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Park SJ, Kim YY, Han JY, Kim SW, Kim H, Ku SY. Advancements in Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research: Clinical Applications and Ethical Issues. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2024; 21:379-394. [PMID: 38502279 PMCID: PMC10987435 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-024-00627-3] [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] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development and use of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in regenerative medicine have been revolutionary, offering significant advancements in treating various diseases. These pluripotent cells, derived from early human embryos, are central to modern biomedical research. However, their application is mired in ethical and regulatory complexities related to the use of human embryos. METHOD This review utilized key databases such as ClinicalTrials.gov, EU Clinical Trials Register, PubMed, and Google Scholar to gather recent clinical trials and studies involving hESCs. The focus was on their clinical application in regenerative medicine, emphasizing clinical trials and research directly involving hESCs. RESULTS Preclinical studies and clinical trials in various areas like ophthalmology, neurology, endocrinology, and reproductive medicine have demonstrated the versatility of hESCs in regenerative medicine. These studies underscore the potential of hESCs in treating a wide array of conditions. However, the field faces ethical and regulatory challenges, with significant variations in policies and perspectives across different countries. CONCLUSION The potential of hESCs in regenerative medicine is immense, offering new avenues for treating previously incurable diseases. However, navigating the ethical, legal, and regulatory landscapes is crucial for the continued advancement and responsible application of hESC research in the medical field. Considering both scientific potential and ethical implications, a balanced approach is essential for successfully integrating hESCs into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Jin Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Young Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Yeon Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Woo Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-Ro Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Yup Ku
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-Ro Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Christiansen JR, Kirkeby A. Clinical translation of pluripotent stem cell-based therapies: successes and challenges. Development 2024; 151:dev202067. [PMID: 38564308 PMCID: PMC11057818 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202067] [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] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The translational stem cell research field has progressed immensely in the past decade. Development and refinement of differentiation protocols now allows the generation of a range of cell types, such as pancreatic β-cells and dopaminergic neurons, from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) in an efficient and good manufacturing practice-compliant fashion. This has led to the initiation of several clinical trials using hPSC-derived cells to replace lost or dysfunctional cells, demonstrating evidence of both safety and efficacy. Here, we highlight successes from some of the hPSC-based trials reporting early signs of efficacy and discuss common challenges in clinical translation of cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefine Rågård Christiansen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Agnete Kirkeby
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
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Roman A, Huntemer-Silveira A, Waldron MA, Khalid Z, Blake J, Parr AM, Low WC. Cell Transplantation for Repair of the Spinal Cord and Prospects for Generating Region-Specific Exogenic Neuronal Cells. Cell Transplant 2024; 33:9636897241241998. [PMID: 38590295 PMCID: PMC11005494 DOI: 10.1177/09636897241241998] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with currently irreversible consequences in several functional components of the central nervous system. Despite the severity of injury, there remains no approved treatment to restore function. However, with a growing number of preclinical studies and clinical trials, cell transplantation has gained significant potential as a treatment for SCI. Researchers have identified several cell types as potential candidates for transplantation. To optimize successful functional outcomes after transplantation, one key factor concerns generating neuronal cells with regional and subtype specificity, thus calling on the developmental transcriptome patterning of spinal cord cells. A potential source of spinal cord cells for transplantation is the generation of exogenic neuronal progenitor cells via the emerging technologies of gene editing and blastocyst complementation. This review highlights the use of cell transplantation to treat SCI in the context of relevant developmental gene expression patterns useful for producing regionally specific exogenic spinal cells via in vitro differentiation and blastocyst complementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Roman
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Anne Huntemer-Silveira
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Madison A. Waldron
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Zainab Khalid
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jeffrey Blake
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ann M. Parr
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Walter C. Low
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Stewart AN, Gensel JC, Jones L, Fouad K. Challenges in Translating Regenerative Therapies for Spinal Cord Injury. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil 2023; 29:23-43. [PMID: 38174141 PMCID: PMC10759906 DOI: 10.46292/sci23-00044s] [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] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Regenerating the injured spinal cord is a substantial challenge with many obstacles that need to be overcome to achieve robust functional benefits. This abundance of hurdles can partly explain the limited success when applying regenerative intervention treatments in animal models and/or people. In this article, we elaborate on a few of these obstacles, starting with the applicability of animal models and how they compare to the clinical setting. We then discuss the requirement for combinatorial interventions and the associated problems in experimental design, including the addition of rehabilitative training. The article expands on differences in lesion sizes and locations between humans and common animal models, and how this difference can determine the success or failure of an intervention. An additional and frequently overlooked problem in the translation of interventions that applies beyond the field of neuroregeneration is the reporting bias and the lack of transparency in reporting findings. New data mandates are tackling this problem and will eventually result in a more balanced view of the field. Finally, we will discuss strategies to negotiate the challenging course of successful translation to facilitate successful translation of regeneration promoting interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew N. Stewart
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - John C. Gensel
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Linda Jones
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Karim Fouad
