High-efficient generation of VCAM-1+ mesenchymal stem cells with multidimensional superiorities in signatures and efficacy on aplastic anaemia mice

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes effectively ameliorate the outcomes of rats with acute graft-versus-host disease

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) reveal multifaceted immunoregulatory properties, which can be applied for diverse refractory and recurrent disease treatment including acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD). Distinguishing from MSCs with considerable challenges before clinical application, MSCs-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) are cell-free microvesicles with therapeutic ingredients and serve as advantageous alternatives for ameliorating the outcomes of aGVHD. MSC-Exos were enriched and identified by western blotting analysis, NanoSight, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Bone marrow-derived MSCs (denoted as MSCs) and exosomes (denoted as MSC-Exos) were infused into the aGVHD SD-Wister rat model via tail vein, and variations in general growth and survival of rats were observed. The level of inflammatory factors in serum was quantized by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The pathological conditions of the liver and intestine of rats were observed by frozen sectioning. The ratios of CD4+/CD8+ and Treg cell proportions in peripheral blood, together with the autophagy in the spleen and thymus, were analyzed by flow cytometry. After treatment with MSC-Exos, the survival time of aGVHD rats was prolonged, the clinical manifestations of aGVHD in rats were improved, whereas the pathological damage of aGVHD in the liver and intestine was reduced. According to ELISA, we found that MSC-Exos revealed ameliorative effect upon aGVHD inflammation (e.g., TNF-α, IL-2, INF-γ, IL-4, and TGF-β) compared to the MSC group. After MSC-Exo treatment, the ratio of Treg cells in peripheral blood was increased, whereas the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ in peripheral blood and the autophagy in the spleen and thymus was decreased. MSC-Exos effectively suppressed the activation of immune cells and the manifestation of the inflammatory response in the aGVHD rat model. Our data would supply new references for MSC-Exo-based "cell-free" biotherapy for aGVHD in future.

Intravenous application of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells alleviate neuropathic pain by suppressing microglia activation in rats

Objective

Neuropathic pain has been considered as one of the most serious chronic pain subtypes and causes intolerable suffering to patients physically and mentally. This study aimed to verify the analgesic effect of intravenous administration of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUC-MSCs) upon rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain and the concomitant mechanism via modulating microglia.

Methods

30 male SD rats were randomized divided into three groups (n = 10 per group): Sham + Saline group (S&S group), CCI + Saline group (C&S group) and CCI + HUC-MSCs group (C&U group). Rats were injected with either saline or HUC-MSCs via the caudal vein on the 7th day after modelling. The paw mechanical withdrawal threshold (PMWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) of the ligation side were measured before (day 0) and after (day 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15) modelling. On day 15 after modelling, western-blotting and immunofluorescent staining were used to assess the expressive abundance of Iba-1 (a typical biomarker of activated microglia) in the ligation side of the spinal cord dorsal horn, and ultrastructural changes of the ligation of sciatic nerve were evaluated by transmission electron microscope (TEM).

Results

Compared with the S&S group, PMWT and TWL in the C&S group were significantly decreased on day 5 and then persisted to day 15 after modelling (C&S vs S&S, P < 0.05), while a significant amelioration of mechanical hyperalgesia (day 13, day 15) and thermal allodynia (day 9, day 11, day 15) was observed in the C&U group (C&U vs C&S, P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the expression of Iba-1 was significantly suppressed by systemic infusion of HUC-MSCs in the C&U group according to western-blotting and immunofluorescent staining analyses (P < 0.05). With the aid of TEM detection, we intuitively noticed the efficacious reconstruction of the laminate structure of the sciatic nerve ligation, elimination of mitochondrial swelling, and formation of new myelination were noted on day 15 after modelling in the C&U group.

Conclusions

Overall, intravenous administration of HUC-MSCs systemically revealed an ameliorative effect upon CCI-induced neuropathic pain in SD rats by inhibiting microglia activation in the dorsal horn of the impaired spinal cord and alleviating sciatic nerve injury. Our findings supply new references for the further development of HUC-MSCs-based cytotherapy for neuropathic pain administration.

