Mesenchymal stem cells cause induction of granulocyte differentiation of rat bone marrow C-kit+ hematopoietic stem cells through JAK3/STAT3, ERK, and PI3K signaling pathways

The role of the hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells-derived extracellular vesicles in hematopoiesis

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are tightly regulated by specific microenvironments called niches to produce an appropriate number of mature blood cell types. Self-renewal and differentiation are two hallmarks of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, and their balance is critical for proper functioning of blood and immune cells throughout life. In addition to cell-intrinsic regulation, extrinsic cues within the bone marrow niche and systemic factors also affect the fate of HSCs. Despite this, many paracrine and endocrine factors that influence the function of hematopoietic cells remain unknown. In hematological malignancies, malignant cells remodel their niche into a permissive environment to enhance the survival of leukemic cells. These events are accompanied by loss of normal hematopoiesis. It is well known that extracellular vehicles (EVs) mediate intracellular interactions under physiological and pathological conditions. In other words, EVs transfer biological information to surrounding cells and contribute not only to physiological functions but also to the pathogenesis of some diseases, such as cancers. Therefore, a better understanding of cell-to-cell interactions may lead to identification of potential therapeutic targets. Recent reports have suggested that EVs are evolutionarily conserved constitutive mediators that regulate hematopoiesis. Here, we focus on the emerging roles of EVs in normal and pathological conditions, particularly in hematological malignancies. Owing to the high abundance of EVs in biological fluids, their potential use as biomarkers and therapeutic tools is discussed.

Orai1 and Orai3 act through distinct signalling axes to promote stemness and tumorigenicity of breast cancer stem cells

BACKGROUND

One of major challenges in breast tumor therapy is the existence of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). BCSCs are a small subpopulation of tumor cells that exhibit characteristics of stem cells. BCSCs are responsible for progression, recurrence, chemoresistance and metastasis of breast cancer. Ca2+ signalling plays an important role in diverse processes in cancer development. However, the role of Ca2+ signalling in BCSCs is still poorly understood.

METHODS

A highly effective 3D soft fibrin gel system was used to enrich BCSC-like cells from ER+ breast cancer lines MCF7 and MDA-MB-415. We then investigated the role of two Ca2+-permeable ion channels Orai1 and Orai3 in the growth and stemness of BCSC-like cells in vitro, and tumorigenicity in female NOD/SCID mice in vivo.

RESULTS

Orai1 RNA silencing and pharmacological inhibition reduced the growth of BCSC-like cells in tumor spheroids, decreased the expression levels of BCSC markers, and reduced the growth of tumor xenografts in NOD/SCID mice. Orai3 RNA silencing also had similar inhibitory effect on the growth and stemness of BCSC-like cells in vitro, and tumor xenograft growth in vivo. Mechanistically, Orai1 and SPCA2 mediate store-operated Ca2+ entry. Knockdown of Orai1 or SPCA2 inhibited glycolysis pathway, whereas knockdown of Orai3 or STIM1 had no effect on glycolysis.

CONCLUSION

We found that Orai1 interacts with SPCA2 to mediate store-independent Ca2+ entry, subsequently promoting the growth and tumorigenicity of BCSC-like cells via glycolysis pathway. In contrast, Orai3 and STIM1 mediate store-operated Ca2+ entry, promoting the growth and tumorigenicity of BCSC-like cells via a glycolysis-independent pathway. Together, our study uncovered a well-orchestrated mechanism through which two Ca2+ entry pathways act through distinct signalling axes to finely control the growth and tumorigenicity of BCSCs.

Alginate-gelatine hydrogel microspheres protect NK cell proliferation and cytotoxicity under hypoxic conditions

AIMS

This study aimed to encapsulate natural killer (NK) cells in a hydrogel to sustain their function within the hypoxic tumour microenvironments.

METHODS

An alginate-gelatine hydrogel was generated via electrospray technology. Hydrogel biocompatibility was assessed through cell counting kit-8 and Live/Dead assays to ascertain cell. Moreover, we analysed lactate dehydrogenase assays to evaluate the cytotoxicity against tumours and utilised RT-qPCR to analyse cytokine gene level.

