Mesenchymal stromal cell-derived secretome-based therapy for neurodegenerative diseases: overview of clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Over the past few years, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have attracted a great deal of scientific attention owing to their promising results in the treatment of incurable diseases. However, there are several concerns about their possible side effects after direct cell transplantation, including host immune response, time-consuming cell culture procedures, and the dependence of cell quality on the donor, which limit the application of MSCs in clinical trials. On the other hand, it is well accepted that the beneficial effects of MSCs are mediated by secretome rather than cell replacement. MSC secretome refers to a variety of bioactive molecules involved in different biological processes, specifically neuro-regeneration.

MAIN BODY

Due to the limited ability of the central nervous system to compensate for neuronal loss and relieve disease progress, mesenchymal stem cell products may be used as a potential cure for central nervous system disorders. In the present study, the therapeutic effects of MSC secretome were reviewed and discussed the possible mechanisms in the three most prevalent central nervous system disorders, namely Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. The current work aimed to help discover new medicine for the mentioned complications.

CONCLUSION

The use of MSC-derived secretomes in the treatment of the mentioned diseases has encouraging results, so it can be considered as a treatment option for which no treatment has been introduced so far.

Mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles: novel approach in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) play a crucial role in the regulation of hematopoiesis. These cells affect the process through direct cell–cell contact, as well as releasing various trophic factors and extracellular vehicles (EVs) into the bone marrow microenvironment. MSC-derived EVs (MSC-EVs) are prominent intercellular communication tolls enriched with broad-spectrum bioactive factors such as proteins, cytokines, lipids, miRNAs, and siRNAs. They mimic some effects of MSCs by direct fusion with hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) membranes in the bone marrow (BM), thereby affecting HSC fate. MSC-EVs are attractive scope in cell-free therapy because of their unique capacity to repair BM tissue and regulate proliferation and differentiation of HSCs. These vesicles modulate the immune system responses and inhibit graft-versus-host disease following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Recent studies have demonstrated that MSC-EVs play an influential role in the BM niches because of their unprecedented capacity to regulate HSC fate. Therefore, the existing paper intends to speculate upon the preconditioned MSC-EVs as a novel approach in HSCT.

The Effect of Length and Structure of Attached Polyethylene Glycol Chain on Hydrodynamic Radius, and Separation of PEGylated Human Serum Albumin by Chromatography

Purpose: This study focuses on the effect of length and structure of attached polyethylene glycol (PEG) chain on hydrodynamic radius (R_h ) and chromatographic retention of PEGylated protein. To this aim human serum albumin (HSA) as a standard protein was PEGylated site specifically with mPEG-maleimide. Methods: Separated PEG_HSA fractions were analyzed by size exclusion and anion exchange chromatography (AExC). The purity of fractions and the relative mobility of PEGylated and native proteins were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Hydrodynamic radius was determined based on the retention time of fractions on size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and also according to the previously reported equations. Results: A linear relation was shown between the molecular weight of attached PEG and R_h of PEGylated HSA. No significant difference between R_h of proteins modified with linear and branched PEG was shown. In SDS-PAGE, the delaying effect of branched PEG on movement of PEGylated protein was higher than that of linear PEG. Conclusion: As PEGylated HSA and dimer HSA have almost the same size and in SEC they elute at very close retention times, so in this case ion exchange chromatography (IExC) is more effective than SEC in separation of PEGylated HSA. Branched PEG- HSA showed earlier elution on anion exchange chromatography compared to linear PEG-HSA, that this can explain the different shielding effect of various structures of attached PEGs. The smaller size of PEGylated HSA in compare to the sum of the hydrodynamic radiuses of native HSA and attached PEG could be as a result of shielded attachment of polymer around protein.

Fibronectin within Sodium Alginate Microcapsules Improved Osteogenic Differentiation of BMMSCs in Dose Dependent Manner by Targeting SP7, OCN, CDK1, ZBTB16, and Twist1 Expression

Purpose: Insoluble fibronectin as an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein has the potential to promote proliferation, differentiation, and migration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, there is limited information about the effects of fibronectin various concentrations on bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMMSCs) function and differentiation.

