Protocol to Study the Role of Extracellular Vesicles During Induced Stem Cell Differentiation

Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells with a MERTK mutation exhibit cell junction abnormalities and aberrant cellular differentiation potential

BACKGROUND

Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology is a valuable tool for generating patient-specific stem cells, facilitating disease modeling, and investigating disease mechanisms. However, iPSCs carrying specific mutations may limit their clinical applications due to certain inherent characteristics.

AIM

To investigate the impact of MERTK mutations on hiPSCs and determine whether hiPSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) influence anomalous cell junction and differentiation potential.

METHODS

We employed a non-integrating reprogramming technique to generate peripheral blood-derived hiPSCs with and hiPSCs without a MERTK mutation. Chromosomal karyotype analysis, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescent staining were utilized for hiPSC identification. Transcriptomics and proteomics were employed to elucidate the expression patterns associated with cell junction abnormalities and cellular differentiation potential. Additionally, EVs were isolated from the supernatant, and their RNA and protein cargos were examined to investigate the involvement of hiPSC-derived EVs in stem cell junction and differentiation.

RESULTS

The generated hiPSCs, both with and without a MERTK mutation, exhibited normal karyotype and expressed pluripotency markers; however, hiPSCs with a MERTK mutation demonstrated anomalous adhesion capability and differentiation potential, as confirmed by transcriptomic and proteomic profiling. Furthermore, hiPSC-derived EVs were involved in various biological processes, including cell junction and differentiation.

CONCLUSION

HiPSCs with a MERTK mutation displayed altered junction characteristics and aberrant differentiation potential. Furthermore, hiPSC-derived EVs played a regulatory role in various biological processes, including cell junction and differentiation.

Adipose and amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells: Extracellular vesicles characterization and implication for reproductive biotechnology

The stem cell-based research for reproductive biotechnology has been widely studied and shows promise for repairing defective tissue or degenerated cells to treat different diseases. The adipose tissue and amniotic membrane have awakened great interest in regenerative medicine and arises as a promising source of mesenchymal stem cells. Both types, adipose and amniotic derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) are multipotent cells with an enhanced ability to differentiate into multiple lineages.. We aimed to evaluate the effect of basal supplementation of exosomes in cell cultures with canine amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Mesenchymal stem cells derived from canine amniotic and adipose tissue were isolated and cultured performing cell passages until 80-90% confluence was reached. The growth curve was determined and peak cell growth was observed in the second passage. The cells were then characterized and differentiated into adipogenic, chondrogenic and osteogenic lineages. Extracellular vesicles from amnion were isolated using an ultracentrifugation protocol and characterized by nanosight analysis. To evaluate their ability to improve cellular viability in naturally inefficient passages, exosomes were co-cultures to the MSC cells. The results showed a 15-20% increase in the expansion rate of cultures supplemented with vesicles extracted in the first and second passages when compared to the control group. Statistical analysis using the Dunnett test (p ≤ 0.05) corroborated this result, showing a positive correlation between supplementation and expansion rate. These results indicate not only the importance of exosomes in the cell communication process but also the feasibility of the culture supplementation protocol for therapeutic purposes. The potential of the AMSCs for reproductive biotechnology is undoubted, however, their application to repair reproductive disorders and the involved mechanisms remain elusive. The strategies to enable the Adipose Stem Cells and AMSCs application in reproductive biotechnology and optimize their use for tissue regeneration open new venues using exosomes interactions.