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Hermans F, Hasevoets S, Vankelecom H, Bronckaers A, Lambrichts I. From Pluripotent Stem Cells to Organoids and Bioprinting: Recent Advances in Dental Epithelium and Ameloblast Models to Study Tooth Biology and Regeneration. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024:10.1007/s12015-024-10702-w. [PMID: 38498295 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10702-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Ameloblasts are the specialized dental epithelial cell type responsible for enamel formation. Following completion of enamel development in humans, ameloblasts are lost and biological repair or regeneration of enamel is not possible. In the past, in vitro models to study dental epithelium and ameloblast biology were limited to freshly isolated primary cells or immortalized cell lines, both with limited translational potential. In recent years, large strides have been made with the development of induced pluripotent stem cell and organoid models of this essential dental lineage - both enabling modeling of human dental epithelium. Upon induction with several different signaling factors (such as transforming growth factor and bone morphogenetic proteins) these models display elevated expression of ameloblast markers and enamel matrix proteins. The advent of 3D bioprinting, and its potential combination with these advanced cellular tools, is poised to revolutionize the field - and its potential for tissue engineering, regenerative and personalized medicine. As the advancements in these technologies are rapidly evolving, we evaluate the current state-of-the-art regarding in vitro cell culture models of dental epithelium and ameloblast lineage with a particular focus toward their applicability for translational tissue engineering and regenerative/personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Hermans
- Department of Cardiology and Organ Systems (COS), Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, 3590, Belgium.
| | - Steffie Hasevoets
- Department of Cardiology and Organ Systems (COS), Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, 3590, Belgium
| | - Hugo Vankelecom
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Department of Cardiology and Organ Systems (COS), Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, 3590, Belgium
| | - Ivo Lambrichts
- Department of Cardiology and Organ Systems (COS), Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, 3590, Belgium.
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Vanherle S, Guns J, Loix M, Mingneau F, Dierckx T, Wouters F, Kuipers K, Vangansewinkel T, Wolfs E, Lins PP, Bronckaers A, Lambrichts I, Dehairs J, Swinnen JV, Verberk SGS, Haidar M, Hendriks JJA, Bogie JFJ. Extracellular vesicle-associated cholesterol supports the regenerative functions of macrophages in the brain. J Extracell Vesicles 2023; 12:e12394. [PMID: 38124258 PMCID: PMC10733568 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages play major roles in the pathophysiology of various neurological disorders, being involved in seemingly opposing processes such as lesion progression and resolution. Yet, the molecular mechanisms that drive their harmful and benign effector functions remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by repair-associated macrophages (RAMs) enhance remyelination ex vivo and in vivo by promoting the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). Guided by lipidomic analysis and applying cholesterol depletion and enrichment strategies, we find that EVs released by RAMs show markedly elevated cholesterol levels and that cholesterol abundance controls their reparative impact on OPC maturation and remyelination. Mechanistically, EV-associated cholesterol was found to promote OPC differentiation predominantly through direct membrane fusion. Collectively, our findings highlight that EVs are essential for cholesterol trafficking in the brain and that changes in cholesterol abundance support the reparative impact of EVs released by macrophages in the brain, potentially having broad implications for therapeutic strategies aimed at promoting repair in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Vanherle
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research InstituteHasselt UniversityDiepenbeekBelgium
- University MS Center HasseltPeltBelgium
| | - Jeroen Guns
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research InstituteHasselt UniversityDiepenbeekBelgium
- University MS Center HasseltPeltBelgium
| | - Melanie Loix
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research InstituteHasselt UniversityDiepenbeekBelgium
- University MS Center HasseltPeltBelgium
| | - Fleur Mingneau
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research InstituteHasselt UniversityDiepenbeekBelgium
- University MS Center HasseltPeltBelgium
| | - Tess Dierckx
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research InstituteHasselt UniversityDiepenbeekBelgium
- University MS Center HasseltPeltBelgium
| | - Flore Wouters
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research InstituteHasselt UniversityDiepenbeekBelgium
- University MS Center HasseltPeltBelgium
| | - Koen Kuipers
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research InstituteHasselt UniversityDiepenbeekBelgium
- University MS Center HasseltPeltBelgium
| | - Tim Vangansewinkel
- Department of Cardio and Organs Systems, Biomedical Research InstituteHasselt UniversityDiepenbeekBelgium
- VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of NeurobiologyUniversity of LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Esther Wolfs
- Department of Cardio and Organs Systems, Biomedical Research InstituteHasselt UniversityDiepenbeekBelgium
| | - Paula Pincela Lins
- Department of Cardio and Organs Systems, Biomedical Research InstituteHasselt UniversityDiepenbeekBelgium
- Health DepartmentFlemish Institute for Technological ResearchMolBelgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Department of Cardio and Organs Systems, Biomedical Research InstituteHasselt UniversityDiepenbeekBelgium
| | - Ivo Lambrichts
- Department of Cardio and Organs Systems, Biomedical Research InstituteHasselt UniversityDiepenbeekBelgium
| | - Jonas Dehairs
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism and Cancer, Leuven Cancer InstituteUniversity of LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Johannes V. Swinnen
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism and Cancer, Leuven Cancer InstituteUniversity of LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Sanne G. S. Verberk
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research InstituteHasselt UniversityDiepenbeekBelgium
- University MS Center HasseltPeltBelgium
| | - Mansour Haidar
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research InstituteHasselt UniversityDiepenbeekBelgium
- University MS Center HasseltPeltBelgium
| | - Jerome J. A. Hendriks
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research InstituteHasselt UniversityDiepenbeekBelgium
- University MS Center HasseltPeltBelgium
| | - Jeroen F. J. Bogie
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research InstituteHasselt UniversityDiepenbeekBelgium
- University MS Center HasseltPeltBelgium
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Nelissen E, Schepers M, Ponsaerts L, Foulquier S, Bronckaers A, Vanmierlo T, Sandner P, Prickaerts J. Soluble guanylyl cyclase: A novel target for the treatment of vascular cognitive impairment? Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106970. [PMID: 37884069 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) describes neurodegenerative disorders characterized by a vascular component. Pathologically, it involves decreased cerebral blood flow (CBF), white matter lesions, endothelial dysfunction, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) impairments. Molecularly, oxidative stress and inflammation are two of the major underlying mechanisms. Nitric oxide (NO) physiologically stimulates soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) to induce cGMP production. However, under pathological conditions, NO seems to be at the basis of oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to a decrease in sGC activity and expression. The native form of sGC needs a ferrous heme group bound in order to be sensitive to NO (Fe(II)sGC). Oxidation of sGC leads to the conversion of ferrous to ferric heme (Fe(III)sGC) and even heme-loss (apo-sGC). Both Fe(III)sGC and apo-sGC are insensitive to NO, and the enzyme is therefore inactive. sGC activity can be enhanced either by targeting the NO-sensitive native sGC (Fe(II)sGC), or the inactive, oxidized sGC (Fe(III)sGC) and the heme-free apo-sGC. For this purpose, sGC stimulators acting on Fe(II)sGC and sGC activators acting on Fe(III)sGC/apo-sGC have been developed. These sGC agonists have shown their efficacy in cardiovascular diseases by restoring the physiological and protective functions of the NO-sGC-cGMP pathway, including the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation, and improvement of vascular functioning. Yet, only very little research has been performed within the cerebrovascular system and VCI pathology when focusing on sGC modulation and its potential protective mechanisms on vascular and neural function. Therefore, within this review, the potential of sGC as a target for treating VCI is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellis Nelissen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Melissa Schepers
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands; Neuro-immune connect and repair lab, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium
| | - Laura Ponsaerts
- Neuro-immune connect and repair lab, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium; Department of Cardio & Organ Systems (COS), Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Sébastien Foulquier
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), School for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Department of Cardio & Organ Systems (COS), Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands; Neuro-immune connect and repair lab, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium
| | - Peter Sandner
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany; Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Lambrichts I, Wolfs E, Bronckaers A, Gervois P, Vangansewinkel T. The Effect of Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin on Central and Peripheral Nervous System Neurons-Implications for Biomaterial Applicability. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14314. [PMID: 37762617 PMCID: PMC10532231 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) is a second-generation platelet concentrate that is prepared directly from the patient's own blood. It is widely used in the field of regenerative medicine, and to better understand its clinical applicability we aimed to further explore the biological properties and effects of L-PRF on cells from the central and peripheral nervous system. To this end, L-PRF was prepared from healthy human donors, and confocal, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy as well as secretome analysis were performed on these clots. In addition, functional assays were completed to determine the effect of L-PRF on neural stem cells (NSCs), primary cortical neurons (pCNs), and peripheral dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. We observed that L-PRF consists of a dense but porous fibrin network, containing leukocytes and aggregates of activated platelets that are distributed throughout the clot. Antibody array and ELISA confirmed that it is a reservoir for a plethora of growth factors. Key molecules that are known to have an effect on neuronal cell functions such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) were slowly released over time from the clots. Next, we found that the L-PRF secretome had no significant effect on the proliferative and metabolic activity of NSCs, but it did act as a chemoattractant and improved the migration of these CNS-derived stem cells. More importantly, L-PRF growth factors had a detrimental effect on the survival of pCNs, and consequently, also interfered with their neurite outgrowth. In contrast, we found a positive effect on peripheral DRG neurons, and L-PRF growth factors improved their survival and significantly stimulated the outgrowth and branching of their neurites. Taken together, our study demonstrates the positive effects of the L-PRF secretome on peripheral neurons and supports its use in regenerative medicine but care should be taken when using it for CNS applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Lambrichts
- Cardio and Organ Systems, Biomedical Research Institute, UHasselt—Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (E.W.); (A.B.); (P.G.)
| | - Esther Wolfs
- Cardio and Organ Systems, Biomedical Research Institute, UHasselt—Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (E.W.); (A.B.); (P.G.)
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Cardio and Organ Systems, Biomedical Research Institute, UHasselt—Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (E.W.); (A.B.); (P.G.)
| | - Pascal Gervois
- Cardio and Organ Systems, Biomedical Research Institute, UHasselt—Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (E.W.); (A.B.); (P.G.)
| | - Tim Vangansewinkel
- Cardio and Organ Systems, Biomedical Research Institute, UHasselt—Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (E.W.); (A.B.); (P.G.)
- VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Ems G, Severino L, Nisolle JF, Nicaise C, Lambrichts I, LoMonaco M, Bronckaers A, Hontoir F, Vandeweerd JM. Volumetry of ovine incisors dental pulp for further regenerative therapy. Anat Histol Embryol 2023; 52:770-777. [PMID: 37278128 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are used for regenerative therapy. Dental pulp MSCs make extracted wisdom teeth a useful resource in humans. Preclinical validation of regenerative therapies requires large animal models such as the sheep. Since stem cells can be retrieved from the dental pulp of ovine incisors, the best age to extract a maximal volume of dental pulp needs to be defined. The objective of this ex vivo study was to quantify incisors dental pulp volume, in sheep of various age. Three jaws were dedicated to histology (one per age group); the others were imaged with a computed tomography scanner [3 years-old (n = 9), 4 (n = 3) and 6 (n = 5)]. The incisors dental pulp volume was measured after 3D reconstruction. Multiple linear regression showed that dental pulp volume of ovine incisors decreases with age (β-estimate = -3.3; p < 0.0001) and teeth position from the more central to the more lateral (β-estimate = -4.9; p = 0.0009). Weight was not a relevant variable in the regression model. The dental pulp volume ranged from 36.7 to 19.6 mm3 in 3-year-old sheep, from 23.6 to 11.3 in 4-year-old sheep, and from 19.4 to 11.5 in 6-year-old sheep. The pulp volume of the most central teeth (first intermediate) was significantly higher than the most lateral teeth (corner). Haematoxylin-Eosin-Safran of the whole incisors, and of isolated dental pulps demonstrated a similar morphology to that in humans. The first intermediate incisor of 3-year-old sheep should be selected preferentially in preclinical research to retrieve the highest volume of dental pulp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Ems
- URVI (Unité de Recherche Vétérinaire Intégrée), Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), Université de Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Leandra Severino
- URVI (Unité de Recherche Vétérinaire Intégrée), Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), Université de Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Jean-François Nisolle
- CHU UCL NAMUR (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire-Université Catholique de Louvain-Namur), Godinne, Belgium
| | - Charles Nicaise
- LNR (Laboratoire Neurodégénérescence et Régénération), Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), Université de Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Ivo Lambrichts
- Cardio & organ systems, BIOMED, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Melissa LoMonaco
- Cardio & organ systems, BIOMED, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Cardio & organ systems, BIOMED, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Fanny Hontoir
- URVI (Unité de Recherche Vétérinaire Intégrée), Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), Université de Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Jean-Michel Vandeweerd
- URVI (Unité de Recherche Vétérinaire Intégrée), Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), Université de Namur, Namur, Belgium
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Hermans D, Rodriguez-Mogeda C, Kemps H, Bronckaers A, de Vries HE, Broux B. Nectins and Nectin-like molecules drive vascular development and barrier function. Angiogenesis 2023; 26:349-362. [PMID: 36867287 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-023-09871-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis, barriergenesis, and immune cell migration are all key physiological events that are dependent on the functional characteristics of the vascular endothelium. The protein family of Nectins and Nectin-like molecules (Necls) is a group of cell adhesion molecules that are widely expressed by different endothelial cell types. The family includes four Nectins (Nectin-1 to -4) and five Necls (Necl-1 to -5) that either interact with each other by forming homo- and heterotypical interactions or bind to ligands expressed within the immune system. Nectin and Necl proteins are mainly described to play a role in cancer immunology and in the development of the nervous system. However, Nectins and Necls are underestimated players in the formation of blood vessels, their barrier properties, and in guiding transendothelial migration of leukocytes. This review summarizes their role in supporting the endothelial barrier through their function in angiogenesis, cell-cell junction formation, and immune cell migration. In addition, this review provides a detailed overview of the expression patterns of Nectins and Necls in the vascular endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doryssa Hermans
- Department of Immunology and Infection, UHasselt, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Carla Rodriguez-Mogeda
- Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, MS Center Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hannelore Kemps
- Department of Cardio & Organ Systems, UHasselt, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Diepenbeek, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Department of Cardio & Organ Systems, UHasselt, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Helga E de Vries
- Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, MS Center Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bieke Broux
- Department of Immunology and Infection, UHasselt, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Diepenbeek, Belgium.
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Moya-Gómez A, Font LP, Burlacu A, Alpizar YA, Cardonne MM, Brône B, Bronckaers A. Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Stimulation (ELF-EMS) Improves Neurological Outcome and Reduces Microglial Reactivity in a Rodent Model of Global Transient Stroke. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11117. [PMID: 37446295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic stimulation (ELF-EMS) was demonstrated to be significantly beneficial in rodent models of permanent stroke. The mechanism involved enhanced cerebrovascular perfusion and endothelial cell nitric oxide production. However, the possible effect on the neuroinflammatory response and its efficacy in reperfusion stroke models remains unclear. To evaluate ELF-EMS effectiveness and possible immunomodulatory response, we studied neurological outcome, behavior, neuronal survival, and glial reactivity in a rodent model of global transient stroke treated with 13.5 mT/60 Hz. Next, we studied microglial cells migration and, in organotypic hippocampal brain slices, we assessed neuronal survival and microglia reactivity. ELF-EMS improved the neurological score and behavior in the ischemia-reperfusion model. It also improved neuronal survival and decreased glia reactivity in the hippocampus, with microglia showing the first signs of treatment effect. In vitro ELF-EMS decreased (Lipopolysaccharide) LPS and ATP-induced microglia migration in both scratch and transwell assay. Additionally, in hippocampal brain slices, reduced microglial reactivity, improved neuronal survival, and modulation of inflammation-related markers was observed. Our study is the first to show that an EMF treatment has a direct impact on microglial migration. Furthermore, ELF-EMS has beneficial effects in an ischemia/reperfusion model, which indicates that this treatment has clinical potential as a new treatment against ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Moya-Gómez
- BIOMED, UHasselt, Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Facultad de Ingeniería Informática, Telecomunicaciones y Biomédica, Universidad de Oriente, Santiago de Cuba 90 400, Cuba
| | - Lena Pérez Font
- Centro Nacional de Electromagnetismo Aplicado, Universidad de Oriente, Santiago de Cuba 90 400, Cuba
| | | | | | - Miriam Marañón Cardonne
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Facultad de Ingeniería Informática, Telecomunicaciones y Biomédica, Universidad de Oriente, Santiago de Cuba 90 400, Cuba
| | - Bert Brône
- BIOMED, UHasselt, Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Facultad de Ingeniería Informática, Telecomunicaciones y Biomédica, Universidad de Oriente, Santiago de Cuba 90 400, Cuba
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8
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Pincela Lins PM, Pirlet E, Szymonik M, Bronckaers A, Nelissen I. Manufacture of extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stromal cells. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:965-981. [PMID: 36750391 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are a promising therapy for various diseases ranging from ischemic stroke to wound healing and cancer. Their therapeutic effects are mainly mediated by secretome-derived paracrine factors, with extracellular vesicles (EVs) proven to play a key role. This has led to promising research on the potential of MSC-EVs as regenerative, off-the-shelf therapeutic agents. However, the translation of MSC-EVs into the clinic is hampered by the poor scalability of their production. Recently, new advanced methods have been developed to upscale MSC cultivation and EV production yields, ranging from new cell culture devices to priming procedures. This review gives an overview of these innovative strategies for manufacturing MSC-EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula M Pincela Lins
- Hasselt University, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Health Department, Boeretang, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Elke Pirlet
- Hasselt University, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Michal Szymonik
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Health Department, Boeretang, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Hasselt University, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Inge Nelissen
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Health Department, Boeretang, 2400 Mol, Belgium.
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Zong C, Bronckaers A, Willems G, He H, Cadenas de Llano-Pérula M. Nanomaterials for Periodontal Tissue Regeneration: Progress, Challenges and Future Perspectives. J Funct Biomater 2023; 14:290. [PMID: 37367254 DOI: 10.3390/jfb14060290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioactive nanomaterials are increasingly being applied in oral health research. Specifically, they have shown great potential for periodontal tissue regeneration and have substantially improved oral health in translational and clinical applications. However, their limitations and side effects still need to be explored and elucidated. This article aims to review the recent advancements in nanomaterials applied for periodontal tissue regeneration and to discuss future research directions in this field, especially focusing on research using nanomaterials to improve oral health. The biomimetic and physiochemical properties of nanomaterials such as metals and polymer composites are described in detail, including their effects on the regeneration of alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, cementum and gingiva. Finally, the biomedical safety issues of their application as regenerative materials are updated, with a discussion about their complications and future perspectives. Although the applications of bioactive nanomaterials in the oral cavity are still at an initial stage, and pose numerous challenges, recent research suggests that they are a promising alternative in periodontal tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zong
- Department of Oral Health Sciences-Orthodontics, University of Leuven (KU Leuven) and Dentistry, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Hasselt, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Guy Willems
- Department of Oral Health Sciences-Orthodontics, University of Leuven (KU Leuven) and Dentistry, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hong He
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
- Department of Orthodontics, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
- Center for Dentofacial Development and Sleep Medicine, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Maria Cadenas de Llano-Pérula
- Department of Oral Health Sciences-Orthodontics, University of Leuven (KU Leuven) and Dentistry, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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10
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Hermans D, Rodriguez-Mogeda C, Kemps H, Bronckaers A, de Vries HE, Broux B. Correction: Nectins and Nectin-like molecules drive vascular development and barrier function. Angiogenesis 2023:10.1007/s10456-023-09879-4. [PMID: 37119333 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-023-09879-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Doryssa Hermans
- Department of Immunology and Infection, UHasselt, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Carla Rodriguez-Mogeda
- Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, MS Center Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hannelore Kemps
- Department of Cardio & Organ Systems, UHasselt, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Diepenbeek, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Department of Cardio & Organ Systems, UHasselt, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Helga E de Vries
- Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, MS Center Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bieke Broux
- Department of Immunology and Infection, UHasselt, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Diepenbeek, Belgium.
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11
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Zong C, Van Holm W, Bronckaers A, Zhao Z, Čokić S, Akta MK, Castro AB, Van Meerbeek B, Braem A, Willems G, de Llano-Pérula MC. Biomimetic Periodontal Ligament Transplantation Activated by Gold Nanoparticles Protects Alveolar Bone. Adv Healthc Mater 2023:e2300328. [PMID: 37114680 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Stem cell therapy might be a promising method to stimulate alveolar bone regeneration, which is currently a major clinical challenge. However, its therapeutic features largely depend on pretreatment and transplantation preparation. Herein, a novel biomimetic periodontal ligament transplantation composed of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) pretreated with gold nanocomplexes (AuNCs) and embedded in a type-I collagen hydrogel scaffold is developed to protect alveolar bone from resorption. AuNCs were readily absorbed by primary hPDLSCs, with limited cytotoxicity, and promoted osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs effectively in vitro. In addition, the AuNCs-induced hPDLSCs were encapsulated with type-I collagen hydrogel scaffold to mimic their native physiological niche, and then transplanted into a rat model of alveolar bone resorption. Both micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and immunohistochemical assays demonstrated that alveolar bone loss was significantly prevented. Furthermore, the underlying therapeutic mechanism was elucidated, in which transplantation-activated osteogenesis was associated with autophagy, which enabled bone remodeling and regeneration. This study provides critical insight into the role of PDLSCs in bone homeostasis and proposes an innovative AuNCs-based strategy for stem cell therapy in bone regeneration. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zong
- KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Department of Oral Health Sciences, Orthodontics and UZ Leuven (University Hospitals Leuven), Dentistry, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wannes Van Holm
- KU Leuven, Department of Oral Health Sciences, Periodontology & Oral Microbiology and UZ Leuven, Dentistry, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- University of Hasselt, Faculty of Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Zuodong Zhao
- KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Department of Oral Health Sciences, Orthodontics and UZ Leuven (University Hospitals Leuven), Dentistry, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stevan Čokić
- Department of Oral Health Sciences-BIOMAT, University of Leuven (KU Leuven) and UZ Leuven, Dentistry, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Merve Kübra Akta
- KU Leuven, Department of Materials Engineering (MTM), Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Research Group, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ana Belén Castro
- KU Leuven, Department of Oral Health Sciences, Periodontology & Oral Microbiology and UZ Leuven, Dentistry, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Van Meerbeek
- Department of Oral Health Sciences-BIOMAT, University of Leuven (KU Leuven) and UZ Leuven, Dentistry, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annabel Braem
- KU Leuven, Department of Materials Engineering (MTM), Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Research Group, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guy Willems
- KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Department of Oral Health Sciences, Orthodontics and UZ Leuven (University Hospitals Leuven), Dentistry, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maria Cadenas de Llano-Pérula
- KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Department of Oral Health Sciences, Orthodontics and UZ Leuven (University Hospitals Leuven), Dentistry, Leuven, Belgium
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12
