factor 10 (SOX10)+ and cathepsin K (CTSK)+ , that are distributed in the early and late stages of IVD formation and they are validated by lineage tracing experiments in mice. Matrisome NC/NP clusters, T-box transcription factor T (TBXT)+ and CTSK+ , are responsible for the extracellular matrix homeostasis. The IVD atlas suggests that a subcluster of the vertebral chondrocyte subcluster might give rise to an inner annulus fibrosus of chondrogenic origin, while the fibroblastic outer annulus fibrosus preferentially expresseds transgelin and fibromodulin . Through analyzing intercellular crosstalk, the authors further find that notochordal secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) is a novel cue in the IVD microenvironment, and it is associated with IVD development and degeneration. In conclusion, the single-cell transcriptomic atlas will be leveraged to develop preventative and regenerative strategies for IVD degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taifeng Zhou
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue Regeneration, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Zhiheng Liao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Long Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue Regeneration, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Deying Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Proteomics and State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhuling Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiaoming Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Xiaona Ke
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Hengyu Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yuyu Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ricong Weng
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Huimin Shen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Caixia Xu
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yong Wan
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ren Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue Regeneration, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Peiqiang Su
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
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12
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Yao M, Wu T, Wang B. Research trends and hotspots of mesenchymal stromal cells in intervertebral disc degeneration: a scientometric analysis. EFORT Open Rev 2023; 8:135-147. [PMID: 36916744 PMCID: PMC10026060 DOI: 10.1530/eor-22-0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are important potential candidates for regenerative therapy for intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). This scientometric study aimed to summarize the main research trends, identify current research hotspots, and measure the networks of the contributors and their scientific productivity. A total of 1102 publications regarding MSC in IDD were recognized from January 2000 to April 2022. The number of records every year followed an overall uptrend with fluctuations. The main trend of research demonstrated the practice of gradually applying MSC-based therapy to IDD with the assistance of advances in biomaterials and IDD pathology. A recent focus on MSC-derived exosomes and notochordal cells was detected. The basic studies in this field were mainly contributed to by Japan, the USA, and European countries, while China dominated in the number of recent publications. Tokai University with Daisuke Sakai was the most productive contributor. Cell biology, tissue engineering, and biomaterials were the categories with deep engagement in research of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghe Yao
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tingkui Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Beiyu Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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13
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Xia KS, Li DD, Wang CG, Ying LW, Wang JK, Yang B, Shu JW, Huang XP, Zhang YA, Yu C, Zhou XP, Li FC, Slater NK, Tang JB, Chen QX, Liang CZ. An esterase-responsive ibuprofen nano-micelle pre-modified embryo derived nucleus pulposus progenitor cells promote the regeneration of intervertebral disc degeneration. Bioact Mater 2023; 21:69-85. [PMID: 36017070 PMCID: PMC9399388 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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14
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Shi K, Liang C, Huang X, Wang S, Chen J, Cheng F, Wang C, Ying L, Pan Z, Zhang Y, Shu J, Yang B, Wang J, Xia K, Zhou X, Li H, Li F, Tao Y, Chen Q. Collagen Niches Affect Direct Transcriptional Conversion toward Human Nucleus Pulposus Cells via Actomyosin Contractility. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2201824. [PMID: 36165230 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202201824] [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: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cellular niches play fundamental roles in regulating cellular behaviors. However, the effect of niches on direct converted cells remains unexplored. In the present study, the specific combination of transcription factors is first identified to directly acquire induced nucleus pulposus-like cells (iNPLCs). Next, tunable physical properties of collagen niches are fabricated based on various crosslinking degrees. Collagen niches significantly affect actomyosin cytoskeleton and then influence the maturation of iNPLCs. Using gain- and loss of function approaches, the appropriate physical states of collagen niches are found to significantly enhance the maturation of iNPLCs through actomyosin contractility. Moreover, in a rat model of degenerative disc diseases, iNPLCs with collagen niches are transplanted into the lesion to achieve significant improvements. As a result, overexpression of transcription factors in human dermal fibroblasts are efficiently converted into iNPLCs and the optimal collagen niches affect cellular cytoskeleton and then facilitate iNPLCs maturation toward human nucleus pulposus cells. These findings encourage more in-depth studies toward the interactions of niches and direct conversion, which would contribute to the development of direct conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kesi Shi
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, P. R. China
| | - Chengzhen Liang
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, P. R. China
| | - Xianpeng Huang
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, P. R. China
| | - Shaoke Wang
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, P. R. China
| | - Jiangjie Chen
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, P. R. China
| | - Feng Cheng
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, P. R. China
| | - Chenggui Wang
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325000, P. R. China
| | - Liwei Ying
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated of Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang Province, 317000, P. R. China
| | - Zhaoqi Pan
- The School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325000, P. R. China
| | - Yuang Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, P. R. China
| | - Jiawei Shu
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, P. R. China
| | - Biao Yang
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, P. R. China
| | - Jingkai Wang
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, P. R. China
| | - Kaishun Xia
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, P. R. China
| | - Xiaopeng Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, P. R. China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, P. R. China
| | - Fangcai Li
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, P. R. China
| | - Yiqing Tao
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, P. R. China
| | - Qixin Chen
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, P. R. China
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15
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Dicks AR, Steward N, Guilak F, Wu CL. Chondrogenic Differentiation of Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2598:87-114. [PMID: 36355287 PMCID: PMC9830630 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2839-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The generation of large quantities of genetically defined human chondrocytes remains a critical step for the development of tissue engineering strategies for cartilage regeneration and high-throughput drug screening. This protocol describes chondrogenic differentiation of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), which can undergo genetic modification and the capacity for extensive cell expansion. The hiPSCs are differentiated in a stepwise manner in monolayer through the mesodermal lineage for 12 days using defined growth factors and small molecules. This is followed by 28 days of chondrogenic differentiation in a 3D pellet culture system using transforming growth factor beta 3 and specific compounds to inhibit off-target differentiation. The 6-week protocol results in hiPSC-derived cartilaginous tissue that can be characterized by histology, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression or enzymatically digested to isolate chondrocyte-like cells. Investigators can use this protocol for experiments including genetic engineering, in vitro disease modeling, or tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R Dicks
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Shriners Hospitals for Children - St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Nancy Steward
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Shriners Hospitals for Children - St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Farshid Guilak
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Shriners Hospitals for Children - St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Chia-Lung Wu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
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16
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Mammalian gastrulation: signalling activity and transcriptional regulation of cell lineage differentiation and germ layer formation. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:1619-1631. [DOI: 10.1042/bst20220256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The interplay of signalling input and downstream transcriptional activity is the key molecular attribute driving the differentiation of germ layer tissue and the specification of cell lineages within each germ layer during gastrulation. This review delves into the current understanding of signalling and transcriptional control of lineage development in the germ layers of mouse embryo and non-human primate embryos during gastrulation and highlights the inter-species conservation and divergence of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of germ layer development in the human embryo.
