Tuesday, August 17, 2010

8/18 TE-RegenMed-StemCell feed

     
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Ultrastructural morphology of equine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells.
August 17, 2010 at 7:18 PM
 
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Ultrastructural morphology of equine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Histol Histopathol. 2010 Oct;25(10):1277-85

Authors: Pascucci L, Mercati F, Marini C, Ceccarelli P, Dall'aglio C, Pedini V, Gargiulo AM

Mesenchymal stem cells are a virtually ubiquitous population of adult stem cells, able to differentiate into various tissue lineages. As they are multipotent and easy to grow in culture, they are at present considered very attractive candidates for tissue repair and gene therapy. With the exception of a few reports, mesenchymal stem cell morphology has been widely disregarded in the past years. In this paper we discuss the establishment of mesenchymal stem cell cultures from equine adipose tissue and describe their fine structure by transmission electron microscopy. The cultured cells revealed a fibroblastoid appearance and were characterized by an eccentric nucleus with multiple nucleoli, dense cytoplasm rich in ribosomes, a rough endoplasmic reticulum with dilated cisternae, elongated mitochondria and heterogeneous vacuolar inclusions. In addition, they were often interconnected by adhesion structures located on the cell body and on cytoplasmic processes contacting other cells. The features observed are evocative of an undifferentiated cellular phenotype and of an intense synthetic and metabolic activity.

PMID: 20712012 [PubMed - in process]

   
   
Adipose Stem Cell Treatment in Mice Attenuates Lung and Systemic Injury Induced by Cigarette Smoking.
August 17, 2010 at 7:18 PM
 
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Adipose Stem Cell Treatment in Mice Attenuates Lung and Systemic Injury Induced by Cigarette Smoking.

Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2010 Aug 13;

Authors: Schweitzer K, Johnstone BH, Garrison J, Rush N, Cooper S, Traktuev DO, Feng D, Adamowicz JJ, Van Demark M, Fisher AJ, Kamocki K, Brown MB, Presson Jr RG, Broxmeyer HE, March KL, Petrache I

RATIONALE: Adipose-derived stem cells express multiple growth factors that inhibit endothelial cell apoptosis, and demonstrate substantial pulmonary trapping following intravascular delivery. OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that adipose stem cells would ameliorate chronic lung injury associated with endothelial cell apoptosis, such as that occurring in emphysema. METHODS: Therapeutic effects of systemically-delivered human or mouse adult adipose stem cells were evaluated in murine models of emphysema induced by chronic exposure to cigarette smoke or by inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Adipose stem cells were detectable in the parenchyma and large airways of lungs up to 21 days following injection. Adipose stem cell treatment was associated with reduced inflammatory infiltration in response to cigarette smoke exposure, as well as markedly decreased lung cell death and airspace enlargement in both models of emphysema. Remarkably, therapeutic results of adipose stem cells extended beyond lung protection by rescuing the suppressive effects of cigarette smoke on bone marrow hematopoietic progenitor cell function, and by restoring weight loss sustained by mice during cigarette smoke exposure. Pulmonary vascular protective effects of adipose stem cells were recapitulated by application of cell-free conditioned medium, which improved lung endothelial cell repair and recovery in a wound injury repair model and antagonized effects of cigarette smoke in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a useful therapeutic effect of adipose stem cells on both lung and systemic injury induced by cigarette smoke, and implicate a lung vascular protective function of adipose stem cell-derived paracrine factors.

PMID: 20709815 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

   
   
Transcriptional Regulation of a Brown Adipocyte-specific Gene, UCP1, by KLF11 and KLF15.
August 17, 2010 at 7:18 PM
 
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Transcriptional Regulation of a Brown Adipocyte-specific Gene, UCP1, by KLF11 and KLF15.

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2010 Aug 12;

Authors: Yamamoto KI, Sakaguchi M, Medina RJ, Niida A, Sakaguchi Y, Miyazaki M, Kataoka K, Huh NH

Several growth factors and transcription factors have been reported to play important roles in brown adoipocyte differentiation and modulation of thermogenic gene expression, especially the expression of UCP1. In this study, we focused on KLF11 and KLF15, which were expressed highly in brown adipose tissue. Our data demonstrated that KLF11 and KLF15 interacted directly with the UCP1 promoter using GC-box and GT-boxes, respectively. Co-transfection of KLF11 and KLF15 in the mesenchymal stem cell line muBM3.1 during brown adipocyte differentiation enhanced the expression level of UCP1. KLF11, but not KLF15, was essential for UCP1 expression during brown adipocyte differentiation of muBM3.1.

PMID: 20709022 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

   
   
Progenitor-enriched adipose tissue transplantation as rescue for breast implant complications.
August 17, 2010 at 7:18 PM
 
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Progenitor-enriched adipose tissue transplantation as rescue for breast implant complications.