Methods: In this experimental study, using a gel injection device, BMMSCs were encapsulated in sodium alginate microcapsules containing 1.25% alginate, 1% gelatin, and fibronectin (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 μg/ml). MTT assay was used to examine the proliferation of BMMSCs. Also, BMMSCs apoptosis were analyzed using Annexin-V/PI staining and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test was conducted to assess BMMSCs osteogenic differentiation potential. Finally, mRNA expression levels of the SP7, osteocalcin (OCN), Twist Family BHLH Transcription Factor 1 (Twist1), Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ² (PPARγ²), Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), and Zinc Finger and BTB Domain Containing 16 (ZBTB16), following exposure with fibronectin 0.1 μg/ml.

Results: According to results, fibronectin had the potential to promote proliferation rates of the BMMSCs, in particular at 0.1 and 0.2 μg/ml concentrations. we showed that the fibronectin was not able to modify apoptosis rates of the BMMSCs. ALP test results approved the notable potential of the fibronectin, to trigger osteogenic differentiation of the BMMSCs. Also, RT-PCR results indicated that fibronectin 0.1 μg/ml could augment osteogenic differentiation of cultured BMMSCs through targeting of OCN, SP7, Twist1, CDK1, and ZBTB16, strongly or slightly.

Conclusion: Results showed that fibronectin can improve proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMMSCs without any effect on these cells' survival.

Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Microvesicles on Megakaryocytic Differentiation of CD34+ Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Purpose: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) release hematopoietic cytokines, growth factors, and Microvesicles (MVs) supporting the hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). MVs released from various cells, playing a crucial role in biological functions of their parental cells. MSC-derived MVs contain microRNAs and proteins with key roles in the regulation of hematopoiesis. Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a source for transplantation but the long-term recovery of platelets is a main problem. Therefore, we intend to show that MSC-MVs are able to improve the differentiation of UCB-derived CD34⁺ cells to megakaryocyte lineage.

Methods: In this descriptive study, MSCs were cultured in DMEM to collect the culture supernatant, which was ultracentrifuged for the isolation of MVs. HSCs were isolated from UCB using MACS method and cultured in IMDM supplemented with cytokines and MVs in three different conditions. Megakaryocyte differentiation was evaluated through the expression of specific markers and genes after 72 hours, and the data was analyzed by t test (P<0.05).

Results: The expression of specific megakaryocyte markers (CD41 and CD61) in the presence of different concentrations of MSC-MVs did not show any significant difference. Also, the expression of specific genes of megakaryocyte lineage was compared with control group. The expression of GATA2 and c-Mpl was significantly increased, GATA1 was not significantly decreased, and FLI1 was significantly decreased.

Conclusion: MSC-MVs could improve the expression of specific megakaryocyte genes; however, there was no significant expression of CD markers. Further studies, including the evaluation of late stages of megakaryocyte differentiation, are required to evaluate platelet production and shedding

Evaluation of the Physicochemical and Biological Stability of Cetuximab under Various Stress Condition

Cetuximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and it is approved for treatment of human colorectal cancer and squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck. The aim of this research was to study the stability of cetuximab finish product (5 mg/mL) under various stress conditions including mechanical, thermal, light stress, and various freeze-thaw cycles. To determine the effects of environmental stresses on the physicochemical properties and bioactivity of cetuximab, a combination of physicochemical and cell-based biological methods including size exclusion chromatography (SEC), cation exchange chromatography (CEX), flow cytometry-based binding assay, and MTS cell viability/proliferation assay was used. The results obtained by the SEC and CEX methods revealed that incubation of cetuximab at 25 and 30 °C, shaking, and various freeze-thaw cycles caused no physicochemical instability. However, functional analysis of the samples exposed to the above-mentioned conditions revealed a significant decrease in the bioactivity of cetuximab indicated by a significant reduction in the cell binding and growth inhibitory effects of cetuximab in EGFR overexpressing cancer cell line (A431). Incubation of cetuximab at 40 and 50 °C led to polymerization and fragmentation of the mAb and resulted in a significant decrease in the bioactivity of the mAb. Our findings show that the light exposure had the most destructive effects on physicochemical and biological characteristics of cetuximab. In conclusion, we found that all mentioned stress conditions significantly affect the bioactivity of cetuximab. Our finding highlights the importance of bioactivity evaluation of biopharmaceuticals in their quality control assessment.

