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Sun B, Cheng X, Wu Q. The Endometrial Stem/Progenitor Cells and Their Niches. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:1273-1284. [PMID: 38635126 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10725-3] [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] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Endometrial stem/progenitor cells are a type of stem cells with the ability to self-renew and differentiate into multiple cell types. They exist in the endometrium and form niches with their neighbor cells and extracellular matrix. The interaction between endometrial stem/progenitor cells and niches plays an important role in maintaining, repairing, and regenerating the endometrial structure and function. This review will discuss the characteristics and functions of endometrial stem/progenitor cells and their niches, the mechanisms of their interaction, and their roles in endometrial regeneration and diseases. Finally, the prospects for their applications will also be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baolan Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China.
- The State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China.
| | - Xi Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China.
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2
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Liu F, Lin Q, Shen S, Li Z, Xie X, Cheng Q, Wang L, Long Y, Wang J, Liu L. Secretion of WNT7A by UC-MSCs assist in promoting the endometrial epithelial regeneration. iScience 2024; 27:109888. [PMID: 38947517 PMCID: PMC11214297 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Stem cell therapy for intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) has been widely used in clinical treatment. However, intravenous injection lacks sufficient targeting capabilities, while in situ injection poses challenges in ensuring the effective survival of stem cells. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying the interaction between stem cells and endometrial cells in vivo remains poorly understood, and there is a lack of suitable in vitro models for studying these problems. Here, we designed an extracellular matrix (ECM)-adhesion mimic hydrogel for intrauterine administration, which was more effective than direct injection in treating IUAs. Additionally, we analyzed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and confirmed that the activation of endometrial epithelial stem cells is pivotal. Our findings demonstrated that umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) secrete WNT7A to activate endometrial epithelial stem cells, thereby accelerating regeneration of the endometrial epithelium. Concurrently, under transforming growth factor alpha (TGFA) stimulation secreted by the EMT epithelium, UC-MSCs upregulate E-cadherin while partially implanting into the endometrial epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangbo Liu
- Shanghai Drugability Biomass Product Evaluation Professional Public Service Platform, Center for Pharmacological Evaluation and Research, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, No. 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qin Lin
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Shaolei Shen
- Shanghai Drugability Biomass Product Evaluation Professional Public Service Platform, Center for Pharmacological Evaluation and Research, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, No. 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhihong Li
- Shanghai Drugability Biomass Product Evaluation Professional Public Service Platform, Center for Pharmacological Evaluation and Research, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, No. 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaorui Xie
- Shanghai Drugability Biomass Product Evaluation Professional Public Service Platform, Center for Pharmacological Evaluation and Research, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, No. 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Shanghai Drugability Biomass Product Evaluation Professional Public Service Platform, Center for Pharmacological Evaluation and Research, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, No. 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lan Wang
- Shanghai Drugability Biomass Product Evaluation Professional Public Service Platform, Center for Pharmacological Evaluation and Research, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, No. 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yin Long
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Shanghai Drugability Biomass Product Evaluation Professional Public Service Platform, Center for Pharmacological Evaluation and Research, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, No. 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Li Liu
- Shanghai Drugability Biomass Product Evaluation Professional Public Service Platform, Center for Pharmacological Evaluation and Research, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, No. 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, China
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Arian SE. Reply of the Authors: "Why lab-developed test for endometrial receptivity analysis may have failed to deliver". Fertil Steril 2024; 121:1079. [PMID: 38608870 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara E Arian
- Boston IVF, The IVRMA Group, Boston, MA; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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4
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Bhartiya D. Why laboratory-developed test for endometrial receptivity analysis may have failed to deliver. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:1078. [PMID: 38355033 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Research and Development, Epigeneres Biotech Pvt Ltd, Mumbai, India
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Yang Q, Huang J, Liu Y, Mai Q, Zhou Y, Zhou L, Zeng L, Deng K. Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Anti-Inflammation and Angiogenesis by Targeting Macrophages in a Rat Uterine Scar Model. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024:10.1007/s12015-024-10730-6. [PMID: 38703310 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10730-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) have demonstrated efficacy in repairing uterine scars, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. METHODS Uterine injury was surgically induced in a rat model, followed by immediate transplantation of 5 × 10 ^ 5 hUC-MSCs to each side of the uterus. Uterine morphology was evaluated at days 14 and 30 using HE and Masson staining. Immunohistochemistry assessed macrophage polarization, angiogenesis and endometrial receptivity in the endometrium. Additionally, the regulatory effects of hUC-MSCs on macrophage polarization were explored through coculture. qRT-PCR quantified the expression of anti-inflammatory (IL10 and Arg1) and pro-inflammatory (iNOS and TNF-α) factors. Western blotting evaluated CD163 expression. RESULTS Transplantation of hUC-MSCs promoted the healing of uterine injuries and tissue regeneration while inhibiting tissue fibrosis. Immunohistochemistry at days 14 and 30 post-transplantation demonstrated the polarization of macrophages toward the M2 phenotype in the uterine injury area in the presence of hUC-MSCs. Furthermore, hUC-MSC transplantation improved angiogenesis and endometrial receptivity in the uterine injury rat model, associated with increased IL10 expression. hUC-MSC-induced angiogenesis can be resisted by depleted macrophages. In vitro coculture experiments further demonstrated that hUC-MSCs promoted IL10 expression in macrophages while suppressing TNF-α and iNOS expression. Western blotting showed enhanced CD163 expression in macrophages following hUC-MSC treatment. CONCLUSIONS hUC-MSCs contribute to the healing of uterine injuries by targeting macrophages to promote angiogenesis and the expression of anti-inflammatory factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Yang
- Gynecology Department, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528308, China
| | - Jinfa Huang
- Gynecology Department, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528308, China
| | - Yixuan Liu
- Gynecology Department, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528308, China
| | - Qiqing Mai
- Gynecology Department, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528308, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Gynecology Department, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528308, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Gynecology Department, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528308, China
| | - Lingling Zeng
- Gynecology Department, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528308, China
| | - Kaixian Deng
- Gynecology Department, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528308, China.