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Hermans F, Hemeryck L, Bueds C, Torres Pereiro M, Hasevoets S, Kobayashi H, Lambrechts D, Lambrichts I, Bronckaers A, Vankelecom H. Organoids from mouse molar and incisor as new tools to study tooth-specific biology and development. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:1166-1181. [PMID: 37084723 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Organoid models provide powerful tools to study tissue biology and development in a dish. Presently, organoids have not yet been developed from mouse tooth. Here, we established tooth organoids (TOs) from early-postnatal mouse molar and incisor, which are long-term expandable, express dental epithelium stem cell (DESC) markers, and recapitulate key properties of the dental epithelium in a tooth-type-specific manner. TOs display in vitro differentiation capacity toward ameloblast-resembling cells, even more pronounced in assembloids in which dental mesenchymal (pulp) stem cells are combined with the organoid DESCs. Single-cell transcriptomics supports this developmental potential and reveals co-differentiation into junctional epithelium- and odontoblast-/cementoblast-like cells in the assembloids. Finally, TOs survive and show ameloblast-resembling differentiation also in vivo. The developed organoid models provide new tools to study mouse tooth-type-specific biology and development and gain deeper molecular and functional insights that may eventually help to achieve future human biological tooth repair and replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Hermans
- Department of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lara Hemeryck
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Celine Bueds
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marc Torres Pereiro
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steffie Hasevoets
- Department of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Hiroto Kobayashi
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Science, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Diether Lambrechts
- Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ivo Lambrichts
- Department of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Department of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Hugo Vankelecom
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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13
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Erens C, Van Broeckhoven J, Bronckaers A, Lemmens S, Hendrix S. The Dark Side of an Essential Amino Acid: L-Arginine in Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2023; 40:820-832. [PMID: 36503258 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2022.0271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
L-arginine is a semi-essential amino acid involved in a variety of physiological processes in the central nervous system (CNS). It is essential in the survival and functionality of neuronal cells. Nonetheless, L-arginine also has a dark side; it potentiates neuroinflammation and nitric oxide (NO) production, leading to secondary damage. Therefore, modulating the L-arginine metabolism is challenging because both detrimental and beneficial effects are dependent on this semi-essential amino acid. After spinal cord injury (SCI), L-arginine plays a crucial role in trauma-induced neuroinflammation and regenerative processes via the two key enzymes: nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and arginase (ARG). Studies on L-arginine metabolism using ARG and NOS inhibitors highlighted the conflicting role of this semi-essential amino acid. Similarly, L-arginine supplementation resulted in both negative and positive outcomes after SCI. However, new data indicate that arginine depletion substantially improves spinal cord regeneration after injury. Here, we review the challenging characteristics of L-arginine metabolism as a therapeutic target after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Erens
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute BIOMED, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Jana Van Broeckhoven
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute BIOMED, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Department of Cardio and Organ Systems, Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute BIOMED, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Stefanie Lemmens
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute BIOMED, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Sven Hendrix
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute BIOMED, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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14
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Hermans F, Bueds C, Hemeryck L, Lambrichts I, Bronckaers A, Vankelecom H. Establishment of inclusive single-cell transcriptome atlases from mouse and human tooth as powerful resource for dental research. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1021459. [PMID: 36299483 PMCID: PMC9590651 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1021459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-cell (sc) omics has become a powerful tool to unravel a tissue’s cell landscape across health and disease. In recent years, sc transcriptomic interrogation has been applied to a variety of tooth tissues of both human and mouse, which has considerably advanced our fundamental understanding of tooth biology. Now, an overarching and integrated bird’s-view of the human and mouse tooth sc transcriptomic landscape would be a powerful multi-faceted tool for dental research, enabling further decipherment of tooth biology and development through constantly progressing state-of-the-art bioinformatic methods as well as the exploration of novel hypothesis-driven research. To this aim, we re-assessed and integrated recently published scRNA-sequencing datasets of different dental tissue types (healthy and diseased) from human and mouse to establish inclusive tooth sc atlases, and applied the consolidated data map to explore its power. For mouse tooth, we identified novel candidate transcriptional regulators of the ameloblast lineage. Regarding human tooth, we provide support for a developmental connection, not advanced before, between specific epithelial compartments. Taken together, we established inclusive mouse and human tooth sc atlases as powerful tools to potentiate innovative research into tooth biology, development and disease. The maps are provided online in an accessible format for interactive exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Hermans
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Stem Cell Institute, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
- UHasselt-Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Department of Cardio and Organ Systems, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Florian Hermans, ; Hugo Vankelecom,
| | - Celine Bueds
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Stem Cell Institute, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lara Hemeryck
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Stem Cell Institute, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ivo Lambrichts
- UHasselt-Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Department of Cardio and Organ Systems, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- UHasselt-Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Department of Cardio and Organ Systems, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Hugo Vankelecom
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Stem Cell Institute, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Florian Hermans, ; Hugo Vankelecom,
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15
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Kemps H, Dessy C, Dumas L, Sonveaux P, Alders L, Van Broeckhoven J, Font LP, Lambrichts S, Foulquier S, Hendrix S, Brône B, Lemmens R, Bronckaers A. Extremely low frequency electromagnetic stimulation reduces ischemic stroke volume by improving cerebral collateral blood flow. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2022; 42:979-996. [PMID: 35209740 PMCID: PMC9125494 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x221084410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Extremely low frequency electromagnetic stimulation (ELF-EMS) has been considered as a neuroprotective therapy for ischemic stroke based on its capacity to induce nitric oxide (NO) signaling. Here, we examined whether ELF-EMS reduces ischemic stroke volume by stimulating cerebral collateral perfusion. Moreover, the pathway responsible for ELF-EMS-induced NO production was investigated. ELF-EMS diminished infarct growth following experimental stroke in collateral-rich C57BL/6 mice, but not in collateral-scarce BALB/c mice, suggesting that decreased lesion sizes after ELF-EMS results from improved collateral blood flow. In vitro analysis demonstrated that ELF-EMS increased endothelial NO levels by stimulating the Akt-/eNOS pathway. Furthermore, ELF-EMS augmented perfusion in the hind limb of healthy mice, which was mediated by enhanced Akt-/eNOS signaling. In healthy C57BL/6 mouse brains, ELF-EMS treatment increased cerebral blood flow in a NOS-dependent manner, whereas no improvement in cerebrovascular perfusion was observed in collateral-sparse BALB/c mice. In addition, ELF-EMS enhanced cerebral blood flow in both the contra- and ipsilateral hemispheres of C57BL/6 mice subjected to experimental ischemic stroke. In conclusion, we showed that ELF-EMS enhances (cerebro)vascular perfusion by stimulating NO production, indicating that ELF-EMS could be an attractive therapeutic strategy for acute ischemic stroke by improving cerebral collateral blood flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannelore Kemps
- Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University (UHasselt), Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Chantal Dessy
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laurent Dumas
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Sonveaux
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lotte Alders
- Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University (UHasselt), Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Jana Van Broeckhoven
- Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University (UHasselt), Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Lena Perez Font
- Centro Nacional de Electromagnetismo Aplicado (CNEA), Universidad de Oriente, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
| | - Sara Lambrichts
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sébastien Foulquier
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,CARIM, School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sven Hendrix
- Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University (UHasselt), Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bert Brône
- Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University (UHasselt), Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Robin Lemmens
- KU Leuven, - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, Leuven, Belgium.,VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University (UHasselt), Diepenbeek, Belgium
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16
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Yshii L, Pasciuto E, Bielefeld P, Mascali L, Lemaitre P, Marino M, Dooley J, Kouser L, Verschoren S, Lagou V, Kemps H, Gervois P, de Boer A, Burton OT, Wahis J, Verhaert J, Tareen SHK, Roca CP, Singh K, Whyte CE, Kerstens A, Callaerts-Vegh Z, Poovathingal S, Prezzemolo T, Wierda K, Dashwood A, Xie J, Van Wonterghem E, Creemers E, Aloulou M, Gsell W, Abiega O, Munck S, Vandenbroucke RE, Bronckaers A, Lemmens R, De Strooper B, Van Den Bosch L, Himmelreich U, Fitzsimons CP, Holt MG, Liston A. Astrocyte-targeted gene delivery of interleukin 2 specifically increases brain-resident regulatory T cell numbers and protects against pathological neuroinflammation. Nat Immunol 2022; 23:878-891. [PMID: 35618831 PMCID: PMC9174055 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-022-01208-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The ability of immune-modulating biologics to prevent and reverse pathology has transformed recent clinical practice. Full utility in the neuroinflammation space, however, requires identification of both effective targets for local immune modulation and a delivery system capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. The recent identification and characterization of a small population of regulatory T (Treg) cells resident in the brain presents one such potential therapeutic target. Here, we identified brain interleukin 2 (IL-2) levels as a limiting factor for brain-resident Treg cells. We developed a gene-delivery approach for astrocytes, with a small-molecule on-switch to allow temporal control, and enhanced production in reactive astrocytes to spatially direct delivery to inflammatory sites. Mice with brain-specific IL-2 delivery were protected in traumatic brain injury, stroke and multiple sclerosis models, without impacting the peripheral immune system. These results validate brain-specific IL-2 gene delivery as effective protection against neuroinflammation, and provide a versatile platform for delivery of diverse biologics to neuroinflammatory patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Yshii
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven - Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Emanuela Pasciuto
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven - Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pascal Bielefeld
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Loriana Mascali
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pierre Lemaitre
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marika Marino
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven - Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - James Dooley
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Lubna Kouser
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Stijn Verschoren
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven - Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vasiliki Lagou
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hannelore Kemps
- Cardio & Organ Systems (COST), Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Pascal Gervois
- Cardio & Organ Systems (COST), Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Antina de Boer
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven - Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Oliver T Burton
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jérôme Wahis
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven - Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jens Verhaert
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven - Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Samar H K Tareen
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Carlos P Roca
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kailash Singh
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Carly E Whyte
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Axelle Kerstens
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven - Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB Bio-Imaging Core, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - Teresa Prezzemolo
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Keimpe Wierda
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven - Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Electrophysiology Expertise Unit, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Amy Dashwood
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Junhua Xie
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elien Van Wonterghem
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eline Creemers
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven - Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Electrophysiology Expertise Unit, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Meryem Aloulou
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory diseases (INFINITY), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS UMR 5051, Toulouse, France
| | - Willy Gsell
- KU Leuven, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Biomedical MRI, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Oihane Abiega
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Munck
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven - Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB Bio-Imaging Core, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Roosmarijn E Vandenbroucke
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Cardio & Organ Systems (COST), Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Robin Lemmens
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven - Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium
- University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart De Strooper
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven - Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium
- Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven - Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Uwe Himmelreich
- KU Leuven, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Biomedical MRI, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carlos P Fitzsimons
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Matthew G Holt
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.
- KU Leuven - Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium.
- Instituto de Investigaçāo e Inovaçāo em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Adrian Liston
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Leuven, Belgium.
