Derivation of new human embryonic stem cell lines (Yazd1-3) and their vitrification using Cryotech and Cryowin tools: A lab resources report

Xeno-free generation of new Yazd human embryonic stem cell lines (Yazd4-7) as a prior stage toward good manufacturing practice of clinical-grade raw materials from discarded embryos: A lab resources report

Background

Xeno-free generation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) is important to prevent potential animal contaminations in culture for advanced cell-based therapeutic applications. Xeno-free production of hESCs is the first step for manufacturing clinical-grade hESC lines.

Objective

To produce new hESC lines in xeno-free condition.

Materials and Methods

This lab resources report was conducted at Stem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd, Iran from 2019-2022. 4 new hESC lines from 11 (10 fresh and 1 frozen) donated surplus discarded human embryos were established. In this study, we report the xeno-free derivation of new Yazd hESC lines (Yazd4-7), without using immunosurgery, by culturing intact zona-free blastocysts obtained from discarded embryos onto the YhFF#8 cells as a feeder layer in a microdrop culture system. The pluripotency gene expression profile of the cell lines was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and the expression of specific surface markers was detected using immunofluorescent staining. In vitro differentiation was induced using embryoid body formation and gene expression profile of 3 germ layers and germ cells. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was investigated to prove their pluripotent capacity.

Results

In sum, we have been able to generate 4 new hESC lines (Yazd4-7) from 11 discarded embryos in xeno-free culture conditions using a micro drop culture system and YhFF#8 as a human source feeder layer.

Conclusion

The outcome of this work can be the foundation for the future allogeneic cell-based therapeutic application using clinical grade good manufacturing practice-derived hESC derivatives.

Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal-Like Cells from Diploid and Triploid Human Embryonic Stem Cells Display Different Gene Expression Profiles

Background:

hESCs-MSCs open a new insight into future cell therapy applications, due to their unique characteristics, including immunomodulatory features, proliferation, and differentiation.

Methods:

Herein, hESCs-MSCs were characterized by IF technique with CD105 and FIBRONECTIN as markers and FIBRONECTIN, VIMENTIN, CD10, CD105, and CD14 genes using RT-PCR technique. FACS was performed for CD44, CD73, CD90, and CD105 markers. Moreover, these fibroblast-like cells, due to multipotent characteristics, differentiated to the osteoblast.

Results:

MSCs were derived from diploid and triploid hESC lines using sequential 3D and 2D cultures and characterized with the specific markers. IF showed the expression of FIBRONECTIN and CD105 in hESCs-MSCs. Flow cytometry data indicated no significant difference in the expression of MSC markers after 6 and 13 passages. Interestingly, gene expression profiles revealed slight differences between MSCs from diploid and triploid hESCs. The hESCs-MSCs displayed osteogenic differentiation capacity, which was confirmed by Alizarin red staining.

Conclusion:

Our findings reveal that both diploid and triploid hESC lines are capable of forming MSCs; however, there are some differences in their gene expression profiles. Generation of MSCs from hESCs, as a non-invasive procedure in large scale, will lend itself for the future cell-based therapeutic applications.

Characteristics of the human endometrial regeneration cells as a potential source for future stem cell-based therapies: A lab resources study

Background

Human endometrium with consecutive regeneration capability undergoes monthly hormonal changes for probable implantation, which confirms the presence of the cells in the basalis layer known as stem cell.

Objective

Previously, we reported the isolation and culture of the mesenchymal-like cells from human endometrium. In this study, we evaluated the biological and stemness characteristics of these cells.

Materials and Methods

The characterization of Yazd human endometrial-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (YhEnMSCs) was assessed using immunofluorescence (IF) staining for CD105, VIMENTIN, and FIBRONECTIN as markers and RT-PCR for CD166, CD10, CD105, VIMENTIN, FIBRONECTIN, MHCI, CD14, and MHCII genes. Flow cytometry (FACS) was performed for CD44, CD73, CD90, and CD105 markers. Moreover, the differentiation capacity of the YhEnMSCs to the osteoblast and adipocytes was confirmed by Alizarin Red and Oil Red staining.

Results

YhEnMSCs expressed CD105, VIMENTIN, FIBRONECTIN, CD44, CD73, and CD90 markers and CD166, CD10, CD105, VIMENTIN, FIBRONECTIN, and MHCI, but, did not express CD14, MHCII.

Conclusion

Our data confirm previous reports by other groups indicating the application of endometrial cells as an available source of MSCs with self-renewal and differentiation capacity. Accordingly, YhEnMSCs can be used as a suitable source for cell-based therapies.