Unveiling heterogeneity in MSCs: exploring marker-based strategies for defining MSC subpopulations

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) represent a heterogeneous cell population distributed throughout various tissues, demonstrating remarkable adaptability to microenvironmental cues and holding immense promise for disease treatment. However, the inherent diversity within MSCs often leads to variability in therapeutic outcomes, posing challenges for clinical applications. To address this heterogeneity, purification of MSC subpopulations through marker-based isolation has emerged as a promising approach to ensure consistent therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we discussed the reported markers of MSCs, encompassing those developed through candidate marker strategies and high-throughput approaches, with the aim of explore viable strategies for addressing the heterogeneity of MSCs and illuminate prospective research directions in this field.

Mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue and umbilical cord reveal comparable efficacy upon radiation-induced colorectal fibrosis in rats

Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and radiotherapy (RT) have served as anticancer treatments and neoadjuvant therapies for conquering multimodal rectal cancers including colorectal carcinoma (CRC), yet the concomitant radiation-induced colorectal fibrosis (RICF) has caused chronic toxicity and stenosis in the colorectal mucosa of patients. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) with unique bidirectional immunoregulation and anti-fibrotic effect have been recognized as splendid sources for regenerative purposes including intestinal diseases. Herein, we are aiming to verify the feasibility and variations of MSC-based cytotherapy for the remission of RICF from the pathological features and the potential impact upon the transcriptomic signatures of RICF rats. For the purpose, we utilized our well-established RICF Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by radiation for five weeks, and conducted consecutive intraperitoneal injection of two distinct MSCs for treatment, including MSCs derived from adult adipose tissue (AD-MSCs) and perinatal umbilical cord (UC-MSCs). On the one hand, the efficacy of AD-MSCs and UC-MSCs was assessed by diverse indicators, including weight change, pathological detections (e.g., H&E staining, Masson staining, EVG staining, IF staining, and IHC staining), and proinflammatory and fibrotic factor expression. On the other hand, we turned to RNA-sequencing (RNA-SEQ) and multifaceted bioinformatics analyses (e.g., GOBP, Venn Map, KEGG, and GSEA) to compare the impact of AD-MSC and UC-MSC treatment upon the gene expression profiling and genetic variations. RICF rats after consecutive AD-MSC and UC-MSC administration revealed comparable remission in histopathogenic features and significant suppression of diverse proinflammatory and fibrotic factors expression. Meanwhile, RICF rats after both MSC treatment revealed decrease and variations in the alterations in diverse gene expression and somatic mutations compared to RICF rats. Collectively, our data indicated the comparable therapeutic effect of AD-MSCs and UC-MSCs upon RICF in SD rats, together with the conservations in gene expression profiling and the diverse variations in genetic mutations. Our findings indicated the multifaceted impact of MSC infusion for the supervision of RICF both at the therapeutic and transcriptomic levels, which would provide novel references for the further evaluation and development of MSC-based regimens in future.

Uncovering the cellular and omics characteristics of natural killer cells in the bone marrow microenvironment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia

BACKGROUND

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly heterogeneous hematologic malignancy and the most frequently acute leukemia of stem cell precursors and the myeloid derivatives in adult. Longitudinal studies have indicated the therapeutic landscape and drug resistance for patients with AML are still intractable, which largely attribute to the deficiency of detailed information upon the pathogenesis.

METHODS

In this study, we compared the cellular phenotype of resident NK cells (rAML-NKs, rHD-NKs) and expanded NK cells (eAML-NKs, eHD-NKs) from bone marrow of AML patients (AML) and healthy donors (HD). Then, we took advantage of the co-culture strategy for the evaluation of the in vitro cytotoxicity of NK cells upon diverse tumor cell lines (e.g., K562, Nalm6, U937). With the aid of RNA-sequencing (RNA-SEQ) and bioinformatics analyses (e.g., GOBP analysis, KEGG analysis, GSEA, volcano plot), we verified the similarities and differences of the omics features between eAML-NKs and eHD-NKs.