Signaling Pathways of Receptors Involved in Platelet Activation and Shedding of These Receptors in Stored Platelets

All cells encounter various signals coming from the surrounding environment and they need to receive and respond to these signals in order to perform their functions. Cell surface receptors are responsible for signal transduction .Platelets are blood cells which perform several functions using diverse receptors. Platelet concentrate is one of the most consumed blood products. However, due to the short lifespan of the platelets and platelets damage during storage, we face shortage of platelet products. One of the damages that platelets undergo during storage is the loss of surface receptors. Since cell surface receptors are responsible for all cell functions, the loss of platelet receptors reduces the quality of platelet products. In this study, we reviewed the important receptors involved in platelet activation and their associated signaling pathways. We also looked at the platelet receptors that shed during storage and the causes of this incident. We found that GPIbα, P-selectin, CD40 and GPVI are platelet receptors that fall during platelet storage at room temperature. Considering that GPVI and GPIbα are the most important receptors which involved in platelet activation, their shedding can cause decrease in platelet activation after transfusion and decrease thrombus consistence. Shear stress and platelet contact with the container wall are among the mechanisms discussed in this process, but studies in this area have to be continued.

The Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Microvesicles on Erythroid Differentiation of Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived CD34+ Cells

Purpose: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play an important role in the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the bone marrow via cell-to-cell contact, as well as secretion of cytokines and microvesicles (MVs). In this study, we investigated the effect of mesenchymal stem cell-derived microvesicles (MSC-MVs) on erythroid differentiation of umbilical cord blood-derived CD34⁺ cells.

Methods: In this descriptive study, CD34⁺ cells were cultured with mixture of SCF (10 ng/ml) and rhEPO (5 U/ml) cytokines in complete IMDM medium as positive control group. Then, in MV1- and MV2-groups, microvesicles at 10 and 20 µg/ml concentration were added. After 72 hours, erythroid specific markers (CD71 and CD235a) and genes (HBG1, GATA1, FOG1 and NFE2) were assessed by flow cytometry and qRT-PCR, respectively.

Results: The expression of specific markers of the erythroid lineages (CD71 and GPA) in the presence of different concentration of microvesicles were lower than that of the control group (P<0.001). Also, the expression of specific genes of the erythroid lineages (NFE2, FOG1, GATA1, and HBG1) was investigated in comparison to the internal control (GAPDH). Among all of them, HBG1 and FOG1 genes were significantly decreased to the control group (P<0.0001) but GATA1 and NFE2 gene expressions was not significant.

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that MSC-MVs decrease the erythroid differentiation of umbilical cord blood-derived CD34⁺ cells. Therefore, MSC-MVs play a key role in the regulation of normal erythropoiesis.

The Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles on Hematopoietic Stem Cells Fate

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are multipotent stem cells, with self-renewal ability as well as ability to generate all blood cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells, with self-renewal ability, and capable of differentiating into a variety of cell types. MSCs have supporting effects on hematopoiesis; through direct intercellular communications as well as secreting cytokines, chemokines, and extracellular vesicles (EVs). Recent investigations demonstrated that some biological functions and effects of MSCs are mediated by their EVs. MSC-EVs are the cell membrane and endosomal membrane compartments, which are important mediators in the intercellular communications. MSC-EVs contain some of the molecules such as proteins, mRNA, siRNA, and miRNA from their parental cells. MSC-EVs are able to inhibit tumor, repair damaged tissue, and modulate immune system responses. MSC-EVs compared to their parental cells, may have the specific safety advantages such as the lower potential to trigger immune system responses and limited side effects. Recently some studies demonstrated the effect of MSC-EVs on the expansion, differentiation, and clinical applications of HSCs such as improvement of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and inhibition of graft versus host disease (GVHD). HSCT may be the only therapeutic choice for patients who suffer from malignant and non-malignant hematological disorders. However, there are several severe side effects such GVHD that restricts the successfulness of HSCT. In this review, we will discuss the most important effects of MSCs and MSC-EVs on the improvement of HSCT, inhibition and treatment of GVHD, as well as, on the expansion of HSCs.