RESULTS

Alginate and gelatine formed hydrogels with diameters ranging from 489.2 ± 23.0 μm, and the encapsulation efficiency was 34.07 ± 1.76%. Encapsulated NK cells exhibited robust proliferation and tumour-killing capabilities under normoxia and hypoxia. Furthermore, encapsulation provided a protective shield against cell viability under hypoxia. Importantly, tumour-killing cytotoxicity through cytokines upregulation such as granzyme B and interferon-gamma was preserved under hypoxia.

CONCLUSION

The encapsulation of NK cells not only safeguards their viability but also reinforces anticancer capacity, countering the inhibition of activation induced by hypoxia.

Expression of ITPR2 regulated by lncRNA-NONMMUT020270.2 in LPS-stimulated HT22 cells

Background

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-NONMMUT020270.2 is downregulated and co-expressed with inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 2 (ITPR2) in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice. However, whether the expression of ITPR2 was regulated by lncRNA-NONMMUT020270.2 remains unclear. we aimed to investigate regulating relationship of lncRNA-NONMMUT020270.2 and ITPR2.

Methods

HT22 cells were firstly transfected with the pcDNA3.1-lncRNA-NONMMUT020270.2 overexpression plasmid or with the lncRNA-NONMMUT020270.2 smart silencer, and then were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24h. The mRNA expression levels of lncRNA-NONMMUT020270.2 and ITPR2 were measured by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Cell viability was assessed using a Cell Counting Kit 8 assay. The expression of Aβ1-42 was detected by ELISA. The expression levels of p-tau, caspase-1, and inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) proteins were detected by western-blotting. Nuclear morphological changes were detected by Hoechst staining. Flow cytometry and Fluo-3/AM were carried out to determine cell apoptosis and the intracellular Ca2+.

Results

LPS significantly decreased cell viability, and ITPR2 mRNA and IP3R protein expression levels. While it markedly enhanced the expression levels of p-tau and Aβ1-42, cell apoptosis rate, as well as intracellular Ca2+ concentration (P < 0.05). In addition, lncRNA-NONMMUT020270.2 overexpression significantly increased the expressions levels of ITPR2 mRNA and IP3R protein (P < 0.05), and inhibited expression of p-tau and Aβ1-42, cell apoptosis rate, and reduced intracellular Ca2+ concentration (P < 0.05). By contrast, lncRNA-NONMMUT020270.2 silencing notably downregulated expressions levels of ITPR2 mRNA and IP3R protein (P < 0.05), and elevated expression levels of p-tau and Aβ1-42, cell apoptosis rate, and intracellular Ca2+ concentration (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

lncRNA-NONMMUT020270.2 was positively correlated with ITPR2 expression in LPS-induced cell. Downregulating the lncRNA-NONMMUT020270.2 and ITPR2 may promote cell apoptosis and increase intracellular Ca2+ concentration.

Establishment of human hematopoietic organoids for evaluation of hematopoietic injury and regeneration effect

BACKGROUND

Human hematopoietic organoids have a wide application value for modeling human bone marrow diseases, such as acute hematopoietic radiation injury. However, the manufacturing of human hematopoietic organoids is an unaddressed challenge because of the complexity of hematopoietic tissues.

METHODS

To manufacture hematopoietic organoids, we obtained CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) using stepwise induction and immunomagnetic bead-sorting. We then mixed these CD34+ HSPCs with niche-related cells in Gelatin-methacryloyl (GelMA) to form a three-dimensional (3D) hematopoietic organoid. Additionally, we investigated the effects of radiation damage and response to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in hematopoietic organoids.

