Stem cells tropism for malignant gliomas

Various studies have demonstrated the tremendous tropism of stem cells for malignant gliomas,making these cells a potential vehicle for delivery of therapeutic genes to disseminated glioma cells.However,little is known about the mechanisms underlying the glioma-induced tropism of stem cells.Soluble factors including chemokines or growth factors released and expressed by glioma cells at least mediate the tropism of stem cells for gliomas.Here we review the possible mechanisms of stem cells tropism for malignant gliomas.

Migration capacity of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells towards glioma in vivo

High-grade glioma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults. The poor prognosis of glioma, combined with a resistance tQ currently available treatments, necessitates the develop- ment of more effective tumor-selective therapies. Stem cell-based therapies are emerging as novel cell-based delivery vehicle for therapeutic agents. In the present study, we successfully isolated human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells by expiant culture. The human umbilical cord mes- enchymal stem cells were adherent to plastic surfaces, expressed specific surface phenotypes of mesenchymal stem cells as demonstrated by flow cytometry, and possessed multi-differentiation potentials in permissive induction media in vitro. Furthermore, human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells demonstrated excellent glioma-specific targeting capacity in established rat glioma models after intratumoral injection or contralateral ventricular administration in vivo. The excellent glioma-specific targeting ability and extensive intratumoral distribution of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells indicate that they may serve as a novel cellular vehicle for delivering therapeutic molecules in glioma therapy.

Application of mesenchymal stem cells as a vehicle to deliver replication-competent adenovirus for treating malignant glioma

Although gene therapy was regarded as a promising approach for glioma treatment,its therapeutic efficacy was often disappointing because of the lack of efficient drug delivery systems.Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) have been reported to have a tropism for brain tumors and thus could be used as delivery vehicles for glioma therapy.Therefore,in this study,we attempted to treat glioma by using MSCs as a vehicle for delivering replication-competent adenovirus.We firstly compared the infectivity of type 3,type 5,and type 35 fiber-modified adenoviruses in MSCs.We also determined suitable adenovirus titer in vitro and then used this titer to analyze the ability of MSCs to deliver replication-competent adenovirus into glioma in vivo.Our results indicated that type 35 fiber-modified adenovirus showed higher infectivity than did naked type 3 or type 5 fiber-modified adenovirus.MSCs carrying replication-competent adenovirus significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo compared with other control groups.In conclusion,MSCs are an effective vehicle that can successfully transport replication-competent adenovirus into glioma,making it a potential therapeutic strategy for treating malignant glioma.

Migration to gliomas of bone mesenchymal stem cells transfected with cytosine deaminase gene following transplantation in vivo

This experiment sought to observe the migration and distribution of bone mesenchymal stem cells transfected with the cytosine deaminase gone （BMSCs-CD/eGFP） after transplantation in vivo through three pathways. In addition, we examined the tropism of these cells to glioma. Intracranial C6 glioma models were established in Sprague-Dawley rats using an intracranial stereotactic inoculation method. When tumors were 7 days old, rats were inoculated with lx106 BMSCs-CD/eGFP cells via the tumor-bearing internal carotid artery, the contralateral hemisphere and the tumor-bearing glioma. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that BMSCs-CD/eGFP exhibited a strong capacity for migration to tumors. BMSCs-CD/eGFP transplanted via the tumor-bearing intemal carotid artery were observed to distribute in glioma tissues. BMSCs-CD/eGFP inoculated via the ipsilateral glioma mainly located within and at the edge of glioma tissues. BMSCs-CD/eGFP inoculated via the contralateral hemisphere mainly distributed at the proximal end of the tumor at the incubation site.

Inhibitory effects of cytosine deaminase gene-transfected bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on glioma cell proliferation

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from C57BL mice, transfected with the cytosine deaminase （CD） gene using a lentivirus vector and co-cultured with C6 glioma cells to verify anti-tumor effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells carrying CD genes. C57MSC-CD/eGFP cells converted 5-fluorocytosine to 5-fluorouracil and exhibited significant inhibition of proliferation and apoptosis in C6 glioma cells. C57MSC-CD/eGFP cells were then implanted into rat models of brain C6 glioma. Rats were also intraperitoneally injected with 5-fluorocytosine after 7 days. MSC-CD/eGFP cells were irregularly distributed at the margin of the glioma, as well as encased and reduced the volume of the glioma. CD-transfected bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells inhibit the in vivo growth and in vitro proliferation of glioma.

