Avoidance of Maternal Cell Contamination and Overgrowth in Isolating Fetal Chorionic Villi Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Human Term Placenta

Placental single cell transcriptomics: Opportunities for endocrine disrupting chemical toxicology

The placenta performs essential biologic functions for fetal development throughout pregnancy. Placental dysfunction is at the root of multiple adverse birth outcomes such as intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals during pregnancy can cause placental dysfunction, and many prior human studies have examined molecular changes in bulk placental tissues. Placenta-specific cell types, including cytotrophoblasts, syncytiotrophoblasts, extravillous trophoblasts, and placental resident macrophage Hofbauer cells play unique roles in placental development, structure, and function. Toxicant-induced changes in relative abundance and/or impairment of these cell types likely contribute to placental pathogenesis. Although gene expression insights gained from bulk placental tissue RNA-sequencing data are useful, their interpretation is limited because bulk analysis can mask the effects of a chemical on individual populations of placental cells. Cutting-edge single cell RNA-sequencing technologies are enabling the investigation of placental cell-type specific responses to endocrine disrupting chemicals. Moreover, in situ bioinformatic cell deconvolution enables the estimation of cell type proportions in bulk placental tissue gene expression data. These emerging technologies have tremendous potential to provide novel mechanistic insights in a complex heterogeneous tissue with implications for toxicant contributions to adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Promising Markers in the Context of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Subpopulations with Unique Properties

The heterogeneity of the mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) population poses a challenge to researchers and clinicians, especially those observed at the population level. What is more, the lack of precise evidences regarding MSCs developmental origin even further complicate this issue. As the available evidences indicate several possible pathways of MSCs formation, this diverse origin may be reflected in the unique subsets of cells found within the MSCs population. Such populations differ in specialization degree, proliferation, and immunomodulatory properties or exhibit other additional properties such as increased angiogenesis capacity. In this review article, we attempted to identify such outstanding populations according to the specific surface antigens or intracellular markers. Described groups were characterized depending on their specialization and potential therapeutic application. The reports presented here cover a wide variety of properties found in the recent literature, which is quite scarce for many candidates mentioned in this article. Even though the collected information would allow for better targeting of specific subpopulations in regenerative medicine to increase the effectiveness of MSC-based therapies.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Exosomes: A Novel Therapeutic Approach for Corneal Diseases

The cornea, with its delicate structure, is vulnerable to damage from physical, chemical, and genetic factors. Corneal transplantation, including penetrating and lamellar keratoplasties, can restore the functions of the cornea in cases of severe damage. However, the process of corneal transplantation presents considerable obstacles, including a shortage of available donors, the risk of severe graft rejection, and potentially life-threatening complications. Over the past few decades, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has become a novel alternative approach to corneal regeneration. Numerous studies have demonstrated the potential of MSCs to differentiate into different corneal cell types, such as keratocytes, epithelial cells, and endothelial cells. MSCs are considered a suitable candidate for corneal regeneration because of their promising therapeutic perspective and beneficial properties. MSCs compromise unique immunomodulation, anti-angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory properties and secrete various growth factors, thus promoting corneal reconstruction. These effects in corneal engineering are mediated by MSCs differentiating into different lineages and paracrine action via exosomes. Early studies have proven the roles of MSC-derived exosomes in corneal regeneration by reducing inflammation, inhibiting neovascularization, and angiogenesis, and by promoting cell proliferation. This review highlights the contribution of MSCs and MSC-derived exosomes, their current usage status to overcome corneal disease, and their potential to restore different corneal layers as novel therapeutic agents. It also discusses feasible future possibilities, applications, challenges, and opportunities for future research in this field.