RESULTS

The GelMA hydrogel maintained the undifferentiated state of hESCs-derived HSPCs by reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The established hematopoietic organoids in GelMA with niche-related cells were composed of HSPCs and multilineage blood cells and demonstrated the adherence of hematopoietic cells to niche cells. Notably, these hematopoietic organoids exhibited radiation-induced hematopoietic cell injury effect, including increased intracellular ROS levels, γ-H2AX positive cell percentages, and hematopoietic cell apoptosis percentages. Moreover, G-CSF supplementation in the culture medium significantly improved the survival of HSPCs and enhanced myeloid cell regeneration in these hematopoietic organoids after radiation.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings substantiate the successful manufacture of a preliminary 3D hematopoietic organoid from hESCs-derived HSPCs, which was utilized for modeling hematopoietic radiation injury and assessing the radiation-mitigating effects of G-CSF in vitro. Our study provides opportunities to further aid in the standard and scalable production of hematopoietic organoids for disease modeling and drug testing.

Comparison of protective effects of nicotinamide mononucleotide and nicotinamide riboside on DNA damage induced by cisplatin in HeLa cells

Background

Previous studies have shown that the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) precursors, nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and nicotinamide riboside (NR), protect against endogenously or exogenously induced DNA damage. However, whether the two compounds have the same or different efficacy against DNA damage is not clear. In the current study, we systematically compared the effects of NMN and NR on cisplatin-induced DNA damage in HeLa cells.

Methods

To evaluate the protective effects of NMN or NR, HeLa cells were pretreated with different doses of NMN or NR followed with 10 μM of cisplatin treatment. Cell viability was examined by Trypan blue staining assay. For observing the DNA damage repair process, HeLa cells were treated with 10 μM of cisplatin for 12 h, followed with 10 mM NMN or NR treatment for another 8, 16, 24, or 32 h, DNA damage levels were assessed for each time point by immunofluorescent staining against phosphor-H2AX (γH2AX) and alkaline comet assay. The effects of NMN and NR on intracellular NAD+ and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were also determined.

Results

NMN and NR treatment alone did not have any significant effects on cell viability, however, both can protect HeLa cells from cisplatin-induced decrease of cell viability with similar efficacy in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, while both can reduce the DNA damage levels in cisplatin-treated cells, NR exhibited better protective effect. However, both appeared to boost the DNA damage repair process with similar efficacy. NMN or NR treatment alone could increase cellular NAD+ levels, and both can reverse cisplatin-induced decrease of NAD+ levels. Finally, while neither NMN nor NR affected cellular ROS levels, both inhibited cisplatin-induced increase of ROS with no significant difference between them.

Conclusion

NR have a better protective effect against cisplatin-induced DNA damage than NMN.

FOXC1 Promotes Osteoblastic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells via the Dnmt3b/CXCL12 Axis

Bone defects have remained a clinical problem in current orthopedics. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) with multi-directional differentiation ability have become a research hotspot for repairing bone defects. In vitro and in vivo models were constructed, respectively. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and alizarin red staining were performed to detect osteogenic differentiation ability. Western blotting (WB) was used to detect the expression of osteogenic differentiation-related proteins. Serum inflammatory cytokine levels were detected by ELISA. Fracture recovery was evaluated by HE staining. The binding relationship between FOXC1 and Dnmt3b was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The relationship between Dnmt3b and CXCL12 was explored by MSP and ChIP assays. FOXC1 overexpression promoted calcium nodule formation, upregulated osteogenic differentiation-related protein expression, promoted osteogenic differentiation, and decreased inflammatory factor levels in BM-MSCs, and promoted callus formation, upregulated osteogenic differentiation-related protein expression, and downregulated CXCL12 expression in the mouse model. Furthermore, FOXC1 targeted Dnmt3b, with Dnmt3b knockdown decreasing calcium nodule formation and downregulating osteogenic differentiation-related protein expression. Additionally, inhibiting Dnmt3b expression upregulated CXCL12 protein expression and inhibited CXCL12 methylation. Dnmt3b could be binded to CXCL12. CXCL12 overexpression attenuated the effects of FOXC1 overexpression and inhibited BM-MSCs osteogenic differentiation. This study confirmed that the FOXC1-mediated regulation of the Dnmt3b/CXCL12 axis had positive effects on the osteogenic differentiation of BM-MSCs.