Breast J. 2010 Mar;16(2):169-75

Authors: Yoshimura K, Asano Y, Aoi N, Kurita M, Oshima Y, Sato K, Inoue K, Suga H, Eto H, Kato H, Harii K

Breast enhancement with artificial implants is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgeries but is associated with various complications, such as capsular contracture, that lead to implant removal or replacement at a relatively high rate. For replacement, we used transplantation of progenitor-supplemented adipose tissue (cell-assisted lipotransfer; CAL) in 15 patients. The stromal vascular fraction containing adipose tissue progenitor cells obtained from liposuction aspirates was used to enrich for progenitor cells in the graft. Overall, clinical results were very satisfactory, and no major abnormalities were seen on magnetic resonance imaging or mammogram after 12 months. Postoperative atrophy of injected fat was minimal and did not change substantially after 2 months. Surviving fat volume at 12 months was 155 +/- 50 mL (Right; mean +/- SD) and 143 +/- 80 mL (Left) following lipoinjection from an initial mean of 264 mL. These preliminary results suggest that CAL is a suitable methodology for the replacement of breast implants.

PMID: 19912236 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

   
   
Discussion: Sources of processed lipoaspirate cells: influence of donor site on cell concentration.
August 17, 2010 at 7:18 PM
 
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Discussion: Sources of processed lipoaspirate cells: influence of donor site on cell concentration.

Plast Reconstr Surg. 2008 Aug;122(2):619-20

Authors: Pu LL

PMID: 18626382 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

   
   
Sources of processed lipoaspirate cells: influence of donor site on cell concentration.
August 17, 2010 at 7:18 PM
 

Sources of processed lipoaspirate cells: influence of donor site on cell concentration.

Plast Reconstr Surg. 2008 Aug;122(2):614-8

Authors: Padoin AV, Braga-Silva J, Martins P, Rezende K, Rezende AR, Grechi B, Gehlen D, Machado DC

BACKGROUND: Recently, adipose tissue harvested by liposuction has been identified as a source of processed lipoaspirate cells. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of processed lipoaspirate cells in adipose tissue obtained by liposuction from different harvest areas in women. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in 25 women in whom liposuction in four or more different zones in the same procedure was indicated. After selective liposuction, the material was sent to the laboratory, where it was processed for extraction of processed lipoaspirate cells, which were separated from the adipose tissue, quantified, and characterized through determination of c-kit expression. The following harvest regions were evaluated: upper abdomen, lower abdomen, trochanteric region, inner thigh, knee, and flank. The cell concentration obtained at each site was compared by analysis of variance for mixed models. RESULTS: A significant difference was found for cell concentration obtained at the different harvest sites. The cell concentration in the lower abdomen was greater than in other areas, but no significant difference was found in relation to the inner thigh. CONCLUSIONS: The lower abdomen and the inner thigh may have higher processed lipoaspirate cell concentrations. These sites may turn out to be better sources of adult mesenchymal stem cells.

PMID: 18626381 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

   
   
Belated Info on Election of New CIRM Chair, $120 Million Grant Round and Costly CIRM Study
August 17, 2010 at 5:42 PM
 
With only one business day remaining before its meeting this week, the California stem cell agency released details of its plan for an expensive study of its activities along with procedures for election of a new chairman.

The late-coming information disclosed that the proposed Institute of Medicine study of CIRM would cost $615,000. Previously, CIRM discussions indicated that the cost would be
   
   
CIRM Hiring of Former Geron Exec Raises Conflict of Interest Questions
August 17, 2010 at 8:51 AM
 
The California stem cell agency has hired a former executive of Geron Corp. to serve as a consultant on a $50 million clinical trial award round in which Geron is expected to be an applicant.

He is Laurence Elias, who worked for Geron from March 2006 until October 2009 as vice president for oncology clinical development.

In April, Nature Medicine identified Geron as one of the likely
   
   
Hematopoietic stem cell activity in the aorta-gonad-mesonephros region enhances after mid-day 11 of mouse development.
August 17, 2010 at 6:43 AM
 

Hematopoietic stem cell activity in the aorta-gonad-mesonephros region enhances after mid-day 11 of mouse development.

Int J Dev Biol. 2010;54(6-7):1055-60

Authors: Taylor E, Taoudi S, Medvinsky A

The E11.5 aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region is a site of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) development prior to colonisation of the embryonic liver. The generation of HSCs in the embryo starting from E11 is very rapid. Here, we have assessed hematopoietic development in the AGM region during E11 at precise somitic ages. Although the numbers of committed hematopoietic precursors fluctuate throughout the day, the repopulation activity in the AGM region noticeably increases from mid (44 s.p.) to end (48 s.p.) day 11 of gestation. While prior to mid day 11 two thirds of AGM regions contain no definitive HSCs, shortly prior to liver colonisation, all older day 11 embryos contain definitive HSC. Nevertheless, all E11 AGM regions even at early somitic stages have the capacity to expand numbers of definitive HSCs ex vivo. Quantitative anatomical analysis confirmed preferential localization of intra-aortic clusters (IACs) to the ventral domain of the dorsal aorta during entire day 11 of development. No clear correlation was established between IAC numbers and the presence of definitive HSCs.