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17
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Zhang X, Hu Y, Hao D, Li T, Jia Y, Hu W, Xu Z. New strategies for the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration: cell, exosome, gene, and tissue engineering. Am J Transl Res 2022; 14:8031-8048. [PMID: 36505274 PMCID: PMC9730054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) caused by intervertebral disc (IVD) generation (IVDD) has always been an important problem that cannot be ignored. Traditional therapies have many deep-rooted and intractable complications that promote their treatment mode transfer to new therapies. This article mainly summarizes the shortcomings of traditional treatment methods and analyzes the research status and future development direction of IVDD treatment. We outlined the most promising IVDD therapies, including cell, exosome, gene, and tissue engineering therapy, especially tissue engineering therapy, which runs through the whole process of other therapies. In addition, the article focuses on the cellular, animal, and preclinical challenges faced by each therapeutic approach, as well as their respective advantages and disadvantages, to provide better ideas for relieving the IVDD patients' pain through new treatment methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiao Tong UniversityXi’an 710054, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yicun Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhou 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Dingjun Hao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiao Tong UniversityXi’an 710054, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiao Tong UniversityXi’an 710054, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuhan Jia
- Department of Spine Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiao Tong UniversityXi’an 710054, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiao Tong UniversityXi’an 710054, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhengwei Xu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiao Tong UniversityXi’an 710054, Shaanxi, China
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18
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Xia Y, Yang R, Hou Y, Wang H, Li Y, Zhu J, Fu C. Application of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes from different sources in intervertebral disc degeneration. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1019437. [PMID: 36277386 PMCID: PMC9585200 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1019437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a main cause of lower back pain, leading to psychological and economic burdens to patients. Physical therapy only delays pain in patients but cannot eliminate the cause of IVDD. Surgery is required when the patient cannot tolerate pain or has severe neurological symptoms. Although surgical resection of IVD or decompression of the laminae eliminates the diseased segment, it damages adjacent normal IVD. There is also a risk of re-protrusion after IVD removal. Cell therapy has played a crucial role in the development of regenerative medicine. Cell transplantation promotes regeneration of degenerative tissue. However, owing to the lack of vascular structure in IVD, sufficient nutrients cannot be provided for transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In addition, dead cells release harmful substances that aggravate IVDD. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been extensively studied as an emerging therapeutic approach. EVs generated by paracrine MSCs retain the potential of MSCs and serve as carriers to deliver their contents to target cells to regulate target cell activity. Owing to their double-layered membrane structure, EVs have a low immunogenicity and no immune rejection. Therefore, EVs are considered an emerging therapeutic modality in IVDD. However, they are limited by mass production and low loading rates. In this review, the structure of IVD and advantages of EVs are introduced, and the application of MSC-EVs in IVDD is discussed. The current limitations of EVs and future applications are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanliang Xia
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ruohan Yang
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yulin Hou
- Department of Cardiology, Guangyuan Central Hospital, Guangyuan, China
| | - Hengyi Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuehong Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianshu Zhu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Changfeng Fu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Changfeng Fu,
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Watson-Levings RS, Palmer GD, Levings PP, Dacanay EA, Evans CH, Ghivizzani SC. Gene Therapy in Orthopaedics: Progress and Challenges in Pre-Clinical Development and Translation. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:901317. [PMID: 35837555 PMCID: PMC9274665 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.901317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In orthopaedics, gene-based treatment approaches are being investigated for an array of common -yet medically challenging- pathologic conditions of the skeletal connective tissues and structures (bone, cartilage, ligament, tendon, joints, intervertebral discs etc.). As the skeletal system protects the vital organs and provides weight-bearing structural support, the various tissues are principally composed of dense extracellular matrix (ECM), often with minimal cellularity and vasculature. Due to their functional roles, composition, and distribution throughout the body the skeletal tissues are prone to traumatic injury, and/or structural failure from chronic inflammation and matrix degradation. Due to a mixture of environment and endogenous factors repair processes are often slow and fail to restore the native quality of the ECM and its function. In other cases, large-scale lesions from severe trauma or tumor surgery, exceed the body’s healing and regenerative capacity. Although a wide range of exogenous gene products (proteins and RNAs) have the potential to enhance tissue repair/regeneration and inhibit degenerative disease their clinical use is hindered by the absence of practical methods for safe, effective delivery. Cumulatively, a large body of evidence demonstrates the capacity to transfer coding sequences for biologic agents to cells in the skeletal tissues to achieve prolonged delivery at functional levels to augment local repair or inhibit pathologic processes. With an eye toward clinical translation, we discuss the research progress in the primary injury and disease targets in orthopaedic gene therapy. Technical considerations important to the exploration and pre-clinical development are presented, with an emphasis on vector technologies and delivery strategies whose capacity to generate and sustain functional transgene expression in vivo is well-established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael S. Watson-Levings
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Glyn D. Palmer
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Padraic P. Levings
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - E. Anthony Dacanay
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Christopher H. Evans
- Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MI, United States
| | - Steven C. Ghivizzani
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Steven C. Ghivizzani,
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Impact of Microenvironmental Changes during Degeneration on Intervertebral Disc Progenitor Cells: A Comparison with Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9040148. [PMID: 35447707 PMCID: PMC9025850 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9040148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration occurs with natural ageing and is linked to low back pain, a common disease. As an avascular tissue, the microenvironment inside the IVD is harsh. During degeneration, the condition becomes even more compromised, presenting a significant challenge to the survival and function of the resident cells, as well as to any regeneration attempts using cell implantation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been proposed as a candidate stem cell tool for IVD regeneration. Recently, endogenous IVD progenitor cells have been identified inside the IVD, highlighting their potential for self-repair. IVD progenitor cells have properties similar to MSCs, with minor differences in potency and surface marker expression. Currently, it is unclear how IVD progenitor cells react to microenvironmental factors and in what ways they possibly behave differently to MSCs. Here, we first summarized the microenvironmental factors presented in the IVD and their changes during degeneration. Then, we analyzed the available studies on the responses of IVD progenitor cells and MSCs to these factors, and made comparisons between these two types of cells, when possible, in an attempt to achieve a clear understanding of the characteristics of IVD progenitor cells when compared to MSCs; as well as, to provide possible clues to cell fate after implantation, which may facilitate future manipulation and design of IVD regeneration studies.
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21
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Exosomes: A promising therapeutic strategy for intervertebral disc degeneration. Exp Gerontol 2022; 163:111806. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2022.111806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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22
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Bach FC, Poramba-Liyanage DW, Riemers FM, Guicheux J, Camus A, Iatridis JC, Chan D, Ito K, Le Maitre CL, Tryfonidou MA. Notochordal Cell-Based Treatment Strategies and Their Potential in Intervertebral Disc Regeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:780749. [PMID: 35359916 PMCID: PMC8963872 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.780749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic low back pain is the number one cause of years lived with disability. In about 40% of patients, chronic lower back pain is related to intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. The standard-of-care focuses on symptomatic relief, while surgery is the last resort. Emerging therapeutic strategies target the underlying cause of IVD degeneration and increasingly focus on the relatively overlooked notochordal cells (NCs). NCs are derived from the notochord and once the notochord regresses they remain in the core of the developing IVD, the nucleus pulposus. The large vacuolated NCs rapidly decline after birth and are replaced by the smaller nucleus pulposus cells with maturation, ageing, and degeneration. Here, we provide an update on the journey of NCs and discuss the cell markers and tools that can be used to study their fate and regenerative capacity. We review the therapeutic potential of NCs for the treatment of IVD-related lower back pain and outline important future directions in this area. Promising studies indicate that NCs and their secretome exerts regenerative effects, via increased proliferation, extracellular matrix production, and anti-inflammatory effects. Reports on NC-like cells derived from embryonic- or induced pluripotent-stem cells claim to have successfully generated NC-like cells but did not compare them with native NCs for phenotypic markers or in terms of their regenerative capacity. Altogether, this is an emerging and active field of research with exciting possibilities. NC-based studies demonstrate that cues from developmental biology can pave the path for future clinical therapies focused on regenerating the diseased IVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances C. Bach
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Frank M. Riemers
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jerome Guicheux
- UMR 1229-RMeS, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, Université de Nantes, ONIRIS, Nantes, France
- UFR Odontologie, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
- PHU4 OTONN, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Anne Camus
- UMR 1229-RMeS, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, Université de Nantes, ONIRIS, Nantes, France
| | - James C. Iatridis
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Danny Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Keita Ito
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Christine L. Le Maitre
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Marianna A. Tryfonidou
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Marianna A. Tryfonidou,
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Hickman TT, Rathan-Kumar S, Peck SH. Development, Pathogenesis, and Regeneration of the Intervertebral Disc: Current and Future Insights Spanning Traditional to Omics Methods. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:841831. [PMID: 35359439 PMCID: PMC8963184 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.841831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The intervertebral disc (IVD) is the fibrocartilaginous joint located between each vertebral body that confers flexibility and weight bearing capabilities to the spine. The IVD plays an important role in absorbing shock and stress applied to the spine, which helps to protect not only the vertebral bones, but also the brain and the rest of the central nervous system. Degeneration of the IVD is correlated with back pain, which can be debilitating and severely affects quality of life. Indeed, back pain results in substantial socioeconomic losses and healthcare costs globally each year, with about 85% of the world population experiencing back pain at some point in their lifetimes. Currently, therapeutic strategies for treating IVD degeneration are limited, and as such, there is great interest in advancing treatments for back pain. Ideally, treatments for back pain would restore native structure and thereby function to the degenerated IVD. However, the complex developmental origin and tissue composition of the IVD along with the avascular nature of the mature disc makes regeneration of the IVD a uniquely challenging task. Investigators across the field of IVD research have been working to elucidate the mechanisms behind the formation of this multifaceted structure, which may identify new therapeutic targets and inform development of novel regenerative strategies. This review summarizes current knowledge base on IVD development, degeneration, and regenerative strategies taken from traditional genetic approaches and omics studies and discusses the future landscape of investigations in IVD research and advancement of clinical therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara T. Hickman
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Sudiksha Rathan-Kumar
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Sun H. Peck
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- *Correspondence: Sun H. Peck,
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Spheroid-Based Tissue Engineering Strategies for Regeneration of the Intervertebral Disc. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052530. [PMID: 35269672 PMCID: PMC8910276 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Degenerative disc disease, a painful pathology of the intervertebral disc (IVD), often causes disability and reduces quality of life. Although regenerative cell-based strategies have shown promise in clinical trials, none have been widely adopted clinically. Recent developments demonstrated that spheroid-based approaches might help overcome challenges associated with cell-based IVD therapies. Spheroids are three-dimensional multicellular aggregates with architecture that enables the cells to differentiate and synthesize endogenous ECM, promotes cell-ECM interactions, enhances adhesion, and protects cells from harsh conditions. Spheroids could be applied in the IVD both in scaffold-free and scaffold-based configurations, possibly providing advantages over cell suspensions. This review highlights areas of future research in spheroid-based regeneration of nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF). We also discuss cell sources and methods for spheroid fabrication and characterization, mechanisms related to spheroid fusion, as well as enhancement of spheroid performance in the context of the IVD microenvironment.