RESULTS

Herein, we verified the sharp decline in the content of total resident NK cells (CD3-CD56+) in rAML-NKs compared to rHD-NKs. Differ from the expanded eHD-NKs, eAML-NKs revealed decline in diverse NK cell subsets (NKG2D+, CD25+, NKp44+, NKp46+) and alterations in cellular vitality but conservations in cytotoxicity. According to transcriptomic analysis, AML-NKs and HD-NKs showed multifaceted distinctions in gene expression profiling and genetic variations.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, our data revealed the variations in the cytobiological and transcriptomic features between AML-NKs and HD-NKs in bone marrow environment. Our findings would benefit the further development of novel biomarkers for AML diagnosis and NK cell-based cytotherapy in future.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from the mouse bone marrow show differential expression of interferon regulatory factors IRF-1 and IRF-2

BACKGROUND

Interferon regulatory factors (IRF-1 and IRF-2) are transcription factors widely implicated in various cellular processes, including regulation of inflammatory responses to pathogens, cell proliferation, oncogenesis, differentiation, autophagy, and apoptosis.

METHODS

We have studied the expression of IRF-1, IRF-2 mRNAs by RT-PCR, cellular localization of the proteins by immunofluorescence, and expression of mRNAs of genes regulated by IRF-1, IRF-2 by RT-PCR in mouse bone marrow cells (BMCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).

RESULTS

Higher level of IRF-1 mRNA was observed in BMCs and MSCs compared to that of IRF-2. Similarly, differential expression of IRF-1 and IRF-2 proteins was observed in BMCs and MSCs. IRF-1 was predominantly localized in the cytoplasm, whereas IRF-2 was localized in the nuclei of BMCs. MSCs showed nucleo-cytoplasmic distribution of IRF-1 and nuclear localization of IRF-2. Constitutive expression of IRF-1 and IRF-2 target genes: monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and caspase-1 was observed in both BMCs and MSCs. MSCs showed constitutive expression of the pluripotency-associated factors, Oct3/4 and Sox-2. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treatment of MSCs induced prominent cellular localization of IRF-1 and IRF-2.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that IRF-1 and IRF-2 exhibit differential expression of their mRNAs and subcellular localization of the proteins in BMCs and MSCs. These cells also show differential levels of constitutive expression of IRF-1 and IRF-2 target genes. This may regulate immune-responsive properties of BMCs and MSCs through IRF-1, IRF-2-dependent gene expression and protein-protein interaction. Regulating IRF-1 and IRF-2 may be helpful for immunomodulatory functions of MSCs for cell therapy and regenerative medicine.

Multifaceted Characterization of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Revealed Amelioration of Acute Liver Injury in NOD-SCID Mice

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are advantaged sources for large-scale and homogeneous mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) generation. However, due to the limitations in high-efficiency procedures for hESC-MSCs induction, the systematic and detailed information of mesengenesis and early MSC development are largely obscure. In this study, we took advantage of the well-established twist-related protein 1 (TWIST1)-overexpressing hESCs and two small molecular cocktails (CHIR99021, decitabine) for high-efficient MSC induction. To assess the multidimensional biological and transcriptomic characteristics, we turned to cellular and molecular methods, such as flow cytometry (FCM), quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), in vitro tri-lineage differentiation, cytokine secretion analysis, in vivo transplantation for acute liver injury (ALI) management, and bioinformatics analyses (eg, gene ontology-biological processes [GO-BP], Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes [KEGG], HeatMap, and principal component analysis [PCA]). By combining TWIST1 overexpression (denoted as T) and the indicated small molecular cocktails (denoted as S), hESCs high-efficiently differentiated into MSCs (denoted as TS-MSCs, induced by T and S combination) within 2 weeks. TS-MSCs satisfied the criteria for MSC definition and revealed comparable tri-lineage differentiation potential and ameliorative efficacy upon ALI mice. According to RNA-sequencing (SEQ) analysis, we originally illuminated the gradual variations in gene expression pattern and the concomitant biofunctions of the programmed hESC-MSCs. Overall, our data indicated the feasibility of high-efficient generation of hESC-MSCs by TWIST1 and cocktail-based programming. The generated hESC-MSCs revealed multifaceted in vivo and in vitro biofunctions as adult BM-MSCs, which collectively suggested promising prospects in ALI management in future.