Mesenchymal stromal cells and alpha-1 antitrypsin have a strong synergy in modulating inflammation and its resolution

Rationale: Trauma, surgery, and infection can cause severe inflammation. Both dysregulated inflammation intensity and duration can lead to significant tissue injuries, organ dysfunction, mortality, and morbidity. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as steroids and immunosuppressants can dampen inflammation intensity, but they derail inflammation resolution, compromise normal immunity, and have significant adverse effects. The natural inflammation regulator mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have high therapeutic potential because of their unique capabilities to mitigate inflammation intensity, enhance normal immunity, and accelerate inflammation resolution and tissue healing. Furthermore, clinical studies have shown that MSCs are safe and effective. However, they are not potent enough, alone, to completely resolve severe inflammation and injuries. One approach to boost the potency of MSCs is to combine them with synergistic agents. We hypothesized that alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT), a plasma protein used clinically and has an excellent safety profile, was a promising candidate for synergism. Methods: This investigation examined the efficacy and synergy of MSCs and A1AT to mitigate inflammation and promote resolution, using in vitro inflammatory assay and in vivo mouse acute lung injury model. The in vitro assay measured cytokine releases, inflammatory pathways, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) production by neutrophils and phagocytosis in different immune cell lines. The in vivo model monitored inflammation resolution, tissue healing, and animal survival. Results: We found that the combination of MSCs and A1AT was much more effective than each component alone in i) modulating cytokine releases and inflammatory pathways, ii) inhibiting ROS and NETs production by neutrophils, iii) enhancing phagocytosis and, iv) promoting inflammation resolution, tissue healing, and animal survival. Conclusion: These results support the combined use of MSCs, and A1AT is a promising approach for managing severe, acute inflammation.

Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Derived from Perinatal Tissues: Sources, Characteristics and Isolation Methods

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) derived from perinatal tissues have become indispensable sources for clinical applications due to their superior properties, ease of accessibility and minimal ethical concerns. MSCs isolated from different placenta (PL) and umbilical cord (UC) compartments exhibit great potential for stem cell-based therapies. However, their biological activities could vary due to tissue origins and differences in differentiation potentials. This review provides an overview of MSCs derived from various compartments of perinatal tissues, their characteristics and current isolation methods. Factors affecting the yield and purity of MSCs are also discussed as they are important to ensure consistent and unlimited supply for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

Single-cell transcriptional profiling reveals cellular and molecular divergence in human maternal-fetal interface

Placenta plays essential role in successful pregnancy, as the most important organ connecting and interplaying between mother and fetus. However, the cellular characteristics and molecular interaction of cell populations within the fetomaternal interface is still poorly understood. Here, we surveyed the single-cell transcriptomic landscape of human full-term placenta and revealed the heterogeneity of cytotrophoblast cell (CTB) and stromal cell (STR) with the fetal/maternal origin consecutively localized from fetal section (FS), middle section (Mid_S) to maternal section (Mat_S) of maternal–fetal interface. Then, we highlighted a subpopulation of CTB, named trophoblast progenitor-like cells (TPLCs) existed in the full-term placenta and mainly distributed in Mid_S, with high expression of a pool of putative cell surface markers. Further, we revealed the putative key transcription factor PRDM6 that might promote the differentiation of endovascular extravillous trophoblast cells (enEVT) by inhibiting cell proliferation, and down-regulation of PRDM6 might lead to an abnormal enEVT differentiation process in PE. Together, our study offers important resources for better understanding of human placenta and stem cell-based therapy, and provides new insights on the study of tissue heterogeneity, the clinical prevention and control of PE as well as the maternal–fetal interface.

Modelling human placental villous development: designing cultures that reflect anatomy

The use of in vitro tools to study trophoblast differentiation and function is essential to improve understanding of normal and abnormal placental development. The relative accessibility of human placentae enables the use of primary trophoblasts and placental explants in a range of in vitro systems. Recent advances in stem cell models, three-dimensional organoid cultures, and organ-on-a-chip systems have further shed light on the complex microenvironment and cell-cell crosstalk involved in placental development. However, understanding each model's strengths and limitations, and which in vivo aspects of human placentation in vitro data acquired does, or does not, accurately reflect, is key to interpret findings appropriately. To help researchers use and design anatomically accurate culture models, this review both outlines our current understanding of placental development, and critically considers the range of established and emerging culture models used to study this, with a focus on those derived from primary tissue.