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells as cell carriers in the treatment of gliomas: research status and prospects

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells(HuMSCs)have the multi-difFerentiation potential to differentiate into various types of cells without immune rejection.They are considered to be an ideal source of neural stem cells and also an ideal cell carrier for gene therapy.Because of the invasive growth of brain gliomas,most of them have no obvious boundaries with normal brain tissues.It is difficult to completely remove them by surgery and the remaining cells become the main source of tumor recurrence.In recent years,gene therapy has become a new method for the treatment of gliomas.The vector carrying the target gene is introduced into HuMSCs in a certain way to correct gene defects or play other roles.The differentiation potential of HuMSCs makes it an ideal source of nerve cells to play a greater role in gene therapy of glioma.Therefore,this article reviews the current status and prospects of HuMSCs as cell carriers in the treatment of glioma.

Vascular endothelial growth factor/platelet-derived growth factor receptor pathway is involved in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and directional migration toward gliomas

BACKGROUND： Vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） induces bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell （BMSC） differentiation into vascular endothelial-like cells and promotes BMSC migration toward gliomas. However, the molecular mechanisms by which VEGF induces BMSC differentiation and migration remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE; To investigate the role of platelet-derived growth factor （PDGF） receptor （PDGFR） in BMSC differentiation and migration induced by VEGE DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A parallel, controlled, in vitro experiment was performed at the Molecular Neurobiology ＆ Neural Regeneration and Repairing Laboratory, Anhui Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical University, China from June 2008 to March 2009. MATERIALS： U87 glioma cells were purchased from Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences; mouse anti-human PDGFR and VEGF receptor （VEGFR） monoclonal antibodies were purchased from Peprotech, USA. METHODS： Isolated BMSCs were precultured with neutralizing antibody for VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, PDGFR-α, and PDGFR-β to block biological activity of related receptors, followed by induced differentiation with 50μg/L VEGF. BMSCs induced with 50μg/L VEGF alone served as the VEGF-induced group. The control group remained untreated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Cell surface markers were identified by flow cytometry; BMSC surface cytokine receptor expression was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction; the Transwell model was used to observe cell migration. RESULTS： After blocking the PDGFR, VEGF did not induce BMSC cell surface marker CD-31 or von Willebrand factor （vWF） expression. However, inhibition with VEGF receptor blocking agents, VEGF induced BMSCs to express CD-31 and vWE Following inhibition of the PDGFR, the number of cells migrating through the polycarbonate membrane Transwell chamber was decreased, as well as the number of BMSCs migrating to glioma cells. However, through the use of VEGF receptor blocking agents, the number of migrating cells remained unchanged. VEGF preculture increased the number of BMSCs migrating to gliomas. CONCLUSION： VEGF interacts with PDGFRs on the BMSC surface to attract BMSC directional migration and induce BMSC differentiation. The VEGF/PDGFR pathway participates in BMSC directional migration to glioma. VEGF pretreatment increased efficiency of BMSC migration to glioma.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in skin wound healing:roles,opportunities and challenges

Skin wounds are characterized by injury to the skin due to trauma,tearing,cuts,or contusions.As such injuries are common to all human groups,they may at times represent a serious socioeconomic burden.Currently,increasing numbers of studies have focused on the role of mesenchymal stem cell(MSC)-derived extracellular vesicles(EVs)in skin wound repair.As a cell-free therapy,MSC-derived EVs have shown significant application potential in the field of wound repair as a more stable and safer option than conventional cell therapy.Treatment based on MSC-derived EVs can significantly promote the repair of damaged substructures,including the regeneration of vessels,nerves,and hair follicles.In addition,MSC-derived EVs can inhibit scar formation by affecting angiogenesis-related and antifibrotic pathways in promoting macrophage polarization,wound angiogenesis,cell proliferation,and cell migration,and by inhibiting excessive extracellular matrix production.Additionally,these structures can serve as a scaffold for components used in wound repair,and they can be developed into bioengineered EVs to support trauma repair.Through the formulation of standardized culture,isolation,purification,and drug delivery strategies,exploration of the detailed mechanism of EVs will allow them to be used as clinical treatments for wound repair.In conclusion,MSCderived EV-based therapies have important application prospects in wound repair.Here we provide a comprehensive overview of their current status,application potential,and associated drawbacks.