The Angiogenic Chemokines Expression Profile of Myeloid Cell Lines Co-Cultured with Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

OBJECTIVES

Angiogenesis, the process of formation of new blood vessels, is essential for development of solid tumors. At first, it was first assumed that angiogenesis is not implicated in the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) as a liquid tumor. One of the most important elements in bone marrow microenvironment is mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These cells possess an intrinsic tropism for sites of tumor in various types of cancers and have an impact on solid tumors growth by affecting the angiogenic process. But so far, our knowledge is limited about MSCs' role in liquid tumors angiogenesis. By increasing our knowledge about the role of MSCs on angiogenesis, new therapeutic strategies can be used to improve the status of patients with leukemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental study, HL-60, K562 and U937 cells were separately co-cultured with bone marrow derived-MSCs and after 8, 16 and 24 hours, alterations in the expression of 10 chemokine genes involved in angiogenesis, were evaluated by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Mono-cultures of leukemia cell lines were used as controls.

RESULTS

We observed that in HL-60 and K562 cells co-cultured with MSCs, the expression of CXCL10 and CXCL3 genes are increased, respectively as compared to the control cells. Also, in U937 cells co-cultured with MSCs, the expression of CXCL6 gene was upgraded. Moreover in U937 cells, CCL2 gene expression in the first 16 hours was lower than the control cells, while within 24 hours its expression augmented.

CONCLUSIONS

Our observations, for the first time, demonstrated that bone marrow (BM)-MSCs are able to alter the expression profile of chemokine genes involved in angiogenesis, in acute myeloid leukemia cell lines. MSCs cause different effects on angiogenesis in different leukemia cell lines; in some cases, MSCs promote angiogenesis, and in others, inhibit it.

Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Derivatives on Hematopoiesis and Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Hematopoiesis is a balance among quiescence, self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation, which is believed to be firmly adjusted through interactions between hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) with the microenvironment. This microenvironment is derived from a common progenitor of mesenchymal origin and its signals should be capable of regulating the cellular memory of transcriptional situation and lead to an exchange of stem cell genes expression. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have self-renewal and differentiation capacity into tissues of mesodermal origin, and these cells can support hematopoiesis through release various molecules that play a crucial role in migration, homing, self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation of HSPCs. Studies on the effects of MSCs on HSPC differentiation can develop modern solutions in the treatment of patients with hematologic disorders for more effective Bone Marrow (BM) transplantation in the near future. However, considerable challenges remain on realization of how paracrine mechanisms of MSCs act on the target tissues, and how to design a therapeutic regimen with various paracrine factors in order to achieve optimal results for tissue conservation and regeneration. The aim of this review is to characterize and consider the related aspects of the ability of MSCs secretome in protection of hematopoiesis.

The Effects of Hypoxia on U937 Cell Line in Mesenchymal Stem Cells Co-Culture System

Purpose: Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are the most important members of Bone Marrow (BM) milieu. MSCs affect different kinds of cells, particularly malignant cells of hematologic malignancies, but the effects of MSCs are unclear exactly. Here we analyzed the effects of derived Umbilical Cord Blood-MSCs on proliferation, cell death and some surface markers of U937 cell line in a Co-culture system with MSCs. Methods: Here we designed Co-culture systems as a model of BM milieu. We cultured U937 cells on UCB-MSCs and MSCs Conditioned Medium (C.M) driven and then treated U937 cells with optimum concentration of chloride cobalt (CoCl₂) as a hypoxia-mimetic agent. In addition, we applied suitable concentrations of H₂O₂ to induce cell death. Proliferation rate, cell death rate and some surface markers of hypoxic U937 cells were analyzed by MTT assay, flow cytometry and Real Time-PCR were flown respectively. Results: UCB-MSCs showed supportive effects on U937 proliferation rate in normoxia and hypoxia. Lethal effect of H₂O₂ suppressed in the presence of UCB-MSCs in hypoxia and normoxia. Among CD11a, CD14, CD49d, CD54 and CD116 markers, CD49d was down regulated in presence of UCB-MSCs and CD116 was up regulated in hypoxia. Other markers didn't show any significant changes. Conclusion: This work provides evidences that MSCs play critical roles in U937 cells biology. These observations shed new light on MSCs roles and demonstrated that MSCs should be regarded as an important member of BM milieu in several clinical applications such as BM transplantation prognosis and treatment of hematologic malignancies.

