Human urokinase-type plasminogen activator gene-modifiedbone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells attenuateliver fibrosis in rats by down-regulating the Wnt signalingpathway

AIM: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs) with human urokinase-type plasminogen activator(u PA) on liver fibrosis, and to investigate the mechanism of gene therapy.METHODS: BMSCs transfected with adenovirusmediated human urokinase plasminogen activator(Adu PA) were transplanted into rats with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. All rats were sacrificed after 8 wk, and their serum and liver tissue were collected for biochemical, histopathologic, and molecular analyzes. The degree of liver fibrosis was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin or Masson's staining. Western blot and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were used to determine protein and m RNA expression levels.RESULTS: Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aminotransferase, total bilirubin, hyaluronic acid, laminin, and procollagen type Ⅲ were markedly decreased, whereas the levels of serum albumin were increased by u PA gene modified BMSCs treatment. Histopathology revealed that chronic CCl4-treatment resulted in significant fibrosis while u PA gene modified BMSCs treatment significantly reversed fibrosis. By quantitatively analysing the fibrosis area of liver tissue using Masson staining in different groups of animals, we found that model animals with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis had the largest fibrotic area(16.69% ± 1.30%), while fibrotic area was significantly decreased by BMSCs treatment(12.38% ± 2.27%) and was further reduced by u PA-BMSCs treatment(8.31% ± 1.21%). Both protein and m RNA expression of β-catenin, Wnt4 and Wnt5 a was down-regulated in liver tissues following u PA gene modified BMSCs treatment when compared with the model animals.CONCLUSION: Transplantation of u PA gene modified BMSCs suppressed liver fibrosis and ameliorated liver function and may be a new approach to treating liver fibrosis. Furthermore, treatment with u PA gene modified BMSCs also resulted in a decrease in expression of molecules of the Wnt signaling pathway.

Differentiation of isolated human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells into neural stem cells

AIM：To investigate whether umbilical cord human mesenchymal stem cell（UC-MSC）was able to differentiate into neural stem cell and neuron.·METHODS：The umbilical cords were o btained from pregnant women with their written consent and the approval of the Clinic Ethnics Committee.UC-MSC were isolated by adherent culture in the medium contains 20%fetal bovine serum（FBS）,then they were maintained in the medium contain 10%FBS and induced to neural cells in neural differentiation medium.We investigated whether UC-MSC was able to differentiate into neural stem cell and neuron by using flow cytometry,reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction（RT-PCR）and immunofluorescence（IF）analyzes.·R ESULTS：A substantial number of UC-MSC was harvested using the tissue explants adherent method at about 2wk.Flow cytometric study revealed that these cells expressed common markers of MSCs,such as CD105（SH2）,CD73（SH3）and CD90.After induction of differentiation of neural stem cells,the cells began to form clusters;RT-PCR and IF showed that the neuron specific enolase（NSE）and neurogenic differentiation 1-positive cells reached 87.3%±14.7%and 72.6%±11.8%,respectively.Cells showed neuronal cell differentiation after induced,including neuron-like protrusions,plump cell body,obviously and stronger refraction.RT-PCR and IF analysis showed that microtubule-associated protein 2（MAP2）and nuclear factor-M-positive cells reached 43.1%±10.3%and 69.4%±19.5%,respectively.·CONCLUSION：Human umbilical cord derived MSCs can be cultured and proliferated and differentiate into neural stem cells,which may be a valuable source for cell therapy of neurodegenerative eye diseases.

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation promotes adult neurogenesis in the brains of Alzheimer's disease mice

In the present study, we transplanted adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells into the hippo-campi of APP/PS1 transgenic Alzheimer＇s disease model mice. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that the number of newly generated （BrdU＋） cells in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus in the hippocampus was signiifcantly higher in Alzheimer＇s disease mice after adipose-de-rived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation, and there was also a significant increase in the number of BrdU＋/DCX＋neuroblasts in these animals. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation enhanced neurogenic activity in the subventricular zone as well. Furthermore, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation reduced oxidative stress and alleviated cognitive impairment in the mice. Based on these ifndings, we propose that adipose-derived mes-enchymal stem cell transplantation enhances endogenous neurogenesis in both the subgranular and subventricular zones in APP/PS1 transgenic Alzheimer＇s disease mice, thereby facilitating functional recovery.