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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17
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Hemeryck L, Lambrichts I, Bronckaers A, Vankelecom H. Establishing Organoids from Human Tooth as a Powerful Tool toward Mechanistic Research and Regenerative Therapy. J Vis Exp 2022. [DOI: 10.3791/63671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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18
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Zong C, Bronckaers A, Vande Velde G, Willems G, Cadenas de Llano‐Pérula M. In Vivo Micro-Computerized Tomography Tracking of Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells Labeled with Gold Nanocomplexes. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2101133. [PMID: 34704382 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gold nanocomplexes have been proposed as contrast agents for computerized tomography (CT) and cell tracking, which is especially useful in stem cell therapy. However, their potential for long-term in vivo cell detection is still unknown. This study proposes an optimized approach to labeling human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) with gold nanocomplexes to evaluate their detection with micro-CT after transplantation at four different rat tissues. The gold nanocomplexes of 0.05 mg mL-1 do not affect cell viability nor osteogenic differentiation capacity, but render fluorescent and radiopaque hPDLSCs. Excellent linear correlation with the number of labeled cells is shown over a wide range (r = 0.99, P < 0.01), with a detection limit of ≈1.2 × 103 cells/µL. In vivo, strong, and durable detection of transplanted labeled cells within 5 days at all investigated areas is seen by micro-CT and immunohistochemical assay. This approach confirms the potential of gold nanocomplexes in longitudinal in vivo cell tracking, which may facilitate their application in CT image-guided interventions commonly used in oromaxillofacial or systemic applications of stem cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zong
- Department of Oral Health Sciences‐Orthodontics KU Leuven and Dentistry University Hospitals Leuven Leuven 3000 Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Biomedical Research Institute Faculty of Life Sciences University of Hasselt Diepenbeek 3590 Belgium
| | - Greetje Vande Velde
- Biomedical MRI/Molecular Small Animal Imaging Center (MoSAIC) KU Leuven Leuven 3000 Belgium
| | - Guy Willems
- Department of Oral Health Sciences‐Orthodontics KU Leuven and Dentistry University Hospitals Leuven Leuven 3000 Belgium
| | - Maria Cadenas de Llano‐Pérula
- Department of Oral Health Sciences‐Orthodontics KU Leuven and Dentistry University Hospitals Leuven Leuven 3000 Belgium
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19
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Hermans F, Hemeryck L, Lambrichts I, Bronckaers A, Vankelecom H. Intertwined Signaling Pathways Governing Tooth Development: A Give-and-Take Between Canonical Wnt and Shh. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:758203. [PMID: 34778267 PMCID: PMC8586510 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.758203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Teeth play essential roles in life. Their development relies on reciprocal interactions between the ectoderm-derived dental epithelium and the underlying neural crest-originated mesenchyme. This odontogenic process serves as a prototype model for the development of ectodermal appendages. In the mouse, developing teeth go through distinct morphological phases that are tightly controlled by epithelial signaling centers. Crucial molecular regulators of odontogenesis include the evolutionarily conserved Wnt, BMP, FGF and sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathways. These signaling modules do not act on their own, but are closely intertwined during tooth development, thereby outlining the path to be taken by specific cell populations including the resident dental stem cells. Recently, pivotal Wnt-Shh interaction and feedback loops have been uncovered during odontogenesis, showing conservation in other developing ectodermal appendages. This review provides an integrated overview of the interplay between canonical Wnt and Shh throughout mouse tooth formation stages, extending from the initiation of dental placode to the fully formed adult tooth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Hermans
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Stem Cell Institute, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium.,Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Department of Cardio and Organ Systems, UHasselt-Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Lara Hemeryck
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Stem Cell Institute, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ivo Lambrichts
- Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Department of Cardio and Organ Systems, UHasselt-Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Department of Cardio and Organ Systems, UHasselt-Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Hugo Vankelecom
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Stem Cell Institute, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
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20
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Moya Gómez A, Font LP, Brône B, Bronckaers A. Electromagnetic Field as a Treatment for Cerebral Ischemic Stroke. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:742596. [PMID: 34557522 PMCID: PMC8453690 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.742596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral stroke is a leading cause of death and adult-acquired disability worldwide. To this date, treatment options are limited; hence, the search for new therapeutic approaches continues. Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) affect a wide variety of biological processes and accumulating evidence shows their potential as a treatment for ischemic stroke. Based on their characteristics, they can be divided into stationary, pulsed, and sinusoidal EMF. The aim of this review is to provide an extensive literature overview ranging from in vitro to even clinical studies within the field of ischemic stroke of all EMF types. A thorough comparison between EMF types and their effects is provided, as well as an overview of the signal pathways activated in cell types relevant for ischemic stroke such as neurons, microglia, astrocytes, and endothelial cells. We also discuss which steps have to be taken to improve their therapeutic efficacy in the frame of the clinical translation of this promising therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Moya Gómez
- UHasselt Hasselt University, BIOMED, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Telecommunications, Informatics and Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Oriente, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
| | - Lena Pérez Font
- Centro Nacional de Electromagnetismo Aplicado, Universidad de Oriente, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
| | - Bert Brône
- UHasselt Hasselt University, BIOMED, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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21
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Evens L, Beliën H, D’Haese S, Haesen S, Verboven M, Rummens JL, Bronckaers A, Hendrikx M, Deluyker D, Bito V. Combinational Therapy of Cardiac Atrial Appendage Stem Cells and Pyridoxamine: The Road to Cardiac Repair? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179266. [PMID: 34502175 PMCID: PMC8431115 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) occurs when the coronary blood supply is interrupted. As a consequence, cardiomyocytes are irreversibly damaged and lost. Unfortunately, current therapies for MI are unable to prevent progression towards heart failure. As the renewal rate of cardiomyocytes is minimal, the optimal treatment should achieve effective cardiac regeneration, possibly with stem cells transplantation. In that context, our research group identified the cardiac atrial appendage stem cells (CASCs) as a new cellular therapy. However, CASCs are transplanted into a hostile environment, with elevated levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which may affect their regenerative potential. In this study, we hypothesize that pyridoxamine (PM), a vitamin B6 derivative, could further enhance the regenerative capacities of CASCs transplanted after MI by reducing AGEs’ formation. Methods and Results: MI was induced in rats by ligation of the left anterior descending artery. Animals were assigned to either no therapy (MI), CASCs transplantation (MI + CASCs), or CASCs transplantation supplemented with PM treatment (MI + CASCs + PM). Four weeks post-surgery, global cardiac function and infarct size were improved upon CASCs transplantation. Interstitial collagen deposition, evaluated on cryosections, was decreased in the MI animals transplanted with CASCs. Contractile properties of resident left ventricular cardiomyocytes were assessed by unloaded cell shortening. CASCs transplantation prevented cardiomyocyte shortening deterioration. Even if PM significantly reduced cardiac levels of AGEs, cardiac outcome was not further improved. Conclusion: Limiting AGEs’ formation with PM during an ischemic injury in vivo did not further enhance the improved cardiac phenotype obtained with CASCs transplantation. Whether AGEs play an important deleterious role in the setting of stem cell therapy after MI warrants further examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lize Evens
- UHasselt—Hasselt University, BIOMED—Biomedical Research Institute, Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (L.E.); (H.B.); (S.D.); (S.H.); (M.V.); (J.-L.R.); (A.B.); (M.H.); (D.D.)
| | - Hanne Beliën
- UHasselt—Hasselt University, BIOMED—Biomedical Research Institute, Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (L.E.); (H.B.); (S.D.); (S.H.); (M.V.); (J.-L.R.); (A.B.); (M.H.); (D.D.)
| | - Sarah D’Haese
- UHasselt—Hasselt University, BIOMED—Biomedical Research Institute, Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (L.E.); (H.B.); (S.D.); (S.H.); (M.V.); (J.-L.R.); (A.B.); (M.H.); (D.D.)
| | - Sibren Haesen
- UHasselt—Hasselt University, BIOMED—Biomedical Research Institute, Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (L.E.); (H.B.); (S.D.); (S.H.); (M.V.); (J.-L.R.); (A.B.); (M.H.); (D.D.)
| | - Maxim Verboven
- UHasselt—Hasselt University, BIOMED—Biomedical Research Institute, Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (L.E.); (H.B.); (S.D.); (S.H.); (M.V.); (J.-L.R.); (A.B.); (M.H.); (D.D.)
| | - Jean-Luc Rummens
- UHasselt—Hasselt University, BIOMED—Biomedical Research Institute, Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (L.E.); (H.B.); (S.D.); (S.H.); (M.V.); (J.-L.R.); (A.B.); (M.H.); (D.D.)
- UHasselt—Hasselt University, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- UHasselt—Hasselt University, BIOMED—Biomedical Research Institute, Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (L.E.); (H.B.); (S.D.); (S.H.); (M.V.); (J.-L.R.); (A.B.); (M.H.); (D.D.)
| | - Marc Hendrikx
- UHasselt—Hasselt University, BIOMED—Biomedical Research Institute, Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (L.E.); (H.B.); (S.D.); (S.H.); (M.V.); (J.-L.R.); (A.B.); (M.H.); (D.D.)
| | - Dorien Deluyker
- UHasselt—Hasselt University, BIOMED—Biomedical Research Institute, Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (L.E.); (H.B.); (S.D.); (S.H.); (M.V.); (J.-L.R.); (A.B.); (M.H.); (D.D.)
| | - Virginie Bito
- UHasselt—Hasselt University, BIOMED—Biomedical Research Institute, Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (L.E.); (H.B.); (S.D.); (S.H.); (M.V.); (J.-L.R.); (A.B.); (M.H.); (D.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-11269285
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22
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Ponsaerts L, Alders L, Schepers M, de Oliveira RMW, Prickaerts J, Vanmierlo T, Bronckaers A. Neuroinflammation in Ischemic Stroke: Inhibition of cAMP-Specific Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) to the Rescue. Biomedicines 2021; 9:703. [PMID: 34206420 PMCID: PMC8301462 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is caused by a thromboembolic occlusion of a major cerebral artery, with the impaired blood flow triggering neuroinflammation and subsequent neuronal damage. Both the innate immune system (e.g., neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages) in the acute ischemic stroke phase and the adaptive immune system (e.g., T cells, B cells) in the chronic phase contribute to this neuroinflammatory process. Considering that the available therapeutic strategies are insufficiently successful, there is an urgent need for novel treatment options. It has been shown that increasing cAMP levels lowers neuroinflammation. By inhibiting cAMP-specific phosphodiesterases (PDEs), i.e., PDE4, 7, and 8, neuroinflammation can be tempered through elevating cAMP levels and, thereby, this can induce an improved functional recovery. This review discusses recent preclinical findings, clinical implications, and future perspectives of cAMP-specific PDE inhibition as a novel research interest for the treatment of ischemic stroke. In particular, PDE4 inhibition has been extensively studied, and is promising for the treatment of acute neuroinflammation following a stroke, whereas PDE7 and 8 inhibition more target the T cell component. In addition, more targeted PDE4 gene inhibition, or combined PDE4 and PDE7 or 8 inhibition, requires more extensive research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ponsaerts
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (L.P.); (L.A.); (M.S.)
- European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON), Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Lotte Alders
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (L.P.); (L.A.); (M.S.)
- European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON), Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Melissa Schepers
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (L.P.); (L.A.); (M.S.)
- European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON), Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands;
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jos Prickaerts
- European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON), Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands;
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (L.P.); (L.A.); (M.S.)
- European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON), Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands;
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (L.P.); (L.A.); (M.S.)
