Gangliosides and Their Role in Multilineage Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Lonicera japonica Fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum Improve Multiple Patterns Driven Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis (OP) represents a global health challenge. Certain functional food has the potential to mitigate OP. Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) solution has medicinal effects, such as anti-inflammatory and immune enhancement, and can be used in functional foods such as health drinks and functional snacks. The composition of honeysuckle changed significantly after fermentation, and 376 metabolites were enriched. In this study, we used dexamethasone to induce OP in the rat model. Research has confirmed the ability of FS (fermented Lonicera japonica solution) to enhance bone mineral density (BMD), repair bone microarchitectural damage, and increase blood calcium levels. Markers such as tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TRACP-5b) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) were notably decreased, whereas osteocalcin (OCN) levels increased after FS treatment. FS intervention in OP rats restored the abundance of 6 bacterial genera and the contents of 17 serum metabolites. The results of the Spearman correlation analysis showed that FS may alleviate OP by restoring the abundance of 6 bacterial genera and the contents of 17 serum metabolites, reducing osteoclast differentiation, promoting osteoblast differentiation, and reducing the inflammatory response. This study revealed that Lactobacillus plantarum-fermented honeysuckle alleviated OP through intestinal bacteria and serum metabolites and provided a theoretical basis for the development of related functional foods.

Regenerative application of oral and maxillofacial 3D organoids based on dental pulp stem cell

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) originate from the neural crest and the present mesenchymal phenotype showed self-renewal capabilities and can differentiate into at least three lineages. DPSCs are easily isolated with minimal harm, no notable ethical constraints, and without general anesthesia to the donor individuals. Furthermore, cryopreservation of DPSCs provides this opportunity for autologous transplantation in future studies without fundamental changes in stemness, viability, proliferation, and differentiating features. Current approaches for pulp tissue regeneration include pulp revascularization, cell-homing-based regenerative endodontic treatment (RET), cell-transplantation-based regenerative endodontic treatment, and allogeneic transplantation. In recent years, a novel technology, organoid, provides a mimic physiological condition and tissue construct that can be applied for tissue engineering, genetic manipulation, disease modeling, single-cell high throughput analysis, living biobank, cryopreserving and maintaining cells, and therapeutic approaches based on personalized medicine. The organoids can be a reliable preclinical prediction model for evaluating cell behavior, monitoring drug response or resistance, and comparing healthy and pathological conditions for therapeutic and prognostic approaches. In the current review, we focused on the promising application of 3D organoid technology based on DPSCs in oral and maxillofacial tissue regeneration. We discussed encountering challenges and limitations, and found promising solutions to overcome obstacles.

Depletion of b-series ganglioside prevents limb length discrepancy after growth plate injury

INTRODUCTION

Growth plate damage in long bones often results in progressive skeletal growth imbalance and deformity, leading to significant physical problems. Gangliosides, key glycosphingolipids in cartilage, are notably abundant in articular cartilage and regulate chondrocyte homeostasis. This suggests their significant roles in regulating growth plate cartilage repair.

METHODS

Chondrocytes from 3 to 5 day-old C57BL/6 mice underwent glycoblotting and mass spectrometry. Based on the results of the glycoblotting analysis, we employed GD3 synthase knockout mice (GD3-/-), which lack b-series gangliosides. In 3-week-old mice, physeal injuries were induced in the left tibiae, with right tibiae sham operated. Tibiae were analyzed at 5 weeks postoperatively for length and micro-CT for growth plate height and bone volume at injury sites. Tibial shortening ratio and bone mineral density were measured by micro-CT.

RESULTS

Glycoblotting analysis indicated that b-series gangliosides were the most prevalent in physeal chondrocytes among ganglioside series. At 3 weeks, GD3-/- exhibited reduced tibial shortening (14.7 ± 0.2 mm) compared to WT (15.0 ± 0.1 mm, P = 0.03). By 5 weeks, the tibial lengths in GD3-/- (16.0 ± 0.4 mm) closely aligned with sham-operated lengths (P = 0.70). Micro-CT showed delayed physeal bridge formation in GD3-/-, with bone volume measuring 168.9 ± 5.8 HU at 3 weeks (WT: 180.2 ± 3.2 HU, P = 0.09), but normalizing by 5 weeks.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights that GD3 synthase knockout mice inhibit physeal bridge formation after growth plate injury, proposing a new non-invasive approach for treating skeletal growth disorders.