Inhibitory Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Co-Culture on Erythroid Differentiation of K562 Cells Compared to The Control Group

OBJECTIVE

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) reside in the bone marrow and control the process of hematopoiesis. They are an excellent instrument for regenerative treatment and co-culture with hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental study, K562 cell lines were either treated with butyric acid and co-cultured with MSCs, or cultivated in a conditioned medium from MSCs plus butyric acid for erythroid differentiation. We used the trypan blue dye exclusion assay to determine cell counts and viability in each group. For each group, we separately assessed erythroid differentiation of the K562 cell line with Giemsa stain under light microscopy, expression of specific markers of erythroid cells by flowcytometry, and erythroidspecific gene expressions by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

There was enhandced erythroid differentiation of K562 cells with butyric acid compared to the K562 cell line co-cultured with MSCs and butyric acid. Erythroid differentiation of the K562 cell line cultivated in conditioned medium with butyric acid was higher than the K562 cell line co-cultured with MSCs and butyric acid, but less than K562 cell line treated with butyric acid only.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that MSCs significantly suppressed erythropoiesis. Therefore, MSCs would not be a suitable optimal treatment strategy for patients with erythroid leukemia.

NF-Kβ Activation in U266 Cells on Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Purpose: Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are one of the essential members of Bone Marrow (BM) microenvironment and the cells affect normal and malignant cells in BM milieu. One of the most important hematological malignancies is Multiple Myeloma (MM). Numerous studies reported various effects of MSCs on myeloma cells. MSCs initiate various signaling pathways in myeloma cells, particularly NF-kβ. NF-kβ signaling pathway plays pivotal role in the survival, proliferation and resistance of myeloma cells to the anticancer drugs, therefore this pathway can be said to be a vital target for cancer therapy. This study examined the relationship between U266 cells and MSCs. Methods: U266 cells were cultured with Umbilical Cord Blood derived-MSCs (UCB-MSCs) and Conditioned Medium (C.M). Effect of UCB-MSCs and C.M on proliferation rate and CD54 expression of U266 cells were examined with MTT assay and Flowcytometry respectively. Furthermore, expression of CXCL1, PECAM-1, JUNB, CCL2, CD44, CCL4, IL-6, and IL-8 were analyzed by Real Time-PCR (RT-PCR). Moreover, status of p65 protein in NF-kβ pathway assessed by western blotting. Results: Our findings confirm that UCB-MSCs support U266 cells proliferation and they increase CD54 expression. In addition, we demonstrate that UCB-MSCs alter the expression of CCL4, IL-6, IL-8, CXCL1 and the levels of phosphorylated p65 in U266 cells. Conclusion: Our study provides a novel sight to the role of MSCs in the activation of NF-kβ signaling pathway. So, NF-kβ signaling pathway will be targeted in future therapies against MM.