Mesenchymal stromal cell-based therapy for cartilage regeneration in knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, as a degenerative disease, is a common problem and results in high socioeconomic costs and rates of disability. The most commonly affected joint is the knee and characterized by progressive destruction of articular cartilage, loss of extracellular matrix, and progressive inflammation. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-based therapy has been explored as a new regenerative treatment for knee osteoarthritis in recent years. However, the detailed functions of MSC-based therapy and related mechanism, especially of cartilage regeneration, have not been explained. Hence, this review summarized how to choose, authenticate, and culture different origins of MSCs and derived exosomes. Moreover, clinical application and the latest mechanistical findings of MSC-based therapy in cartilage regeneration were also demonstrated.

Surgical Application of Human Amniotic Membrane and Amnion-Chorion Membrane in the Oral Cavity and Efficacy Evaluation: Corollary With Ophthalmological and Wound Healing Experiences

Due to its intrinsic properties, there has been growing interest in human amniotic membrane (hAM) in recent years particularly for the treatment of ocular surface disorders and for wound healing. Herein, we investigate the potential use of hAM and amnion-chorion membrane (ACM) in oral surgery. Based on our analysis of the literature, it appears that their applications are very poorly defined. There are two options: implantation or use as a cover material graft. The oral cavity is submitted to various mechanical and biological stimulations that impair membrane stability and maintenance. Thus, some devices have been combined with the graft to secure its positioning and protect it in this location. This current opinion paper addresses in detail suitable procedures for hAM and ACM utilization in soft and hard tissue reconstruction in the oral cavity. We address their implantation and/or use as a covering, storage format, application side, size and number, multilayer use or folding, suture or use of additional protective covers, re-application and resorption/fate. We gathered evidence on pre- and post-surgical care and evaluation tools. Finally, we integrated ophthalmological and wound healing practices into the collected information. This review aims to help practitioners and researchers better understand the application of hAM and ACM in the oral cavity, a place less easily accessible than ocular or cutaneous surfaces. Additionally, it could be a useful reference in the generation of new ideas for the development of innovative protective covering, suturing or handling devices in this specific indication. Finally, this overview could be considered as a position paper to guide investigators to fulfill all the identified criteria in the future.

Identification and characterisation of maternal perivascular SUSD2+ placental mesenchymal stem/stromal cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that meet the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) criteria are obtained from placental tissue by plastic adherence. Historically, no known single marker was available for isolating placental MSCs (pMSCs) from the decidua basalis. As the decidua basalis is derived from the regenerative endometrium, we hypothesised that SUSD2, an endometrial perivascular MSC marker, would purify maternal perivascular pMSC. Perivascular pMSCs were isolated from the maternal placenta using SUSD2 magnetic bead sorting and assessed for the colony-forming unit-fibroblasts (CFU-F), surface markers, and in vitro differentiation into mesodermal lineages. Multi-colour immunofluorescence was used to colocalise SUSD2 and α-SMA, a perivascular marker in the decidua basalis. Placental stromal cell suspensions comprised 5.1%SUSD2⁺ cells. SUSD2 magnetic bead sorting of the placental stromal cells increased their purity approximately two-fold. SUSD2⁺ pMSCs displayed greater CFU-F activity than SUSD2^- stromal fibroblasts (pSFs). However, both SUSD2⁺ pMSC and SUSD2^- pSF underwent mesodermal differentiation in vitro, and both expressed the ISCT surface markers. Higher percentages of cultured SUSD2⁺ pMSCs expressed the perivascular markers CD146, CD140b, and SUSD2 than SUSD2^- pSFs. These findings suggest that SUSD2 is a single marker that enriches maternal pMSCs, suggesting they may originate from eMSC. Placental decidua basalis can be used as an alternative source of MSC for clinical translation in situations where there is no access to endometrial tissue.