Histone methyltransferases and demethylases:regulators in balancing osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） are characterized by their self-renewing capacity and differentiation potential into multiple tissues. Thus, management of the differentiation capacities of MSCs is important for MSC-based regenerative medicine, such as craniofacial bone regeneration, and in new treatments for metabolic bone diseases, such as osteoporosis. In recent years, histone modification has been a growing topic in the field of MSC lineage specification, in which the Su（var）3-9, enhancer-of-zeste, trithorax （SET） domain-containing family and the Jumonji C （JmjC） domain-containing family represent the major histone lysine methyltransferases （KMTs） and histone lysine demethylases （KDMs）, respectively. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms by which SET domain-containine KMTs and JmiC domain-containinlz KDMs balance the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of MSCs.

Current focus of stem cell application in retinal repair

The relevance of retinal diseases, both in society's economy and in the quality of people's life who suffer with them, has made stem cell therapy an interesting topic forresearch. Embryonic stem cells(ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells(i PSCs) and adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells(ADMSCs) are the focus in current endeavors as a source of different retinal cells, such as photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelial cells. The aim is to apply them for cell replacement as an option for treating retinal diseases which so far are untreatable in their advanced stage. ESCs, despite the great potential for differentiation, have the dangerous risk of teratoma formation as well as ethical issues, which must be resolved before starting a clinical trial. i PSCs, like ESCs, are able to differentiate in to several types of retinal cells. However, the process to get them for personalized cell therapy has a high cost in terms of time and money. Researchers are working to resolve this since i PSCs seem to be a realistic option for treating retinal diseases. ADMSCs have the advantage that the procedures to obtain them are easier. Despite advancements in stem cell application, there are still several challenges that need to be overcome before transferring the research results to clinical application. This paper reviews recent research achievements of the applications of these three types of stem cells as well as clinical trials currently based on them.

Placental-derived stem cells:Culture, differentiation and challenges

Stem cell therapy is a promising approach to clinical healing in several diseases. A great variety of tissues(bone marrow, adipose tissue, and placenta) arepotentially sources of stem cells. Placenta-derived stem cells(p-SCs) are in between embryonic and mesenchymal stem cells, sharing characteristics with both, such as non-carcinogenic status and property to differentiate in all embryonic germ layers. Moreover, their use is not ethically restricted as fetal membranes are considered medical waste after birth. In this context, the present review will be focused on the biological properties, culture and potential cell therapy uses of placental-derived stem cells. Immunophenotype characterization, mainly for surface marker expression, and basic principles of p-SC isolation and culture(mechanical separation or enzymatic digestion of the tissues, the most used culture media, cell plating conditions) will be presented. In addition, some preclinical studies that were performed in different medical areas will be cited, focusing on neurological, liver, pancreatic, heart, muscle, pulmonary, and bone diseases and also in tissue engineering field. Finally, some challenges for stem cell therapy applications will be highlighted. The understanding of the mechanisms involved in the p-SCs differentiation and the achievement of pure cell populations(after differentiation) are key points that must be clarified before bringing the preclinical studies, performed at the bench, to the medical practice.

Neural differentiation from embryonic stem cells in vitro : An overview of the signaling pathways

Neurons derived from embryonic stem cells(ESCs) have gained great merit in both basic research and regenerative medicine. Here we review and summarize the signaling pathways that have been reported to be involved in the neuronal differentiation of ESCs,particularly those associated with in vitro differentiation. The inducers and pathways explored include retinoic acid, Wnt/b-catenin, transforming growth factor/bone morphogenetic protein, Notch, fibroblast growth factor, cytokine, Hedgehog, c-Jun N-terminal kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase and others. Some other miscellaneous molecular factors that have been reported in the literature are also summarized and discussed. These include calcium, calcium receptor, calcineurin, estrogen receptor, Hox protein, ceramide, glycosaminioglycan, ginsenoside Rg1, opioids, two pore channel 2, nitric oxide, chemically defined medium, cellcell interactions, and physical stimuli. The interaction or crosstalk between these signaling pathways and factors will be explored. Elucidating these signals in detail should make a significant contribution to future progress in stem cell biology and allow, for example, better comparisons to be made between differentiation in vivo and in vitro. Of equal importance, a comprehensive understanding of the pathways that are involved in the development of neurons from ESCs in vitro will also accelerate their application as part of translational medicine.