PEGylated Human Serum Albumin: Review of PEGylation, Purification and Characterization Methods

Human serum albumin (HSA) is a non-glycosylated, negatively charged protein (Mw: about 65-kDa) that has one free cystein residue (Cys 34), and 17 disulfide bridges that these bridges have main role in its stability and longer biological life-time (15 to 19 days). As HSA is a multifunctional protein, it can also bind to other molecules and ions in addition to its role in maintaining colloidal osmotic pressure (COP) in various diseases. In critical illnesses changes in the level of albumin between the intravascular and extravascular compartments and the decrease in its serum concentration need to be compensated using exogenous albumin; but as the size of HSA is an important parameter in retention within the circulation, therefore increasing its molecular size and hydrodynamic radius of HSA by covalent attachment of poly ethylene glycol (PEG), that is known as PEGylation, provides HSA as a superior volume expander that not only can prevent the interstitial edema but also can reduce the infusion frequency. This review focuses on various PEGylation methods of HSA (solid phase and liquid phase), and compares various methods to purifiy and characterize the pegylated form.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes: New Opportunity in Cell-Free Therapy

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are involved in tissue homeostasis through direct cell-to-cell interaction, as well as secretion of soluble factors. Exosomes are the sort of soluble biological mediators that obtained from MSCs cultured media in vitro. MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-DEs) which produced under physiological or pathological conditions are central mediators of intercellular communications by conveying proteins, lipids, mRNAs, siRNA, ribosomal RNAs and miRNAs to the neighbor or distant cells. MSC-DEs have been tested in various disease models, and the results have revealed that their functions are similar to those of MSCs. They have the supportive functions in organisms such as repairing tissue damages, suppressing inflammatory responses, and modulating the immune system. MSC-DEs are of great interest in the scope of regenerative medicine because of their unique capacity to the regeneration of the damaged tissues, and the present paper aims to introduce MSC-DEs as a novel hope in cell-free therapy.

The Effect of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Vitamin D3 Induced Monocytic Differentiation of U937 Cells

PURPOSE

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are key components of the hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) niche. They control the process of hematopoiesis by secreting regulatory cytokines, growth factors and expression of important cell adhesion molecules for cell-tocell interactions. In this research, we have investigated the effect of bone marrow derived MSCs on monocytic differentiation of U937 cells line.

METHODS

U937 cells were cultured in both direct co-culture with MSCs and MSCs conditioned medium (C.M) driven. This study used 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3(VitD3) as inductor of monocytic differentiation and U937 cells treated with VitD3 morphology was examined by Wright Giemsa staining. CD14 monocytic differentiation marker was measured by flow cytometry and monocytic gene expression was assessed by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR).

RESULTS

The results of flow cytometric analysis showed that CD14 expression of U937 increased. The higher effect of MSCs co-culture on CD14 expression in U937 cells was observed, compared to the conditioned medium. Among ten monocytic related genes which were screened that was observed increase in 5 genes in which CXCR4 and CSF2RA showed significant increase.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained show that MSCs have supportive effect on the monocytic differentiation of U937 cells. However, a distinct mechanism of that remains unclear.

The Effect of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Vitamin D3 Induced Monocytic Differentiation of U937 Cells

PURPOSE

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are key components of the hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) niche. They control the process of hematopoiesis by secreting regulatory cytokines, growth factors and expression of important cell adhesion molecules for cell-tocell interactions. In this research, we have investigated the effect of bone marrow derived MSCs on monocytic differentiation of U937 cells line.

METHODS

U937 cells were cultured in both direct co-culture with MSCs and MSCs conditioned medium (C.M) driven. This study used 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3(VitD3) as inductor of monocytic differentiation and U937 cells treated with VitD3 morphology was examined by Wright Giemsa staining. CD14 monocytic differentiation marker was measured by flow cytometry and monocytic gene expression was assessed by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR).

RESULTS

The results of flow cytometric analysis showed that CD14 expression of U937 increased. The higher effect of MSCs co-culture on CD14 expression in U937 cells was observed, compared to the conditioned medium. Among ten monocytic related genes which were screened that was observed increase in 5 genes in which CXCR4 and CSF2RA showed significant increase.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained show that MSCs have supportive effect on the monocytic differentiation of U937 cells. However, a distinct mechanism of that remains unclear.