Analogies and Differences Between Dental Stem Cells: Focus on Secretome in Combination with Scaffolds in Neurological Disorders

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are well known for their beneficial effects, differentiation capacity and regenerative potential. Dental-derived MSCs (DSCs) are more easily accessible and have a non-invasive isolation method rather than MSCs isolated from other sources (umbilical cord, bone marrow, and adipose tissue). In addition, DSCs appear to have a relevant neuro-regenerative potential due to their neural crest origin. However, it is now known that the beneficial effects of MSCs depend, at least in part, on their secretome, referring to all the bioactive molecules (neurotrophic factors) released in the conditioned medium (CM) or in the extracellular vesicles (EVs) in particular exosomes (Exos). In this review, we described the similarities and differences between various DSCs. Our focus was on the secretome of DSCs and their applications in cell therapy for neurological disorders. For neuro-regenerative purposes, the secretome of different DSCs has been tested. Among these, the secretome of dental pulp stem cells and stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth have been the most widely studied. Both CM and Exos obtained from DSCs have been shown to promote neurite outgrowth and neuroprotective effects as well as their combination with scaffold materials (to improve their functional integration in the tissue). For these reasons, the secretome obtained from DSCs in combination with scaffold materials may represent a promising tissue engineering approach for neuroprotective and neuro-regenerative treatments.

Specimen Shape and Elution Time Affect the Mineralization and Differentiation Potential of Dental Pulp Stem Cells to Biodentine

The liquid extract method is commonly used to evaluate the cytotoxicity and bioactivity of materials. Although ISO has recommended guidelines for test methods, variations in elution period, and shape of samples can influence the biological outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of material form and elution period of Biodentine on dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs)' proliferation and mineralization. Biodentine (0.2 g) discs or powder were immersed in culture media (10 mL) for 1, 3 or 7 days (D1, D3 and D7). The eluents were filtered and used to treat DPSC. The calcium release profile and pH were determined. Cell proliferation was evaluated by MTS for 3 days, and mineralization and differentiation were assessed by alizarin red S staining (Ca2+/ng of DNA) and qRT-PCR (MEPE, DSPP, DMP-1, RUNX2, COL-I and OCN) for 14 days. Statistical analysis was performed with a one or two-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's test (pH, calcium release and proliferation) or Mann-Whitney test (α = 0.05). pH and calcium ion release of powdered eluents were significantly higher than disc eluents. Powdered eluent promoted extensive cell death, while the disc form was cytocompatible. All disc eluents significantly increased the gene expression and mineralization after 14 days compared to the untreated control. D7 induced less mineralization and differentiation compared to D1 and D3. Thus, the materials' form and elution time are critical aspects to be considered when evaluating the bioactivity of materials, since this binomial can affect positively and negatively the biological outcomes.

Lipid rafts mediate multilineage differentiation of human dental pulp-derived stem cells (DPSCs)

Cell outer membranes contain glycosphingolipids and protein receptors, which are integrated into glycoprotein domains, known as lipid rafts, which are involved in a variety of cellular processes, including receptor-mediated signal transduction and cellular differentiation process. In this study, we analyzed the lipidic composition of human Dental Pulp-Derived Stem Cells (DPSCs), and the role of lipid rafts during the multilineage differentiation process. The relative quantification of lipid metabolites in the organic fraction of DPSCs, performed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, showed that mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) were the most representative species in the total pool of acyl chains, compared to polyunsatured fatty acids (PUFAs). In addition, the stimulation of DPSCs with different culture media induces a multilineage differentiation process, determining changes in the gangliosides pattern. To understand the functional role of lipid rafts during multilineage differentiation, DPSCs were pretreated with a typical lipid raft affecting agent (MβCD). Subsequently, DPSCs were inducted to differentiate into osteoblast, chondroblast and adipoblast cells with specific media. We observed that raft-affecting agent MβCD prevented AKT activation and the expression of lineage-specific mRNA such as OSX, PPARγ2, and SOX9 during multilineage differentiation. Moreover, this compound significantly prevented the tri-lineage differentiation induced by specific stimuli, indicating that lipid raft integrity is essential for DPSCs differentiation. These results suggest that lipid rafts alteration may affect the signaling pathway activated, preventing multilineage differentiation.

The Effects of Chronological Age on the Chondrogenic Potential of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: A Systematic Review

Tissue engineering and cell therapy for regenerative medicine have great potential to treat chronic disorders. In musculoskeletal disorders, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been identified as a relevant cell type in cell and regenerative strategies due to their multi-lineage potential, although this is likely to be a result of their trophic and immunomodulatory effects on other cells. This PRISMA systematic review aims to assess whether the age of the patient influences the chondrogenic potential of MSCs in regenerative therapy. We identified a total of 3027 studies after performing a search of four databases, including Cochrane, Web of Science, Medline, and PubMed. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 14 papers were identified that were reviewed, assessed, and reported. Cell surface characterization and proliferation, as well as the osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation, were investigated as part of the analysis of these studies. Most included studies suggest a clear link between aged donor MSCs and diminished clonogenic and proliferative potential. Our study reveals a heterogeneous and conflicting range of outcomes concerning the chondrogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic potential of MSCs in relation to age. Further investigations on the in vitro effects of chronological age on the chondrogenic potential of MSCs should follow the outcomes of this systematic review, shedding more light on this complex relationship.