Decoding the multifaceted signatures and transcriptomic characteristics of stem cells derived from apical papilla and dental pulp of human supernumerary teeth

Supernumerary teeth are advantaged sources for high-quality stem cell preparation from both apical papilla (SCAP-Ss) and dental pulp (DPSCs). However, the deficiency of the systematic and detailed comparison of the biological and transcriptomic characteristics of the aforementioned stem cells largely hinders their application in regenerative medicine. Herein, we collected supernumerary teeth for SCAP-S and DPSC isolation and identification by utilizing multiple biological tests (e.g., growth curve, cell cycle and apoptosis, adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction). Furthermore, we took advantage of transcriptome sequencing and multifaceted bioinformatic analyses to dissect the similarities and diversities between them. In this study, we found that SCAP-Ss and DPSCs showed indistinctive signatures in morphology and immunophenotypes, whereas with diversity in cell vitality and multi-lineage differentiation as well as gene expression profiling and differentially expressed genes-associated gene ontology and signaling pathways. Collectively, our data indicated the diversity of the multifaceted signatures of human supernumerary teeth-derived stem cells both at the cellular and molecular levels, which also supplied new references for SCAP-Ss serving as splendid alternative stem cell sources for regenerative medicine purposes.

VCAM-1+ hUC-MSCs Exert Considerable Neuroprotection Against Cerebral Infarction in Rats by Suppression of NLRP3-Induced Pyroptosis

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are spindle-like heterogeneous cell populations with advantageous bidirectional immunomodulatory and hematopoietic support effects. Vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)+ MSCs have been reported to exhibit immunoregulatory and proangiogenic capacities. Here, we studied the effects of VCAM-1+ human umbilical cord (hUC)-MSCs on neuroprotection against cerebral infarction. Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and VCAM-1- and VCAM-1+ hUC-MSCs were intravenously injected into the rat 4 h post-MCAO surgery. Thereafter, modified neurological severity scores (mNSS) were determined, and the Morris water maze test, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC), hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Nissl, TUNEL staining, and qRT-PCR were conducted. Following induction of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R), SH-SY5Y cells were co-cultured with VCAM-1- and VCAM-1+ hUC-MSCs. CCK-8, flow cytometry, ELISA, and western blot analyses were performed in vitro. Compared with VCAM-1- hUC-MSCs, administration of VCAM-1+ hUC-MSCs revealed improved therapeutic efficacy against cerebral infarction in rats, as confirmed by lower mNSS scores and infarct volumes, as well as improved learning and memory capacities. In addition, VCAM-1+ hUC-MSCs exhibited improved efficacy against neurological defects in rats with cerebral infarction, accompanied by inhibition of the NLRP3-mediated inflammatory response. VCAM-1+ hUC-MSC co-culture improved the viability and diminished NLRP3-mediated inflammatory response in OGD/R-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, NLRP3 overexpression in SH-SY5Y cells prevented the beneficial effects of VCAM-1+ hUC-MSC co-culture. Overall, our findings demonstrated the relevance of VCAM-1+ hUC-MSC-based cytotherapy for preclinical neuroprotection against cerebral infarction.

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.

Characterization of the biological and transcriptomic signatures of natural killer cells derived from cord blood and peripheral blood

Longitudinal studies have indicated the pivotal role of natural killer cells (NKs) in the elimination of certain infections and malignancies. Currently, perinatal blood (PB) and cord blood (CB) have been considered with promising prospective for autogenous and allogeneic NKs transplantation, yet the similarities and differences at the biological and molecular levels are largely obscure. We isolated mononuclear cells (MNCs) from PB and CB, and compared the biological phenotypes of resident NKs by flow cytometry and cell counting. Then, we turned to our well-established "3ILs" strategy and co-culture for NK cell activation and cytotoxicity analyses, respectively. Finally, with the aid of transcriptomic analyses, we further dissected the signatures of PB-NKs and CB-NKs. CB-NKs revealed superiority in cellular vitality over PB-NKs, together with variations in subpopulations. CB-NKs showed higher cytotoxicity over PB-NKs against K562 cells. Furthermore, we found both NKs revealed multifaceted conservations and differences in gene expression profiling and genetic variations, together with gene subsets and signaling pathway. Collectively, both NKs revealed multifaceted similarities and diverse variations at the cellular and transcriptomic levels. Our findings would benefit the further exploration of the biological and transcriptomic properties of CB-NKs and PB-NKs, together with the development of NK cell-based cytotherapy.