Improved Survival and Hematopoietic Differentiation of Murine Embryonic Stem Cells on Electrospun Polycaprolactone Nanofiber

OBJECTIVE

Three-dimensional (3D) biomimetic nanofiber scaffolds have widespread ap- plications in biomedical tissue engineering. They provide a suitable environment for cel- lular adhesion, survival, proliferation and differentiation, guide new tissue formation and development, and are one of the outstanding goals of tissue engineering. Electrospinning has recently emerged as a leading technique for producing biomimetic scaffolds with mi- cro to nanoscale topography and a high porosity similar to the natural extracellular matrix (ECM). These scaffolds are comprised of synthetic and natural polymers for tissue engi- neering applications. Several kinds of cells such as human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and mouse ESCs (mESCs) have been cultured and differentiated on nanofiber scaffolds. mESCs can be induced to differentiate into a particular cell lineage when cultured as em- bryoid bodies (EBs) on nano-sized scaffolds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We cultured mESCs (2500 cells/100 µl) in 96-well plates with knockout Dulbecco's modified eagle medium (DMEM-KO) and Roswell Park Memorial Institute-1640 (RPMI-1640), both supplemented with 20% ESC grade fetal bovine serum (FBS) and essential factors in the presence of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). mESCs were seeded at a density of 2500 cells/100 µl onto electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers in 96-well plates. The control group comprised mESCs grown on tissue cul- ture plates (TCP) at a density of 2500 cells/100 µl. Differentiation of mESCs into mouse hematopoietic stem cells (mHSCs) was performed by stem cell factor (SCF), interleukin-3 (IL-3), IL-6 and Fms-related tyrosine kinase ligand (Flt3-L) cytokines for both the PCL and TCP groups. We performed an experimental study of mESCs differentiation.

RESULTS

PCL was compared to conventional TCP for survival and differentiation of mESCs to mHSCs. There were significantly more mESCs in the PCL group. Flowcyto- metric analysis revealed differences in hematopoietic differentiation between the PCL and TCP culture systems. There were more CD34+(Sca1+) and CD133+cells subpopulations in the PCL group compared to the conventional TCP culture system.

CONCLUSION

The nanofiber scaffold, as an effective surface, improves survival and differentiation of mESCs into mHSCs compared to gelatin coated TCP. More studies are necessary to understand how the topographical features of electrospun fibers af- fect cell growth and behavior. This can be achieved by designing biomimetic scaffolds for tissue engineering.

The Impact of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Differentiation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Bone marrow microenvironment contains cellular and acellular compartments. The cellular compartment includes hematopoietic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells and some other stromal cell types, while the acellular compartment is composed of scaffold proteins known as the extra cellular matrix. Direct cell-cell contact as well as cytokines secreted by mesenchymal stem cells during coculture of hematopoietic stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells play a critical role in hematopoiesis, and determines the fate of hematopoietic stem cells. Several studies have demonstrated the impact of mesenchymal stem cells on self-renewal, expansion, proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells in vitro, which have shown different and contradictory results. In this paper, we will investigate the effect of mesenchymal stem cells on differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells in vitro.

The Effect of Hypoxia on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Biology

Although physiological and pathological role of hypoxia have been appreciated in mammalians for decades however the cellular biology of hypoxia more clarified in the past 20 years. Discovery of the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1, in the 1990s opened a new window to investigate the mechanisms behind hypoxia. In different cellular contexts HIF-1 activation show variable results by impacting various aspects of cell biology such as cell cycle, apoptosis, differentiation and etc. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are unique cells which take important role in tissue regeneration. They are characterized by self-renewal capacity, multilineage potential, and immunosuppressive property. Like so many kind of cells, hypoxia induces different responses in MSCs by HIF- 1 activation. The activation of this molecule changes the growth, multiplication, differentiation and gene expression profile of MSCs in their niche by a complex of signals. This article briefly discusses the most important effects of hypoxia in growth kinetics, signalling pathways, cytokine secretion profile and expression of chemokine receptors in different conditions.