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25
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Yamada K, Iwasaki N, Sudo H. Biomaterials and Cell-Based Regenerative Therapies for Intervertebral Disc Degeneration with a Focus on Biological and Biomechanical Functional Repair: Targeting Treatments for Disc Herniation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040602. [PMID: 35203253 PMCID: PMC8870062 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040602] [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: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a common cause of low back pain and most spinal disorders. As IVD degeneration is a major obstacle to the healthy life of so many individuals, it is a major issue that needs to be overcome. Currently, there is no clinical treatment for the regeneration of degenerated IVDs. However, recent advances in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering suggest the potential of cell-based and/or biomaterial-based IVD regeneration therapies. These treatments may be indicated for patients with IVDs in the intermediate degenerative stage, a point where the number of viable cells decreases, and the structural integrity of the disc begins to collapse. However, there are many biological, biomechanical, and clinical challenges that must be overcome before the clinical application of these IVD regeneration therapies can be realized. This review summarizes the basic research and clinical trials literature on cell-based and biomaterial-based IVD regenerative therapies and outlines the important role of these strategies in regenerative treatment for IVD degenerative diseases, especially disc herniation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhisa Yamada
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan; (K.Y.); (N.I.)
- Department of Advanced Medicine for Spine and Spinal Cord Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Norimasa Iwasaki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan; (K.Y.); (N.I.)
| | - Hideki Sudo
- Department of Advanced Medicine for Spine and Spinal Cord Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
- Correspondence:
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Mainardi A, Cambria E, Occhetta P, Martin I, Barbero A, Schären S, Mehrkens A, Krupkova O. Intervertebral Disc-on-a-Chip as Advanced In Vitro Model for Mechanobiology Research and Drug Testing: A Review and Perspective. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 9:826867. [PMID: 35155416 PMCID: PMC8832503 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.826867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Discogenic back pain is one of the most diffused musculoskeletal pathologies and a hurdle to a good quality of life for millions of people. Existing therapeutic options are exclusively directed at reducing symptoms, not at targeting the underlying, still poorly understood, degenerative processes. Common intervertebral disc (IVD) disease models still do not fully replicate the course of degenerative IVD disease. Advanced disease models that incorporate mechanical loading are needed to investigate pathological causes and processes, as well as to identify therapeutic targets. Organs-on-chip (OoC) are microfluidic-based devices that aim at recapitulating tissue functions in vitro by introducing key features of the tissue microenvironment (e.g., 3D architecture, soluble signals and mechanical conditioning). In this review we analyze and depict existing OoC platforms used to investigate pathological alterations of IVD cells/tissues and discuss their benefits and limitations. Starting from the consideration that mechanobiology plays a pivotal role in both IVD homeostasis and degeneration, we then focus on OoC settings enabling to recapitulate physiological or aberrant mechanical loading, in conjunction with other relevant features (such as inflammation). Finally, we propose our view on design criteria for IVD-on-a-chip systems, offering a future perspective to model IVD mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mainardi
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Elena Cambria
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Paola Occhetta
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ivan Martin
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Barbero
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Schären
- Spine Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Arne Mehrkens
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Spine Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Olga Krupkova
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Spine Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Lepage Research Institute, University of Prešov, Prešov, Slovakia
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27
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Intervertebral disc repair and regeneration: Insights from the notochord. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 127:3-9. [PMID: 34865989 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The vertebrate notochord plays an essential role in patterning multiple structures during embryonic development. In the early 2000s, descendants of notochord cells were demonstrated to form the entire nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc in addition to their key role in embryonic patterning. The nucleus pulposus undergoes degeneration during postnatal life, which can lead to back pain. Recently, gene and protein profiles of notochord and nucleus pulposus cells have been identified. These datasets, coupled with the ability to differentiate human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into cells that resemble nucleus pulposus cells, provide the possibility of generating a cell-based therapy to halt and/or reverse disc degeneration.
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Williams RJ, Tryfonidou MA, Snuggs JW, Le Maitre CL. Cell sources proposed for nucleus pulposus regeneration. JOR Spine 2021; 4:e1175. [PMID: 35005441 PMCID: PMC8717099 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lower back pain (LBP) occurs in 80% of adults in their lifetime; resulting in LBP being one of the biggest causes of disability worldwide. Chronic LBP has been linked to the degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD). The current treatments for chronic back pain only provide alleviation of symptoms through pain relief, tissue removal, or spinal fusion; none of which target regenerating the degenerate IVD. As nucleus pulposus (NP) degeneration is thought to represent a key initiation site of IVD degeneration, cell therapy that specifically targets the restoration of the NP has been reviewed here. A literature search to quantitatively assess all cell types used in NP regeneration was undertaken. With key cell sources: NP cells; annulus fibrosus cells; notochordal cells; chondrocytes; bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells; adipose-derived stromal cells; and induced pluripotent stem cells extensively analyzed for their regenerative potential of the NP. This review highlights: accessibility; expansion capability in vitro; cell survival in an IVD environment; regenerative potential; and safety for these key potential cell sources. In conclusion, while several potential cell sources have been proposed, iPSC may provide the most promising regenerative potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J. Williams
- Biomedical Research Centre, BiosciencesSheffield Hallam UniversitySheffieldUK
| | - Marianna A. Tryfonidou
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
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29
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Applications of Functionalized Hydrogels in the Regeneration of the Intervertebral Disc. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:2818624. [PMID: 34458364 PMCID: PMC8397561 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2818624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is caused by genetics, aging, and environmental factors and is one of the leading causes of low back pain. The treatment of IDD presents many challenges. Hydrogels are biomaterials that possess properties similar to those of the natural extracellular matrix and have significant potential in the field of regenerative medicine. Hydrogels with various functional qualities have recently been used to repair and regenerate diseased intervertebral discs. Here, we review the mechanisms of intervertebral disc homeostasis and degeneration and then discuss the applications of hydrogel-mediated repair and intervertebral disc regeneration. The classification of artificial hydrogels and natural hydrogels is then briefly introduced, followed by an update on the development of functional hydrogels, which include noncellular therapeutic hydrogels, cellular therapeutic hydrogel scaffolds, responsive hydrogels, and multifunctional hydrogels. The challenges faced and future developments of the hydrogels used in IDD are discussed as they further promote their clinical translation.