PMID: 20711982 [PubMed - in process]

   
   
The origin and fate of yolk sac hematopoiesis: application of chimera analyses to developmental studies.
August 17, 2010 at 6:43 AM
 

The origin and fate of yolk sac hematopoiesis: application of chimera analyses to developmental studies.

Int J Dev Biol. 2010;54(6-7):1019-31

Authors: Ueno H, Weissman IL

During mammalian development, as exemplified by mice, hematopoietic cells first appear in the yolk sac blood islands, then in the dorsal aorta of the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region and the placenta, eventually seeding into liver, spleen and then bone marrow. The formation of hematopoietic stem cells from mesodermal precursors has finished by mid-fetal life. Once established, the hematopoietic system must supply blood cells to host circulation and tissues for the entire life of the animal. Easy access to hematopoietic cells has enabled a vast number of studies over the last several decades, and much is now understood about the different hematopoietic lineages, how they differentiate, and their derivation from immature progenitors. Yet to be elucidated are the following two intriguing questions: do yolk sac and AGM hematopoietic cells arise from a common precursor or from distinct precursor cells?; and what is the lineage relationship between blood and endothelial cells. In this review, we will survey the state of our current knowledge in these areas, and discuss the potential use of multicolor chimera analyses to elucidate unresolved questions.

PMID: 20711980 [PubMed - in process]

   
   
Dissecting hematopoietic differentiation using the embryonic stem cell differentiation model.
August 17, 2010 at 6:43 AM
 

Dissecting hematopoietic differentiation using the embryonic stem cell differentiation model.

Int J Dev Biol. 2010;54(6-7):991-1002

Authors: Huber TL

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have been successfully used to study the generation of the hematopoietic lineage. The ESC differentiation model provides access to distinct developmental stages during hematopoietic differentiation enabling us to study developmental transitions in a manner that is difficult to do with embryos. The identification of the bipotential hemangioblast/blast-colony forming cell (BL-CFC) which represents the earliest stage of hematopoietic commitment in ESC cultures has enabled the study of signalling pathways, transcription factors and enzymes at the level of this developmental stage. Reporter ESC lines, flow cytometry and serum-free culture reagents are helping the field to transition from serum-containing protocols to step-wise serum-free differentiation strategies that attempt to mimic the developmental processes in the embryo. This serves as a framework with which to approach directed differentiation of human ESCs for the purposes of regenerative medicine. This review is focused on the contributions that the ESC differentiation system has made to understanding hematopoiesis and will highlight the strengths of this model of development and the challenges it still faces.

PMID: 20711977 [PubMed - in process]

   
   
Developmental hematopoiesis - preface.
August 17, 2010 at 6:43 AM
 

Developmental hematopoiesis - preface.

Int J Dev Biol. 2010;54(6-7):947-9

Authors: Durand C, Jaffredo T, Medvinsky A

Stem cell biology is one of the most rapidly developing and exciting fields in the Life Sciences. The biology of embryonic and adult stem cells is critically important for understanding development, tissue homeostasis, reprogramming and cancer. Stem cells are characterised by their capacity to self-renew and differentiate into one or several cell types and hold great promise for regenerative medicine. The purification and tissue localization of stem cells, as well as identification of intrinsic and extrinsic factors regulating their functions, are central topics in stem cell biology. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are one of the best studied models and represent a key paradigm for analysis of various stem cell types. The availability of antibodies recognizing surface markers has been instrumental for enrichment and localization of HSCs. In vivo and in vitro assays offer researchers the possibility to study hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells at the functional level. For several decades bone marrow and more recently cord blood HSCs have been used for treatment of patients with hematopoietic disorders such as leukemia.

PMID: 20711975 [PubMed - in process]

   
   
ROCK Inhibitor Y-27632 Increases Thaw-Survival Rates and Preserves Stemness and Differentiation Potential of Human Wharton's Jelly Stem Cells After Cryopreservation.
August 17, 2010 at 6:43 AM
 

ROCK Inhibitor Y-27632 Increases Thaw-Survival Rates and Preserves Stemness and Differentiation Potential of Human Wharton's Jelly Stem Cells After Cryopreservation.

