Morphological characteristics and identification of islet-like cells derived from rat adipose-derived stem cells cocultured with pancreas adult stem cells

Long Non-coding RNA Regulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Homeostasis and Differentiation: Advances, Challenges, and Perspectives

Given the self-renewal, multi-differentiation, immunoregulatory, and tissue maintenance properties, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for stem cell-based therapies. Breakthroughs have been made in uncovering MSCs as key contributors to homeostasis and the regenerative repair of tissues and organs derived from three germ layers. MSC differentiation into specialized cell types is sophisticatedly regulated, and accumulating evidence suggests long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as the master regulators of various biological processes including the maintenance of homeostasis and multi-differentiation functions through epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-translational mechanisms. LncRNAs are ubiquitous and generally referred to as non-coding transcripts longer than 200 bp. Most lncRNAs are evolutionary conserved and species-specific; however, the weak conservation of their sequences across species does not affect their diverse biological functions. Although numerous lncRNAs have been annotated and studied, they are nevertheless only the tip of the iceberg; the rest remain to be discovered. In this review, we characterize MSC functions in homeostasis and highlight recent advances on the functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs in regulating MSC homeostasis and differentiation. We also discuss the current challenges and perspectives for understanding the roles of lncRNAs in MSC functions in homeostasis, which could help develop promising targets for MSC-based therapies.

Comparison of mouse, rat and rabbit models for adipose - Derived stem cells (ASC) research

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Cellular therapies are becoming more popular and there is a big demand for suitable animal model for research in field of tissue engineering. Both the small (rodents) and large animals have their advantages for cellular therapy experiments. Appropriate animal research model would be a bridge between basic research and clinical medicine. The aim of this study was to compare mouse, rat and rabbit as animal models useful for adipose - derived stem cell research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Quantity, phenotype, clonogenic and differentiation potential of cells isolated from different localizations of adipose tissue from WAG and LEW/W rat strains, rabbit and mouse were analysed.

RESULTS

The highest number of cells from 1 g of tissue were isolated from cervical white fat of LEW/W rat. ASCs isolated from rat had also the highest clonogenic potential. Phenotype and capability to differentiate into osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic lineages are at the same level for rat and rabbit.

CONCLUSIONS

Rat as a research model can be a rational solution between large animal models and typical laboratory mice because of their size, genetic homogenity, availability of genetically modified stains and possibility to perform research mimicking clinical applications.

Mesenchymal stem cells and immune disorders: from basic science to clinical transition

As a promising candidate seed cell type in regenerative medicine, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have attracted considerable attention. The unique capacity of MSCs to exert a regulatory effect on immunity in an autologous/allergenic manner makes them an attractive therapeutic cell type for immune disorders. In this review, we discussed the current knowledge of and advances in MSCs, including its basic biological properties, i.e., multilineage differentiation, secretome, and immunomodulation. Specifically, on the basis of our previous work, we proposed three new concepts of MSCs, i.e., "subtotipotent stem cell" hypothesis, MSC system, and "Yin and Yang" balance of MSC regulation, which may bring new insights into our understanding of MSCs. Furthermore, we analyzed data from the Clinical Trials database ( http://clinicaltrials.gov ) on registered clinical trials using MSCs to treat a variety of immune diseases, such as graft-versus-host disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and multiple sclerosis. In addition, we highlighted MSC clinical trials in China and discussed the challenges and future directions in the field of MSC clinical application.

Current status of stem cell therapy, scaffolds for the treatment of diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) remains the 7th leading cause of death in the world. Daily insulin injection is one component of a treatment plan for people with Diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM) that restores normal or near-normal blood sugar levels. However, Insulin treatment depends upon a variety of individual factors and leads to poor and drastic glycemic control. The need for an effective cell replacement strategy will be the aim of future clinical trials. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to outline the latest advances in scaffolding and stem cell therapy as a non-pharmacologic treatment for T1DM. It also emphasizes on some pancreas differentiation protocols and the clinical trials associated with stem cell therapy regarding T1DM in vitro and in vivo.

Effect of Wnt Signaling on the Differentiation of Islet β-Cells from Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

The Wnt signaling is critical for pancreatic development and islet function; however, its precise effects on the development and function of the β-cells remain controversial. Here we examined mRNA and protein expression of components of the Wnt signaling throughout the differentiation of islet β-cells from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). After induction, ADSCs expressed markers of β-cells, including the insulin, PDX1, and glucagon genes, and the PDX1, CK19, nestin, insulin, and C-peptide proteins, indicating their successful differentiation. Compared with pancreatic adult stem cells (PASCs), the quantities of insulin, GLUT2, and Irs2 mRNA decreased, whereas Gcg, Gck, and Irs1 mRNA increased. Over time, during differentiation, insulin mRNA and protein expression increased, Gcg and Gck mRNA expression increased, Irs1 mRNA expression decreased and then increased, and Irs2 mRNA increased and then decreased (all P < 0.05). The expression of Dvl-2, LRP5, and GSK3β mRNA as well as the Dvl-2, GSK3β, and p-GSK3β proteins also increased (P < 0.05). Expression of TCF7L2 (6–10 d) and β-catenin mRNA as well as the β-catenin protein increased but not significantly (P > 0.05). Our results indicate that the Wnt signaling is activated during ADSC differentiation into islet β-cells, but there was no obvious enrichment of nonphosphorylated β-catenin protein.

Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine

In regenerative medicine, adult stem cells are the most promising cell types for cell-based therapies. As a new source for multipotent stem cells, human adipose tissue has been introduced. These so called adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are considered to be ideal for application in regenerative therapies. Their main advantage over mesenchymal stem cells derived from other sources, e.g. from bone marrow, is that they can be easily and repeatable harvested using minimally invasive techniques with low morbidity. ADSCs are multipotent and can differentiate into various cell types of the tri-germ lineages, including e.g. osteocytes, adipocytes, neural cells, vascular endothelial cells, cardiomyocytes, pancreatic β-cells, and hepatocytes. Interestingly, ADSCs are characterized by immunosuppressive properties and low immunogenicity. Their secretion of trophic factors enforces the therapeutic and regenerative outcome in a wide range of applications. Taken together, these particular attributes of ADSCs make them highly relevant for clinical applications. Consequently, the therapeutic potential of ADSCs is enormous. Therefore, this review will provide a brief overview of the possible therapeutic applications of ADSCs with regard to their differentiation potential into the tri-germ lineages. Moreover, the relevant advancements made in the field, regulatory aspects as well as other challenges and obstacles will be highlighted.

A Historical Perspective on the Identification of Cell Types in Pancreatic Islets of Langerhans by Staining and Histochemical Techniques

Before the middle of the previous century, cell types of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans were identified primarily on the basis of their color reactions with histological dyes. At that time, the chemical basis for the staining properties of islet cells in relation to the identity, chemistry and structure of their hormones was not fully understood. Nevertheless, the definitive islet cell types that secrete glucagon, insulin, and somatostatin (A, B, and D cells, respectively) could reliably be differentiated from each other with staining protocols that involved variations of one or more tinctorial techniques, such as the Mallory-Heidenhain azan trichrome, chromium hematoxylin and phloxine, aldehyde fuchsin, and silver impregnation methods, which were popularly used until supplanted by immunohistochemical techniques. Before antibody-based staining methods, the most bona fide histochemical techniques for the identification of islet B cells were based on the detection of sulfhydryl and disulfide groups of insulin. The application of the classical islet tinctorial staining methods for pathophysiological studies and physiological experiments was fundamental to our understanding of islet architecture and the physiological roles of A and B cells in glucose regulation and diabetes.