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30
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Peredo AP, Gullbrand SE, Smith HE, Mauck RL. Putting the Pieces in Place: Mobilizing Cellular Players to Improve Annulus Fibrosus Repair. TISSUE ENGINEERING. PART B, REVIEWS 2021; 27:295-312. [PMID: 32907498 PMCID: PMC10799291 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2020.0196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The intervertebral disc (IVD) is an integral load-bearing tissue that derives its function from its composite structure and extracellular matrix composition. IVD herniations involve the failure of the annulus fibrosus (AF) and the extrusion of the nucleus pulposus beyond the disc boundary. Disc herniations can impinge the neural elements and cause debilitating pain and loss of function, posing a significant burden on individual patients and society as a whole. Patients with persistent symptoms may require surgery; however, surgical intervention fails to repair the ruptured AF and is associated with the risk for reherniation and further disc degeneration. Given the limitations of AF endogenous repair, many attempts have been made toward the development of effective repair approaches that reestablish IVD function. These methods, however, fail to recapitulate the composition and organization of the native AF, ultimately resulting in inferior tissue mechanics and function over time and high rates of reherniation. Harnessing the cellular function of cells (endogenous or exogenous) at the repair site through the provision of cell-instructive cues could enhance AF tissue regeneration and, ultimately, improve healing outcomes. In this study, we review the diverse approaches that have been developed for AF repair and emphasize the potential for mobilizing the appropriate cellular players at the site of injury to improve AF healing. Impact statement Conventional treatments for intervertebral disc herniation fail to repair the annulus fibrosus (AF), increasing the risk for recurrent herniation. The lack of repair devices in the market has spurred the development of regenerative approaches, yet most of these rely on a scarce endogenous cell population to repair large injuries, resulting in inadequate regeneration. This review identifies current and developing strategies for AF repair and highlights the potential for harnessing cellular function to improve AF regeneration. Ideal cell sources, differentiation strategies, and delivery methods are discussed to guide the design of repair systems that leverage specialized cells to achieve superior outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P. Peredo
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sarah E. Gullbrand
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Harvey E. Smith
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert L. Mauck
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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31
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Intervertebral Disc Stem/Progenitor Cells: A Promising "Seed" for Intervertebral Disc Regeneration. Stem Cells Int 2021; 2021:2130727. [PMID: 34367292 PMCID: PMC8342144 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2130727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is considered to be the primary reason for low back pain (LBP), which has become more prevalent from 21 century, causing an enormous economic burden for society. However, in spite of remarkable improvements in the basic research of IVD degeneration (IVDD), the effects of clinical treatments of IVDD are still leaving much to be desired. Accumulating evidence has proposed the existence of endogenous stem/progenitor cells in the IVD that possess the ability of proliferation and differentiation. However, few studies have reported the biological properties and potential application of IVD progenitor cells in detail. Even so, these stem/progenitor cells have been consumed as a promising cell source for the regeneration of damaged IVD. In this review, we will first introduce IVD, describe its physiology and stem/progenitor cell niche, and characterize IVDSPCs between homeostasis and IVD degeneration. We will then summarize recent studies on endogenous IVDSPC-based IVD regeneration and exogenous cell-based therapy for IVDD. Finally, we will discuss the potential applications and future developments of IVDSPC-based repair of IVD degeneration.
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Vadalà G, Ambrosio L, Russo F, Papalia R, Denaro V. Stem Cells and Intervertebral Disc Regeneration Overview-What They Can and Can't Do. Int J Spine Surg 2021; 15:40-53. [PMID: 34376495 DOI: 10.14444/8054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low back pain (LPB) is the main cause of disability worldwide with enormous socioeconomic burdens. A major cause of LBP is intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD): a chronic, progressive process associated with exhaustion of the resident cell population, tissue inflammation, degradation of the extracellular matrix and dehydration of the nucleus pulposus. Eventually, IDD may lead to serious sequelae including chronic LBP, disc herniation, segmental instability, and spinal stenosis, which may require invasive surgical interventions. However, no treatment is actually able to directly tackle IDD and hamper the degenerative process. In the last decade, the intradiscal injection of stem cells is raising as a promising approach to regenerate the intervertebral disc. This review aims to describe the rationale behind a regenerative stem cell therapy for IDD as well as the effect of stem cells following their implantation in the disc environment according to preclinical studies. Furthermore, actual clinical evidence and ongoing trials will be discussed, taking into account the future perspective and current limitations of this cutting-edge therapy. METHODS A literature analysis was performed for this narrative review. A database search of PubMed, Scopus and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted using "stem cells" combined with "intervertebral disc", "degeneration" and "regeneration" without exclusion based on publication date. Articles were firstly screened on a title-abstract basis and, subsequently, full-text were reviewed. Both preclinical and clinical studies have been included. RESULTS The database search yielded recent publications from which the narrative review was completed. CONCLUSIONS Based on available evidence, intradiscal stem cell therapy has provided encouraging results in terms of regenerative effects and reduction of LBP. However, multicenter, prospective randomized trials are needed in order confirm the safety, efficacy and applicability of such a promising treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Vadalà
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Ambrosio
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Russo
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rocco Papalia
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Denaro
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Zhang Y, Zhang Z, Chen P, Ma CY, Li C, Au TYK, Tam V, Peng Y, Wu R, Cheung KMC, Sham PC, Tse HF, Chan D, Leung VY, Cheah KSE, Lian Q. Directed Differentiation of Notochord-like and Nucleus Pulposus-like Cells Using Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cell Rep 2021; 30:2791-2806.e5. [PMID: 32101752 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.01.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration might be amenable to stem cell therapy, but the required cells are scarce. Here, we report the development of a protocol for directed in vitro differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into notochord-like and nucleus pulposus (NP)-like cells of the disc. The first step combines enhancement of ACTIVIN/NODAL and WNT and inhibition of BMP pathways. By day 5 of differentiation, hPSC-derived cells express notochordal cell characteristic genes. After activating the TGF-β pathway for an additional 15 days, qPCR, immunostaining, and transcriptome data show that a wide array of NP markers are expressed. Transcriptomically, the in vitro-derived cells become more like in vivo adolescent human NP cells, driven by a set of influential genes enriched with motifs bound by BRACHYURY and FOXA2, consistent with an NP cell-like identity. Transplantation of these NP-like cells attenuates fibrotic changes in a rat disc injury model of disc degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuelin Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Peikai Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Chui Yan Ma
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Cheng Li
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tiffany Y K Au
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Vivian Tam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yan Peng
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ron Wu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kenneth Man Chee Cheung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Pak C Sham
- Centre for PanorOmic Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hung-Fat Tse
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Danny Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Victor Y Leung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kathryn S E Cheah
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Qizhou Lian
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China; The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Guerrero J, Häckel S, Croft AS, Albers CE, Gantenbein B. The effects of 3D culture on the expansion and maintenance of nucleus pulposus progenitor cell multipotency. JOR Spine 2021; 4:e1131. [PMID: 33778405 PMCID: PMC7984018 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Low back pain (LBP) is a global health concern. Increasing evidence implicates intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration as a major contributor. In this respect, tissue-specific progenitors may play a crucial role in tissue regeneration, as these cells are perfectly adapted to their niche. Recently, a novel progenitor cell population was described in the nucleus pulposus (NP) that is positive for Tie2 marker. These cells have self-renewal capacity and in vitro multipotency potential. However, extremely low numbers of the NP progenitors limit the feasibility of cell therapy strategies. OBJECTIVE Here, we studied the influence of the culture method and of the microenvironment on the proliferation rate and the differentiation potential of human NP progenitors in vitro. METHOD Cells were obtained from human NP tissue from trauma patients. Briefly, the NP tissue cells were cultured in two-dimensional (2D) (monolayer) or three-dimensional (3D) (alginate beads) conditions. After 1 week, cells from 2D or 3D culture were expanded on fibronectin-coated flasks. Subsequently, expanded NP cells were then characterized by cytometry and tri-lineage differentiation, which was analyzed by qPCR and histology. Moreover, experiments using Tie2+ and Tie2- NP cells were also performed. RESULTS The present study aims to demonstrate that 3D expansion of NP cells better preserves the Tie2+ cell populations and increases the chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation potential compared to 2D expansion. Moreover, the cell sorting experiments reveal that only Tie2+ cells were able to maintain the pluripotent gene expression if cultured in 3D within alginate beads. Therefore, our results highly suggest that the maintenance of the cell's multipotency is mainly, but not exclusively, due to the higher presence of Tie2+ cells due to 3D culture. CONCLUSION This project not only might have a scientific impact by evaluating the influence of a two-step expansion protocol on the functionality of NP progenitors, but it could also lead to an innovative clinical approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Guerrero