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Lambrechts MJ, Issa TZ, Hilibrand AS. Updates in the Early Management of Acute Spinal Cord Injury. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2023; 31:e619-e632. [PMID: 37432977 DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-23-00281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, and effective management is necessary to improve clinical outcomes. Many long-standing therapies including early reduction and spinal cord decompression, methylprednisolone administration, and optimization of spinal cord perfusion have been around for decades; however, their efficacy has remained controversial because of limited high-quality data. This review article highlights studies surrounding the role of early surgical decompression and its role in relieving mechanical pressure on the microvascular circulation thereby reducing intraspinal pressure. Furthermore, the article touches on the current role of methylprednisolone and identifies promising studies evaluating neuroprotective and neuroregenerative agents. Finally, this article outlines the expanding body of literature evaluating mean arterial pressure goals, cerebrospinal fluid drainage, and expansive duroplasty to further optimize vascularization to the spinal cord. Overall, this review aims to highlight evidence for SCI treatments and ongoing trials that may markedly affect SCI care in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Lambrechts
- From the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
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Khaing ZZ, Chen JY, Safarians G, Ezubeik S, Pedroncelli N, Duquette RD, Prasse T, Seidlits SK. Clinical Trials Targeting Secondary Damage after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:3824. [PMID: 36835233 PMCID: PMC9960771 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) often causes loss of sensory and motor function resulting in a significant reduction in quality of life for patients. Currently, no therapies are available that can repair spinal cord tissue. After the primary SCI, an acute inflammatory response induces further tissue damage in a process known as secondary injury. Targeting secondary injury to prevent additional tissue damage during the acute and subacute phases of SCI represents a promising strategy to improve patient outcomes. Here, we review clinical trials of neuroprotective therapeutics expected to mitigate secondary injury, focusing primarily on those in the last decade. The strategies discussed are broadly categorized as acute-phase procedural/surgical interventions, systemically delivered pharmacological agents, and cell-based therapies. In addition, we summarize the potential for combinatorial therapies and considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zin Z. Khaing
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jessica Y. Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Gevick Safarians
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sohib Ezubeik
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Nicolas Pedroncelli
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Rebecca D. Duquette
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Tobias Prasse
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Stephanie K. Seidlits
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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Hoang DM, Pham PT, Bach TQ, Ngo ATL, Nguyen QT, Phan TTK, Nguyen GH, Le PTT, Hoang VT, Forsyth NR, Heke M, Nguyen LT. Stem cell-based therapy for human diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:272. [PMID: 35933430 PMCID: PMC9357075 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01134-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 112.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in stem cell technology open a new door for patients suffering from diseases and disorders that have yet to be treated. Stem cell-based therapy, including human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), has recently emerged as a key player in regenerative medicine. hPSCs are defined as self-renewable cell types conferring the ability to differentiate into various cellular phenotypes of the human body, including three germ layers. MSCs are multipotent progenitor cells possessing self-renewal ability (limited in vitro) and differentiation potential into mesenchymal lineages, according to the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy (ISCT). This review provides an update on recent clinical applications using either hPSCs or MSCs derived from bone marrow (BM), adipose tissue (AT), or the umbilical cord (UC) for the treatment of human diseases, including neurological disorders, pulmonary dysfunctions, metabolic/endocrine-related diseases, reproductive disorders, skin burns, and cardiovascular conditions. Moreover, we discuss our own clinical trial experiences on targeted therapies using MSCs in a clinical setting, and we propose and discuss the MSC tissue origin concept and how MSC origin may contribute to the role of MSCs in downstream applications, with the ultimate objective of facilitating translational research in regenerative medicine into clinical applications. The mechanisms discussed here support the proposed hypothesis that BM-MSCs are potentially good candidates for brain and spinal cord injury treatment, AT-MSCs are potentially good candidates for reproductive disorder treatment and skin regeneration, and UC-MSCs are potentially good candidates for pulmonary disease and acute respiratory distress syndrome treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duc M Hoang
- Department of Research and Development, Vinmec Research Institute of Stem Cell and Gene Technology, Vinmec Healthcare System, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Phuong T Pham
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Vinmec High-Tech Center, Vinmec Healthcare System, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Trung Q Bach
- Department of Research and Development, Vinmec Research Institute of Stem Cell and Gene Technology, Vinmec Healthcare System, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Anh T L Ngo
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Vinmec High-Tech Center, Vinmec Healthcare System, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Quyen T Nguyen
- Department of Research and Development, Vinmec Research Institute of Stem Cell and Gene Technology, Vinmec Healthcare System, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Trang T K Phan
- Department of Research and Development, Vinmec Research Institute of Stem Cell and Gene Technology, Vinmec Healthcare System, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Giang H Nguyen
- Department of Research and Development, Vinmec Research Institute of Stem Cell and Gene Technology, Vinmec Healthcare System, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Phuong T T Le
- Department of Research and Development, Vinmec Research Institute of Stem Cell and Gene Technology, Vinmec Healthcare System, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Van T Hoang
- Department of Research and Development, Vinmec Research Institute of Stem Cell and Gene Technology, Vinmec Healthcare System, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nicholas R Forsyth
- Institute for Science & Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Michael Heke
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Liem Thanh Nguyen
- Department of Research and Development, Vinmec Research Institute of Stem Cell and Gene Technology, Vinmec Healthcare System, Hanoi, Vietnam
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