Repair of peripheral nerve defects with chemically extracted acellular nerve allografts loaded with neurotrophic factors-transfected bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Chemically extracted acellular nerve allografts loaded with brain-derived neurotrophic fac- tor-transfected or ciliary neurotrophic factor-transfected bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to repair sciatic nerve injury better than chemically extracted acellular nerve allografts alone, or chemically extracted acellular nerve allografts loaded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. We hypothesized that these allografts compounded with both brain-derived neurotrophic factor- and ciliary neurotrophic factor-transfected bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells may demonstrate even better effects in the repair of peripheral nerve injury. We cultured bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells expressing brain-derived neuro- trophic factor and/or ciliary neurotrophic factor and used them to treat sciatic nerve injury in rats. We observed an increase in sciatic functional index, triceps wet weight recovery rate, myelin thickness, number of myelinated nerve fibers, amplitude of motor-evoked potentials and nerve conduction velocity, and a shortened latency of motor-evoked potentials when al- lografts loaded with both neurotrophic factors were used, compared with allografts loaded with just one factor. Thus, the combination of both brain-derived neurotrophic factor and cili- ary neurotrophic factor-transfected bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can greatly improve nerve injury.

Effects of resveratrol on hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in embryonic neural stem cells

Resveratrol, a natural phenolic compound, has been shown to prevent cardiovascular diseases and cancer and exhibit neuroprotective effects. In this study, we examined the neuroprotective and antJoxJdant effects of resveratrol against hydrogen peroxide in embryonic neural stem cells. Hydrogen peroxide treatment alone increased catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities but did not change superoxide dismutase levels compared with hydrogen peroxide ＋ resveratrol treatment. Nitric oxide synthase activity and concomitant nitric oxide levels increased in response to hydrogen peroxide treatment. Conversely, resveratrol treatment decreased nitric oxide synthase activity and nitric oxide levels. Resveratrol also attenuated hydrogen peroxide-induced nuclear or mitochondrial DNA damage. We propose that resveratrol may be a promising agent for protecting embryonic neural stem cells because of its potential to decrease oxidative stress by inducing higher activity of antioxidant enzymes, decreasing nitric oxide production and nitric oxide synthase activity, and alleviating both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA damage.

Neuroprotective effects of BDNF and GDNF in intravitreally transplanted mesenchymal stem cells after optic nerve crush in mice

AIM： To assess the neuro-protective effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells （BMSCs） on retinal ganglion cells （RGCs） following optic nerve crush in mice. METHODS： C56BL/6J mice were treated with intravitreal injection of PBS, BMSCs, BDNF-interference BMSCs （BIM）, and GDNF-interference BMSCs （GIM） following optic nerve crush, respectively. The number of surviving RGCs was determined by whole-mount retinas and frozen sections, while certain mRNA or protein was detected by q-PCR or ELISA, respectively.RESULTS： The density （cell number/mm^2） of RGCs was 410.77±56.70 in the retina 21d after optic nerve crush without any treatment, compared to 1351.39±195.97 in the normal control （P〈0.05）. RGCs in BMSCs treated eyes was 625.07±89.64/mm^2, significantly higher than that of no or PBS treatment （P〈0.05）. While RGCs was even less in the retina with intravitreal injection of BIM （354.07±39.77） and GIM （326.67±33.37） than that without treatment （P〈0.05）. BMSCs injection improved the internal BDNF expression in retinas.CONCLUSION： Optic nerve crush caused rust loss of RGCs and intravitreally transplanted BMSCs at some extent protected RGCs from death. The effect of BMSCs and level of BDNF in retinas are both related to BDNF and GDNF expression in BMSCs.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells increase dopamine synthesis in the injured striatum

Previous studies showed that tyrosine hydroxylase or neurturin gene-modified cells transplanted into rats with Parkinson＇s disease significantly improved behavior and increased striatal dopamine content. In the present study, we transplanted tyrosine hydroxylase and neurturin gene-modified bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells into the damaged striatum of Parkinson＇s disease model rats. Several weeks after cell transplantation, in addition to an improvement of motor function tyrosine hydroxylase and neurturin proteins were up-regulated in the injured striatum, and importantly, levels of dopamine and its metabolite 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid increased significantly. Furthermore, the density of the D2 dopamine receptor in the postsynaptic membranes of dopaminergic neurons was decreased. These results indicate that transplantation of tyrosine hydroxylase and neurturin gene-modified bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells increases dopamine synthesis and significantly improves the behavior of rats with Parkinson＇s disease.