Stem Cell Rev. 2010 Aug 14;

Authors: Gauthaman K, Fong CY, Subramanian A, Biswas A, Bongso A

The ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 inhibits apoptosis and increases proliferation of frozen-thawed cells. We examined the role of Y-27632 on human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly stem cells (hWJSCs) for (1) thaw-survival (2) proliferation and (3) preservation of stemness and differentiation potential after cryopreservation. hWJSCs were allotted to 4 groups [Gp I: Untreated hWJSC controls; Gp II: Pretreatment with Y-27632 (10 muM) for 24 h before freezing; Gp III: Y-27632 (10 muM) in freezing medium and Gp IV: Pretreatment with Y-27632 (10 muM) for 24 h and inclusion in freezing medium]. All groups were frozen using a rapid freezing method and stored at -196 degrees C in liquid nitrogen for 90 days before evaluation for apoptosis, cell proliferation, stemness and differentiation. After thawing, Groups II, III and IV showed improved cell attachment, increased thaw-survival (live/dead cell counts) and increased cell proliferation (Trypan blue and MTT assay) compared to controls. CD marker stemness profiles, morphology and normal karyotypes were maintained in the treatment groups after thawing and there was no obvious evidence of apoptosis (Annexin V-FITC and TUNEL assays). After thawing, qRT-PCR demonstrated up-regulation of the anti-apoptotic BCL2 gene and down-regulation of the pro-apoptotic BAX gene and cell cycle regulators (P53 and P21) in the treatment groups. Treated frozen-thawed hWJSCs from all groups differentiated into a neuronal phenotype (neuronal morphology and expression of GFAP, beta-3 tubulin and SOX2). Increased thaw-survival and retention of stemness and differentiation potential in hWJSCs following cryopreservation is useful for their storage in cord blood banks for future regenerative medicine purposes.

PMID: 20711690 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

   
   
Targeting of embryonic stem cells by Peptide-conjugated quantum dots.
August 17, 2010 at 6:43 AM
 

Targeting of embryonic stem cells by Peptide-conjugated quantum dots.

PLoS One. 2010;5(8):

Authors: Lu S, Xu X, Zhao W, Wu W, Yuan H, Shen H, Zhou C, Li LS, Ma L

BACKGROUND: Targeting stem cells holds great potential for studying the embryonic stem cell and development of stem cell-based regenerative medicine. Previous studies demonstrated that nanoparticles can serve as a robust platform for gene delivery, non-invasive cell imaging, and manipulation of stem cell differentiation. However specific targeting of embryonic stem cells by peptide-linked nanoparticles has not been reported. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here, we developed a method for screening peptides that specifically recognize rhesus macaque embryonic stem cells by phage display and used the peptides to facilitate quantum dot targeting of embryonic stem cells. Through a phage display screen, we found phages that displayed an APWHLSSQYSRT peptide showed high affinity and specificity to undifferentiated primate embryonic stem cells in an enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay. These results were subsequently confirmed by immunofluoresence microscopy. Additionally, this binding could be completed by the chemically synthesized APWHLSSQYSRT peptide, indicating that the binding capability was specific and conferred by the peptide sequence. Through the ligation of the peptide to CdSe-ZnS core-shell nanocrystals, we were able to, for the first time, target embryonic stem cells through peptide-conjugated quantum dots. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These data demonstrate that our established method of screening for embryonic stem cell specific binding peptides by phage display is feasible. Moreover, the peptide-conjugated quantum dots may be applicable for embryonic stem cell study and utilization.

PMID: 20711469 [PubMed - in process]

   
   
CAV1 inhibits metastatic potential in melanomas through suppression of the Integrin/Src/FAK signaling pathway.
August 17, 2010 at 6:43 AM
 

CAV1 inhibits metastatic potential in melanomas through suppression of the Integrin/Src/FAK signaling pathway.

Cancer Res. 2010 Aug 13;

Authors: Trimmer C, Whitaker-Menezes D, Bonuccelli G, Milliman JN, Daumer KM, Aplin AE, Pestell RG, Sotgia F, Lisanti MP, Capozza F

Caveolin-1 (CAV1) is the main structural component of Caveolae which are plasma membrane invaginations that participate in vesicular trafficking and signal transduction events. Although, evidence has recently accumulated describing the function of CAV1 in several cancer types, its role in melanoma tumor formation and progression remains poorly explored. Here, by employing B16F10 melanoma cells as an experimental system, we directly explore the function of CAV1 in melanoma tumor growth and metastasis. We first show that CAV1 expression promotes proliferation while it suppresses migration and invasion of B16F10 cells in vitro. When orthotopically implanted in the skin of mice, B16F10 cells expressing CAV1 form tumors that are similar in size to their control counterpart. An experimental metastasis assay demonstrates that CAV1 expression suppresses the ability of B16F10 cells to form lung metastases in C57Bl/6 syngeneic mice. Additionally, CAV1 protein and mRNA levels are found to be significantly reduced in human metastatic melanoma cell lines and human tissue from metastatic lesions. Finally, we demonstrate that following integrin activation, B16F10 cells expressing CAV1 display reduced expression levels and activity of FAK and Src proteins. CAV1 expression also markedly reduces the expression levels of beta3 Integrin in B16F10 melanoma cells. In summary, our findings provide experimental evidence that CAV1 may function as an antimetastatic gene in malignant melanoma.