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics & Mechanobiology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR) of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of BernUniversity of BernSwitzerland
| | - Sonja Häckel
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology, InselspitalBern University HospitalBernSwitzerland
| | - Andreas S. Croft
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics & Mechanobiology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR) of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of BernUniversity of BernSwitzerland
| | - Christoph E. Albers
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology, InselspitalBern University HospitalBernSwitzerland
| | - Benjamin Gantenbein
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics & Mechanobiology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR) of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of BernUniversity of BernSwitzerland
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology, InselspitalBern University HospitalBernSwitzerland
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Binch ALA, Fitzgerald JC, Growney EA, Barry F. Cell-based strategies for IVD repair: clinical progress and translational obstacles. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2021; 17:158-175. [PMID: 33526926 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-020-00568-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a major cause of low back pain, a prevalent and chronic condition that has a striking effect on quality of life. Currently, no approved pharmacological interventions or therapies are available that prevent the progressive destruction of the IVD; however, regenerative strategies are emerging that aim to modify the disease. Progress has been made in defining promising new treatments for disc disease, but considerable challenges remain along the entire translational spectrum, from understanding disease mechanism to useful interpretation of clinical trials, which make it difficult to achieve a unified understanding. These challenges include: an incomplete appreciation of the mechanisms of disc degeneration; a lack of standardized approaches in preclinical testing; in the context of cell therapy, a distinct lack of cohesion regarding the cell types being tested, the tissue source, expansion conditions and dose; the absence of guidelines regarding disease classification and patient stratification for clinical trial inclusion; and an incomplete understanding of the mechanisms underpinning therapeutic responses to cell delivery. This Review discusses current approaches to disc regeneration, with a particular focus on cell-based therapeutic strategies, including ongoing challenges, and attempts to provide a framework to interpret current data and guide future investigational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbie L A Binch
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Joan C Fitzgerald
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Emily A Growney
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Frank Barry
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
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Baumgartner L, Wuertz-Kozak K, Le Maitre CL, Wignall F, Richardson SM, Hoyland J, Ruiz Wills C, González Ballester MA, Neidlin M, Alexopoulos LG, Noailly J. Multiscale Regulation of the Intervertebral Disc: Achievements in Experimental, In Silico, and Regenerative Research. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:E703. [PMID: 33445782 PMCID: PMC7828304 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a major risk factor of low back pain. It is defined by a progressive loss of the IVD structure and functionality, leading to severe impairments with restricted treatment options due to the highly demanding mechanical exposure of the IVD. Degenerative changes in the IVD usually increase with age but at an accelerated rate in some individuals. To understand the initiation and progression of this disease, it is crucial to identify key top-down and bottom-up regulations' processes, across the cell, tissue, and organ levels, in health and disease. Owing to unremitting investigation of experimental research, the comprehension of detailed cell signaling pathways and their effect on matrix turnover significantly rose. Likewise, in silico research substantially contributed to a holistic understanding of spatiotemporal effects and complex, multifactorial interactions within the IVD. Together with important achievements in the research of biomaterials, manifold promising approaches for regenerative treatment options were presented over the last years. This review provides an integrative analysis of the current knowledge about (1) the multiscale function and regulation of the IVD in health and disease, (2) the possible regenerative strategies, and (3) the in silico models that shall eventually support the development of advanced therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Baumgartner
- BCN MedTech, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08018 Barcelona, Spain; (L.B.); (C.R.W.); (M.A.G.B.)
| | - Karin Wuertz-Kozak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Rochester, NY 14623, USA;
- Schön Clinic Munich Harlaching, Spine Center, Academic Teaching Hospital and Spine Research Institute of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg (Austria), 81547 Munich, Germany
| | - Christine L. Le Maitre
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK;
| | - Francis Wignall
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (F.W.); (S.M.R.); (J.H.)
| | - Stephen M. Richardson
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (F.W.); (S.M.R.); (J.H.)
| | - Judith Hoyland
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (F.W.); (S.M.R.); (J.H.)
| | - Carlos Ruiz Wills
- BCN MedTech, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08018 Barcelona, Spain; (L.B.); (C.R.W.); (M.A.G.B.)
| | - Miguel A. González Ballester
- BCN MedTech, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08018 Barcelona, Spain; (L.B.); (C.R.W.); (M.A.G.B.)
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Pg. Lluis Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michael Neidlin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece; (M.N.); (L.G.A.)
| | - Leonidas G. Alexopoulos
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece; (M.N.); (L.G.A.)
| | - Jérôme Noailly
- BCN MedTech, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08018 Barcelona, Spain; (L.B.); (C.R.W.); (M.A.G.B.)
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Spheroid-Like Cultures for Expanding Angiopoietin Receptor-1 (aka. Tie2) Positive Cells from the Human Intervertebral Disc. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249423. [PMID: 33322051 PMCID: PMC7763454 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Lower back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide. The recovery of nucleus pulposus (NP) progenitor cells (NPPCs) from the intervertebral disc (IVD) holds high promise for future cell therapy. NPPCs are positive for the angiopoietin-1 receptor (Tie2) and possess stemness capacity. However, the limited Tie2+ NPC yield has been a challenge for their use in cell-based therapy for regenerative medicine. In this study, we attempted to expand NPPCs from the whole NP cell population by spheroid-formation assay. Flow cytometry was used to quantify the percentage of NPPCs with Tie2-antibody in human primary NP cells (NPCs). Cell proliferation was assessed using the population doublings level (PDL) measurement. Synthesis and presence of extracellular matrix (ECM) from NPC spheroids were confirmed by quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR), immunostaining, and microscopy. Compared with monolayer, the spheroid-formation assay enriched the percentage of Tie2+ in NPCs’ population from ~10% to ~36%. Moreover, the spheroid-formation assay also inhibited the proliferation of the Tie2- NPCs with nearly no PDL. After one additional passage (P) using the spheroid-formation assay, NPC spheroids presented a Tie2+ percentage even further by ~10% in the NPC population. Our study concludes that the use of a spheroid culture system could be successfully applied to the culture and expansion of tissue-specific progenitors.
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Sanjurjo-Rodríguez C, Castro-Viñuelas R, Piñeiro-Ramil M, Rodríguez-Fernández S, Fuentes-Boquete I, Blanco FJ, Díaz-Prado S. Versatility of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) for Improving the Knowledge on Musculoskeletal Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176124. [PMID: 32854405 PMCID: PMC7504376 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represent an unlimited source of pluripotent cells capable of differentiating into any cell type of the body. Several studies have demonstrated the valuable use of iPSCs as a tool for studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying disorders affecting bone, cartilage and muscle, as well as their potential for tissue repair. Musculoskeletal diseases are one of the major causes of disability worldwide and impose an important socio-economic burden. To date there is neither cure nor proven approach for effectively treating most of these conditions and therefore new strategies involving the use of cells have been increasingly investigated in the recent years. Nevertheless, some limitations related to the safety and differentiation protocols among others remain, which humpers the translational application of these strategies. Nonetheless, the potential is indisputable and iPSCs are likely to be a source of different types of cells useful in the musculoskeletal field, for either disease modeling or regenerative medicine. In this review, we aim to illustrate the great potential of iPSCs by summarizing and discussing the in vitro tissue regeneration preclinical studies that have been carried out in the musculoskeletal field by using iPSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Sanjurjo-Rodríguez
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of A Coruña (UDC), 15006 A Coruña, Galicia, Spain; (R.C.-V.); (M.P.-R.); (S.R.-F.); (I.F.-B.)
- Institute of Biomedical Research of A Coruña (INIBIC), University Hospital Complex A Coruña (CHUAC), Galician Health Service (SERGAS), 15006 A Coruña, Galicia, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Avanzadas (CICA), Agrupación estratégica CICA-INIBIC, University of A Coruña, 15008 A Coruña, Galicia, Spain
- Correspondence: (C.S.-R.); (S.D.-P.)
| | - Rocío Castro-Viñuelas
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of A Coruña (UDC), 15006 A Coruña, Galicia, Spain; (R.C.-V.); (M.P.-R.); (S.R.-F.); (I.F.-B.)
- Institute of Biomedical Research of A Coruña (INIBIC), University Hospital Complex A Coruña (CHUAC), Galician Health Service (SERGAS), 15006 A Coruña, Galicia, Spain;
- Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Avanzadas (CICA), Agrupación estratégica CICA-INIBIC, University of A Coruña, 15008 A Coruña, Galicia, Spain
| | - María Piñeiro-Ramil
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of A Coruña (UDC), 15006 A Coruña, Galicia, Spain; (R.C.-V.); (M.P.-R.); (S.R.-F.); (I.F.-B.)
- Institute of Biomedical Research of A Coruña (INIBIC), University Hospital Complex A Coruña (CHUAC), Galician Health Service (SERGAS), 15006 A Coruña, Galicia, Spain;
- Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Avanzadas (CICA), Agrupación estratégica CICA-INIBIC, University of A Coruña, 15008 A Coruña, Galicia, Spain
| | - Silvia Rodríguez-Fernández
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of A Coruña (UDC), 15006 A Coruña, Galicia, Spain; (R.C.-V.); (M.P.-R.); (S.R.-F.); (I.F.-B.)