- European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON), Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands;
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23
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Beliën H, Evens L, Hendrikx M, Bito V, Bronckaers A. Combining stem cells in myocardial infarction: The road to superior repair? Med Res Rev 2021; 42:343-373. [PMID: 34114238 DOI: 10.1002/med.21839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Myocardial infarction irreversibly destroys millions of cardiomyocytes in the ventricle, making it the leading cause of heart failure worldwide. Over the past two decades, many progenitor and stem cell types were proposed as the ideal candidate to regenerate the heart after injury. The potential of stem cell therapy has been investigated thoroughly in animal and human studies, aiming at cardiac repair by true tissue replacement, by immune modulation, or by the secretion of paracrine factors that stimulate endogenous repair processes. Despite some successful results in animal models, the outcome from clinical trials remains overall disappointing, largely due to the limited stem cell survival and retention after transplantation. Extensive interest was developed regarding the combinational use of stem cells and various priming strategies to improve the efficacy of regenerative cell therapy. In this review, we provide a critical discussion of the different stem cell types investigated in preclinical and clinical studies in the field of cardiac repair. Moreover, we give an update on the potential of stem cell combinations as well as preconditioning and explore the future promises of these novel regenerative strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Beliën
- Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Department of Cardio and Organ Systems, UHasselt-Hasselt University, Agoralaan, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Lize Evens
- Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Department of Cardio and Organ Systems, UHasselt-Hasselt University, Agoralaan, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Marc Hendrikx
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, UHasselt-Hasselt University, Agoralaan, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Virginie Bito
- Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Department of Cardio and Organ Systems, UHasselt-Hasselt University, Agoralaan, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Department of Cardio and Organ Systems, UHasselt-Hasselt University, Agoralaan, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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24
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Merckx G, Lo Monaco M, Lambrichts I, Himmelreich U, Bronckaers A, Wolfs E. Safety and Homing of Human Dental Pulp Stromal Cells in Head and Neck Cancer. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 17:1619-1634. [PMID: 33822326 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10159-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and neck cancer (HNC) is one of the most common cancers, associated with a huge mortality and morbidity. In order to improve patient outcomes, more efficient and targeted therapies are essential. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) express tumour homing capacity, which could be exploited to target anti-cancer drug delivery to the tumour region and reduce adverse side-effects. Nevertheless, dental pulp stromal cells (DPSCs), an MSC-like population present in teeth, could offer important clinical benefits because of their easy isolation and superior proliferation compared to BM-MSCs. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the tumour homing and safe usage of DPSCs to treat HNC. METHODS The in vivo survival as well as the effect of intratumourally administered DPSCs on tumour aggressiveness was tested in a HNC xenograft mouse model by using bioluminescence imaging (BLI), (immuno)histology and qRT-PCR. Furthermore, the in vitro and in vivo tumour homing capacity of DPSCs towards a HNC cell line were evaluated by a transwell migration assay and BLI, respectively. RESULTS Intratumourally injected DPSCs survived for at least two weeks in the tumour micro-environment and had no significant influence on tumour morphology, growth, angiogenesis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. In addition, DPSCs migrated towards tumour cells in vitro, which could not be confirmed after their in vivo intravenous, intraperitoneal or peritumoural injection under the tested experimental conditions. CONCLUSIONS Our research suggests that intratumourally delivered DPSCs might be used as safe factories for the continuous delivery of anti-cancer drugs in HNC. Nevertheless, further optimization as well as efficacy studies are necessary to understand and improve in vivo tumour homing and determine the optimal experimental set-up of stem cell-based cancer therapies, including dosing and timing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greet Merckx
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Group of Cardio & Organ Systems (COS), UHasselt - Hasselt University, Agoralaan, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Melissa Lo Monaco
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Group of Cardio & Organ Systems (COS), UHasselt - Hasselt University, Agoralaan, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Faculty of Sciences, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Integrated Veterinary Research Unit-Namur Research Institute for Life Science (IVRU-NARILIS), UNamur - University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles, 5000, Namur, Belgium
| | - Ivo Lambrichts
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Group of Cardio & Organ Systems (COS), UHasselt - Hasselt University, Agoralaan, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Uwe Himmelreich
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Biomedical MRI Unit/MoSAIC, KU Leuven, Herestraat, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Group of Cardio & Organ Systems (COS), UHasselt - Hasselt University, Agoralaan, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Esther Wolfs
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Group of Cardio & Organ Systems (COS), UHasselt - Hasselt University, Agoralaan, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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25
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Haesen S, Cöl Ü, Schurgers W, Evens L, Verboven M, Driesen RB, Bronckaers A, Lambrichts I, Deluyker D, Bito V. Glycolaldehyde-modified proteins cause adverse functional and structural aortic remodeling leading to cardiac pressure overload. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12220. [PMID: 32699285 PMCID: PMC7376068 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68974-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence supports the role of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the development of diabetic vascular complications and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). We have shown that high-molecular-weight AGEs (HMW-AGEs), present in our Western diet, impair cardiac function. Whether HMW-AGEs affect vascular function remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of chronic HMW-AGEs exposure on vascular function and structure. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were daily injected with HMW-AGEs or control solution for 6 weeks. HMW-AGEs animals showed intracardiac pressure overload, characterized by increased systolic and mean pressures. The contraction response to PE was increased in aortic rings from the HMW-AGEs group. Relaxation in response to ACh, but not SNP, was impaired by HMW-AGEs. This was associated with reduced plasma cyclic GMP levels. SOD restored ACh-induced relaxation of HMW-AGEs animals to control levels, accompanied by a reduced half-maximal effective dose (EC50). Finally, collagen deposition and intima-media thickness of the aortic vessel wall were increased with HMW-AGEs. Our data demonstrate that chronic HMW-AGEs exposure causes adverse vascular remodelling. This is characterised by disturbed vasomotor function due to increased oxidative stress and structural changes in the aorta, suggesting an important contribution of HMW-AGEs in the development of CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibren Haesen
- Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Ümare Cöl
- Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Wouter Schurgers
- Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Lize Evens
- Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Maxim Verboven
- Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Ronald B Driesen
- Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Ivo Lambrichts
- Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Dorien Deluyker
- Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Virginie Bito
- Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium.
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26
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Merckx G, Tay H, Lo Monaco M, van Zandvoort M, De Spiegelaere W, Lambrichts I, Bronckaers A. Chorioallantoic Membrane Assay as Model for Angiogenesis in Tissue Engineering: Focus on Stem Cells. Tissue Eng Part B Rev 2020; 26:519-539. [PMID: 32220219 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2020.0048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tissue engineering aims to structurally and functionally regenerate damaged tissues, which requires the formation of new blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients by the process of angiogenesis. Stem cells are a promising tool in regenerative medicine due to their combined differentiation and paracrine angiogenic capacities. The study of their proangiogenic properties and associated potential for tissue regeneration requires complex in vivo models comprising all steps of the angiogenic process. The highly vascularized extraembryonic chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of fertilized chicken eggs offers a simple, easy accessible, and cheap angiogenic screening tool compared to other animal models. Although the CAM assay was initially primarily performed for evaluation of tumor growth and metastasis, stem cell studies using this model are increasing. In this review, a detailed summary of angiogenic observations of different mesenchymal, cardiac, and endothelial stem cell types and derivatives in the CAM model is presented. Moreover, we focus on the variation in experimental setup, including the benefits and limitations of in ovo and ex ovo protocols, diverse biological and synthetic scaffolds, imaging techniques, and outcome measures of neovascularization. Finally, advantages and disadvantages of the CAM assay as a model for angiogenesis in tissue engineering in comparison with alternative in vivo animal models are described. Impact statement The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay is an easy and cheap screening tool for the angiogenic properties of stem cells and their associated potential in the tissue engineering field. This review offers an overview of all published angiogenic studies of stem cells using this model, with emphasis on the variation in used experimental timeline, culture protocol (in ovo vs. ex ovo), stem cell type (derivatives), scaffolds, and outcome measures of vascularization. The purpose of this overview is to aid tissue engineering researchers to determine the ideal CAM experimental setup based on their specific study goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greet Merckx
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Hanna Tay
- Department of Morphology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Melissa Lo Monaco
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Sciences, Integrated Veterinary Research Unit-Namur Research Institute for Life Science (IVRU-NARILIS), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Marc van Zandvoort
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM and School for Oncology and Development GROW, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ward De Spiegelaere
- Department of Morphology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ivo Lambrichts
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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Lo Monaco M, Gervois P, Beaumont J, Clegg P, Bronckaers A, Vandeweerd JM, Lambrichts I. Therapeutic Potential of Dental Pulp Stem Cells and Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin for Osteoarthritis. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040980. [PMID: 32326610 PMCID: PMC7227024 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative and inflammatory joint disorder with cartilage loss. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) can undergo chondrogenic differentiation and secrete growth factors associated with tissue repair and immunomodulation. Leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) emerges in regenerative medicine because of its growth factor content and fibrin matrix. This study evaluates the therapeutic application of DPSCs and L-PRF in OA via immunomodulation and cartilage regeneration. Chondrogenic differentiation of DPSCs, with or without L-PRF exudate (ex) and conditioned medium (CM), and of bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells was compared. These cells showed differential chondrogenesis. L-PRF was unable to increase cartilage-associated components. Immature murine articular chondrocytes (iMACs) were cultured with L-PRF ex, L-PRF CM, or DPSC CM. L-PRF CM had pro-survival and proliferative effects on unstimulated and cytokine-stimulated iMACs. L-PRF CM stimulated the release of IL-6 and PGE2, and increased MMP-13, TIMP-1 and IL-6 mRNA levels in cytokine-stimulated iMACs. DPSC CM increased the survival and proliferation of unstimulated iMACs. In cytokine-stimulated iMACs, DPSC CM increased TIMP-1 gene expression, whereas it inhibited nitrite release in 3D culture. We showed promising effects of DPSCs in an in vitro OA model, as they undergo chondrogenesis in vitro, stimulate the survival of chondrocytes and have immunomodulatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Lo Monaco
- Cardio & Organ Systems (COST), Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (P.G.); (J.B.); (A.B.); (I.L.)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Integrated Veterinary Research Unit (IVRU) - Namur Research Institute for Life Science (NARILIS), University of Namur, 5000 Namur, Belgium;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-(0)-26-92-09
| | - Pascal Gervois
- Cardio & Organ Systems (COST), Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (P.G.); (J.B.); (A.B.); (I.L.)
| | - Joel Beaumont
- Cardio & Organ Systems (COST), Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (P.G.); (J.B.); (A.B.); (I.L.)
- Maastricht Radiation Oncology (MaastRO) Lab, GROW—School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, 6229ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Clegg
- Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Sciences, Institute of Lifecourse and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, L7 8TX Liverpool, UK;
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Cardio & Organ Systems (COST), Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (P.G.); (J.B.); (A.B.); (I.L.)
| | - Jean-Michel Vandeweerd
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Integrated Veterinary Research Unit (IVRU) - Namur Research Institute for Life Science (NARILIS), University of Namur, 5000 Namur, Belgium;
| | - Ivo Lambrichts
- Cardio & Organ Systems (COST), Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (P.G.); (J.B.); (A.B.); (I.L.)