First trimester placental mesenchymal stem cells improve cardiac function of rat after myocardial infarction via enhanced neovascularization

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the most critical heart disease. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been widely used as a therapy for AMI for several years. The human placenta has emerged as a valuable source of transplantable cells of mesenchymal origin that can be used for multiple cytotherapeutic purposes. However, the different abilities of first trimester placental chorion mesenchymal stem cells (FCMSCs) and third trimester placental chorion mesenchymal stem cells (TCMSCs) have not yet been explored. In this study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of FCMSCs and TCMSCs on the treatment of AMI. FCMSCs and TCMSCs were isolated and characterized, and then they were subjected to in vitro endothelial cell (EC) differentiation induction and tube formation to evaluate angiogenic ability. Moreover, the in vivo effects of FCMSCs and TCMSCs on cardiac improvement were also evaluated in a rat MI model. Both FCSMCs and TCMSCs expressed a series of MSCs surface markers. After differentiation induction, FCMSCs-derived EC (FCMSCs-EC) exhibited morphology that was more similar to that of ECs and had higher CD31 and vWF levels than TCMSCs-EC. Furthermore, tube formation could be achieved by FCMSCs-EC that was significantly better than that of TCMSCs-EC. Especially, FCMSCs-EC expressed higher levels of pro-angiogenesis genes, PDGFD, VEGFA, and TNC, and lower levels of anti-angiogenesis genes, SPRY1 and ANGPTL1. In addition, cardiac improvement, indicated by left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVEDs), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular shortening fraction (LVSF), could be observed following treatment with FCMSCs, and it was superior to that of TCMSCs and Bone marrow MSCs (BMSCs). FCMSCs exhibited a superior ability to generate EC differentiation, as evidenced by in vitro morphology, angiogenic potential and in vivo cardiac function improvement; further, increased levels of expression of pro-angiogenesis genes may be the mechanism by which this effect occurred.

Anti-fibrotic effects of different sources of MSC in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in C57BL6 male mice

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

IPF is a fatal and debilitating lung disorder increasing in incidence worldwide. To date, two approved treatments only slow disease progression, have multiple side effects and do not provide a cure. MSC have promising therapeutic potential as a cell-based therapy for many lung disorders based on the anti-fibrotic properties of the MSC.

METHODS

Critical questions remain surrounding the optimal source, timing and efficacy of cell-based therapies. The present study examines the most effective sources of MSC. Human MSC were derived from adipose, WJ, chorionic membrane (CSC) and chorionic villi (CVC). MSC were injected into the ageing mouse model of BLM-induced lung fibrosis.

RESULTS

All sources decreased Aschroft and hydroxyproline levels when injected into BLM-treated mice at day 10 with the exception of CSC cells that did not change hydroxyproline levels. There were also decreases in mRNA expression of αv -integrin and TNFα in all sources except CSC. Only ASC- and WJ-derived cells reduced AKT and MMP-2 activation, while Cav-1 was increased by ASC treatment as previously reported. BLM-induced miR dysregulation of miR-29 and miR-199 was restored only by ASC treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that sources of MSC may differ in the pathway(s) involved in repair.

Corneal Repair with Adhesive Cell Sheets of Fetal Cartilage-Derived Stem Cells

BACKGROUND

Corneal scarring or disease may lead to severe corneal opacification and consequently, severe loss of vision due to the complete loss of corneal epithelial cells. We studied the use of epithelial cell sheets differentiated from fetal cartilage-derived stem cells (FCSC) to resurface damaged cornea.

METHODS

The FCSC were isolated from the femoral head of immature cartilage tissue. The ability of the FCSCs to differentiate into corneal epithelial cells was evaluated using differentiation media at 2 days and 7 days post-seeding. A sheet fabricated of FCSCs was also used for the differentiation assay. The results of the in vitro studies were evaluated by immunocytochemistry and Western blots for corneal epithelial cell markers (CK3/12 and Pax6) and limbal epithelial stem cell markers (ABCG2 and p63). To test the material in vivo, an FCSC-sheet was applied as a treatment in a chemically burned rabbit model. The healing ability was observed histologically one week after treatment.

