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Scodellaro C, Pina RR, Ferreira FC, Sanjuan-Alberte P, Fernandes TG. Unlocking the Potential of Stem Cell Microenvironments In Vitro. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:289. [PMID: 38534563 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11030289] [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] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The field of regenerative medicine has recently witnessed groundbreaking advancements that hold immense promise for treating a wide range of diseases and injuries. At the forefront of this revolutionary progress are stem cells. Stem cells typically reside in specialized environments in vivo, known as microenvironments or niches, which play critical roles in regulating stem cell behavior and determining their fate. Therefore, understanding the complex microenvironments that surround stem cells is crucial for advancing treatment options in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications. Several research articles have made significant contributions to this field by exploring the interactions between stem cells and their surrounding niches, investigating the influence of biomechanical and biochemical cues, and developing innovative strategies for tissue regeneration. This review highlights the key findings and contributions of these studies, shedding light on the diverse applications that may arise from the understanding of stem cell microenvironments, thus harnessing the power of these microenvironments to transform the landscape of medicine and offer new avenues for regenerative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Scodellaro
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Raquel R Pina
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Frederico Castelo Ferreira
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paola Sanjuan-Alberte
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Tiago G Fernandes
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
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Mao XF, Zhang XQ, Yao ZY, Mao HJ. Advances in mesenchymal stem cells therapy for tendinopathies. Chin J Traumatol 2024; 27:11-17. [PMID: 38052701 PMCID: PMC10859297 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjtee.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tendinopathies are chronic diseases of an unknown etiology and associated with inflammation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a viable therapeutic option to combat the pathological progression of tendinopathies, not only because of their potential for multidirectional differentiation and self-renewal, but also their excellent immunomodulatory properties. The immunomodulatory effects of MSCs are increasingly being recognized as playing a crucial role in the treatment of tendinopathies, with MSCs being pivotal in regulating the inflammatory microenvironment by modulating the immune response, ultimately contributing to improved tissue repair. This review will discuss the current knowledge regarding the application of MSCs in tendinopathy treatments through the modulation of the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Feng Mao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang province, China
| | - Xi-Qian Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang province, China
| | - Zhe-Yu Yao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang province, China
| | - Hai-Jiao Mao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang province, China.
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Omer SA, McKnight KH, Young LI, Song S. Stimulation strategies for electrical and magnetic modulation of cells and tissues. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 12:21. [PMID: 37391680 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-023-00165-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Electrical phenomena play an important role in numerous biological processes including cellular signaling, early embryogenesis, tissue repair and remodeling, and growth of organisms. Electrical and magnetic effects have been studied on a variety of stimulation strategies and cell types regarding cellular functions and disease treatments. In this review, we discuss recent advances in using three different stimulation strategies, namely electrical stimulation via conductive and piezoelectric materials as well as magnetic stimulation via magnetic materials, to modulate cell and tissue properties. These three strategies offer distinct stimulation routes given specific material characteristics. This review will evaluate material properties and biological response for these stimulation strategies with respect to their potential applications in neural and musculoskeletal research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suleyman A Omer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Kaitlyn H McKnight
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Lucas I Young
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Shang Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- Departments of Neuroscience GIDP, Materials Science and Engineering, BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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Sander IL, Dvorak N, Stebbins JA, Carr AJ, Mouthuy PA. Advanced Robotics to Address the Translational Gap in Tendon Engineering. CYBORG AND BIONIC SYSTEMS 2022; 2022:9842169. [PMID: 36285305 PMCID: PMC9508494 DOI: 10.34133/2022/9842169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Tendon disease is a significant and growing burden to healthcare systems. One strategy to address this challenge is tissue engineering. A widely held view in this field is that mechanical stimulation provided to constructs should replicate the mechanical environment of native tissue as closely as possible. We review recent tendon tissue engineering studies in this article and highlight limitations of conventional uniaxial tensile bioreactors used in current literature. Advanced robotic platforms such as musculoskeletal humanoid robots and soft robotic actuators are promising technologies which may help address translational gaps in tendon tissue engineering. We suggest the proposed benefits of these technologies and identify recent studies which have worked to implement these technologies in tissue engineering. Lastly, key challenges to address in adapting these robotic technologies and proposed future research directions for tendon tissue engineering are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain L. Sander
