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Su W, Wang L, Zhou M, Liu Z, Hu S, Tong L, Liu Y, Fan Y, Kong D, Zheng Y, Han Z, Wu JC, Xiang R, Li Z. Human embryonic stem cell-derived endothelial cells as cellular delivery vehicles for treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Cell Transplant 2012; 22:2079-90. [PMID: 23067802 DOI: 10.3727/096368912x657927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have shown tropism towards primary tumors or metastases and are thus potential vehicles for targeting tumor therapy. However, the source of adult EPCs is limited, which highlights the need for a consistent and renewable source of endothelial cells for clinical applications. Here, we investigated the potential of human embryonic stem cell-derived endothelial cells (hESC-ECs) as cellular delivery vehicles for therapy of metastatic breast cancer. In order to provide an initial assessment of the therapeutic potency of hESC-ECs, we treated human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells with hESC-EC conditioned medium (EC-CM) in vitro. The results showed that hESC-ECs could suppress the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and thereby inhibit the proliferation and migration of MDA-MB-231 cells. To track and evaluate the possibility of hESC-EC-employed therapy, we employed the bioluminescence imaging (BLI) technology. To study the therapeutic potential of hESC-ECs, we established lung metastasis models by intravenous injection of MDA-MB-231 cells labeled with firefly luciferase (Fluc) and green fluorescent protein (GFP) to NOD/SCID mice. In mice with lung metastases, we injected hESC-ECs armed with herpes simplex virus truncated thymidine kinase (HSV-ttk) intravenously on days 11, 16, 21, and 26 after MDA-MB-231 cell injection. The NOD/SCID mice were subsequently treated with ganciclovir (GCV), and the growth status of tumor was monitored by Fluc imaging. We found that MDA-MB-231 tumors were significantly inhibited by intravenously injected hESC-ECs. The tumor-suppressive effects of the hESC-ECs, by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and inducing tumor cell death through bystander effect in human metastatic breast cancer model, provide previously unexplored therapeutic modalities for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Su
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin, China
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Hu W, Wang J, Dou J, He X, Zhao F, Jiang C, Yu F, Hu K, Chu L, Li X, Gu N. Augmenting Therapy of Ovarian Cancer Efficacy by Secreting IL-21 Human Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells in Nude Mice. Cell Transplant 2011; 20:669-80. [DOI: 10.3727/096368910x536509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present study, CD34+ human umbilical cord blood stem cells (UCBSCs) were engineered to express interleukin-21 (IL-21) and then were transplanted into A2780 ovarian cancer xenograft-bearing Balb/c nude mice. The therapeutic efficacy of this procedure on ovarian cancer was evaluated. The findings from the study indicated that UCBSCs did not form gross or histological teratomas until up to 70 days postinjection. The CD34+ UCBSC-IL-21 therapy showed a consistent effect in the ovarian cancer of the treated mice, delaying the tumor appearance, reducing the tumor sizes, and extending life expectancy. The efficacy was attributable to keeping CD34+ UCBSC-IL-21 in the neoplastic tissues for more than 21 days. The secreted IL-21 not only increased the quantity of CD11a+ and CD56+ NK cells but also increased NK cell cytotoxicities to YAC-1 cells and A2780 cells, respectively. The efficacy was also associated with enhancing the levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, and TNF-α in the mice as well as the high expressions of the NKG2D and MIC A/B molecules in the tumor tissues. This study suggested that transferring CD34+ UCBSC-IL-21 into the nude mice was safe and feasible in ovarian cancer therapy, and that the method would be a promising new strategy for clinical treatment of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihua Hu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Dou
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangfeng He
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fengshu Zhao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cuilian Jiang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fangliu Yu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kai Hu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lili Chu
- Paediatric Research Institute, Nanjing Children's Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoli Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ning Gu
- School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Eve DJ, Fillmore RW, Borlongan CV, Sanberg PR. Stem cell research in cell transplantation: sources, geopolitical influence, and transplantation. Cell Transplant 2010; 19:1493-509. [PMID: 21054954 DOI: 10.3727/096368910x540612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