RESULTS

The in vitro experiments showed morphological changes in the FCSCs at two and seven days of culture. The differentiated cells from the FCSCs or the FCSC-sheet expressed corneal epithelial cells markers. FCSC were create cell sheet that successfully differentiated into corneal epithelial cells and had sufficient adhesion so that it could be fused to host tissue after suture to the ocular surface with silk suture. The implanted cell sheet maintained its transparency and the cells were alive a week after implantation.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that carrier-free sheets fabricated of FCSCs have the potential to repair damaged corneal surfaces.

Perinatal Derivatives: Where Do We Stand? A Roadmap of the Human Placenta and Consensus for Tissue and Cell Nomenclature

Progress in the understanding of the biology of perinatal tissues has contributed to the breakthrough revelation of the therapeutic effects of perinatal derivatives (PnD), namely birth-associated tissues, cells, and secreted factors. The significant knowledge acquired in the past two decades, along with the increasing interest in perinatal derivatives, fuels an urgent need for the precise identification of PnD and the establishment of updated consensus criteria policies for their characterization. The aim of this review is not to go into detail on preclinical or clinical trials, but rather we address specific issues that are relevant for the definition/characterization of perinatal cells, starting from an understanding of the development of the human placenta, its structure, and the different cell populations that can be isolated from the different perinatal tissues. We describe where the cells are located within the placenta and their cell morphology and phenotype. We also propose nomenclature for the cell populations and derivatives discussed herein. This review is a joint effort from the COST SPRINT Action (CA17116), which broadly aims at approaching consensus for different aspects of PnD research, such as providing inputs for future standards for the processing and in vitro characterization and clinical application of PnD.

Pleiotropic Effects of Exosomes as a Therapy for Stroke Recovery

Stroke is the leading cause of disability, and stroke survivors suffer from long-term sequelae even after receiving recombinant tissue plasminogen activator therapy and endovascular intracranial thrombectomy. Increasing evidence suggests that exosomes, nano-sized extracellular membrane vesicles, enhance neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and axonal outgrowth, all the while suppressing inflammatory reactions, thereby enhancing functional recovery after stroke. A systematic literature review to study the association of stroke recovery with exosome therapy was carried out, analyzing species, stroke model, source of exosomes, behavioral analyses, and outcome data, as well as molecular mechanisms. Thirteen studies were included in the present systematic review. In the majority of studies, exosomes derived from mesenchymal stromal cells or stem cells were administered intravenously within 24 h after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, showing a significant improvement of neurological severity and motor functions. Specific microRNAs and molecules were identified by mechanistic investigations, and their amplification was shown to further enhance therapeutic effects, including neurogenesis, angiogenesis, axonal outgrowth, and synaptogenesis. Overall, this review addresses the current advances in exosome therapy for stroke recovery in preclinical studies, which can hopefully be preparatory steps for the future development of clinical trials involving stroke survivors to improve functional outcomes.

Influence of culture media on the derivation and phenotype of fetal-derived placental mesenchymal stem/stromal cells across gestation

INTRODUCTION

Derivation of pure fetal placental mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (pMSCs) is key to understand their role in placental development. However, isolated pMSCs are often contaminated by maternal-derived decidual MSCs (dMSCs). EGM-2 medium promotes the derivation of term fetal pMSCs, but the extent of first-trimester maternal pMSC contamination remains unclear. Culture media can also affect MSC phenotype. Here, we examined the effects of culture media on maternal pMSC contamination and fetal pMSC phenotype across gestation.

METHODS

pMSCs were derived from first-trimester or term placentae in advanced-DMEM/F12 medium or EGM-2 medium. Proportions of maternal (XX) and fetal (XY) cells in male pMSC cultures were determined by fluorescence in-situ hybridization. pMSC phenotype was analysed by flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and Alamar blue proliferation assays.