PMID: 20709760 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

   
   
Mechano-topographic modulation of stem cell nuclear shape on nanofibrous scaffolds.
August 17, 2010 at 6:43 AM
 

Mechano-topographic modulation of stem cell nuclear shape on nanofibrous scaffolds.

Acta Biomater. 2010 Aug 12;

Authors: Nathan AS, Baker BM, Nerurkar NL, Mauck RL

Stem cells transit along a variety of lineage-specific routes towards differentiated phenotypes. These fate decisions are dependent not just on the soluble chemical cues that are encountered or enforced in vivo and in vitro, but also on physical cues from the cellular microenvironment. These physical cues can consist of both nano- and micro-scale topographical features, as well as mechanical inputs provided passively (from the base properties of the materials to which they are adhered) or actively (from extrinsic applied mechanical deformations). A suitable tool for investigating the coordination of these cues lies in nanofibrous scaffolds, which can both dictate cellular and cytoskeletal orientation, and facilitate mechanical perturbations to seeded cells. Here, we demonstrate a coordinated influence of scaffold architecture (aligned versus randomly organized fibers) and tensile deformation on nuclear shape and orientation. Sensitivity of nuclear morphology to scaffold architecture was more pronounced in stem cell populations than in terminally differentiated fibrochondrocytes. Tension applied to the scaffold elicited further alterations in nuclear morphology, greatest in stem cells, that were mediated by the filamentous actin cytoskeleton, but not the microtubule or intermediate filament network. With loading, nuclear perturbations were time- and direction-dependent, suggesting that the modality and direction of loading influence nuclear architecture. The present work may provide additional insight into the mechanisms by which the physical microenvironment influences cell fate decisions, and has specific application to the design of new materials for regenerative medicine applications with adult stem cells.

PMID: 20709198 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

   
   
Efficiently Differentiating Vascular Endothelial Cells from Adipose Tissue Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Serum-Free Culture.
August 17, 2010 at 6:43 AM
 

Efficiently Differentiating Vascular Endothelial Cells from Adipose Tissue Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Serum-Free Culture.

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2010 Aug 11;

Authors: Konno M, Hamazaki TS, Fukuda S, Tokuhara M, Uchiyama H, Okazawa H, Okochi H, Asashima M

Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) have been reported to be multipotent and to differentiate into various cell types, including osteocytes, adipocytes, chondrocytes, and neural cells. Recently, many authors have reported that ASCs are also able to differentiate into vascular endothelial cells (VECs) in vitro. However, these reports included the use of medium containing fetal bovine serum for endothelial differentiation. In the present study, we have developed a novel method for differentiating mouse ASCs into VECs under serum-free conditions. After the differentiation culture, over 80% of the cells expressed vascular endothelial-specific marker proteins and could take up low-density lipoprotein in vitro. This protocol should be helpful in clarifying the mechanisms of ASC differentiation into the VSC lineage.

PMID: 20708604 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

   
   
ADAM13 Induces Cranial Neural Crest by Cleaving Class B Ephrins and Regulating Wnt Signaling.
August 17, 2010 at 6:43 AM
 

ADAM13 Induces Cranial Neural Crest by Cleaving Class B Ephrins and Regulating Wnt Signaling.

Dev Cell. 2010 Aug 17;19(2):345-352

Authors: Wei S, Xu G, Bridges LC, Williams P, White JM, Desimone DW

The cranial neural crest (CNC) consists of multipotent embryonic cells that contribute to craniofacial structures and other cells and tissues of the vertebrate head. During embryogenesis, CNC is induced at the neural plate boundary through the interplay of several major signaling pathways. Here, we report that the metalloproteinase activity of ADAM13 is required for early induction of CNC in Xenopus. In both cultured cells and X. tropicalis embryos, membrane-bound Ephrins (Efns) B1 and B2 were identified as substrates for ADAM13. ADAM13 upregulates canonical Wnt signaling and early expression of the transcription factor snail2, whereas EfnB1 inhibits the canonical Wnt pathway and snail2 expression. We propose that by cleaving class B Efns, ADAM13 promotes canonical Wnt signaling and early CNC induction.

PMID: 20708595 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

   
   
Immune responses to coiled coil supramolecular biomaterials.
August 17, 2010 at 6:43 AM
 

Immune responses to coiled coil supramolecular biomaterials.