Extracellular matrix-induced signaling pathways in mesenchymal stem/stromal cells

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a crucial component of the stem cell microenvironment, or stem-cell niches, and contributes to the regulation of cell behavior and fate. Accumulating evidence indicates that different types of stem cells possess a large variety of molecules responsible for interactions with the ECM, mediating specific epigenetic rearrangements and corresponding changes in transcriptome profile. Signals from the ECM are crucial at all stages of ontogenesis, including embryonic and postnatal development, as well as tissue renewal and repair. The ECM could regulate stem cell transition from a quiescent state to readiness to perceive the signals of differentiation induction (competence) and the transition between different stages of differentiation (commitment). Currently, to unveil the complex networks of cellular signaling from the ECM, multiple approaches including screening methods, the analysis of the cell matrixome, and the creation of predictive networks of protein-protein interactions based on experimental data are used. In this review, we consider the existing evidence regarded the contribution of ECM-induced intracellular signaling pathways into the regulation of stem cell differentiation focusing on mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) as well-studied type of postnatal stem cells totally depended on signals from ECM. Furthermore, we propose a system biology-based approach for the prediction of ECM-mediated signal transduction pathways in target cells. Video Abstract.

Biology of GD2 ganglioside: implications for cancer immunotherapy

Part of the broader glycosphingolipid family, gangliosides are composed of a ceramide bound to a sialic acid-containing glycan chain, and locate at the plasma membrane. Gangliosides are produced through sequential steps of glycosylation and sialylation. This diversity of composition is reflected in differences in expression patterns and functions of the various gangliosides. Ganglioside GD2 designates different subspecies following a basic structure containing three carbohydrate residues and two sialic acids. GD2 expression, usually restrained to limited tissues, is frequently altered in various neuroectoderm-derived cancers. While GD2 is of evident interest, its glycolipid nature has rendered research challenging. Physiological GD2 expression has been linked to developmental processes. Passing this stage, varying levels of GD2, physiologically expressed mainly in the central nervous system, affect composition and formation of membrane microdomains involved in surface receptor signaling. Overexpressed in cancer, GD2 has been shown to enhance cell survival and invasion. Furthermore, binding of antibodies leads to immune-independent cell death mechanisms. In addition, GD2 contributes to T-cell dysfunction, and functions as an immune checkpoint. Given the cancer-associated functions, GD2 has been a source of interest for immunotherapy. As a potential biomarker, methods are being developed to quantify GD2 from patients' samples. In addition, various therapeutic strategies are tested. Based on initial success with antibodies, derivates such as bispecific antibodies and immunocytokines have been developed, engaging patient immune system. Cytotoxic effectors or payloads may be redirected based on anti-GD2 antibodies. Finally, vaccines can be used to mount an immune response in patients. We review here the pertinent biological information on GD2 which may be of use for optimizing current immunotherapeutic strategies.

Quality Control Optimization for Minimizing Security Risks Associated with Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Based Product Development

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been considered a therapeutic strategy in regenerative medicine because of their regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. The translation of MSC-based products has some challenges, such as regulatory and scientific issues. Quality control should be standardized and optimized to guarantee the reproducibility, safety, and efficacy of MSC-based products to be administered to patients. The aim of this study was to develop MSC-based products for use in clinical practice. Quality control assays include cell characterization, cell viability, immunogenicity, and cell differentiation; safety tests such as procoagulant tissue factor (TF), microbiological, mycoplasma, endotoxin, genomic stability, and tumorigenicity tests; and potency tests. The results confirm that the cells express MSC markers; an average cell viability of 96.9%; a low expression of HLA-DR and costimulatory molecules; differentiation potential; a high expression of TF/CD142; an absence of pathogenic microorganisms; negative endotoxins; an absence of chromosomal abnormalities; an absence of genotoxicity and tumorigenicity; and T-lymphocyte proliferation inhibition potential. This study shows the relevance of standardizing the manufacturing process and quality controls to reduce variability due to the heterogeneity between donors. The results might also be useful for the implementation and optimization of new analytical techniques and automated methods to improve safety, which are the major concerns related to MSC-based therapy.

The Importance of Stem Cells Isolated from Human Dental Pulp and Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth as Therapeutic Approach in Nervous System Pathologies

Despite decades of research, no therapies are available to halt or slow down the course of neuro-degenerative disorders. Most of the drugs developed to fight neurodegeneration are aimed to alleviate symptoms, but none has proven adequate in altering the course of the pathologies. Cell therapy has emerged as an intriguing alternative to the classical pharmacological approach. Cell therapy consists of the transplantation of stem cells that can be obtained from various embryonal and adult tissues. Whereas the former holds notable ethical issue, adult somatic stem cells can be obtained without major concerns. However, most adult stem cells, such as those derived from the bone marrow, are committed toward the mesodermal lineage, and hence need to be reprogrammed to induce the differentiation into the neurons. The discovery of neural crest stem cells in the dental pulp, both in adults' molar and in baby teeth (dental pulp stem cells and stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth, respectively) prompted researchers to investigate their utility as therapy in nervous system disorders. In this review, we recapitulate the advancements on the application of these stem cells in preclinical models of neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting differences and analogies in their maintenance, differentiation, and potential clinical application.