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6
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Singh P, Metkari SM, Tripathi A, Bhartiya D. Reversing Uteropathies Including Cancer-Like Changes in Mice by Transplanting Mesenchymal Stromal Cells or XAR Treatment. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:258-282. [PMID: 37779174 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10632-z] [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] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Pluripotent, very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and tissue-committed 'progenitors' termed endometrial stem cells (EnSCs) are reported in mouse uterus. They express gonadal and gonadotropin hormone receptors and thus are vulnerable to early-life endocrine insults. Neonatal exposure of mouse pups to endocrine disruption cause stem/progenitor cells to undergo epigenetic changes, excessive self-renewal, and blocked differentiation that results in various uteropathies including non-receptive endometrium, hyperplasia, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and cancer-like changes in adult life. Present study investigated reversal of these uteropathies, by normalizing functions of VSELs and EnSCs. Two strategies were evaluated including (i) transplanting mesenchymal stromal cells (provide paracrine support) on D60 or (ii) oral administration of XAR (epigenetic regulator) daily from days 60-100 and effects were studied later in 100 days old mice. Results show normalization of stem/progenitor cells (Oct-4, Oct-4A, Sox-2, Nanog) and Wnt signalling (Wnt-4, β-catenin, Axin-2) specific transcripts. Flow cytometry results showed reduced numbers of 2-6 µm, LIN-CD45-SCA-1 + VSELs. Hyperplasia (Ki67) of epithelial (Pax-8, Foxa-2) and myometrial (α-Sma, Tgf-β) cells was reduced, adenogenesis (differentiation of glands) was restored, endometrial receptivity and differentiation (LIF, c-KIT, SOX-9, NUMB) and stromal cells niche (CD90, VIMENTIN, Pdgfra, Vimentin) were improved, cancer stem cells markers (OCT-4, CD166) were reduced while tumor suppressor genes (PTEN, P53) and epigenetic regulators (Ezh-2, Sirt-1) were increased. To conclude, normalizing VSELs/EnSCs to manage uteropathies provides a novel basis for initiating clinical studies. The study falls under the umbrella of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 to ensure healthy lives and well-being for all of all ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pushpa Singh
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive & Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
| | - S M Metkari
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive & Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
| | - Anish Tripathi
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt Ltd, Lower Parel, Mumbai, 400 013, India
| | - Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive & Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India.
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt Ltd, Lower Parel, Mumbai, 400 013, India.
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7
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Burunova VV, Gisina AM, Yarygina NK, Sukhinich KK, Makiyan ZN, Yarygin KN. Isolation of a Population of Cells Co-Expressing Markers of Embryonic Stem Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells from the Rudimentary Uterine Horn of a Patient with Uterine Aplasia. Bull Exp Biol Med 2023; 174:549-555. [PMID: 36894816 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-023-05746-w] [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: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
More than 50% cells isolated from the endometrial cavity scraping and the myometrium of the rudimentary horn of an underdeveloped uterus removed from a patient with uterine aplasia and maintained under culturing conditions normal for mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) expressed embryonic transcription factors Oct4 and Nanog, embryonic cell membrane sialyl glycolipid SSEA4, and MSC markers. After 2-3 passages, the cells lost the expression of the early embryogenesis markers, but retained MSC markers. The presence of dormant stem cells in the underdeveloped endometrium and in the uterus indicates that this tissue has a regenerative potential that can be activated and used for completion of organ morphogenesis. This task requires the development of methods of early diagnosis of morphogenesis impairment and tools for safe reactivation of the ontogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- V V Burunova
- V. N. Orekhovich Research Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia.