Biomaterials. 2010 Aug 11;

Authors: Rudra JS, Tripathi PK, Hildeman DA, Jung JP, Collier JH

Self-assembly has been increasingly utilized in recent years to create peptide-based biomaterials for 3D cell culture, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine, but the molecular determinants of these materials' immunogenicity have remained largely unexplored. In this study, a set of molecules that self-assembled through coiled coil oligomerization was designed and synthesized, and immune responses against them were investigated in mice. Experimental groups spanned a range of oligomerization behaviors and included a peptide from the coiled coil region of mouse fibrin that did not form supramolecular structures, an engineered version of this peptide that formed coiled coil bundles, and a peptide-PEG-peptide triblock bioconjugate that formed coiled coil multimers and supramolecular aggregates. In mice, the native peptide and engineered peptide did not produce any detectable antibody response, and none of the materials elicited detectable peptide-specific T cell responses, as evidenced by the absence of IL-2 and interferon-gamma in cultures of peptide-challenged splenocytes or draining lymph node cells. However, specific antibody responses were elevated in mice injected with the multimerizing peptide-PEG-peptide. Minimal changes in secondary structure were observed between the engineered peptide and the triblock peptide-PEG-peptide, making it possible that the triblock's multimerization was responsible for this antibody response.

PMID: 20708258 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

   
   
Nuclear receptors in stem cells and their therapeutic potential.
August 17, 2010 at 6:43 AM
 

Nuclear receptors in stem cells and their therapeutic potential.

Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2010 Aug 10;

Authors: Sun G, Shi Y

The core transcriptional regulatory circuitries are important for controlling stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. Nuclear receptors provide an ideal model to regulate gene expression in both ligand-dependent and ligand-independent manners. Recent studies of regulatory events by nuclear receptors in neural stem cells, embryonic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), provided unique insights into mechanisms of stem cell regulation and provided invaluable resources for regenerative medicine. Nuclear receptors have been shown to be key players in stem cell self-renewal, pluripotency, and reprogramming. We summarize recent progress of studies on nuclear receptors in stem cell field as well as the potential therapeutic implications of these nuclear receptors and their cognate ligands. These studies not only uncover molecular mechanisms of stem cell regulation, but also provide unique opportunities for drug discovery.

PMID: 20708051 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

   
   
Induced pluripotent stem cells - alchemist's tale or clinical reality?
August 17, 2010 at 6:43 AM
 

Induced pluripotent stem cells - alchemist's tale or clinical reality?

Expert Rev Mol Med. 2010;12:25

Authors: Rashid ST, Vallier L

Following Shinya Yamanaka's first report describing the reprogramming of fibroblasts into stem cells over three years ago, some sceptics initially drew analogies between this new field of research and the quasi-mystical practice of 'alchemy'. Unlike the alchemist, however, stem cell researchers have rigorously tested and repeated experiments, proving their very own brand of cellular 'alchemy' to be a reality, with potentially massive implications for the study of human biology and clinical medicine. These investigations have resulted in an explosion of related publications and initiated the field of stem cell research known as 'induced pluripotency'. In this review, we give an account of the historical development, current technologies and potential clinical applications of induced pluripotency and conclude with a perspective on the possible future directions for this dynamic field.

PMID: 20707936 [PubMed - in process]

   
   
Microarray analysis of the role of regional dura mater in cranial suture fate.
August 17, 2010 at 6:43 AM
 
Related Articles

Microarray analysis of the role of regional dura mater in cranial suture fate.

Plast Reconstr Surg. 2008 Aug;122(2):389-99

Authors: Kwan MD, Wan DC, Wang Z, Gupta DM, Slater BJ, Longaker MT

BACKGROUND: Craniosynostosis, the premature fusion of cranial sutures, results in serious neurologic and morphologic abnormalities when left untreated. Surgical excision of the fused sutures and remodeling of the skull remains the standard therapy. Development of novel, minimally invasive therapies for craniosynostosis will undoubtedly be dependent on a more thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying this abnormality. Significant evidence suggests the influence of regional dura mater on the behavior of the overlying suture complex. The mouse model has been instrumental in investigating this observation because of the natural juxtaposition of the posterior frontal suture, which fuses early in life, with the other cranial sutures, which remain patent. METHODS: The authors used microarray analysis to compare genomic changes in the dura mater underlying the posterior frontal and sagittal sutures of mice. Suture-associated dura mater was harvested from mice before (postnatal day 5), during (postnatal day 10), and after (postnatal day 20) posterior frontal suture fusion (n = 20 mice for each of the three time points). RESULTS: Microarray results confirmed differential regulation of genes involved in paracrine signaling, extracellular matrix, and bone remodeling between the dura mater underlying the fusing posterior frontal suture and the patent sagittal suture. CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm global differences in gene expression between regional dura mater underlying fusing and patent sutures. These results provide further insight into potential molecular mechanisms that may play a role in cranial suture biology.