- Institute of Biomedical Research of A Coruña (INIBIC), University Hospital Complex A Coruña (CHUAC), Galician Health Service (SERGAS), 15006 A Coruña, Galicia, Spain;
- Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Avanzadas (CICA), Agrupación estratégica CICA-INIBIC, University of A Coruña, 15008 A Coruña, Galicia, Spain
| | - Isaac Fuentes-Boquete
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of A Coruña (UDC), 15006 A Coruña, Galicia, Spain; (R.C.-V.); (M.P.-R.); (S.R.-F.); (I.F.-B.)
- Institute of Biomedical Research of A Coruña (INIBIC), University Hospital Complex A Coruña (CHUAC), Galician Health Service (SERGAS), 15006 A Coruña, Galicia, Spain;
- Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Avanzadas (CICA), Agrupación estratégica CICA-INIBIC, University of A Coruña, 15008 A Coruña, Galicia, Spain
| | - Francisco J. Blanco
- Institute of Biomedical Research of A Coruña (INIBIC), University Hospital Complex A Coruña (CHUAC), Galician Health Service (SERGAS), 15006 A Coruña, Galicia, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Avanzadas (CICA), Agrupación estratégica CICA-INIBIC, University of A Coruña, 15008 A Coruña, Galicia, Spain
- Tissular Bioengineering and Cell Therapy Unit (GBTTC-CHUAC), Rheumatology Group, 15006 A Coruña, Galicia, Spain
| | - Silvia Díaz-Prado
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of A Coruña (UDC), 15006 A Coruña, Galicia, Spain; (R.C.-V.); (M.P.-R.); (S.R.-F.); (I.F.-B.)
- Institute of Biomedical Research of A Coruña (INIBIC), University Hospital Complex A Coruña (CHUAC), Galician Health Service (SERGAS), 15006 A Coruña, Galicia, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Avanzadas (CICA), Agrupación estratégica CICA-INIBIC, University of A Coruña, 15008 A Coruña, Galicia, Spain
- Correspondence: (C.S.-R.); (S.D.-P.)
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Dridi M, Boutonnat J, Dumollard JM, Peoc'h M, Karpathiou G. The transcriptional factors CDX2 and FOXA1 in chordomas. Pathol Res Pract 2020; 216:153160. [PMID: 32911347 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2020.153160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Chordomas are rare osseous tumors believed to originate from notochordal remnants through brachyury activation. CDX2 and FOXA1 are both induced by brachyury, but their expression has not been studied in chordomas. We retrospectively studied the immunohistochemical expression of these two factors in 57 chordomas, finding that CDX2 is not expressed in these tumors. FOXA1 expression was found in 7 (12.3%) tumors. No association of FOXA1 expression with clinical factors was found. Thus, CDX2 expression is not a feature of chordomas, while a limited expression of FOXA1 is seen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maroa Dridi
- Pathology Department, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Jean Boutonnat
- Pathology Department, University Hospital of Grenoble, France
| | | | - Michel Peoc'h
- Pathology Department, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, France
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Tessier S, Risbud MV. Understanding embryonic development for cell-based therapies of intervertebral disc degeneration: Toward an effort to treat disc degeneration subphenotypes. Dev Dyn 2020; 250:302-317. [PMID: 32564440 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic low back and neck pain are associated with intervertebral disc degeneration and are major contributors to the global burden of disability. New evidence now suggests that disc degeneration comprises a spectrum of subphenotypes influenced by genetic background, age, and environmental factors, which may be contributing to the mixed outcomes seen in clinical trials of cell-based therapies that aim to treat disc degeneration. This problem is further compounded by the fact that disc degeneration and aging coincide with an exhaustion of endogenous progenitor cells, imposing limitations on the regenerative capacity of the disc. At the bench-side, current work is focused on applying our knowledge of embryonic disc development to direct and refine differentiation of adult and human-induced pluripotent stem cells into notochord-like and nucleus pulposus-like cells for use in novel cell-based therapies. Accordingly, this review presents the salient features of intervertebral disc development, post-natal maintenance, and regeneration, with emphasis on recent advancements. We also discuss how a stratified approach can be undertaken for the development of future cell-based therapies to bring emerging subphenotypes into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Tessier
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Makarand V Risbud
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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41
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Hu A, Xing R, Jiang L, Li Z, Liu P, Wang H, Li X, Dong J. Thermosensitive hydrogels loaded with human‐induced pluripotent stem cells overexpressing growth differentiation factor‐5 ameliorate intervertebral disc degeneration in rats. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2020; 108:2005-2016. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.34541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
AbstractTo evaluate the effects of thermosensitive hydrogels loaded with human‐induced pluripotent stem cells transfected with the growth differentiation factor‐5 (GDF5‐hiPSCs) on rat intervertebral disc regeneration. GDF5‐hiPSCs were cocultured with rat nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in vitro. Real‐time PCR and western blot were used to determine the differentiation of hiPSCs. Rat caudal intervertebral discs were punctured using a needle under X‐ray, and groups of coccygeal (Co) discs were subject to various treatments: Puncture group (Co6/7, punctured without treatment); Hydrogel group (Co7/8, 2 μl of hydrogel injected without cells); GDF5‐hiPSCs + Hydrogel group (Co8/9, 2 μl of GDF5‐hiPSCs‐loaded hydrogel injected); and Normal control (Co5/6). X‐ray, MRI, and histological evaluations were performed at 1, 2, and 3 months after cell transplantation and relative changes in the disc height index (DHI%) and voxel count were calculated and compared. GDF5‐hiPSCs were successfully differentiated to a chondrogenic linage after cocultured with rat NP cells. In terms of X‐ray, MRI, and HE staining scores, the GDF5‐hiPSCs + Hydrogel group was significantly superior to the Puncture and Hydrogel groups (p < .05). Compared with the Normal group, the MRI‐based voxel count of the GDF5‐hiPSCs + Hydrogel group was significantly lower at 1, 2, and 3 months after cell transplantation (p < .05). However, there were no significant differences in histological scores at 1 and 2 months after cell transplantation compared with the Normal group (p > .05). In conclusion, thermosensitive hydrogel‐encapsulated hiPSCs overexpressing the GDF5 gene ameliorated intervertebral disc degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annan Hu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Rong Xing
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Libo Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Zefang Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Houlei Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Xilei Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Jian Dong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai China
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Neuroprotective Strategies for Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration: Current Status and Challenges Ahead. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072262. [PMID: 32218163 PMCID: PMC7177277 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the output cells of the retina into the brain. In mammals, these cells are not able to regenerate their axons after optic nerve injury, leaving the patients with optic neuropathies with permanent visual loss. An effective RGCs-directed therapy could provide a beneficial effect to prevent the progression of the disease. Axonal injury leads to the functional loss of RGCs and subsequently induces neuronal death, and axonal regeneration would be essential to restore the neuronal connectivity, and to reestablish the function of the visual system. The manipulation of several intrinsic and extrinsic factors has been proposed in order to stimulate axonal regeneration and functional repairing of axonal connections in the visual pathway. However, there is a missing point in the process since, until now, there is no therapeutic strategy directed to promote axonal regeneration of RGCs as a therapeutic approach for optic neuropathies.
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43
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NOTO Transcription Factor Directs Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Mesendoderm Progenitors to a Notochordal Fate. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020509. [PMID: 32102328 PMCID: PMC7072849 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The founder cells of the Nucleus pulposus, the centre of the intervertebral disc, originate in the embryonic notochord. After birth, mature notochordal cells (NC) are identified as key regulators of disc homeostasis. Better understanding of their biology has great potential in delaying the onset of disc degeneration or as a regenerative-cell source for disc repair. Using human pluripotent stem cells, we developed a two-step method to generate a stable NC-like population with a distinct molecular signature. Time-course analysis of lineage-specific markers shows that WNT pathway activation and transfection of the notochord-related transcription factor NOTO are sufficient to induce high levels of mesendoderm progenitors and favour their commitment toward the notochordal lineage instead of paraxial and lateral mesodermal or endodermal lineages. This study results in the identification of NOTO-regulated genes including some that are found expressed in human healthy disc tissue and highlights NOTO function in coordinating the gene network to human notochord differentiation.