- LLC " NPC Stemma", Moscow, Russia.
| | - A M Gisina
- V. N. Orekhovich Research Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - N K Yarygina
- V. N. Orekhovich Research Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - K K Sukhinich
- V. N. Orekhovich Research Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
- N. K. Kol'-tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Z N Makiyan
- V. I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - K N Yarygin
- V. N. Orekhovich Research Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
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Gil-Kulik P, Leśniewski M, Bieńko K, Wójcik M, Więckowska M, Przywara D, Petniak A, Kondracka A, Świstowska M, Szymanowski R, Wilińska A, Wiliński M, Płachno BJ, Kostuch M, Rahnama-Hezavach M, Szuta M, Kwaśniewska A, Bogucka-Kocka A, Kocki J. Influence of Perinatal Factors on Gene Expression of IAPs Family and Main Factors of Pluripotency: OCT4 and SOX2 in Human Breast Milk Stem Cells-A Preliminary Report. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032476. [PMID: 36768802 PMCID: PMC9917041 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to their therapeutic potential, mesenchymal stem cells are the subject of intensive research on the use of their potential in the treatment of, among others, neurodegenerative diseases or immunological diseases. They are among the newest in the field of medicine. The presented study aimed to evaluate the expression of eight genes from the IAP family and the gene regulating IAP-XAF1-in stem cells derived from human milk, using the qPCR method. The relationships between the expression of genes under study and clinical data, such as maternal age, maternal BMI, week of pregnancy in which the delivery took place, bodyweight of the newborn, the number of pregnancies and deliveries, and the time elapsed since delivery, were also analyzed. The research was carried out on samples of human milk collected from 42 patients hospitalized in The Clinic of Obstetrics and Perinatology of the Independent Public Clinical Hospital No. 4, in Lublin. The conducted research confirmed the expression of the following genes in the tested material: NAIP, BIRC2, BIRC3, BIRC5, BIRC6, BIRC8, XIAP, XAF1, OCT4 and SOX2. Moreover, several dependencies of the expression of individual genes on the maternal BMI (BIRC5, XAF1 and NAIP), the time since childbirth (BIRC5, BIRC6, XAF1 and NAIP), the number of pregnancies and deliveries (BIRC2, BIRC5, BIRC6 and XAF1), the manner of delivery (XAF1 and OCT4), preterm labor (BIRC6 and NAIP) were demonstrated. Additionally, we found positive relationships between gene expression of BIRC7, BIRC8 and XAF1 and the main factors of pluripotency: SOX2 and OCT4. This work is the first to investigate the expression of genes from the IAPs family in mother's milk stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Gil-Kulik
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Michał Leśniewski
- Student Scientific Society of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Karolina Bieńko
- Student Scientific Society of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Wójcik
- Student Scientific Society of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Marta Więckowska
- Student Scientific Society of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Dominika Przywara
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Alicja Petniak
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Adrianna Kondracka
- Department of Obstetrics and Pathology of Pregnancy, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Staszica Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Świstowska
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Rafał Szymanowski
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Wilińska
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Mateusz Wiliński
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Bartosz J. Płachno
- Department of Plant Cytology and Embryology, Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, 9 Gronostajowa St., 30-387 Cracow, Poland
| | - Marzena Kostuch
- Department of Neonatology, Independent Public Clinical Hospital No. 4, 8 Jaczewskiego St., 20-954 Lublin, Poland
| | - Mansur Rahnama-Hezavach
- Chair and Department of Dental Surgery, Medical University of Lublin, 6 Chodzki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Mariusz Szuta
- Chair of Oral Surgery, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 4 Montelupich St., 31-155 Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Kwaśniewska
- Department of Obstetrics and Pathology of Pregnancy, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Staszica Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Bogucka-Kocka
- Chair and Department of Biology and Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 4a Chodźki St., 20–093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Janusz Kocki
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence:
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Bhartiya D, Jha N, Tripathi A, Tripathi A. Very small embryonic-like stem cells have the potential to win the three-front war on tissue damage, cancer, and aging. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1061022. [PMID: 36684436 PMCID: PMC9846763 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1061022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of dedifferentiation and reprogramming of mature somatic cells holds much promise for the three-front "war" against tissue damage, cancer, and aging. It was hoped that reprogramming human somatic cells into the induced pluripotent state, along with the use of embryonic stem cells, would transform regenerative medicine. However, despite global efforts, clinical applications remain a distant dream, due to associated factors such as genomic instability, tumorigenicity, immunogenicity, and heterogeneity. Meanwhile, the expression of embryonic (pluripotent) markers in multiple cancers has baffled the scientific community, and it has been suggested that somatic cells dedifferentiate and "reprogram" into the pluripotent state in vivo to initiate cancer. It has also been suggested that aging can be reversed by partial reprogramming in vivo. However, better methods are needed; using vectors or Yamanaka factors in vivo, for example, is dangerous, and many potential anti-aging therapies carry the same risks as those using induced pluripotent cells, as described above. The present perspective examines the potential of endogenous, pluripotent very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs). These cells are naturally present in multiple tissues; they routinely replace diseased tissue and ensure regeneration to maintain life-long homeostasis, and they have the ability to differentiate into adult counterparts. Recent evidence suggests that cancers initiate due to the selective expansion of epigenetically altered VSELs and their blocked differentiation. Furthermore, VSEL numbers have been directly linked to lifespan in studies of long- and short-lived transgenic mice, and VSEL dysfunction has been found in the ovaries of aged mice. To conclude, a greater interest in VSELs, with their potential to address all three fronts of this war, could be the "light at the end of the tunnel."