Human UC-MSC-derived exosomes facilitate ovarian renovation in rats with chemotherapy-induced premature ovarian insufficiency

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) induced by chemotherapy is an intractable disorder with a considerable incidence that commonly results in insufficient fertility and concomitant complications in female patients. Due to limitations in the current progress in POI diagnosis and treatment, there is an urgent need to develop novel remedies to improve ovarian function and protect fertility. The ameliorative effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) and exosomes derived from them in POI treatment could be a new hope for patients. Herein, we identified exosomes from hUCMSCs (hUCMSC-Exos). Then, systematic infusion of hUCMSC-Exos was accomplished via tail intravenous injection to investigate the feasibility of the treatment of rats with chemotherapy-induced POI by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (CTX) and busulfan (BUS). Ovarian functions in the indicated group were evaluated, including oestrous cycle, serum sex hormone levels, follicle counts, ovarian pathological changes, proliferation and apoptosis of granulosa cells (GCs), and reproductive ability testing. Furthermore, the potential influence of hUCMSC-Exos on ovarian tissues was illuminated by conducting RNA-seq and multifaceted bioinformatics analyses. POI rats with hUCMSC-Exos transplantation exhibited a decrease in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and apoptosis of GCs but an increase in oestradiol (E2), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and the number of ovarian follicles and foetuses in the uterus. And the immunomodulation- and cellular vitality-associated gene sets in rats had also undergone moderate changes. Our data indicated the feasibility of hUCMSC-Exos in improving ovarian function and protecting fertility in chemotherapy-induced POI rats. HUCMSC-Exos can improve the local microenvironment of ovarian tissue in POI rats by participating in immune regulation, cellular viability, inflammation regulation, fibrosis and metabolism, and other related signal pathways.

Development of Hetero-Cell Type Spheroids Via Core-Shell Strategy for Enhanced Wound Healing Effect of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

BACKGROUND

Stem cell-based therapies have been developed to treat various types of wounds. Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) are used to treat skin wounds owing to their outstanding angiogenic potential. Although recent studies have suggested that stem cell spheroids may help wound healing, their cell viability and retention rate in the wound area require improvement to enhance their therapeutic efficacy.

METHODS

We developed a core-shell structured spheroid with hADSCs in the core and human dermal fibroblasts (hDFs) in the outer part of the spheroid. The core-shell structure was formed by continuous centrifugation and spheroid incubation. After optimizing the method for inducing uniform-sized core-shell spheroids, cell viability, cell proliferation, migration, and therapeutic efficacy were evaluated and compared to those of conventional spheroids.

RESULTS

Cell proliferation, migration, and involucrin expression were evaluated in keratinocytes. Tubular assays in human umbilical vein endothelial cells were used to confirm the improved skin regeneration and angiogenic efficacy of core-shell spheroids. Core-shell spheroids exhibited exceptional cell viability under hypoxic cell culture conditions that mimicked the microenvironment of the wound area.

CONCLUSION

The improvement in retention rate, survival rate, and angiogenic growth factors secretion from core-shell spheroids may contribute to the increased therapeutic efficacy of stem cell treatment for skin wounds.

Clinical characteristics and remission of nine cases with coronavirus disease 2019 infection in Zunyi, Southwest of China: A retrospective study

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a rock-ribbed public pandemic and caused substantial health concerns worldwide. In addition to therapeutic strategies, the epidemiologic features and clinical characteristics of patients responded to COVID-19 infection are of equal importance. The study aims to systematically evaluate the clinical presentations and remission of cases with COVID-19 infection in Zunyi, Southwest of China, and to determine the similarities and variations for further clinical classification and comprehensive treatment. Herein, we conducted a retrospective study upon 9 patients in Zunyi, southwest of China, including 1 mild (LPA), 5 severe (SPA) and 3 critical (CPA) types of COVID-19 infection. In details, the demographic data, historical epidemiology, previous medical history, clinical symptoms and complications, laboratory examination, chest imaging, treatment and outcomes of the patients were throughout explored. The non-normal distribution of the data was conducted by utilizing the SPSS software, and significant statistical differences were identified when P < .05. By retrospective analysis of the 9 cases, we found there were multifaceted similarities and differences among them in clinical representation. The patients collectively showed negative for nucleic acid test (NAT) and favorable prognosis after receiving comprehensive therapy such as hormonotherapy, hemopruification, and antiviral administration as well as respiratory support. On the basis of the information, we systematically dissected the clinical features and outcomes of the enrolled patients with COVID-19 and the accompanied multiple syndromes, which would serve as new references for clinical classification and comprehensive treatment. Analysis of clinical characteristics and therapeutic effect of 9 cases of novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19), ChiCTR2000031930. Registered April 15, 2020 (retrospective registration).