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44
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Di Gregorio A. The notochord gene regulatory network in chordate evolution: Conservation and divergence from Ciona to vertebrates. Curr Top Dev Biol 2020; 139:325-374. [PMID: 32450965 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The notochord is a structure required for support and patterning of all chordate embryos, from sea squirts to humans. An increasing amount of information on notochord development and on the molecular strategies that ensure its proper morphogenesis has been gleaned through studies in the sea squirt Ciona. This invertebrate chordate offers a fortunate combination of experimental advantages, ranging from translucent, fast-developing embryos to a compact genome and impressive biomolecular resources. These assets have enabled the rapid identification of numerous notochord genes and cis-regulatory regions, and provide a rather unique opportunity to reconstruct the gene regulatory network that controls the formation of this developmental and evolutionary chordate landmark. This chapter summarizes the morphogenetic milestones that punctuate notochord formation in Ciona, their molecular effectors, and the current knowledge of the gene regulatory network that ensures the accurate spatial and temporal orchestration of these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Di Gregorio
- Department of Basic Science and Craniofacial Biology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, United States.
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45
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Diaz-Hernandez ME, Khan NM, Trochez CM, Yoon T, Maye P, Presciutti SM, Gibson G, Drissi H. Derivation of notochordal cells from human embryonic stem cells reveals unique regulatory networks by single cell-transcriptomics. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:5241-5255. [PMID: 31840817 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a public health dilemma as it is associated with low back and neck pain, a frequent reason for patients to visit the physician. During IDD, nucleus pulposus (NP), the central compartment of intervertebral disc (IVD) undergo degeneration. Stem cells have been adopted as a promising biological source to regenerate the IVD and restore its function. Here, we describe a simple, two-step differentiation strategy using a cocktail of four factors (LDN, AGN, FGF, and CHIR) for efficient derivation of notochordal cells from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). We employed a CRISPR/Cas9 based genome-editing approach to knock-in the mCherry reporter vector upstream of the 3' untranslated region of the Noto gene in H9-hESCs and monitored notochordal cell differentiation. Our data show that treatment of H9-hESCs with the above-mentioned four factors for 6 days successfully resulted in notochordal cells. These cells were characterized by morphology, immunostaining, and gene and protein expression analyses for established notochordal cell markers including FoxA2, SHH, and Brachyury. Additionally, pan-genomic high-throughput single cell RNA-sequencing revealed an efficient and robust notochordal differentiation. We further identified a key regulatory network consisting of eight candidate genes encoding transcription factors including PAX6, GDF3, FOXD3, TDGF1, and SOX5, which are considered as potential drivers of notochordal differentiation. This is the first single cell transcriptomic analysis of notochordal cells derived from hESCs. The ability to efficiently obtain notochordal cells from pluripotent stem cells provides an additional tool to develop new cell-based therapies for the treatment of IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha E Diaz-Hernandez
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.,Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia
| | - Nazir M Khan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.,Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia
| | | | - Tim Yoon
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Peter Maye
- UConn Health Center, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Steven M Presciutti
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.,Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia
| | - Greg Gibson
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Georgia Tech, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Hicham Drissi
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.,Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia
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Borem R, Madeline A, Bowman M, Gill S, Tokish J, Mercuri J. Differential Effector Response of Amnion- and Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Inflammation; Implications for Intradiscal Therapy. J Orthop Res 2019; 37:2445-2456. [PMID: 31287173 DOI: 10.1002/jor.24412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a progressive condition marked by tissue destruction and inflammation. The therapeutic effector functions of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) makes them an attractive therapy for patients with IVDD. While several sources of MSCs exist, the optimal choice for use in the inflamed IVD remains a significant question. Adipose (AD)- and amnion (AM)-derived MSCs have several advantages compared with other sources, however, no study has directly compared the impact of IVDD inflammation on their effector functions. Human MSCs were cultured in media with or without supplementation of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α at concentrations reportedly produced by IVDD cells. MSC proliferation and production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were quantified following 24 and 48 h of culture. Additionally, the osteogenic and chondrogenic potential of AD- and AM-MSCs was characterized via histology and biochemical analysis following 28 days of culture. In inflammatory culture, AM-MSCs produced significantly more anti-inflammatory IL-10 (14.47 ± 2.39 pg/ml; p = 0.004) and larger chondrogenic pellets (5.67 ± 0.26 mm2 ; p = 0.04) with greater percent area staining positively for glycosaminoglycan (82.03 ± 3.26%; p < 0.001) compared with AD-MSCs (0.00 ± 0.00 pg/ml; 2.76 ± 0.18 mm2 ; 34.75 ± 2.49%; respectively). Conversely, AD-MSCs proliferated more resulting in higher cell numbers (221,000 ± 8,021 cells; p = 0.048) and produced higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines prostaglandin E2 (1,118.30 ± 115.56 pg/ml; p = 0.030) and IL-1β (185.40 ± 7.63 pg/ml; p = 0.010) compared with AM-MSCs (109,667 ± 5,696 cells; 1,291.40 ± 78.47 pg/ml; 144.10 ± 4.57 pg/ml; respectively). AD-MSCs produced more mineralized extracellular matrix (3.34 ± 0.05 relative absorbance units [RAU]; p < 0.001) compared with AM-MSCs (1.08 ± 0.06 RAU). Under identical inflammatory conditions, a different effector response was observed with AM-MSCs producing more anti-inflammatories and demonstrating enhanced chondrogenesis compared with AD-MSCs, which produced more pro-inflammatory cytokines and demonstrated enhanced osteogenesis. These findings may begin to help inform researchers which MSC source may be optimal for IVD regeneration. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2445-2456, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Borem
- Department of Bioengineering, Laboratory of Orthopaedic Tissue Regeneration & Orthobiologics, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634
| | - Allison Madeline
- Department of Bioengineering, Laboratory of Orthopaedic Tissue Regeneration & Orthobiologics, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634
| | - Mackenzie Bowman
- Department of Bioengineering, Laboratory of Orthopaedic Tissue Regeneration & Orthobiologics, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634
| | - Sanjitpal Gill
- Department of Bioengineering, Laboratory of Orthopaedic Tissue Regeneration & Orthobiologics, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical Group of the Carolinas-Pelham, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, Greer, South Carolina, 29651
| | - John Tokish
- Department of Bioengineering, Laboratory of Orthopaedic Tissue Regeneration & Orthobiologics, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona, 85054
| | - Jeremy Mercuri
- Department of Bioengineering, Laboratory of Orthopaedic Tissue Regeneration & Orthobiologics, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634
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Tang S, Richards J, Khan S, Hoyland J, Gallego-Perez D, Higuita-Castro N, Walter B, Purmessur D. Nonviral Transfection With Brachyury Reprograms Human Intervertebral Disc Cells to a Pro-Anabolic Anti-Catabolic/Inflammatory Phenotype: A Proof of Concept Study. J Orthop Res 2019; 37:2389-2400. [PMID: 31286562 DOI: 10.1002/jor.24408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a major contributor to chronic low back pain and is characterized by decreases in cellularity and proteoglycan synthesis, upregulation of matrix degradation, and increases in pro-inflammatory factors with neurovascular invasion. Current treatments fail to target the underlying pathology or promote tissue repair and approaches such as viral transfection raise safety concerns due to mutagenesis and unwarranted immune responses. To avoid such concerns, nonviral transfection is a viable method of gene delivery into the host cell while bypassing the caveats of viral delivery. Brachyury is expressed in the developing notochord and is associated with an immature healthy nucleus pulposus (NP). We hypothesize that Brachyury can reprogram degenerate NP cells to a healthy pro-anabolic phenotype with increased proteoglycan content and decreased expression of catabolic, inflammatory, and neurovascular markers. NP cells obtained from human autopsy and surgical tissues were transfected with plasmids encoding for Brachyury or an empty vector control via bulk electroporation. Post transfection, cells were seeded in three-dimensional agarose constructs cultured over 4 weeks and analyzed for viability, gene expression, and proteoglycan. Results demonstrated successful transfection of both autopsy and surgical NP cells. We observed long-term Brachyury expression, significant increased expression of NP phenotypic markers FOXF1, KRT19, and chondrogenic marker SOX9 with decreases in inflammatory cytokines IL1-β/IL6, NGF, and MMPs and significant increases in glycosaminoglycan accumulation. These results highlight nonviral transfection with developmental transcription factors, such as Brachyury, as a promising method to reprogram degenerate human disc cells toward a healthy NP phenotype. Clinical significance: This project proposes a novel translational approach for the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration via direct reprogramming of diseased human patient-derived IVD cells to a healthy phenotype. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2389-2400, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Justin Richards
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Safdar Khan