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28
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Merckx G, Hosseinkhani B, Kuypers S, Deville S, Irobi J, Nelissen I, Michiels L, Lambrichts I, Bronckaers A. Angiogenic Effects of Human Dental Pulp and Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and their Extracellular Vesicles. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020312. [PMID: 32012900 PMCID: PMC7072370 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood vessel formation or angiogenesis is a key process for successful tooth regeneration. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) possess paracrine proangiogenic properties, which are, at least partially, induced by their extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, the isolation of BM-MSCs is associated with several drawbacks, which could be overcome by MSC-like cells of the teeth, called dental pulp stromal cells (DPSCs). This study aims to compare the angiogenic content and functions of DPSC and BM-MSC EVs and conditioned medium (CM). The angiogenic protein profile of DPSC- and BM-MSC-derived EVs, CM and EV-depleted CM was screened by an antibody array and confirmed by ELISA. Functional angiogenic effects were tested in transwell migration and chicken chorioallantoic membrane assays. All secretion fractions contained several pro- and anti-angiogenic proteins and induced in vitro endothelial cell motility. This chemotactic potential was higher for (EV-depleted) CM, compared to EVs with a stronger effect for BM-MSCs. Finally, BM-MSC CM, but not DPSC CM, nor EVs, increased in ovo angiogenesis. In conclusion, we showed that DPSCs are less potent in relation to endothelial cell chemotaxis and in ovo neovascularization, compared to BM-MSCs, which emphasizes the importance of choice of cell type and secretion fraction for stem cell-based regenerative therapies in inducing angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greet Merckx
- UHasselt - Hasselt University, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Baharak Hosseinkhani
- UHasselt - Hasselt University, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Sören Kuypers
- UHasselt - Hasselt University, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Sarah Deville
- UHasselt - Hasselt University, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Health Department, Boeretang, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Joy Irobi
- UHasselt - Hasselt University, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Inge Nelissen
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Health Department, Boeretang, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Luc Michiels
- UHasselt - Hasselt University, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Ivo Lambrichts
- UHasselt - Hasselt University, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- UHasselt - Hasselt University, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-(0)-11-26-92-23
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29
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Driesen RB, Hilkens P, Smisdom N, Vangansewinkel T, Dillen Y, Ratajczak J, Wolfs E, Gervois P, Ameloot M, Bronckaers A, Lambrichts I. Dental Tissue and Stem Cells Revisited: New Insights From the Expression of Fibroblast Activation Protein-Alpha. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 7:389. [PMID: 32039205 PMCID: PMC6985075 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein-α (FAPα) is a membrane protein with dipeptidyl-peptidase and type I collagenase activity and is expressed during fetal growth. At the age of adolescence, FAPα expression is greatly reduced, only emerging in pathologies associated with extracellular matrix remodeling. We determined whether FAPα is expressed in human dental tissue involved in root maturation i.e., dental follicle and apical papilla and in dental pulp tissue. The dental follicle revealed a high concentration of FAPα and vimentin-positive cells within the stromal tissue. A similar observation was made in cell culture and FACS analysis confirmed these as dental follicle stem cells. Within the remnants of the Hertwigs’ epithelial root sheath, we observed FAPα staining in the E-cadherin positive and vimentin-negative epithelial islands. FAPα- and vimentin-positive cells were encountered at the periphery of the islands suggesting an epithelial mesenchymal transition process. Analysis of the apical papilla revealed two novel histological regions; the periphery with dense and parallel aligned collagen type I defined as cortex fibrosa and the inner stromal tissue composed of less compacted collagen defined as medulla. FAPα expression was highly present within the medulla suggesting a role in extracellular matrix remodeling. Dental pulp tissue uncovered a heterogeneous FAPα staining but strong staining was noted within odontoblasts. In vitro studies confirmed the presence of FAPα expression in stem cells of the apical papilla and dental pulp. This study identified the expression of FAPα expression in dental stem cells which could open new perspectives in understanding dental root maturation and odontoblast function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald B Driesen
- Faculty of Medicine, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Petra Hilkens
- Faculty of Medicine, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Nick Smisdom
- Department of Biophysics, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Tim Vangansewinkel
- Faculty of Medicine, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Yörg Dillen
- Faculty of Medicine, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Jessica Ratajczak
- Faculty of Medicine, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Esther Wolfs
- Faculty of Medicine, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Pascal Gervois
- Faculty of Medicine, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Marcel Ameloot
- Department of Biophysics, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Faculty of Medicine, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Ivo Lambrichts
- Faculty of Medicine, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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30
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Font LP, Cardonne MM, Kemps H, Meesen R, Salmon OF, González FG, Lambrichts I, Rigo JM, Brône B, Bronckaers A. Non-pulsed Sinusoidal Electromagnetic Field Rescues Animals From Severe Ischemic Stroke via NO Activation. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:561. [PMID: 31275094 PMCID: PMC6593085 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence and devastating outcome, only a few treatment options for cerebral ischemic stroke exist. Based on the nitric oxide (NO)-stimulating capacity of Non-pulsed Sinusoidal Electromagnetic Field (NP-SEMF) and the possible neuroprotective role of NO in ischemic stroke, we hypothesized that NP-SEMF is able to enhance survival and neurological outcome in a rat model of cerebral ischemia. The animals, in which ischemic injury was induced by occlusion of both common carotid arteries, received 20 min of NP-SEMF of either 10 or 60 Hz daily for 4 days. NP-SEMF dramatically increased survival, reduced the size of the infarcted brain area and significantly improved the neurological score of the surviving rats. Corresponding to previous reports, NP-SEMF was able to induce NO production in vitro. The importance of NO as a key signaling molecule was highlighted by inhibition of the NP-SEMF beneficial effects in the rat stroke model after blocking NO synthase (NOS). Our results indicate for the first time that NP-SEMF exposure (13.5 mT at 60 and 10 Hz) improves the survival and neurological outcome of rats subjected to cerebral ischemia and that this effect is mediated by NO, underlining the great therapeutic potential of NP-SEMF as a therapy for ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena P Font
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, BIOMED, UHasselt - Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Centro Nacional de Electromagnetismo Aplicado, Universidad de Oriente, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
| | - Miriam M Cardonne
- Centro Nacional de Electromagnetismo Aplicado, Universidad de Oriente, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
| | - Hannelore Kemps
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, BIOMED, UHasselt - Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Raf Meesen
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, BIOMED, UHasselt - Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Oneida F Salmon
- Centro Nacional de Electromagnetismo Aplicado, Universidad de Oriente, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
| | - Fidel G González
- Centro Nacional de Electromagnetismo Aplicado, Universidad de Oriente, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
| | - Ivo Lambrichts
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, BIOMED, UHasselt - Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Jean-Michel Rigo
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, BIOMED, UHasselt - Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Bert Brône
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, BIOMED, UHasselt - Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, BIOMED, UHasselt - Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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31
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Ratajczak J, Vangansewinkel T, Gervois P, Merckx G, Hilkens P, Quirynen M, Lambrichts I, Bronckaers A. Angiogenic Properties of 'Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin'. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14632. [PMID: 30279483 PMCID: PMC6168453 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32936-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) is an autologous platelet concentrate, consisting of a fibrin matrix enriched with platelets, leukocytes and a plethora of cytokines and growth factors. Since L-PRF is produced bedside from whole blood without the use of an anti-coagulant, it is becoming a popular adjuvant in regenerative medicine. While other types of platelet concentrates have been described to stimulate blood vessel formation, little is known about the angiogenic capacities of L-PRF. Therefore, this study aimed to fully characterize the angiogenic potential of L-PRF. With an antibody array, the growth factors released by L-PRF were determined and high levels of CXC chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR-2) ligands and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were found. L-PRF induced in vitro key steps of the angiogenic process: endothelial proliferation, migration and tube formation. In addition, we could clearly demonstrate that L-PRF is able to induce blood vessel formation in vivo, the chorioallantoic membrane assay. In conclusion, we could demonstrate the angiogenic capacity of L-PRF both in vitro and in vivo, underlying the clinical potential of this easy-to-use platelet concentrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Ratajczak
- Department of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Tim Vangansewinkel
- Department of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Pascal Gervois
- Department of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Greet Merckx
- Department of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Petra Hilkens
- Department of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Marc Quirynen
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KUL) & Periodontology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ivo Lambrichts
- Department of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Department of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
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32
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Kemps H, Dillen Y, Perez Font L, Brône B, Lemmens R, Bronckaers A. Unravelling the (sub)cellular mechanisms of low frequency electromagnetic stimulation as ischemic stroke therapy. Front Neurosci 2018. [DOI: 10.3389/conf.fnins.2018.95.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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33
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Lambrichts I, Driesen RB, Dillen Y, Gervois P, Ratajczak J, Vangansewinkel T, Wolfs E, Bronckaers A, Hilkens P. Dental Pulp Stem Cells: Their Potential in Reinnervation and Angiogenesis by Using Scaffolds. J Endod 2017; 43:S12-S16. [PMID: 28781091 DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Dental pulp is a highly vascularized and innervated tissue containing a heterogeneous stem cell population with multilineage differentiation potential. Current endodontic treatments focus on the preservation of the pulp tissue and the regeneration of dental pulp after pathological insults. Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) are currently investigated as stem cell-based therapy for pulp regeneration and for peripheral nerve injury in which neurons and Schwann cells display limited regenerative capacity. We have developed a neuronal differentiation protocol for hDPSCs that requires neurosphere formation before neuronal maturation. Moreover, Schwann cell differentiation of hDPSCs in our group revealed that differentiated hDPSCs have acquired the ability to myelinate and guide neurites from dorsal root ganglia. Besides their dynamic differentiation capacity, hDPSCs were shown to exert a paracrine effect on neural and endothelial cells. Analysis of hDPSC conditioned medium revealed the secretion of a broad spectrum of growth factors including brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and glial-derived neurotrophic factor. Application of the conditioned medium to endothelial cells promoted cell migration and tubulogenesis, indicating a paracrine proangiogenic effect. This hypothesis was enforced by the enhanced formation of blood vessels in the chorioallantoic membrane assay in the presence of hDPSCs. In addition, transplantation of 3-dimensional-printed hydroxyapatite scaffolds containing peptide hydrogels and hDPSCs into immunocompromised mice revealed blood vessel ingrowth, pulplike tissue formation, and osteodentin deposition suggesting osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation of hDPSCs. Future studies in our research group will focus on the pulp regeneration capacity of hDPSCs and the role of fibroblasts within the pulp extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Lambrichts
- Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Ronald B Driesen
- Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Yörg Dillen
- Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Pascal Gervois
- Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Jessica Ratajczak
- Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Tim Vangansewinkel
- Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Esther Wolfs
- Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Petra Hilkens
- Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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34
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Struys T, Govaerts K, Oosterlinck W, Casteels C, Bronckaers A, Koole M, Van Laere K, Herijgers P, Lambrichts I, Himmelreich U, Dresselaers T. In vivo evidence for long-term vascular remodeling resulting from chronic cerebral hypoperfusion in mice. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2017; 37:726-739. [PMID: 26994041 PMCID: PMC5381461 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x16638349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We have characterized both acute and long-term vascular and metabolic effects of unilateral common carotid artery occlusion in mice by in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography. This common carotid artery occlusion model induces chronic cerebral hypoperfusion and is therefore relevant to both preclinical stroke studies, where it serves as a control condition for a commonly used mouse model of ischemic stroke, and neurodegeneration, as chronic hypoperfusion is causative to cognitive decline. By using perfusion magnetic resonance imaging, we demonstrate that under isoflurane anesthesia, cerebral perfusion levels recover gradually over one month. This recovery is paralleled by an increase in lumen diameter and altered tortuosity of the contralateral internal carotid artery at one year post-ligation as derived from magnetic resonance angiography data. Under urethane/α-chloralose anesthesia, no acute perfusion differences are observed, but the vascular response capacity to hypercapnia is found to be compromised. These hemispheric perfusion alterations are confirmed by water [15O]-H2O positron emission tomography. Glucose metabolism ([18F]-FDG positron emission tomography) or white matter organization (diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging) did not show any significant alterations. In conclusion, permanent unilateral common carotid artery occlusion results in acute and long-term vascular remodeling, which may have immediate consequences for animal models of stroke but also vascular dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Struys
- 1 Biomedical Research Institute - Morphology Research Group, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Kristof Govaerts
- 2 Biomedical MRI Unit - MoSAIC, Department of Imaging & Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wouter Oosterlinck
- 3 Research Unit of Experimental Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cindy Casteels
- 4 Nuclear Medicine - MoSAIC, Department of Imaging & Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- 1 Biomedical Research Institute - Morphology Research Group, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Michel Koole
- 4 Nuclear Medicine - MoSAIC, Department of Imaging & Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Koen Van Laere
- 4 Nuclear Medicine - MoSAIC, Department of Imaging & Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paul Herijgers