PMID: 18626354 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

   
   
[Mesenchymal stem cells for bone tissue engineering.]
August 17, 2010 at 6:08 AM
 

[Mesenchymal stem cells for bone tissue engineering.]

Pathologe. 2010 Aug 15;

Authors: Schneider RK, Neuss S, Knüchel R, Perez-Bouza A

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) represent an attractive option for cell replacement strategies (tissue engineering, TE). TE applications require stability of a stem cell/biomaterial-hybrid via cell migration, matrix-remodelling and differentiation. We focus on these mechanisms in organotypic culture systems for bone TE using MSC from the umbilical cord (UC-MSC) and from bone marrow (BM-MSC). For the organotypic differentiation of MSC into functional osteoblasts, MSC were embedded in a collagenous matrix and subjected to osteogenic differentiation. Under these culture conditions, UC-MSC exceeded BM-MSC in the expression and synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, while BM-MSC show enhanced osteogenic gene upregulation. In both cell types the biosynthetic activity was accompanied by the ultrastructural appearance of hydroxyapatite/calcium crystals. Following secretion of matrix metalloproteinases, both MSC types migrated into and colonised the collagenous matrix causing matrix strengthening and contraction. In conclusion, MSC promise a broad therapeutical application for a variety of connective tissues requiring ECM synthesis and remodelling.

PMID: 20711587 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

   
   
Interactions between Spider Silk and Cells - NIH/3T3 Fibroblasts Seeded on Miniature Weaving Frames.
August 17, 2010 at 6:08 AM
 

Interactions between Spider Silk and Cells - NIH/3T3 Fibroblasts Seeded on Miniature Weaving Frames.

PLoS One. 2010;5(8):

Authors: Kuhbier JW, Allmeling C, Reimers K, Hillmer A, Kasper C, Menger B, Brandes G, Guggenheim M, Vogt PM

BACKGROUND: Several materials have been used for tissue engineering purposes, since the ideal matrix depends on the desired tissue. Silk biomaterials have come to focus due to their great mechanical properties. As untreated silkworm silk has been found to be quite immunogenic, an alternative could be spider silk. Not only does it own unique mechanical properties, its biocompatibility has been shown already in vivo. In our study, we used native spider dragline silk which is known as the strongest fibre in nature. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Steel frames were originally designed and manufactured and woven with spider silk, harvesting dragline silk directly out of the animal. After sterilization, scaffolds were seeded with fibroblasts to analyse cell proliferation and adhesion. Analysis of cell morphology and actin filament alignment clearly revealed adherence. Proliferation was measured by cell count as well as determination of relative fluorescence each after 1, 2, 3, and 5 days. Cell counts for native spider silk were also compared with those for trypsin-digested spider silk. Spider silk specimens displayed less proliferation than collagen- and fibronectin-coated cover slips, enzymatic treatment reduced adhesion and proliferation rates tendentially though not significantly. Nevertheless, proliferation could be proven with high significance (p<0.01). CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Native spider silk does not require any modification to its application as a biomaterial that can rival any artificial material in terms of cell growth promoting properties. We could show adhesion mechanics on intracellular level. Additionally, proliferation kinetics were higher than in enzymatically digested controls, indicating that spider silk does not require modification. Recent findings concerning reduction of cell proliferation after exposure could not be met. As biotechnological production of the hierarchical composition of native spider silk fibres is still a challenge, our study has a pioneer role in researching cellular mechanics on native spider silk fibres.

PMID: 20711495 [PubMed - in process]

   
   
Macrophage-Mediated Degradation of Crosslinked Collagen Scaffolds.
August 17, 2010 at 6:08 AM
 

Macrophage-Mediated Degradation of Crosslinked Collagen Scaffolds.

Acta Biomater. 2010 Aug 12;

Authors: Yahyouche A, Zhidao X, Czernuszka JT, Clover AJ

Biological scaffolds used in tissue engineering are incorporated in vivo by a process of cellular in growth, followed by host mediated degradation and replacement of these scaffolds, in which phagocytic cells from the monocyte/ macrophage cell lineage play a key role. The chemical degradation of scaffolds with collagenases is well established, but to date this has not been correlated with an in vitro model of cell mediated scaffold degradation. RAW264.7, a murine monocyte/macrophage cell line was cultured on collagen scaffolds crosslinked either by dehydrothermal treatment (DHT) or by carbodiimide (EDC). These cells attached to collagen scaffolds, proliferated, and exhibited macrophage aggregation to form giant cells. Crosslinking the scaffolds with either DHT or EDC increased the resistance of the scaffold to degradation by macrophages. Increasing the amount of crosslinking in the scaffold made them more resistant to degradation by collagenase. However, while EDC increased the scaffolds' thermal and mechanical properties and decreased swelling ratio, DHT increased the mechanical properties but decreased the denaturation temperature and swelling ratio. Altering the scaffold properties by crosslinking affects the rate of degradation by macrophages and this is correlated with chemical degradation(r = 0.658, p<0.01). This will help to design scaffolds with task specific profile for use in tissue engineering.