MSCs Relieve Lung Injury of COPD Mice through Promoting Proliferation of Endogenous Lung Stem Cells

Summary： Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） transplantation could repair injury tissue, but no study confirms whether MSCs can promote the proliferation of endogenous lung stem cells to repair alveolar epithelial cells of mice with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD）. This study was designed to investigate the effect of MSCs on the proliferation of endogenous lung stem cells in COPD mice to confirm the repair mechanism of MSCs. The mice were divided into control group, COPD group, and COPD＋MSCs group. The following indexes were detected： HE staining of lung tissue, the mean linear intercept （MLI） and alveolar destructive index （DI）, the total cell number in bronchoalveo- lar lavage fluid （BALF）, pulmonary function, alveolar wall apoptosis index （AI） and proliferation index （PI）, the number of CD45-/CD31-/Sca-1＋ cells by flow cytometry （FCM）, and the number of bronchoal- veolar stem cells （BASCs） in bronchoalveolar duct junction （BADJ） by immunofluorescence. As com- pared with control group, the number of inflammatory cells in lung tissue was increased, alveolar septa was destroyed and the emphysema-like changes were seen, and the changes of lung function were in line with COPD in COPD group; AI of alveolar wall was significantly increased and PI significantly decreased in COPD group. There was no significant difference in the number of CD45-/CD31/Sca-1＋ cells and BASCs between control group and COPD group. As compared with COPD group, the number of inflammatory cells in BALF was decreased, the number of CD45/CD31/Sca-l＋ cells and BASCs was increased, AI of alveolar wall was decreased and PI was increased, and emphysema-like changes were relieved in COPD＋MSCs group. These findings suggested that MSCs transplantation can relieve lung injury by promoting proliferation of endogenous lung stem cells in the cigarette smoke-induced COPD mice.

Stem cell transplantation for treating Parkinson's disease Literature analysis based on the Web of Science

OBJECTIVE： To identify global research trends of stem cell transplantation for treating Parkinson＇s disease using a bibliometric analysis of the Web of Science. DATA RETRIEVAL： We performed a bibliometric analysis of data retrievals for stem cell transplantation for treating Parkinson＇s disease from 2002 to 2011 using the Web of Science. SELECTION CRITERIA： Inclusion criteria： （a） peer-reviewed articles on stem cell transplantation for treating Parkinson＇s disease which were published and indexed in the Web of Science; （b） type of articles： original research articles, reviews, meeting abstracts, proceedings papers, book chapters, editorial material and news items; （c） year of publication： 2002-2011. Exclusion criteria： （a） articles that required manual searching or telephone access; （b） we excluded documents that were not published in the public domain; （c） we excluded a number of corrected papers from the total number of articles. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： （1） Type of literature; （2） annual publication output; （3） distribution according to journals; （4） distribution according to subject areas; （5） distribution according to country; （6） distribution according to institution; （7） comparison of countries that published the most papers on stem cell transplantation from different cell sources for treating Parkinson＇s disease; （8） comparison of institutions that published the most papers on stem cell transplantation from different cell sources for treating Parkinson＇s disease in the Web of Science from 2002 to 2011; （9） comparison of studies on stem cell transplantation from different cell sources for treating Parkinson＇s disease RESULTS： In total, 1 062 studies on stem cell transplantation for treating Parkinson＇s disease appeared in the Web of Science from 2002 to 2011, almost one third of which were from American authors and institutes. The number of studies on stem cell transplantation for treating Parkinson＇s disease had gradually increased over the past 10 years. Papers on stem cell transplantation for treating Parkinson＇s disease appeared in journals such as Stem Cells and Experimental Neurology. Although the United States published more articles addressing neural stem cell and embryonic stem cell transplantation for treating Parkinson＇s disease, China ranked first for articles published on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for treating Parkinson＇s disease. CONCLUSION： From our analysis of the literature and research trends, we found that stem cell transplantation for treating Parkinson＇s disease may offer further benefits in regenerative medicine.