- 3 Research Unit of Experimental Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ivo Lambrichts
- 1 Biomedical Research Institute - Morphology Research Group, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Uwe Himmelreich
- 2 Biomedical MRI Unit - MoSAIC, Department of Imaging & Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tom Dresselaers
- 2 Biomedical MRI Unit - MoSAIC, Department of Imaging & Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,5 Radiology, University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
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35
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Gervois P, Wolfs E, Dillen Y, Hilkens P, Ratajczak J, Driesen R, Vangansewinkel T, Bronckaers A, Brône B, Struys T, Lambrichts I. Paracrine Maturation and Migration of SH-SY5Y Cells by Dental Pulp Stem Cells. J Dent Res 2017; 96:654-662. [DOI: 10.1177/0022034517690491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders are characterized by neurodegeneration and/or loss of neuronal function, which cannot be adequately repaired by the host. Therefore, there is need for novel treatment options such as cell-based therapies that aim to salvage or reconstitute the lost tissue or that stimulate host repair. The present study aimed to evaluate the paracrine effects of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) on the migration and neural maturation of human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. The hDPSC secretome had a significant chemoattractive effect on SH-SY5Y cells as shown by a transwell assay. To evaluate neural maturation, SH-SY5Y cells were first induced toward neuronal cells, after which they were exposed to the hDPSC secretome. In addition, SH-SY5Y cells subjected to the hDPSC secretome showed increased neuritogenesis compared with nonexposed cells. Maturated cells were shown to increase immune reactivity for neuronal markers compared with controls. Ultrastructurally, retinoic acid (RA) signaling and subsequent exposure to the hDPSC secretome induced a gradual rise in metabolic activity and neuronal features such as multivesicular bodies and cytoskeletal elements associated with cellular communication. In addition, electrophysiological recordings of differentiating cells demonstrated a transition toward a neuronal electrophysiological profile based on the maximum tetrodotoxin (TTX)–sensitive, Na+ current. Moreover, conditioned medium (CM)–hDPSC–maturated SH-SY5Y cells developed distinct features including, Cd2+-sensitive currents, which suggests that CM-hDPSC–maturated SH-SY5Y acquired voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. The results reported in this study demonstrate the potential of hDPSCs to support differentiation and recruitment of cells with neuronal precursor characteristics in a paracrine manner. Moreover, this in vitro experimental design showed that the widely used SH-SY5Y cell line can improve and simplify the preclinical in vitro research on the molecular mechanisms of stem cell–mediated neuronal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Gervois
- Morphology Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - E. Wolfs
- Morphology Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Y. Dillen
- Morphology Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - P. Hilkens
- Morphology Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - J. Ratajczak
- Morphology Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - R.B. Driesen
- Morphology Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - T. Vangansewinkel
- Morphology Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - A. Bronckaers
- Morphology Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - B. Brône
- Group of Physiology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - T. Struys
- Morphology Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - I. Lambrichts
- Morphology Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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Gervois P, Wolfs E, Ratajczak J, Dillen Y, Vangansewinkel T, Hilkens P, Bronckaers A, Lambrichts I, Struys T. Stem Cell-Based Therapies for Ischemic Stroke: Preclinical Results and the Potential of Imaging-Assisted Evaluation of Donor Cell Fate and Mechanisms of Brain Regeneration. Med Res Rev 2016; 36:1080-1126. [DOI: 10.1002/med.21400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Gervois
- Morphology Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University; Campus Diepenbeek; Bioville Diepenbeek Belgium
| | - Esther Wolfs
- Morphology Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University; Campus Diepenbeek; Bioville Diepenbeek Belgium
| | - Jessica Ratajczak
- Morphology Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University; Campus Diepenbeek; Bioville Diepenbeek Belgium
| | - Yörg Dillen
- Morphology Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University; Campus Diepenbeek; Bioville Diepenbeek Belgium
| | - Tim Vangansewinkel
- Morphology Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University; Campus Diepenbeek; Bioville Diepenbeek Belgium
| | - Petra Hilkens
- Morphology Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University; Campus Diepenbeek; Bioville Diepenbeek Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Morphology Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University; Campus Diepenbeek; Bioville Diepenbeek Belgium
| | - Ivo Lambrichts
- Morphology Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University; Campus Diepenbeek; Bioville Diepenbeek Belgium
| | - Tom Struys
- Morphology Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University; Campus Diepenbeek; Bioville Diepenbeek Belgium
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Lemmens S, Kusters L, Bronckaers A, Geurts N, Hendrix S. The β2-Adrenoceptor Agonist Terbutaline Stimulates Angiogenesis via Akt and ERK Signaling. J Cell Physiol 2016; 232:298-308. [PMID: 27403604 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is associated with changes in endothelial cell (EC) proliferation and tube formation, controlled by extracellular receptor-activated kinase (ERK)/mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Akt signaling. Important regulators of these systems include hormones acting on G-protein-coupled receptors, such as beta 2-adrenoceptors (β2-ARs). In central nervous system (CNS) trauma, the importance of β2-AR modulation has been highlighted, although the effects on revascularization remain unclear. Vascular protection and revascularization are, however, key to support regeneration. We have investigated the angiogenic capacity of the specific β2-AR agonist terbutaline on ECs derived from the CNS, namely bEnd.3-cells. As angiogenesis is a multistep process involving increased proliferation and tube formation of ECs, we investigated the effects of terbutaline on these processes. We show that terbutaline significantly induced bEnd.3 tube formation in a matrigel in vitro assay. Moreover, administration of specific inhibitors of ERK and Akt signaling both inhibited terbutaline-induced tube formation. The proliferation rate of the ECs was not affected. In order to investigate the general effects of terbutaline in an organotypic system, we have used the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM)-assay. Most importantly, terbutaline increased the number of blood vessels in this in ovo setting. Although we observed a positive trend, the systemic administration of terbutaline did not significantly improve the functional outcome, nor did it affect revascularization in our spinal cord injury model. In conclusion, these data indicate that terbutaline is promising to stimulate blood vessel formation, underscoring the importance of further research into the angiotherapeutic relevance of terbutaline and β2-AR signaling after CNS-trauma. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 298-308, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Lemmens
- Department of Morphology and Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Lauren Kusters
- Department of Morphology and Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Department of Morphology and Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Geurts
- Department of Morphology and Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Sven Hendrix
- Department of Morphology and Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
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Fanton Y, Houbrechts C, Willems L, Daniëls A, Linsen L, Ratajczak J, Bronckaers A, Lambrichts I, Declercq J, Rummens JL, Hendrikx M, Hensen K. Cardiac atrial appendage stem cells promote angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2016; 97:235-44. [PMID: 27291064 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac atrial appendage stem cells (CASCs) show extraordinary myocardial differentiation properties, making them ideal candidates for myocardial regeneration. However, since the myocardium is a highly vascularized tissue, revascularization of the ischemic infarct area is essential for functional repair. Therefore, this study assessed if CASCs contribute to cardiac angiogenesis via paracrine mechanisms. First, it was demonstrated that CASCs produce and secrete high levels of numerous angiogenic growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3). Functional in vitro assays with a human microvascular endothelial cell line (HMEC-1) and CASC CM showed that CASCs promote endothelial cell proliferation, migration and tube formation, the most important steps of the angiogenesis process. Addition of inhibitory antibodies against identified growth factors could significantly reduce these effects, indicating their importance in CASC-induced neovascularization. The angiogenic potential of CASCs and CASC CM was also confirmed in a chorioallantoic membrane assay, demonstrating that CASCs promote blood vessel formation in vivo. In conclusion, this study shows that CASCs not only induce myocardial repair by cardiomyogenic differentiation, but also stimulate blood vessel formation by paracrine mechanisms. The angiogenic properties of CASCs further strengthen their therapeutic potential and make them an optimal stem cell source for the treatment of ischemic heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanick Fanton
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.
| | - Cynthia Houbrechts
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Leen Willems
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Annick Daniëls
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Loes Linsen
- AC Biobanking, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - Ivo Lambrichts
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Declercq
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Jean-Luc Rummens
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Marc Hendrikx
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Karen Hensen
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
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Deluyker D, Ferferieva V, Noben JP, Swennen Q, Bronckaers A, Lambrichts I, Rigo JM, Bito V. Cross-linking versus RAGE: How do high molecular weight advanced glycation products induce cardiac dysfunction? Int J Cardiol 2016; 210:100-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.02.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Ravanidis S, Bogie JFJ, Donders R, Craeye D, Mays RW, Deans R, Gijbels K, Bronckaers A, Stinissen P, Pinxteren J, Hellings N. Neuroinflammatory signals enhance the immunomodulatory and neuroprotective properties of multipotent adult progenitor cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2015; 6:176. [PMID: 26377390 PMCID: PMC4573995 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-015-0169-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Revised: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Stem cell-based therapies are currently widely explored as a tool to treat neuroimmune diseases. Multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPC) have been suggested to have strong immunomodulatory and neuroprotective properties in several experimental models. In this study, we investigate whether MAPC are of therapeutic interest for neuroinflammatory disorders such as multiple sclerosis by evaluating their capacities to modulate crucial pathological features and gain insights into the molecular pathways involved. Methods Rat MAPC were treated with combinations of pro-inflammatory cytokines that are closely associated with neuroinflammatory conditions, a process called licensing. mRNA expression of immunomodulatory molecules, chemokines and chemokine receptors was investigated. The migratory potential of licensed rat MAPC towards a broad spectrum of chemokines was tested in a Transwell assay. Furthermore, the effect of licensing on the ability of rat MAPC to attract and suppress the proliferation of encephalitogenic T cells was assessed. Finally, neuroprotective properties of rat MAPC were determined in the context of protection from oxidative stress of oligodendrocytes. Therefore, rat MAPC were incubated with conditioned medium of OLN93 cells subjected to sublethal doses of hydrogen peroxide and the gene expression of neurotrophic factors was assessed. Results After licensing, a wide variety of immunomodulatory molecules and chemokines, including inducible nitric oxide synthase and fractalkine, were upregulated by rat MAPC. The migratory properties of rat MAPC towards various chemokines were also altered. In addition, rat MAPC were found to inhibit antigen-specific T-cell proliferation and this suppressive effect was further enhanced after pro-inflammatory treatment. This phenomenon was partially mediated through inducible nitric oxide synthase or cyclooxygenase-2. Activated rat MAPC secreted factors that led to attraction of myelin-specific T cells. Finally, exposure of rat MAPC to an in vitro simulated neurodegenerative environment induced the upregulation of mRNA levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and ciliary neurotrophic factor. Factors secreted by rat MAPC in response to this environment partially protected OLN93 cells from hydrogen peroxide-induced cell death. Conclusions Rat MAPC possess immune modulatory and neuroprotective properties which are enhanced in response to neuroinflammatory signals. These findings thereby warrant further research to evaluate MAPC transplantation as a therapeutic approach in diseases with an immunological and neurodegenerative component such as multiple sclerosis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13287-015-0169-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stylianos Ravanidis
- Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute/Transnational University Limburg, School of Life Sciences, Campus Diepenbeek, Agoralaan building C, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Jeroen F J Bogie
- Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute/Transnational University Limburg, School of Life Sciences, Campus Diepenbeek, Agoralaan building C, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Raf Donders
- Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute/Transnational University Limburg, School of Life Sciences, Campus Diepenbeek, Agoralaan building C, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | | | - Robert W Mays
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Athersys Inc., Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Robert Deans
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Athersys Inc., Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | | | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute/Transnational University Limburg, School of Life Sciences, Campus Diepenbeek, Agoralaan building C, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Piet Stinissen
- Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute/Transnational University Limburg, School of Life Sciences, Campus Diepenbeek, Agoralaan building C, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | | | - Niels Hellings
- Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute/Transnational University Limburg, School of Life Sciences, Campus Diepenbeek, Agoralaan building C, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
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Hilkens P, Meschi N, Lambrechts P, Bronckaers A, Lambrichts I. Dental Stem Cells in Pulp Regeneration: Near Future or Long Road Ahead? Stem Cells Dev 2015; 24:1610-22. [PMID: 25869156 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2014.0510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although regenerative endodontic procedures have yielded an impressive body of favorable outcomes, the treatment of necrotic immature permanent teeth in particular remains to be a challenge. Recent advances in dental stem cell (DSC) research have gained increasing insight in their regenerative potential and prospective use in the formation of viable dental tissues. Numerous studies have already reported successful dental pulp regeneration following application of dental pulp stem cells, stem cells from the apical papilla, or dental follicle precursor cells in different in vivo models. Next to responsive cells, dental tissue engineering also requires the support of an appropriate scaffold material, ranging from naturally occurring polymers to treated dentin matrix components. However, the routine use and banking of DSCs still holds some major challenges, such as culture-associated differences, patient-related variability, and the effects of culture medium additives. Only in-depth evaluation of these problems and the implementation of standardized models and protocols will effectively lead to better alternatives for patients who no longer benefit from current treatment protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Hilkens
- 1 Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University , Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Nastaran Meschi
- 2 Department of Oral Health Sciences, KU Leuven and Dentistry, University Hospitals Leuven , Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paul Lambrechts