The Circular RNA circFOXK2 Enhances the Tumorigenesis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Through the miR-149-3p/IL-6 Axis

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are the non-coding types of RNAs and are thoughts to be linked with human cancer progression. circFOXK2 is believed to be associated with cancers, however, the molecular mechanisms of circFOXK2 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are still unclear. Here we firstly reported that circFOXK2 enhances the tumorigenesis of NSCLC through the miR-149-3p/IL-6 axis. The expression of circFOXK2, microRNA-149-3p (miR-149-3p) and IL-6 were assessed by qRT-PCR and western blot. Transwell, colony formation, wound healing, and CCK-8 assays were used to elucidate NSCLC cells' proliferation, migration, and invasion. MiR-149-3p interaction with circFOXK2 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay (DLRGA). Furthermore, the biological effect of circFOXK2 on NSCLC progression was detected by tumor xenograft assay. CircFOXK2 were upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cells, miR-149-3p were downregulated in NSCLC tissues and cells. In addition, circFOXK2 stimulated NSCLC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. Mechanical analysis indicated that circFOXK2 modulated IL-6 via miR-149-3p sponging. Furthermore, circFOXK2 overexpression promoted tumor growth in vivo. Overall, this research verified that circFOXK2 enhances the tumorigenesis of NSCLC through the miR-149-3p/IL-6 axis.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from the mouse bone marrow show differential expression of interferon regulatory factors IRF-1 and IRF-2

BACKGROUND

Interferon regulatory factors (IRF-1 and IRF-2) are transcription factors widely implicated in various cellular processes, including regulation of inflammatory responses to pathogens, cell proliferation, oncogenesis, differentiation, autophagy, and apoptosis.

METHODS

We have studied the expression of IRF-1, IRF-2 mRNAs by RT-PCR, cellular localization of the proteins by immunofluorescence, and expression of mRNAs of genes regulated by IRF-1, IRF-2 by RT-PCR in mouse bone marrow cells (BMCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).

RESULTS

Higher level of IRF-1 mRNA was observed in BMCs and MSCs compared to that of IRF-2. Similarly, differential expression of IRF-1 and IRF-2 proteins was observed in BMCs and MSCs. IRF-1 was predominantly localized in the cytoplasm, whereas IRF-2 was localized in the nuclei of BMCs. MSCs showed nucleo-cytoplasmic distribution of IRF-1 and nuclear localization of IRF-2. Constitutive expression of IRF-1 and IRF-2 target genes: monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and caspase-1 was observed in both BMCs and MSCs. MSCs showed constitutive expression of the pluripotency-associated factors, Oct3/4 and Sox-2. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treatment of MSCs induced prominent cellular localization of IRF-1 and IRF-2.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that IRF-1 and IRF-2 exhibit differential expression of their mRNAs and subcellular localization of the proteins in BMCs and MSCs. These cells also show differential levels of constitutive expression of IRF-1 and IRF-2 target genes. This may regulate immune-responsive properties of BMCs and MSCs through IRF-1, IRF-2-dependent gene expression and protein-protein interaction. Regulating IRF-1 and IRF-2 may be helpful for immunomodulatory functions of MSCs for cell therapy and regenerative medicine.

Lung cancer-derived exosomal miR-132-3p contributed to interstitial lung disease development

PURPOSE

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) have high morbidity and mortality and poor prognosis. The significance of microRNAs (miRNAs) was highlighted in ILDs development. Currently, we attempted to confirm the functions of lung cancer-derived exosomal miR-132-3p and reveal the underlying mechanism.