RESULTS

When derived in advanced-DMEM/F12, all first trimester pMSC isolates exhibited maternal contamination (>72% XX cells, n = 5), whilst 7/9 term pMSC isolates were >98% fetal. When derived in EGM-2, all first trimester (n = 4) and term (n = 9) pMSC isolates contained 95-100% fetal cells. Fetal pMSCs in EGM-2 proliferated 2-fold (first-trimester) or 4-fold (term) faster than those in advanced-DMEM/F12 (p < 0.05, n = 3). Fetal pMSCs in both media expressed the generic MSC marker profile (CD90⁺, CD105+, CD73⁺, CD31-, CD34-, CD144-). However, pMSCs transferred from EGM-2 to advanced-DMEM/F12 increased expression of smooth muscle cell markers calponin and α-smooth muscle actin, and decreased expression of the vascular cell marker VEGFR2 (n = 3).

CONCLUSIONS

Deriving first-trimester pMSC in EGM-2 dramatically reduces maternal dMSC contamination. Media affects fetal pMSC phenotype, and careful consideration should be given to application specific culture conditions.

Perinatal tissues and cells in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

Perinatal tissues are an abundant source of human extracellular matrix proteins, growth factors and stem cells with proved potential use in a wide range of therapeutic applications. Due to their placental origin, these tissues possess unique biological properties, including being angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, anti-microbial and immune privileged. Additionally, as a temporary organ, placenta is usually discarded as a medical waste, thus providing an easily available, cost effective, 'unlimited' and ethical source of raw materials. Although some of these tissues, such as the amniotic membrane and umbilical cord, have been used in clinical practices, most of them continue to be highly under explored. This review aims to outline the most relevant applications of perinatal tissues as a source of biomaterials and stem cells in the exciting fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM), as well as highlight how these solutions can be used to overcome the shortage of adequate scaffolds and cell sources that currently hampers the translation of TERM strategies towards clinical settings. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Stem cells and extracellular matrix derived from perinatal tissues such as placenta and umbilical cord, have drawn great attention for use in a wide variety of applications in the biomedical field. Due to their origin, these tissues possess unique biological properties, including being angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, anti-microbial and immune privileged. Also they are typically considered medical waste, thus providing an easily available, cost effective, 'unlimited' and ethical source of raw materials. This work aims to present and discuss the most relevant applications of perinatal tissues as a source of biomaterials and stem cells in the exciting fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM).

Placental mesenchymal stromal cells as an alternative tool for therapeutic angiogenesis

Dysregulation of angiogenesis is a phenomenon observed in several disorders such as diabetic foot, critical limb ischemia and myocardial infarction. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) possess angiogenic potential and have recently emerged as a powerful tool for cell therapy to promote angiogenesis. Although bone marrow-derived MSCs are the primary cell of choice, obtaining them has become a challenge. The placenta has become a popular alternative as it is a highly vascular organ, easily available and ethically more favorable with a rich supply of MSCs. Comparatively, placenta-derived MSCs (PMSCs) are clinically promising due to their proliferative, migratory, clonogenic and immunomodulatory properties. PMSCs release a plethora of cytokines and chemokines key to angiogenic signaling and facilitate the possibility of delivering PMSC-derived exosomes as a targeted therapy to promote angiogenesis. However, there still remains the challenge of heterogeneity in the isolated populations, questions on the maternal or fetal origin of these cells and the diversity in previously reported isolation and culture conditions. Nonetheless, the growing rate of clinical trials using PMSCs clearly indicates a shift in favor of PMSCs. The overall aim of the review is to highlight the importance of this rather poorly understood cell type and emphasize the need for further investigations into their angiogenic potential as an alternative source for therapeutic angiogenesis.