- 2 Department of Oral Health Sciences, KU Leuven and Dentistry, University Hospitals Leuven , Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- 1 Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University , Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Ivo Lambrichts
- 1 Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University , Diepenbeek, Belgium
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Gervois P, Struys T, Hilkens P, Bronckaers A, Ratajczak J, Politis C, Brône B, Lambrichts I, Martens W. Neurogenic maturation of human dental pulp stem cells following neurosphere generation induces morphological and electrophysiological characteristics of functional neurons. Stem Cells Dev 2014; 24:296-311. [PMID: 25203005 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2014.0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-based therapies are emerging as an alternative treatment option to promote functional recovery in patients suffering from neurological disorders, which are the major cause of death and permanent disability. The present study aimed to differentiate human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) toward functionally active neuronal cells in vitro. hDPSCs were subjected to a two-step protocol. First, neuronal induction was acquired through the formation of neurospheres, followed by neuronal maturation, based on cAMP and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) signaling. At the ultrastructural level, it was shown that the intra-spheral microenvironment promoted intercellular communication. hDPSCs grew out of the neurospheres in vitro and established a neurogenic differentiated hDPSC culture (d-hDPSCs) upon cAMP and NT-3 signaling. d-hDPSCs were characterized by the increased expression of neuronal markers such as neuronal nuclei, microtubule-associated protein 2, neural cell adhesion molecule, growth-associated protein 43, synapsin I, and synaptophysin compared with nondifferentiated hDPSCs. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated that the secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and nerve growth factor differed between d-hDPSCs and hDPSCs. d-hDPSCs acquired neuronal features, including multiple intercommunicating cytoplasmic extensions and increased vesicular transport, as shown by the electron microscopic observation. Patch clamp analysis demonstrated the functional activity of d-hDPSCs by the presence of tetrodotoxin- and tetraethyl ammonium-sensitive voltage-gated sodium and potassium channels, respectively. A subset of d-hDPSCs was able to fire a single action potential. The results reported in this study demonstrate that hDPSCs are capable of neuronal commitment following neurosphere formation, characterized by distinct morphological and electrophysiological properties of functional neuronal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Gervois
- 1 Group of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University , Diepenbeek, Belgium
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Hilkens P, Fanton Y, Martens W, Gervois P, Struys T, Politis C, Lambrichts I, Bronckaers A. Pro-angiogenic impact of dental stem cells in vitro and in vivo. Stem Cell Res 2014; 12:778-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2014.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2013] [Revised: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Bronckaers A, Hilkens P, Martens W, Gervois P, Ratajczak J, Struys T, Lambrichts I. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells as a pharmacological and therapeutic approach to accelerate angiogenesis. Pharmacol Ther 2014; 143:181-96. [PMID: 24594234 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2014.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells or multipotent stromal cells (MSCs) have initially captured attention in the scientific world because of their differentiation potential into osteoblasts, chondroblasts and adipocytes and possible transdifferentiation into neurons, glial cells and endothelial cells. This broad plasticity was originally hypothesized as the key mechanism of their demonstrated efficacy in numerous animal models of disease as well as in clinical settings. However, there is accumulating evidence suggesting that the beneficial effects of MSCs are predominantly caused by the multitude of bioactive molecules secreted by these remarkable cells. Numerous angiogenic factors, growth factors and cytokines have been discovered in the MSC secretome, all have been demonstrated to alter endothelial cell behavior in vitro and induce angiogenesis in vivo. As a consequence, MSCs have been widely explored as a promising treatment strategy in disorders caused by insufficient angiogenesis such as chronic wounds, stroke and myocardial infarction. In this review, we will summarize into detail the angiogenic factors found in the MSC secretome and their therapeutic mode of action in pathologies caused by limited blood vessel formation. Also the application of MSC as a vehicle to deliver drugs and/or genes in (anti-)angiogenesis will be discussed. Furthermore, the literature describing MSC transdifferentiation into endothelial cells will be evaluated critically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Bronckaers
- Group of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Petra Hilkens
- Group of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Wendy Martens
- Group of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Pascal Gervois
- Group of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Jessica Ratajczak
- Group of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Tom Struys
- Group of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Ivo Lambrichts
- Group of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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Martens W, Sanen K, Georgiou M, Struys T, Bronckaers A, Ameloot M, Phillips J, Lambrichts I. Human dental pulp stem cells can differentiate into Schwann cells and promote and guide neurite outgrowth in an aligned tissue-engineered collagen construct in vitro. FASEB J 2013; 28:1634-43. [PMID: 24352035 PMCID: PMC4046066 DOI: 10.1096/fj.13-243980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we evaluated the differentiation potential of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) toward Schwann cells, together with their functional capacity with regard to myelination and support of neurite outgrowth in vitro. Successful Schwann cell differentiation was confirmed at the morphological and ultrastructural level by transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, compared to undifferentiated hDPSCs, immunocytochemistry and ELISA tests revealed increased glial marker expression and neurotrophic factor secretion of differentiated hDPSCs (d-hDPSCs), which promoted survival and neurite outgrowth in 2-dimensional dorsal root ganglia cultures. In addition, neurites were myelinated by d-hDPSCs in a 3-dimensional collagen type I hydrogel neural tissue construct. This engineered construct contained aligned columns of d-hDPSCs that supported and guided neurite outgrowth. Taken together, these findings provide the first evidence that hDPSCs are able to undergo Schwann cell differentiation and support neural outgrowth in vitro, proposing them to be good candidates for cell-based therapies as treatment for peripheral nerve injury.—Martens, W., Sanen, K., Georgiou, M., Struys, T., Bronckaers, A., Ameloot, M., Phillips, J., Lambrichts, I. Human dental pulp stem cells can differentiate into Schwann cells and promote and guide neurite outgrowth in an aligned tissue-engineered collagen construct in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Martens
- 2Hasselt University, Campus Diepenbeek, Biomedical Research Institute, Lab of Histology, Agoralaan, Bldg. C, Office C011, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium.
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Struys T, Ketkar-Atre A, Gervois P, Leten C, Hilkens P, Martens W, Bronckaers A, Dresselaers T, Politis C, Lambrichts I, Himmelreich U. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells in Vitro and in Vivo. Cell Transplant 2013; 22:1813-29. [DOI: 10.3727/096368912x657774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in stem cell research have shown the promising nature of mesenchymal stem cells as plausible candidates for cell-based regenerative medicine. Many studies reported the use of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs), which possess self-renewal capacity, high proliferation potential, and the ability to undergo multilineage differentiation. Together with this therapeutic approach, development of effective, noninvasive and nontoxic imaging techniques for visualizing and tracking the cells in vivo is crucial for the evaluation and improvement of stem cell therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most powerful diagnostic imaging techniques currently available for in vivo diagnosis and has been proposed as the most attractive modality for monitoring stem cell migration. The aim of this study was to investigate the labeling efficiency of hDPSCs using superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) particles in order to allow visualization using in vitro and in vivo MRI without influencing cellular metabolism. MRI and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed optimal uptake with low SPIO concentrations of 15 μg/ml in combination with 0.75 μg/ml poly-l-lysine (PLL) resulting in more than 13 pg iron/cell and an in vitro detection limit of 50 labeled cells/μl. Very low SPIO concentrations in the culture medium resulted in extremely high labeling efficiency not reported before. For these conditions, tetrazolium salt assays showed no adverse effects on cell viability. Furthermore, in vivo MRI was performed to detect labeled hDPSCs transplanted into the brain of Rag 2-γ C immune-deficient mice. Transplanted cells did not show any signs of tumorgenecity or teratoma formation during the studied time course. We have reported on a labeling and imaging strategy to visualize human dental pulp stem cells in vivo using MRI. These data provide a solid base to allow cell tracking in future regenerative studies in the brain longitudinally.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Struys
- Biomedical MRI Unit-MoSAIC, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Biomedical Research Institute, Lab of Histology, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - A. Ketkar-Atre
- Biomedical MRI Unit-MoSAIC, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - P. Gervois
- Biomedical Research Institute, Lab of Histology, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - C. Leten
- Biomedical MRI Unit-MoSAIC, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - P. Hilkens
- Biomedical Research Institute, Lab of Histology, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - W. Martens
- Biomedical Research Institute, Lab of Histology, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - A. Bronckaers
- Biomedical Research Institute, Lab of Histology, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - T. Dresselaers
- Biomedical MRI Unit-MoSAIC, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - C. Politis
- Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg (ZOL), Genk, Belgium
| | - I. Lambrichts
- Biomedical Research Institute, Lab of Histology, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - U. Himmelreich
- Biomedical MRI Unit-MoSAIC, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Bronckaers A, Hilkens P, Fanton Y, Struys T, Gervois P, Politis C, Martens W, Lambrichts I. Angiogenic properties of human dental pulp stem cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71104. [PMID: 23951091 PMCID: PMC3737205 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the formation of capillaries from pre-existing blood vessels, is a key process in tissue engineering. If blood supply cannot be established rapidly, there is insufficient oxygen and nutrient transport and necrosis of the implanted tissue will occur. Recent studies indicate that the human dental pulp contains precursor cells, named dental pulp stem cells (hDPSC) that show self-renewal and multilineage differentiation capacity. Since these cells can be easily isolated, cultured and cryopreserved, they represent an attractive stem cell source for tissue engineering. Until now, only little is known about the angiogenic abilities and mechanisms of the hDPSC. In this study, the angiogenic profile of both cell lysates and conditioned medium of hDPSC was determined by means of an antibody array. Numerous pro-and anti-angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and endostatin were found both at the mRNA and protein level. hDPSC had no influence on the proliferation of the human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1), but were able to significantly induce HMEC-1 migration in vitro. Addition of the PI3K-inhibitor LY294002 and the MEK-inhibitor U0126 to the HMEC-1 inhibited this effect, suggesting that both Akt and ERK pathways are involved in hDPSC-mediated HMEC-1 migration. Antibodies against VEGF also abolished the chemotactic actions of hDPSC. Furthermore, in the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay, hDPSC were able to significantly induce blood vessel formation. In conclusion, hDPSC have the ability to induce angiogenesis, meaning that this stem cell population has a great clinical potential, not only for tissue engineering but also for the treatment of chronic wounds, stroke and myocardial infarctions.
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Martens W, Bronckaers A, Politis C, Jacobs R, Lambrichts I. Dental stem cells and their promising role in neural regeneration: an update. Clin Oral Investig 2013; 17:1969-83. [PMID: 23846214 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-013-1030-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stem cell-based therapies are considered to be a promising treatment method for several clinical conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, and many others. However, the ideal stem cell type for stem cell-based therapy remains to be elucidated. DISCUSSION Stem cells are present in a variety of tissues in the embryonic and adult human body. Both embryonic and adult stem cells have their advantages and disadvantages concerning the isolation method, ethical issues, or differentiation potential. The most described adult stem cell population is the mesenchymal stem cells due to their multi-lineage (trans)differentiation potential, high proliferative capacity, and promising therapeutic values. Recently, five different cell populations with mesenchymal stem cell characteristics were identified in dental tissues: dental pulp stem cells, stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth, periodontal ligament stem cells, dental follicle precursor cells, and stem cells from apical papilla. CONCLUSION Each dental stem cell population possesses specific characteristics and advantages which will be summarized in this review. Furthermore, the neural characteristics of dental pulp stem cells and their potential role in (peripheral) neural regeneration will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Martens
- Biomedical Research Institute, Laboratory of Morphology, Hasselt University, Campus Diepenbeek, Agoralaan, Building C, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium,
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Hilkens P, Gervois P, Fanton Y, Vanormelingen J, Martens W, Struys T, Politis C, Lambrichts I, Bronckaers A. Effect of isolation methodology on stem cell properties and multilineage differentiation potential of human dental pulp stem cells. Cell Tissue Res 2013; 353:65-78. [PMID: 23715720 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-013-1630-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are an attractive alternative mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) source because of their isolation simplicity compared with the more invasive methods associated with harvesting other MSC sources. However, the isolation method to be favored for obtaining DPSC cultures remains under discussion. This study compares the stem cell properties and multilineage differentiation potential of DPSCs obtained by the two most widely adapted isolation procedures. DPSCs were isolated either by enzymatic digestion of the pulp tissue (DPSC-EZ) or by the explant method (DPSC-OG), while keeping the culture media constant throughout all experiments and in both isolation methods. Assessment of the stem cell properties of DPSC-EZ and DPSC-OG showed no significant differences between the two groups with regard to proliferation rate and colony formation. Phenotype analysis indicated that DPSC-EZ and DPSC-OG were positive for CD29, CD44, CD90, CD105, CD117 and CD146 expression without any significant differences. The multilineage differentiation potential of both stem cell types was confirmed by using standard immuno(histo/cyto)chemical staining together with an in-depth ultrastructural analysis by means of transmission electron microscopy. Our results indicate that both DPSC-EZ and DPSC-OG could be successfully differentiated into adipogenic, chrondrogenic and osteogenic cell types, although the adipogenic differentiation of both stem cell populations was incomplete. The data suggest that both the enzymatic digestion and outgrowth method can be applied to obtain a suitable autologous DPSC resource for tissue replacement therapies of both bone and cartilage.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Hilkens
- Department of Functional Morphology, Laboratory of Histology, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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Martens W, Wolfs E, Struys T, Politis C, Bronckaers A, Lambrichts I. Expression Pattern of Basal Markers in Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells and Tissue. Cells Tissues Organs 2012; 196:490-500. [DOI: 10.1159/000338654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
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