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10
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Endometrial Scratching for Improving Endometrial Receptivity: a Critical Review of Old and New Clinical Evidence. Reprod Sci 2022; 30:1701-1711. [DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01125-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Bhartiya D, Mohammad SA, Singh P, Sharma D, Kaushik A. GFP Tagged VSELs Help Delineate Novel Stem Cells Biology in Multiple Adult Tissues. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:1603-1613. [PMID: 35641711 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10401-4] [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] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Various types of stem cells are being researched upon to exploit their potential for regenerative medicine including pluripotent human embryonic stem (hES) cells derived from spare human embryos, induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells by reprogramming somatic cells to a pluripotent state and multipotent mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) obtained in vitro from multiple tissues. More than 50 independent groups have reported another novel population of pluripotent stem cells in adult tissues termed very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs). VSELs are developmentally linked to primordial germ cells, which rather than giving rise to the germ cells and later ceasing to exist, survive throughout life in multiple organs along with tissue-specific adult stem cells better described as lineage-restricted, tissue-committed progenitors with limited plasticity. VSELs survive total body irradiation in bone marrow, oncotherapy in the gonads, bilateral ovariectomy in the uterus and partial pancreatectomy in the pancreas of mice and participate in the regeneration of multiple organs under normal physiological conditions. VSELs and tissue-specific progenitor cells work together in a subtle manner, maintain life-long tissue homeostasis and their dysfunction leads to various pathologies including cancer. However, due to their quiescent state, VSELs have invariably eluded lineage-tracing studies reported so far. Present article reviews novel insights into VSELs biology and how VSELs enriched from GFP (green fluorescent protein) mice have enabled to delineate their role in various biological processes in vivo. VSELs biology needs to be understood in-depth as this alone will help evolve the field of regenerative medicine and win the war against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt Ltd, Lower Parel, Mumbai, 400013, India.
| | - Subhan Ali Mohammad
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Pushpa Singh
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Diksha Sharma
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Ankita Kaushik
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
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12
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Molecular Insights into Endometrial Cancer in Mice. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:1702-1717. [PMID: 35389139 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10367-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Pluripotent, very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and the 'progenitors' endometrial stem cells (EnSCs) along with associated molecular changes in endometrial cancer, that developed seven months after neonatal exposure to estradiol in one of the sixty mice, were studied in the present study. Endocrine disruption affected both endometrium and myometrium, there was accumulation of endometrial fluid and significant hyperplasia. Disrupted endometrial-myometrial junction resulted in mobilization of myometrial cells into endometrium and epithelial and stromal cells into myometrium suggestive of adenomyosis. Markers specific for VSELs/ EnSCs (OCT-4, NANOG, SSEA-1, SCA-1, c-KIT) showed increased expression in uterine sections and marked upregulation of corresponding transcripts (Oct-4A, Oct-4, Sox-2, Nanog, Sca-1, c-Kit) was noted in RNA extracted from both uterine tissue and stem cells enriched from endometrial fluid. Hormonal receptors (ER-α, ER-β, PR, FSHR) were upregulated in both tumor sections and in endometrial fluid. ER-β and FSHR (Fshr3) expression was prominent suggesting a major role in endometrial cancer. Cancer cells showed global hypomethylation (reduced expression of 5-methyl cytosine), reduced expression of tumor suppressor gene (PTEN) and increased expression of cancer stem cells marker (CD166) which suggested dysregulation and aberrant oncogenic events. Increased expression of PCNA, Ki67, SOX-9 suggested excessive proliferation and hyperplasia which are predominant signs of endometrial cancer. Results suggest that VSELs increase in numbers and possibly transform into cancer stem cells (co-express CD166 and OCT-4) in endometrial cancer. Expression of OCT-4, CD133, ALDHA1 and CD166 in side-population cells from human endometrial cancer samples suggests a possible role of VSELs in human endometrial cancer as well.
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