- Department of Orthopedics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Judith Hoyland
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Centre, NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Benjamin Walter
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Devina Purmessur
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Orthopedics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
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48
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Sheyn D, Ben-David S, Tawackoli W, Zhou Z, Salehi K, Bez M, De Mel S, Chan V, Roth J, Avalos P, Giaconi JC, Yameen H, Hazanov L, Seliktar D, Li D, Gazit D, Gazit Z. Human iPSCs can be differentiated into notochordal cells that reduce intervertebral disc degeneration in a porcine model. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:7506-7524. [PMID: 31695783 PMCID: PMC6831475 DOI: 10.7150/thno.34898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: As many as 80% of the adult population experience back pain at some point in their lifetimes. Previous studies have indicated a link between back pain and intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. Despite decades of research, there is an urgent need for robust stem cell therapy targeting underlying causes rather than symptoms. It has been proposed that notochordal cells (NCs) appear to be the ideal cell type to regenerate the IVD: these cells disappear in humans as they mature, are replaced by nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, and their disappearance correlates with the initiation of degeneration of the disc. Human NCs are in short supply, thus here aimed for generation of notochordal-like cells from induced pluripotent cells (iPSCs). Methods: Human iPSCs were generated from normal dermal fibroblasts by transfecting plasmids encoding for six factors: OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, L-MYC, LIN28, and p53 shRNA. Then the iPSCs were treated with GSK3i to induce differentiation towards Primitive Streak Mesoderm (PSM). The differentiation was confirmed by qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence. PSM cells were transfected with Brachyury (Br)-encoding plasmid and the cells were encapsulated in Tetronic-tetraacrylate-fibrinogen (TF) hydrogel that mimics the NP environment (G'=1kPa), cultured in hypoxic conditions (2% O2) and with specifically defined growth media. The cells were also tested in vivo in a large animal model. IVD degeneration was induced after an annular puncture in pigs, 4 weeks later the cells were injected and IVDs were analyzed at 12 weeks after the injury using MRI, gene expression analysis and histology. Results: After short-term exposure of iPSCs to GSK3i there was a significant change in cell morphology, Primitive Streak Mesoderm (PSM) markers (Brachyury, MIXL1, FOXF1) were upregulated and markers of pluripotency (Nanog, Oct4, Sox2) were downregulated, both compared to the control group. PSM cells nucleofected with Br (PSM-Br) cultured in TF hydrogels retained the NC phenotype consistently for up to 8 weeks, as seen in the gene expression analysis. PSM-Br cells were co-cultured with bone marrow (BM)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) which, with time, expressed the NC markers in higher levels, however the levels of expression in BM-MSCs alone did not change. Higher expression of NC and NP marker genes in human BM-MSCs was found to be induced by iNC-condition media (iNC-CM) than porcine NC-CM. The annular puncture induced IVD degeneration as early as 2 weeks after the procedure. The injected iNCs were detected in the degenerated discs after 8 weeks in vivo. The iNC-treated discs were found protected from degeneration. This was evident in histological analysis and changes in the pH levels, indicative of degeneration state of the discs, observed using qCEST MRI. Immunofluorescence stains show that their phenotype was consistent with the in vitro study, namely they still expressed the notochordal markers Keratin 18, Keratin 19, Noto and Brachyury. Conclusion: In the present study, we report a stepwise differentiation method to generate notochordal cells from human iPSCs. These cells not only demonstrate a sustainable notochordal cell phenotype in vitro and in vivo, but also show the functionality of notochordal cells and have protective effect in case of induced disc degeneration and prevent the change in the pH level of the injected IVDs. The mechanism of this effect could be suggested via the paracrine effect on resident cells, as it was shown in the in vitro studies with MSCs.
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49
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Frauchiger DA, Tekari A, May RD, Džafo E, Chan SCW, Stoyanov J, Bertolo A, Zhang X, Guerrero J, Sakai D, Schol J, Grad S, Tryfonidou M, Benneker LM, Gantenbein B. Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting Is More Potent to Fish Intervertebral Disk Progenitor Cells Than Magnetic and Beads-Based Methods. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2019; 25:571-580. [PMID: 31154900 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2018.0375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Low back pain related to intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration has a major socioeconomic impact on our aging society. Therefore, stem cell therapy to activate self-repair of the IVD remains an exciting treatment strategy. In this respect, tissue-specific progenitors may play a crucial role in IVD regeneration, as these cells are perfectly adapted to this niche. Such a rare progenitor cell population residing in the nucleus pulposus (NP) (NP progenitor cells [NPPCs]) was found positive for the angiopoietin-1 receptor (Tie2+), and was demonstrated to possess self-renewal capacity and in vitro multipotency. Here, we compared three sorting protocols; that is, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS), and a mesh-based label-free cell sorting system (pluriSelect), with respect to cell yield, potential to form colonies (colony-forming units), and in vitro functional differentiation assays for tripotency. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficiency of three widespread cell sorting methods for picking rare cells (<5%) and how these isolated cells then behave in downstream functional differentiation in adipogenesis, osteogenesis, and chondrogenesis. The cell yields among the isolation methods differed widely, with FACS presenting the highest yield (5.0% ± 4.0%), followed by MACS (1.6% ± 2.9%) and pluriSelect (1.1% ± 1.0%). The number of colonies formed was not significantly different between Tie2+ and Tie2- NPPCs. Only FACS was able to separate into two functionally different populations that showed trilineage multipotency, while MACS and pluriSelect failed to maintain a clear separation between Tie2+ and Tie2- populations in differentiation assays. To conclude, the isolation of NPPCs was possible with all three sorting methods, while FACS was the preferred technique for separation of functional Tie2+ cells. Impact Statement Tissue-specific progenitor cells such as nucleus pulposus progenitor cells of the IVD could become an ultimate cell source for tissue engineering strategies as these cells are presumably best adapted to the tissue's microenvironment. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting seemed to outcompete magnetic-activated cell sorting and pluriSelect concerning selecting a rare cell population from IVD tissue as could be demonstrated by improved cell yield and functional differentiation assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela A Frauchiger
- Tissue Engineering, Orthopeadic Research & Mechanobiology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Adel Tekari
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Rahel D May
- Tissue Engineering, Orthopeadic Research & Mechanobiology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Emina Džafo
- Tissue Engineering, Orthopeadic Research & Mechanobiology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Samantha C W Chan
- Tissue Engineering, Orthopeadic Research & Mechanobiology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Xingshuo Zhang
- Tissue Engineering, Orthopeadic Research & Mechanobiology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Julien Guerrero
- Tissue Engineering, Orthopeadic Research & Mechanobiology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daisuke Sakai
- Department for Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Jordy Schol
- Department for Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | | | - Marianna Tryfonidou
- Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lorin M Benneker
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Gantenbein
- Tissue Engineering, Orthopeadic Research & Mechanobiology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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50
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Intradiscal Injection of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Nucleus Pulposus-Like Cell-Seeded Polymeric Microspheres Promotes Rat Disc Regeneration. Stem Cells Int 2019; 2019:6806540. [PMID: 31191679 PMCID: PMC6525958 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6806540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cell replacement therapy is an attractive alternative for treating degenerated intervertebral discs (IVDs), which are related to the reduction of nucleus pulposus-like cells (NP-lCs) and the loss of the extracellular matrix. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) which resemble embryonic stem cells are considered to be a potential resource for restoring NP-lCs and disc homeostasis. Here, we proposed an efficient two-step differentiation protocol of human iPSCs into NP-lCs and continuously tested their in vivo ability to regenerate IVDs. Methods A polymeric gelatin microsphere (GM) was generated for sustained release of growth and differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5) and as a cell delivery vehicle of NP-lCs. By injecting NP-lC-seeded GDF-5-loaded GMs into the rat coccygeal intervertebral discs, the disc height and water content were examined with the molybdenum target radiographic imaging test and magnetic resonance imaging examination. Histology and immunohistochemistry results were shown with H&E, S-O-Fast Green, and immunohistochemistry staining. Results We demonstrated that the injection of NP-lC-seeded GDF-5-loaded GMs could reverse IDD in a rat model. The imaging examination indicated that disc height recovered and water content increased. Histology and immunohistochemistry results indicated that the NP cells as well as their extracellular matrix were partially restored. Conclusions The results suggest that NP-lC-seeded GDF-5-loaded GMs could partially regenerate degenerated intervertebral discs after transplantation into rat coccygeal intervertebral discs. Our study will help develop a promising method of stem cell-based therapy for IDD.
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