If the rapidly progressing field of stem cell research reaches its full potential, successful treatments and enhanced understanding of many diseases are the likely results. However, the full potential of stem cell science will only be reached if all possible avenues can be explored and on a worldwide scale. Until 2009, the US had a highly restrictive policy on obtaining cells from human embryos and fetal tissue, a policy that pushed research toward the use of adult-derived cells. Currently, US policy is still in flux, and retrospective analysis does show the US lagging behind the rest of the world in the proportional increase in embryonic/fetal stem cell research. The majority of US studies being on either a limited number of cell lines, or on cells derived elsewhere (or funded by other sources than Federal) rather than on freshly isolated embryonic or fetal material. Neural, mesenchymal, and the mixed stem cell mononuclear fraction are the most commonly investigated types, which can generally be classified as adult-derived stem cells, although roughly half of the neural stem cells are fetal derived. Other types, such as embryonic and fat-derived stem cells, are increasing in their prominence, suggesting that new types of stem cells are still being pursued. Sixty percent of the reported stem cell studies involved transplantation, of which over three quarters were allogeneic transplants. A high proportion of the cardiovascular systems articles were on allogeneic transplants in a number of different species, including several autologous studies. A number of pharmaceutical grade stem cell products have also recently been tested and reported on. Stem cell research shows considerable promise for the treatment of a number of disorders, some of which have entered clinical trials; over the next few years it will be interesting to see how these treatments progress in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Eve
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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Lin SZ, Chang YJ, Liu JW, Chang LF, Sun LY, Li YS, Luo GH, Liao CH, Chen PH, Chen TM, Lee RP, Yang KL, Harn HJ, Chiou TW. Transplantation of Human Wharton's Jelly-Derived Stem Cells Alleviates Chemically Induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats. Cell Transplant 2010; 19:1451-63. [DOI: 10.3727/096368910x514198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
There is currently no effective treatment method available for liver fibrosis. We therefore evaluated the use of Wharton's jelly stem cells (WJSCs; the major umbilical cord stem cell population) to treat chemically induced liver fibrosis via intraperitoneal injection of thioacetamide. WJSCs were transplanted into liver-damaged rats via the portal vein and the treatment was evaluated by assessing serum biochemistry and histopathology. Transplanted WJSCs were distributed in the fibrotic area and around blood vessels, and hepatic recovery was accelerated. Serum prothrombin time significantly recovered, and serum albumin also improved at 21 days posttransplantation; collagen accumulation also decreased at 14 days. Thus, human WJSCs promoted recovery after chronic liver damage. Using immunohistochemical analyses, we determined that transplanted WJSCs produce albumin, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and metalloproteinase (MMP) after transplantation to chemically injured liver, indicating that WJSC may help to decrease liver collagen and thus may be useful for treating liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinn-Zong Lin
- Center for Neuropsychiatry, China Medical University and Hospital and Beigang Hospital, Taichung and Yun-Lin, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yao-Jen Chang
- Department of Surgery, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jen-Wea Liu
- Department of Life Science and Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Li-Fu Chang
- Department of Life Science and Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Li-Yi Sun
- Department of Life Science and Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yuan-Sheng Li
- Department of Life Science and Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Geng-Hong Luo
- Department of Life Science and Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chia-Hui Liao
- Department of Life Science and Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Pin-Hsin Chen
- Department of Life Science and Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tse-Min Chen
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Hualien Armed Forces General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ru-Ping Lee
- Department of Nursing, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Kuo-Liang Yang
- Cord Blood Bank, Tzu Chi Stem Cell Center, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Horng-Jyh Harn
- Pathology Department, China Medical University & Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tzyy-Wen Chiou
- Department of Life Science and Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC
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Wang K, Wang K, Shen B, Huang T, Sun X, Li W, Jin G, Li L, Bu L, Li R, Wang D, Chen X. MR reporter gene imaging of endostatin expression and therapy. Mol Imaging Biol 2009; 12:520-9. [PMID: 19957205 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-009-0286-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2009] [Revised: 06/03/2009] [Accepted: 06/11/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study is to monitor endostatin gene expression and therapy using transferrin receptor (TfR) as reporter gene and transferrin conjugate of ultrasmall supramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (Tf-USPIO) as magnetic resonance (MR) reporter probe. PROCEDURE A retroviral plasmid (pLP-LNCX) encoding mouse endostatin and TfR was constructed, and packaged with a titer of 4 × 10(7)colony-forming units per millimeter. MDA-MB-231 breast tumors were established in BALB/c mice by subcutaneous injection of 2 × 10(6) MDA-MB-231 cells. Mice were intratumorally injected with recombinant retrovirus and imaged with MR using Tf-USPIO. Western blot, Prussian blue, and immunohistochemical staining were performed to validate the magnetic resonance imaging results. The antitumor effect of retro-endostatin (ES)-TfR was also evaluated by intratumoral injection of the viral vector. RESULTS The expression of both endostatin and TfR genes in MDA-MB-231 cells after retroviral transfection was confirmed by Western blot and flow cytometry. Tf-USPIO conjugate binds specifically to cells stably transfected with retro-ES-TfR. After intravenous injection of the Tf-USPIO conjugate, there was a more pronounced decrease in T2 relaxation time in tumors treated with retro-ES-TfR than in tumors treated with empty retrovirus retro-LNCX. The expression of ES gene significantly delayed the growth of MDA-MB-231 tumor and reduction of microvessel density and VEGF level as compared to those without viral transfection or transfected with empty retro-LNCX vector. CONCLUSIONS Endostatin therapeutic gene expression was visualized successfully using TfR reporter gene and Tf-USPIO MR reporter probe, which indicates that MR reporter gene imaging may be valuable in gene therapy to evaluate therapeutic gene expression and treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Department of Medical Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, 4th Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
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Fu RH, Liu SP, Ou CW, Yu HH, Li KW, Tsai CH, Shyu WC, Lin SZ. Alternative Splicing Modulates Stem Cell Differentiation. Cell Transplant 2009; 18:1029-38. [PMID: 19523332 DOI: 10.3727/096368909x471260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells have the surprising potential to develop into many different cell types. Therefore, major research efforts have focused on transplantation of stem cells and/or derived progenitors for restoring depleted diseased cells in degenerative disorders. Understanding the molecular controls, including alternative splicing, that arise during lineage differentiation of stem cells is crucial for developing stem cell therapeutic approaches in regeneration medicine. Alternative splicing to allow a single gene to encode multiple transcripts with different protein coding sequences and RNA regulatory elements increases genomic complexities. Utilizing differences in alternative splicing as a molecular marker may be more sensitive than simply gene expression in various degrees of stem cell differentiation. Moreover, alternative splicing maybe provide a new concept to acquire induced pluripotent stem cells or promote cell–cell transdifferentiation for restorative therapies and basic medicine researches. In this review, we highlight the recent advances of alternative splicing regulation in stem cells and their progenitors. It will hopefully provide much needed knowledge into realizing stem cell biology and related applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Huei Fu
- Center for Neuropsychiatry, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Immunology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ping Liu
- Center for Neuropsychiatry, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Wei Ou
- Graduate Institute of Immunology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Hui Yu
- Center for Neuropsychiatry, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Wei Li
- Center for Neuropsychiatry, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Hai Tsai
- Department of Pediatrics, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Woei-Cherng Shyu
- Center for Neuropsychiatry, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Immunology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shinn-Zong Lin
- Center for Neuropsychiatry, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Immunology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- China Medical University Beigang Hospital, Yunlin, Taiwan
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