The antioxidant trolox inhibits aging and enhances prostaglandin E-2 secretion in mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)have been widely used in regenerative medicine and clinical therapy due to their capabilities of proliferation,differentiation,and immune regulation.However,during in vitro expansion,MSCs are prone to aging,which largely limits their application.Prostaglandin E-2(PGE-2)is a key effector secreted by MSCs to exert immunomodulatory effects.By screening the compound library for PGE-2 secretion,the antioxidant trolox was verified as a stimulator of MSCs to secrete PGE-2.The effect of antioxidant trolox on biological characteristics of MSCS,including aging,proliferation,and gene expression,was examined.The results demonstrated that trolox can resist aging,promote proliferation,and enhance PGE-2 secretion of MSCs without affecting their surface marker expression.Furthermore,trolox treatment up-regulates miR-17-92 clusters in MSCs and may contribute to its anti-aging effects.Thus,trolox addition might be beneficial for MSCs expansion and their application.

Mesenchymal stem cells as therapeutic agents and in gene delivery for the treatment of glioma

Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) are plastic-adherent cells with a characteristic surface phenotype and properties of self-renewal, differentiation, and high proliferative potential. The characteristics of MSCs and their tumortropic capability make them an ideal tool for use in cell-based therapies for cancer, including glioma. These cells can function either through a bystander effect or as a delivery system for genes and drugs. MSCs have been demonstrated to inhibit the growth of glioma and to improve survival following transplantation into the brain. We briefly review the current data regarding the use of MSCs in the treatment of glioma and discuss the potential strategies for development of a more specific and effective therapy.

Ultrastructural Characteristics of Sheep and Horse Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)

In the present study, the morphological and ultrastructural characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) induced towards osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic lineages were investigated. The main objective of this paper was to focus on the differentiation capacity of ovine [oMSCs] and equine MSCs [eMSCs]. Bone marrow [BM] MSCs were isolated from ovine and equine patients, expanded in monolayer culture and induced into osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. For chondrogenic differentiation, cells were cultured in micromass culture. Also, their ultrastructural phenotypes were studied by transmission electron microscopy [TEM]. This study was aimed to provide an indepth morphological description of BM-derived ovine and equine MSCs induced towards three lineages, it demonstrated that TEM analysis is useful in elucidating detailed structural information.

Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Into Dopaminergic Neuron-like Cells in vitro

To explore the way to induce mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons in vitro. Methods MSCs were obtained from rat bone marrow, cultured and passaged. MSCs used in this experiment had multipotency, which was indirectly proved by being induced to differentiate into chondrocytes and adipocytes. MSCs were cultured in medium containing 0.5 mmol/L IBMX for 2 days. Then the medium was replaced with induction medium, which contained GDNF, IL-1β, mesencephalic glial-cell-conditioned medium and flash-frozen mesencephalic membrane fragments. The surface markers of the differentiated neurons, such as NSE, nestin, MAP-2a, b and TH were detected by immunocytochemistry and Western blot after MSCs were cultured in induction medium for 7 days and 15 days. Results MSCs differentiated into neural progenitors and expressed nestin after MSCs were incubated with medium containing IBMX for 2 d. After the medium was replaced with induction medium containing many inducing agents, MSCs differentiated into neuron-like cells and dopaminergic neuron-like cells and expressed NSE, MAP-2a, b and TH. The percentage of NSE-positive cells, MAP-2a, b-positive cells and TH-positive cells was 30.032±2.489%, 41.580±5.101% and 34.958±5.534%, respectively after MSCs were induced in medium containing GDNF, IL-1β, mesencephalic glial-cell-conditioned medium and flash-frozen mesencephalic membrane fragments for 15 days. Conclusion MSCs can differentiate into dopaminergic neuron-like cells and are a new cell source for the treatment of neurodegeneration diseases and have a great potential for wide application

Similarities and differences between mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells derived from various human tissues

BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) constitute a promising tool in regenerative medicine and can be isolated from different human tissues. However, their biological properties are still not fully characterized. Whereas MSCs from different tissue exhibit many common characteristics, their biological activity and some markers are different and depend on their tissue of origin. Understanding the factors that underlie MSC biology should constitute important points for consideration for researchers interested in clinical MSC application. AIM To characterize the biological activity of MSCs during longterm culture isolated from: bone marrow (BM-MSCs), adipose tissue (AT-MSCs), skeletal muscles (SMMSCs), and skin (SK-MSCs). METHODS MSCs were isolated from the tissues, cultured for 10 passages, and assessed for: phenotype with immunofluorescence and flow cytometry, multipotency with differentiation capacity for osteo-, chondro-, and adipogenesis, stemness markers with qPCR for mRNA for Sox2 and Oct4, and genetic stability for p53 and c-Myc;27 bioactive factors were screened using the multiplex ELISA array, and spontaneous fusion involving a co-culture of SM-MSCs with BM-MSCs or AT-MSCs stained with PKH26 (red) or PKH67 (green) was performed. RESULTS All MSCs showed the basic MSC phenotype;however, their expression decreased during the follow-up period, as confirmed by fluorescence intensity. The examined MSCs express CD146 marker associated with proangiogenic properties;however their expression decreased in AT-MSCs and SM-MSCs, but was maintained in BM-MSCs. In contrast, in SK-MSCs CD146 expression increased in late passages. All MSCs, except BM-MSCs, expressed PW1, a marker associated with differentiation capacity and apoptosis. BM-MSCs and AT-MSCs expressed stemness markers Sox2 and Oct4 in long-term culture. All MSCs showed a stable p53 and c-Myc expression. BM-MSCs and AT-MSCs maintained their differentiation capacity during the follow-up period. In contrast, SK-MSCs and SM-MSCs had a limited ability to differentiate into adipocytes. BM-MSCs and AT-MSCs revealed similarities in phenotype maintenance, capacity for multilineage differentiation, and secretion of bioactive factors. Because AT-MSCs fused with SM-MSCs as effectively as BM-MSCs, AT-MSCs may constitute an alternative source for BM-MSCs. CONCLUSION Long-term culture affects the biological activity of MSCs obtained from various tissues. The source of MSCs and number of passages are important considerations in regenerative medicine.

hUMSCs外分泌上清联合替莫唑胺在不同胶质瘤细胞系中的协同增敏作用

目的:探讨人脐带间充质干细胞外分泌上清(hUMSC-CM)联合替莫唑胺(TMZ)在不同胶质瘤细胞系中的协同增敏作用及潜在机制。方法:采用2种血清剥夺法(24和48 h分批次撤血清法)收集hUMSC-CM并制备成冻干粉,设置5种浓度(0、1、3、6和9 g/L)处理大鼠恶性胶质瘤细胞系RG-2、人星形细胞瘤细胞系U251和人胶质母细胞瘤细胞系LN-428。通过CCK-8实验检测hUMSC-CM作用于胶质瘤细胞24、48和72 h后的肿瘤抑制可行性及敏感度。HE染色结合CCK-8法确定6种浓度(0、25、50、100、200和400µmol/L)的TMZ作用于胶质瘤细胞48 h后化疗敏感性的差异。筛选出低、高2种浓度(3和9 g/L)的hUMSC-CM和低、中、高3种浓度(50、100和200µmol/L)的TMZ配伍,作用于胶质瘤细胞后检测细胞活力和病理形态学变化。TUNEL染色检测细胞凋亡;流式细胞术分析细胞周期变化;Western blot检测凋亡相关蛋白cleaved caspase-3、cleaved caspase-8和cleaved PARP1,以及自噬相关蛋白beclin-1和LC3的表达变化,探讨hUMSC-CM与TMZ体外联合给药协同增敏的作用机制。结果:3种胶质瘤细胞系对hUMSC-CM和TMZ的敏感度为RG-2>U251>LN-428。hUMSC-CM(3和9 g/L)与TMZ(50、100和200µmol/L)配伍给药对胶质瘤细胞生长的抑制作用比单独给药组显著增强(P<0.05),且随着配伍药物剂量的增加而增强。其中,9 g/L hUMSC-CM(C9)与50µmol/L TMZ(T50)配伍可有效抑制胶质瘤细胞生长。与C9或T50组相比,CCK-8实验显示C9+T50组细胞活力显著下降(P<0.05),HE染色和TUNEL检测结果显示C9+T50组细胞形态变化明显,出现典型凋亡形态学特征,流式细胞术结果显示C9+T50可诱导胶质瘤细胞周期发生阻滞,Western blot结果显示C9+T50组细胞中cleaved caspase-3、cleaved caspase-8、cleaved PARP1、beclin-1和LC3-II/LC3-I水平显著升高(P<0.01)。结论:(1)hUMSC-CM与TMZ配伍给药对胶质瘤细胞的抑制作用具有广谱性,且两者之间存在增敏作用,在不同细胞系中呈现不同的增敏效果。(2)hUMSC-CM提高胶质瘤细胞对TMZ敏感度的机制可能与调节caspase-8/caspase-3/PARP1信号通路及自噬通路、诱导胶质瘤细胞发生凋亡和自噬有关。

The genomic landscapes of histone H3-Lys9 modifications of gene promoter regions and expression profiles in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） of nonembryonic origins possess the proliferation and multi-lineage differentiation potentials. It has been established that epigenetic mechanisms could be critical for determining the fate of stem cells, and MSCs derived from different origins exhibited different expression profiles individually to a certain extent. In this study, ChiP-on-chip was used to generate genome-wide histone H3-Lys9 acetylation and dimethylation profiles at gene promoters in human bone marrow MSCs. We showed that modifications of histone H3-Lys9 at gene promoters correlated well with mRNA expression in human bone marrow MSCs. Functional analysis revealed that many key cellular pathways in human bone marrow MSC self-renewal, such as the canonical signaling pathways, cell cycle pathways and cytokine related pathways may be regulated by H3-Lys9 modifications. These data suggest that gene activation and silencing affected by H3-Lys9 acetylation and dimethylation, respectively, may be essential to the maintenance of human bone marrow MSC self-renewal and multi-potency.