Transplantation of insulin-producing cells to treat diabetic rats after 90% pancreatectomy

AIM:To investigate the effects of transplantation of insulin-producing cells(IPCs) in the treatment of diabetic rats after 90% pancreatectomy.METHODS:Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells(UCMSCs) were isolated and induced into IPCs using differentiation medium.Differentiated cells were examined by dithizone(DTZ) staining,reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),and real-time RT-PCR.C-peptide release,both spontaneously and after glucose challenge,was measured by ELISA.IPCs were then transplanted into Sprague-Dawley rats after 90% pancreatectomy and blood glucose levels and body weight were measured.RESULTS:The differentiated cells were positive for DTZ staining and expressed pancreatic β-cell related genes.C-peptide release by the differentiated cells increased after glucose challenge(380.6 ± 15.32 pmol/L vs 272.4 ± 15.32 pmol/L,P < 0.05).Further,in the cell transplantation group,blood sugar levels were significantly lower than in the sham group 2 wk after transplantation(18.7 ± 2.5 mmol/L vs 25.8 ± 1.25 mmol/L,P < 0.05).Glucose tolerance tests showed that 45 min after intraperitoneal glucose injection,blood glucose levels were significantly lower on day 56 after transplantation of IPCs(12.5 ± 4.7 mmol/L vs 42.2 ± 9.3 mmol/L,P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:Our results show that UCMSCs can differentiate into islet-like cells in vitro under certain conditions,which can function as IPCs both in vivo and in vitro.

Use of human pluripotent stem cells to study and treat retinopathies

Human cell types affected by retinal diseases(such as age-related macular degeneration or retinitis pimentosa) are limited in cell number and of reduced accessibility. As a consequence, their isolation for in vitro studies of disease mechanisms or for drug screening efforts is fastidious. Human pluripotent stem cells(h PSCs), either of embryonic origin or through reprogramming of adult somatic cells,represent a new promising way to generate models of human retinopathies, explore the physiopathological mechanisms and develop novel therapeutic strategies. Disease-specific human embryonic stem cells were the first source of material to be used to study certain disease states. The recent demonstration that human somatic cells, such as fibroblasts or blood cells, can be genetically converted to induce pluripotent stem cells together with the continuous improvement of methods to differentiate these cells into disease-affected cellular subtypes opens new perspectives to model and understand a large number of human pathologies, including retinopathies. This review focuses on the added value of h PSCs for the disease modeling of human retinopathies and the study of their molecular pathological mechanisms. We also discuss the recent use of these cells for establishing the validation studies for therapeutic intervention and for the screening of large compound libraries to identify candidate drugs.

Differentiation of human olfactory mucosa mesenchymal stem cells into photoreceptor cells in vitro

AIM：To investigate whether the human olfactory mucosa mesenchymal stem cells（OM-MSCs）can differentiate into photoreceptor cells in vitro.METHODS：Through the olfactory mucosa adherent method,olfactory mucosa was isolated,cultured and identified in vitro among mesenchymal stem cells.The cell surface markers were analyzed by flow cytometry,induced to differentiate into retinal photoreceptor cells in vitro,and the expression of rhodopsin was observed and identified by Immunofluorescence and Western blot methods.RESULTS：OM-MSCs from human were spindle cellbased,and showing radial colony arrangement.OM-MSCs were negative for CD34,CD45 and CD105,but positive for CD73 and CD90.Following induction,a strong positive reaction was produced by photoreceptor specific marker rhodopsin in the cells.CONSLUSION：This novel finding demonstrates that OM-MSCs can be cultured and expanded in vitro.They possess biological characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells,and have the ability to be induced into retinal cells.

Effect of midazolam on the proliferation of neural stem cells isolated from rat hippocampus

In many recent studies, the inhibitory transmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid has been shown to modulate the proliferation, differentiation and survival of neural stem cells. Most general anesthetics are partial or allosteric gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor agonists, suggesting that general anesthetics could alter the behavior of neural stem cells. The neuroprotective efficacy of general anesthetics has been recognized for decades, but their effects on the proliferation of neural stem cells have received little attention. This study investigated the potential effect of midazolam, an extensively used general anesthetic and allosteric gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor agonist, on the proliferation of neural stem cells in vitro and preliminarily explored the underlying mechanism. The proliferation of neural stem cells was tested using both Cell Counting Kit 8 and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation experiments. Cell distribution analysis was performed to describe changes in the cell cycle distribution in response to midazolam. Calcium imaging was employed to explore the molecular signaling pathways activated by midazolam. Midazolam （30-90 IJM） decreased the proliferation of neural stem cells in vitro. Pretreatment with the gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor antagonist bicuculline or Na-K-2CI cotransport inhibitor furosemide partially rescued this inhibition. In addition, midazolam triggered a calcium influx into neural stem cells. The suppressive effect of midazolam on the proliferation of neural stem cells can be partly attributed to the activation of gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor. The calcium influx triggered by midazolam may be a trigger factor leading to further downstream events.