Mechanistic Insights into Factor VIII Immune Tolerance Induction via Prenatal Cell Therapy in Hemophilia A

Purpose of Review

Prenatal stem cell and gene therapy approaches are amongst the few therapies that can promise the birth of a healthy infant with specific known genetic diseases. This review describes fetal immune cell signaling and its potential influence on donor cell engraftment, and summarizes mechanisms of central T cell tolerance to peripherally-acquired antigen in the context of prenatal therapies for Hemophilia A.

Recent Findings

During early gestation, different subsets of antigen presenting cells take up peripherally-acquired, non-inherited antigens and induce the deletion of antigen-reactive T-cell precursors in the thymus, demonstrating the potential for using prenatal cell and gene therapies to induce central tolerance to FVIII in the context of prenatal diagnosis/therapy of Hemophilia A.

Summary

Prenatal cell and gene therapies are promising approaches to treat several genetic disorders including Hemophilia A and B. Understanding the mechanisms of how FVIII-specific tolerance is achieved during ontogeny could help develop novel therapies for HA and better approaches to overcome FVIII inhibitors.

Chorionic and amniotic placental membrane-derived stem cells, from gestational diabetic women, have distinct insulin secreting cell differentiation capacities

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and their offspring, are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Chorionic (CMSCs) and amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) derived from placental membranes provide a source of autologous stem cells for potential diabetes therapy. We established an approach for the CMSC/AMSC-based generation of functional insulin-producing cells (IPCs). CMSCs/AMSCs displayed significantly elevated levels of NANOG and OCT4 versus bone marrow-derived MSCs, indicating a potentially broad differentiation capacity. Exposure of Healthy- and GDM-CMSCs/AMSCs to long-term high-glucose culture resulted in significant declines in viability accompanied by elevation, markedly so in GDM-CMSCs/AMSCs, of senescence/stress markers. Short-term high-glucose culture promoted pancreatic transcription factor expression when coupled to a 16-day step-wise differentiation protocol; activin A, retinoic acid, epidermal growth factor, glucagon-like peptide-1 and other chemical components, generated functional IPCs from both Healthy- and GDM-CMSCs. Healthy-/GDM-AMSCs displayed betacellulin-sensitive insulin expression, which was not secreted upon glucose challenge. The pathophysiological state accompanying GDM may cause irreversible impairment to endogenous AMSCs; however, GDM-CMSCs possess comparable therapeutic potential with Healthy-CMSCs and can be effectively reprogrammed into insulin-secreting cells.

An efficient protocol to generate placental chorionic plate-derived mesenchymal stem cells with superior proliferative and immunomodulatory properties

Background

Placenta-derived MSCs (P-MSCs) represent a promising tool for cell-based therapeutic applications. However, the increasing demand for P-MSCs in clinical trials makes high quality and large number of P-MSCs mandatory. Here, we aim to develop an efficient protocol for P-MSC isolation and culture.

Methods

The modified explant culture (MEC) method by combining an initial mild enzymatic reaction with the subsequent explant culture was developed to simultaneously produce various P-MSCs from the different regions of the placenta in serum-free medium (SFM). Its isolation efficiencies, cell yield, and proliferative capacity were compared with the conventional explant culture (EC) method. Furthermore, we determined whether functional properties of P-MSCs are affected by the used tissue-harvesting sites in terms of their proliferation, migration, and the immunomodulatory effect on macrophage.

Results

The MEC method achieved higher yield and shorter time in primary cell confluence in SFM compared with the conventional method. The harvested cells possessed the MSC characteristics and demonstrated significantly stronger proliferation ability. Importantly, MSCs derived from chorionic plate (CP-MSCs) were found to exhibit superior properties to the other P-MSCs in proliferation and migration capacity, maintaining the fetal origin over serial passages. Notably, CP-MSCs show stronger ability in regulating macrophage polarization from M1 to M2.

Conclusion

Our study developed an efficient and high-yield technique to produce high-quality P-MSCs from the placenta, hence serving as an optimal source of MSCs for clinical application.