The Effect of Baicalin as A PPAR Activator on Erythroid Differentiation of CD133(+)Hematopoietic Stem Cells in Umbilical Cord Blood

OBJECTIVE

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a group of nu- clear receptor proteins whose functions as transcription factors regulate gene expres- sions. PPARs play essential roles in the regulation of cellular differentiation, development, and metabolism (carbohydrate, lipid, protein), and tumorigenesis of higher organisms. This study attempts to determine the effect of baicalin, a PPARγ activator, on erythroid differentiation of cluster of differentiation 133(+)(CD133(+)) cord blood hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental study, in order to investigate the effects of the PPARγ agonists baicalin and troglitazone on erythropoiesis, we isolated CD133(+) cells from human umbilical cord blood using the MACS method. Isolated cells were cultured in erythroid-inducing medium with or without various amounts of the two PPARγ activa- tors (baicalin and troglitazone). Erythroid differentiation of CD133(+)cord blood HSCs were assessed using microscopic morphology analysis, flow cytometric analysis of erythroid surface markers transferrin receptor (TfR) and glycophorin A (GPA) and bycolony forming assay.

RESULTS

Microscopic and flow cytometric analysis revealed the erythroid differentiation of CD133(+)cord blood HSCs under applied erythroid inducing conditions. Our flow cytometric data showed that the TfR and GPA positive cell population diminished significantly in the presence of either troglitazone or baicalin. The suppression of erythroid differentiation in response to PPARγ agonists was dose-dependent. Erythroid colony-forming ability of HSC decreased significantly after treatment with both PPARγ agonists but troglitazone had a markedly greater effect.

CONCLUSION

Our results have demonstrated that PPARγ agonists modulate erythroid dif- ferentiation of CD133(+)HSCs, and therefore play an important role in regulation of normal erythropoiesis under physiologic conditions. Thus, considering the availability and applica- tion of this herbal remedy for treatment of a wide range of diseases, the inhibitory effect of baicalin on erythropoiesis should be noted.

Allelic Prevalence of ABO Blood Group Genes in Iranian Azari Population

INTRODUCTION

ABO blood group system is the most important blood group in transfusion and has been widely used in population studies. Several molecular techniques for ABO allele's detection are widely used for distinguishing various alleles of glycosyl transferase locus on chromosome 9.

METHODS

744 randomly selected samples from Azari donors of East Azerbaijan province (Iran) were examined using well-adjusted multiplex allele- specific PCR ABO genotyping technique.

RESULTS

The results were consistent for all individuals. The ABO blood group genotype of 744 healthy Azari blood donors was: 25.8% AA/AO (2), 7.6% AO (1), 1.6% BB, 11.3% B0 (1), 10% AB, 9.3% 0(1)0(1) and 15.3%0(1)0(2). The highest genotype frequency belonged to O01/O02 genotype (15.3%) and the lowest frequency belonged to A101/A102 genotype (0.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

The frequencies of ABO alleles didn't show significant differences between East Azerbaijan province population and that of other areas of the country. Meanwhile, statistical analysis of frequencies of A and B alleles between East Azerbaijan province population and neighbor countries showed significant differences whereas the frequency of allele O between them did not show significant difference (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The frequencies of ABO alleles didn't show significant differences between East Azerbaijan province population and that of other areas of the country. Meanwhile, statistical analysis of frequencies of A and B alleles between East Azerbaijan province population and neighbor countries showed significant differences whereas the frequency of allele O between them did not show significant difference (P>0.05).

Effects of protein conformational changes on separation performance in electrostatic interaction chromatography: Unfolded proteins and PEGylated proteins

As it is important to understand how protein conformational changes affect the separation performance in ion exchange chromatography (IEC), we investigated two model systems, unfolded proteins (lysozyme and bovine serum albumin) with urea and dithiothreitol, and PEGylated proteins (lysozyme attached with polyethyleneglycol molecular weight 5000). Linear gradient elution IEC experiments were carried out and the data were analysed by our model previously presented in order to obtain the binding site value B and the peak salt concentration I(R). Unfolded proteins (bovine serum albumin and lysozyme) with urea and dithiothreitol showed weaker retention and larger binding site values compared with the values for native proteins. Multiple PEGylated lysozyme peaks were separated, and eluted earlier than the native peak appeared. There is a good correlation between B and I(R) for PEGylated lysozymes.