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Windmill Road, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK
- Oxford Gait Laboratory, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Tebbit Centre, Windmill Road, Oxford OX3 7HE, UK
| | - Nicole Dvorak
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Windmill Road, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK
| | - Julie A. Stebbins
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Windmill Road, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK
- Oxford Gait Laboratory, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Tebbit Centre, Windmill Road, Oxford OX3 7HE, UK
| | - Andrew J. Carr
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Windmill Road, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK
| | - Pierre-Alexis Mouthuy
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Windmill Road, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK
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Tang Y, Wang Z, Xiang L, Zhao Z, Cui W. Functional biomaterials for tendon/ligament repair and regeneration. Regen Biomater 2022; 9:rbac062. [PMID: 36176715 PMCID: PMC9514853 DOI: 10.1093/rb/rbac062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
With an increase in life expectancy and the popularity of high-intensity exercise, the frequency of tendon and ligament injuries has also increased. Owing to the specificity of its tissue, the rapid restoration of injured tendons and ligaments is challenging for treatment. This review summarizes the latest progress in cells, biomaterials, active molecules and construction technology in treating tendon/ligament injuries. The characteristics of supports made of different materials and the development and application of different manufacturing methods are discussed. The development of natural polymers, synthetic polymers and composite materials has boosted the use of scaffolds. In addition, the development of electrospinning and hydrogel technology has diversified the production and treatment of materials. First, this article briefly introduces the structure, function and biological characteristics of tendons/ligaments. Then, it summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of different materials, such as natural polymer scaffolds, synthetic polymer scaffolds, composite scaffolds and extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived biological scaffolds, in the application of tendon/ligament regeneration. We then discuss the latest applications of electrospun fiber scaffolds and hydrogels in regeneration engineering. Finally, we discuss the current problems and future directions in the development of biomaterials for restoring damaged tendons and ligaments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunkai Tang
- 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 Wang
- 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
| | - Lei Xiang
- 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
| | - Zhenyu Zhao
- 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
| | - 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
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Novel In Situ-Cross-Linked Electrospun Gelatin/Hydroxyapatite Nonwoven Scaffolds Prove Suitable for Periodontal Tissue Engineering. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061286. [PMID: 35745858 PMCID: PMC9230656 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Periodontal diseases affect millions of people worldwide and can result in tooth loss. Regenerative treatment options for clinical use are thus needed. We aimed at developing new nonwoven-based scaffolds for periodontal tissue engineering. Nonwovens of 16% gelatin/5% hydroxyapatite were produced by electrospinning and in situ glyoxal cross-linking. In a subset of scaffolds, additional porosity was incorporated via extractable polyethylene glycol fibers. Cell colonization and penetration by human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs), or cocultures of both were visualized by scanning electron microscopy and 4′,6-diamidin-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. Metabolic activity was assessed via Alamar Blue® staining. Cell type and differentiation were analyzed by immunocytochemical staining of Oct4, osteopontin, and periostin. The electrospun nonwovens were efficiently populated by both hMSCs and PDLFs, while scaffolds with additional porosity harbored significantly more cells. The metabolic activity was higher for cocultures of hMSCs and PDLFs, or for PDLF-seeded scaffolds. Periostin and osteopontin expression was more pronounced in cocultures of hMSCs and PDLFs, whereas Oct4 staining was limited to hMSCs. These novel in situ-cross-linked electrospun nonwoven scaffolds allow for efficient adhesion and survival of hMSCs and PDLFs. Coordinated expression of differentiation markers was observed, which rendered this platform an interesting candidate for periodontal tissue engineering.
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