METHOD

Characteristics of exosomes were verified by transmission electron microscope (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis, and Western blot assay. Exosome uptake for the normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLF) was assessed using a PKH67 staining assay. MTT and colony formation assays were applied to examine the proliferation abilities of NHLF. The interaction between miR-132-3p and sprouty1 (SPRY1) was confirmed by a luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

Lung cancer-derived exosomes promoted normal human lung fibroblast activation. Exosome inhibitor GW4869 reversed the effects of Exo on NHLF. Subsequently, miR-132-3p in lung cancer-derived exosomes activated the normal human lung fibroblast and promoted interstitial lung disease development ex vivo. Next, SPRY1 was verified to be the binding protein of miR-132-3p, and sh-SPRY1 abrogated the effects of the miR-132-3p inhibitor on NHLF.

CONCLUSION

Exosomal miR-132-3p from A549 cells accelerated the development of interstitial lung disease through binding to SPRY1, which might serve as an important target for ILDs.

Granulocyte differentiation of rat bone marrow resident C-kit+ hematopoietic stem cells induced by mesenchymal stem cells could be considered as new option in cell-based therapy

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are effective in hematopoietic engraftment and tissue repair in stem cell transplantation. In addition, these cells control the process of hematopoiesis by secreting growth factors and cytokines. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of rat bone marrow (BM)-derived MSCs on the granulocyte differentiation of rat BM-resident C-kit⁺ hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). The mononuclear cells were collected from rat BM using density gradient centrifugation and MSCs and C-kit⁺ HSCs were isolated. Then, cells were divided into two groups and differentiated into granulocytes; C-kit⁺ HSCs alone (control group) and co-cultured C-kit⁺ HSCs with MSCs (experimental group). Subsequently, the granulocyte-differentiated cells were collected and subjected to real-time PCR and Western blotting for the assessment of their telomere length (TL) and protein expressions, respectively. Afterwards, culture medium was collected to measure cytokine levels. CD34, CD16, CD11b, and CD18 granulocyte markers expression levels were significantly increased in the experimental group compared to the control group. A significant change was also observed in the protein expression of Wnt and β-catenin. In addition, MSCs caused an increase in the TL of granulocyte-differentiated cells. MSCs could affect the granulocyte differentiation of C-kit⁺ HSCs via increasing TL and Wnt/β-catenin protein expression.

In vitro erythrocyte production using human-induced pluripotent stem cells: determining the best hematopoietic stem cell sources

BACKGROUND

Blood transfusion is an essential part of medicine. However, many countries have been facing a national blood crisis. To address this ongoing blood shortage issue, there have been efforts to generate red blood cells (RBCs) in vitro, especially from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). However, the best source of hiPSCs for this purpose is yet to be determined.

METHODS

In this study, hiPSCs were established from three different hematopoietic stem cell sources-peripheral blood (PB), cord blood (CB) and bone marrow (BM) aspirates (n = 3 for each source)-using episomal reprogramming vectors and differentiated into functional RBCs. Various time-course studies including immunofluorescence assay, quantitative real-time PCR, flow cytometry, karyotyping, morphological analysis, oxygen binding capacity analysis, and RNA sequencing were performed to examine and compare the characteristics of hiPSCs and hiPSC-differentiated erythroid cells.

RESULTS

hiPSC lines were established from each of the three sources and were found to be pluripotent and have comparable characteristics. All hiPSCs differentiated into erythroid cells, but there were discrepancies in differentiation and maturation efficiencies: CB-derived hiPSCs matured into erythroid cells the fastest while PB-derived hiPSCs required a longer time for maturation but showed the highest degree of reproducibility. BM-derived hiPSCs gave rise to diverse types of cells and exhibited poor differentiation efficiency. Nonetheless, erythroid cells differentiated from all hiPSC lines mainly expressed fetal and/or embryonic hemoglobin, indicating that primitive erythropoiesis occurred. Their oxygen equilibrium curves were all left-shifted.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, both PB- and CB-derived hiPSCs were favorably reliable sources for the clinical production of RBCs in vitro, despite several challenges that need to be overcome. However, owing to the limited availability and the large amount of CB required to produce hiPSCs, and the results of this study, the advantages of using PB-derived hiPSCs for RBC production in vitro may outweigh those of using CB-derived hiPSCs. We believe that our findings will facilitate the selection of optimal hiPSC lines for RBC production in vitro in the near future.