Role of hypoxia preconditioning in therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem-cell-derived extracellular vesicles

The use of mesenchymal stem-cells(MSC)in cell therapy has received considerable attention because of their properties.These properties include high expansion and differentiation in vitro,low immunogenicity,and modulation of biological processes,such as inflammation,angiogenesis and hematopoiesis.Curiously,the regenerative effect of MSC is partly due to their paracrine activity.This has prompted numerous studies,to investigate the therapeutic potential of their secretome in general,and specifically their extracellular vesicles(EV).The latter contain proteins,lipids,nucleic acids,and other metabolites,which can cause physiological changes when released into recipient cells.Interestingly,contents of EV can be modulated by preconditioning MSC under different culture conditions.Among them,exposure to hypoxia stands out;these cells respond by activating hypoxia-inducible factor(HIF)at low O_(2) concentrations.HIF has direct and indirect pleiotropic effects,modulating expression of hundreds of genes involved in processes such as inflammation,migration,proliferation,differentiation,angiogenesis,metabolism,and cell apoptosis.Expression of these genes is reflected in the contents of secreted EV.Interestingly,numerous studies show that MSC-derived EV conditioned under hypoxia have a higher regenerative capacity than those obtained under normoxia.In this review,we show the implications of hypoxia responses in relation to tissue regeneration.In addition,hypoxia preconditioning of MSC is being evaluated as a very attractive strategy for isolation of EV,with a high potential for clinical use in regenerative medicine that can be applied to different pathologies.

Overexpression of the mTERT gene by adenoviral vectors promotes the proliferation of neuronal stem cells in vitro and stimulates neurogenesis in the hippocampus of mice

We sought to construct the adenoviral vector carrying the gene encoding mouse telomerase reverse transcriptase（mTERT）,as well as detect its expression and effect on the proliferation of neuronal stem cells.mTERT was am-plified by RT-PCR and then the eukaryotic expression vector of pDC-EGFP-TERT was constructed.After DNA sequence analysis,we detected that there were 293 cells transfected with pDC-EGFP-TERT and helper adenovirus plasmid pBHG lox ΔE1,and three Cre using Lipofectamine 2000 mediation,named Ad-mTERT-GFP,to pack-age adenoviral particles.The Ad-mTERT-GFP was used to infect neuronal stem cells and then the expression and activity of mTERT were detected.In addition,Bromodeoxyuridine labeling test identified the impact of mTERT overexpression on proliferation of neuronal stem cells.The recombinant adenoviral vector confirmed that mTERT was successfully constructed.Overexpression of mTERT stimulated the proliferation of neuronal stem cells both in vitro and in vivo.mTERT overexpression via adenoviral vector carrying mTERT cDNA upregulated the ability of proliferation in neuronal stem cells.

LGR5 is a promising biomarker for patients with stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ gastric cancer

Objective： To investigate Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 （LGR5） expressions in gastric cancer and to evaluate its clinical significance. Methods： LGR5 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 257 gastric cancer patients after surgery. The relationships between LGR5 expression and clinicopathological features and patients prognosis were statistically analyzed. Results： The expression of LGR5 was significantly higher in gastric cancers as a cancer stem cell marker than in adjacent normal tissues （P〈0.001）, and more frequently in patients with intestinal type, well-moderate differentiation and stage I and II （P〈0.05）. Although we found gastric cancer patients with LGR5 positive expression had a poorer prognosis, it didn＇t meet statistical significance （P〉0.05）. LGR5 negative expression was significantly related to the favorable overall survival in stage I and II gastric cancer patients （P〈0.05）. Furthermore, patients with high LGR5 expression tended to be more likely to get progression and have poorer progress-free survival （P〈0.05）. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that LGR5 expression was an independent factor of overall survival for the patients with stage I and II gastric cancer （P〈0.05）. Conclusions： Our results show that LGR5 may play an important role in tumorigenesis and progression and would be a powerful marker to predict the prognosis of patients with stage I and II gastric cancer.