BM-MSCs延缓CD8^(+)初始T细胞衰老

目的验证骨髓间充质干细胞(BM-MSCs)缓解免疫衰老的作用,探究其衰老改善的主要免疫细胞群体。方法分离获得小鼠脾淋巴细胞,刺激增殖7d构建复制性衰老细胞模型。利用流式细胞测量术检测年轻对照组、复制性衰老对照组和BM-MSCs共培养组T细胞亚群衰老标志物p16ink4a(p16)和p21cip1(p21)的表达水平。结果T淋巴细胞复制性衰老模型中观察到持续增殖后CD8^(+)T细胞较CD4^(+)T细胞衰老显著,在CD8^(+)T细胞的初始细胞、效应细胞亚群中,效应细胞衰老最显著;BM-MSCs共培养对衰老的效应细胞没有明显影响,主要通过延缓初始T细胞的衰老,达到缓解CD8^(+)T细胞衰老的作用(P<0.01,P<0.001)。结论与BM-MSCs共培养可以缓解T细胞的复制性衰老表型,对CD8^(+)T细胞的抗衰作用更显著,主要通过抑制初始T细胞的衰老实现。

Morphological Properties of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Bone Marrow of Rhesus Monkeys

To establish an in vitro system for isolating and culturing the mesenchymal stem cells （MSC） of Rhesus monkeys, and to provide research data for its further application, the bone marrow of Rhesus monkeys was collected and separated by gradient centrifugation to discard most of the blood cells. The MSC contained in the monocyte centrifuging layer was obtained and cultured in Dulbecco＇s modified media （low glucose, L-DMEM） supplemented with 10% Fetal bovine serum （FBS） and 1 ng/ml basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF）. The non-MSC was screened out by continuously renewing the medium. A passage culture was undertaken while the MSC monolayer formed. The spindle-shaped MSC formed a monolayer after 18 days of primary culturing, and the cells appeared in an oriented array with a swirling and irradiating growth trend. In the anaphase of passage culture, the cell proliferation rate was decreased and the morphology changed into triangular, polygon and flat appearance. These results suggested that mesenchymal stem cells （MSC） of the Rhesus monkey can be passaged in vitro with the established optimized culture system.

WJSC 6^(th) Anniversary Special Issues(2):Mesenchymal stem cells Brain mesenchymal stem cells:The other stem cells of the brain?

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells(MSC),have the potential to differentiate into cells of the mesenchymal lineage and have non-progenitor functions including immunomodulation.The demonstration that MSCs are perivascular cells found in almost all adult tissues raises fascinating perspectives on their role in tissue maintenance and repair.However,some controversies about the physiological role of the perivascular MSCs residing outside the bone marrow and on their therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine exist.In brain,perivascular MSCs like pericytes and adventitial cells,could constitute another stem cell population distinct to the neural stem cell pool.The demonstration of the neuronal potential of MSCs requires stringent criteria including morphological changes,the demonstration of neural biomarkers expression,electrophysiological recordings,and the absence of cell fusion.The recent finding that brain cancer stem cells can transdifferentiate into pericytes is another facet of the plasticity of these cells.It suggests that the perversion of the stem cell potential of pericytes might play an even unsuspected role in cancer formation and tumor progression.

The therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells in Alzheimer's disease:converging mechanisms

Mesenchymal stem cells （MSCS） are pluripotent stem cells isolated from various tissues, but mostly from bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord blood. Well known for their mesenchymal lineages differentiation （e.g., bone, cartilage and fat tissues）, it was suggested that MSCs possess plasticity prop- erties enabling them to differentiate into non-mesenchymal lineages. Indeed, several protocols claimed for differentiating MSCs to neurons in vitro, but concern was raised for the ef- fectiveness and in vivo relevance of such differentiation. Thus, though their neurogenic differentiation properties are still in debate, they were nevertheless, suggested as candidates for treat- ing neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson＇s diseases, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer＇s disease （AD）.