PMID: 20709200 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

   
   
Chemokine profile of synovial fluid from normal, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients: CCL25, CXCL10 and XCL1 recruit human subchondral mesenchymal progenitor cells.
August 17, 2010 at 6:08 AM
 

Chemokine profile of synovial fluid from normal, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients: CCL25, CXCL10 and XCL1 recruit human subchondral mesenchymal progenitor cells.

Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2010 Aug 12;

Authors: Endres M, Andreas K, Kalwitz G, Freymann U, Neumann K, Ringe J, Sittinger M, Häupl T, Kaps C

OBJECTIVE: The microfracture technique activates mesenchymal progenitors that enter the cartilage defect and form cartilage repair tissue. Synovial fluid (SF) has been shown to stimulate the migration of subchondral progenitors. The aim of our study was to determine the chemokine profile of SF from normal, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) donors and evaluate the chemotactic effect of selected chemokines on human subchondral progenitor cells. METHOD: Chemokine levels of SF were analyzed using human chemokine antibody membrane arrays. The chemotactic potential of selected chemokines on human mesenchymal progenitors derived from subchondral cortico-spongious bone was tested using 96-well chemotaxis assays. Chemokine receptor expression of subchondral progenitors was assessed by real-time gene expression analysis and immuno-histochemistry. RESULTS: Chemokine antibody array analysis showed that SF contains a broad range of chemokines. Ten chemokines that showed significantly reduced levels in RA or OA compared to normal SF or robustly high levels in all SF tested were used for further chemotactic analysis. Chemotaxis assays showed that the chemokines MDC/CCL22, CTACK/CCL27, ENA78/CXCL5 and SDF1alpha/CXCL12 significantly inhibited migration of progenitors, while TECK/CCL25, IP10/CXCL10 and Lymphotactin/XCL1 effectively stimulated cell migration. MCP1/CCL2, Eotaxin2/CCL24 and NAP2/CXCL7 showed no chemotactic effect on subchondral progenitors. Gene expression and immuno-histochemical analysis of corresponding chemokine receptors document presence of low levels of chemokine receptors in subchondral progenitors, with the CXCL10 receptor CXCR3 showing the highest expression level. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that synovial fluid contains chemokines that may contribute to the recruitment of human mesenchymal progenitors from the subchondral bone in microfracture.

PMID: 20709179 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

   
   
Adult Stem Cells for Cardiac Tissue Engineering.
August 17, 2010 at 6:08 AM
 

Adult Stem Cells for Cardiac Tissue Engineering.

J Mol Cell Cardiol. 2010 Aug 12;

Authors: Martinez EC, Kofidis T

Cell therapy and tissue engineering attract increasing attention as a potential approach for cardiac repair. Adult stem cells from autologous origin are a practical safe and appealing source for cell-based regenerative therapies that may hold realistic clinical potential. A plethora of interesting concepts have been introduced aiming at regenerating ischemic myocardium through adult stem cell based- bioartificial cardiac tissue supplements. Yet, current pre-clinical concepts have not reached translational applicability, and successes are only episodic. This review will provide a brief overview of the latest concepts and breakthroughs in the emerging field of cardiac adult stem cell-based tissue engineering, and discuses the challenges that this field needs to overcome to achieve realistic therapeutic translation into the clinical arena.

PMID: 20709074 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

   
   
Angiogenesis induced by controlled release of neuropeptide substance P.
August 17, 2010 at 6:08 AM
 

Angiogenesis induced by controlled release of neuropeptide substance P.

Biomaterials. 2010 Aug 13;

Authors: Kohara H, Tajima S, Yamamoto M, Tabata Y

The in vivo recruitment of circulating host cells to the site to be regenerated is one of the promising strategies for therapeutic angiogenesis. Substance P (SP), a member of neuropeptides, mediates pain perception and regulates wound healing, inflammation, tumor cell proliferation, and angiogenesis. This SP enhanced the migration, adhesion, and angiogenic gene expression of granulocytes in vitro. A biodegradable hydrogel was prepared from an anionic derivative of gelatin to achieve the controlled release of SP in vivo. When the anionic gelatin hydrogels incorporating SP were subcutaneously implanted into the mouse back, significant angiogenesis was induced around the site implanted, in contrast to the injection of SP solution. In vivo accumulation of granulocytes around the implanted sites was observed. It is concluded that the controlled release of SP efficiently induced the recruitment and the subsequent activation of granulocytes, one of the circulating cells with angiogenic activities, from the blood circulation into the site implanted, resulting in enhanced angiogenesis.

PMID: 20708795 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

   
     
 
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