RUNX2 facilitates aggressiveness and chemoresistance of triple negative breast cancer cells via activating MMP1

Breast cancer remains the most common malignancy in women and constantly threatens the lives of patients worldwide. State-of-the-art renewal has indicated the involvement of RUNX-associated transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) in tumorigenesis and cancer progression, yet the detailed information during breast cancer is largely obscure. Herein, we took advantage of breast cancer cell lines and in vivo tumorigenicity test as well as multifaceted phenotypic analyses (e.g., RNA-sequencing, ChIP and qRT-PCR assay) to verify the pathogenic mechanism of RUNX2 in triple negative breast cancer aggressiveness and chemoresistance. Strikingly, the proliferation, migration, invasion and chemoresistance of resistant cell lines in triple negative breast cancer was effectively suppressed by RUNX2 silencing, and the in vivo tumorigenicity was significantly weakened as well. Furthermore, with the aid of transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses, we found MMP1 was highly expressed in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and showed a strong correlation with the poor prognosis of the patients, which was consistent with the expression pattern of RUNX2. Finally, by conducting ChIP and qRT-PCR assessment, we verified that RUNX2 functioned via directly binding to the specific motifs in the promoter of MMP1 and thus activating the transcriptional process. Collectively, our data demonstrated the facilitating effect of RUNX2 during triple negative breast cancer progression by directly orchestrating the expression of MMP1, which supplied overwhelming new references for RUNX2-MMP1 axis serving as a novel candidate for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Systematic comparation of the biological and transcriptomic landscapes of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells under serum-containing and serum-free conditions

Background

Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) are splendid cell sources for clinical application in the administration of numerous refractory and relapse diseases. Despite the preferable prospect of serum-free (SF) condition for cell product standardization and pathogenic contamination remission, yet the systematic and detailed impact upon hAMSCs at both cellular and transcriptomic levels is largely obscure.

Methods

For the purpose, we preconditioned hAMSCs under serum-containing (SC) and SF medium for 48 h and compared the biological signatures and biofunctions from the view of cell morphology, immunophenotypes, multi-lineage differentiation in vitro, cell vitality, cytokine expression, and immunosuppressive effect upon the subpopulations of T lymphocytes, together with the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling reactivation upon cell vitality. Meanwhile, we took advantage of RNA-SEQ and bioinformatic analyses to verify the gene expression profiling and genetic variation spectrum in the indicated hAMSCs.

Results

Compared with those maintained in SC medium, hAMSCs pretreated in SF conditions manifested conservation in cell morphology, immunophenotypes, adipogenic differentiation, and immunosuppressive effect upon the proliferation and activation of most of the T cell subpopulations, but with evaluated cytokine expression (e.g., TGF-β1, IDO1, NOS2) and declined osteogenic differentiation and cell proliferation as well as proapoptotic and apoptotic cells. The declined proliferation in the SF group was efficiently rescued by PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling reactivation. Notably, hAMSCs cultured in SF and SC conditions revealed similarities in gene expression profiling and variations in genetic mutation at the transcriptome level. Instead, based on the differentially expressed genes and variable shear event analyses, we found those genes were mainly involved in DNA synthesis-, protein metabolism-, and cell vitality-associated biological processes and signaling pathways (e.g., P53, KRAS, PI3K-Akt-mTOR).

Conclusions

Collectively, our data revealed the multifaceted cellular and molecular properties of hAMSCs under SC and SF conditions, which suggested the feasibility of serum-free culture for the preferable preparation of standardized cell products for hAMSC drug development and clinical application.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-03179-2.

Multifaceted characterization of the biological and transcriptomic signatures of natural killer cells derived from cord blood and placental blood

Background

Perinatal blood including umbilical cord blood and placental blood are splendid sources for allogeneic NK cell generation with high cytotoxicity of combating pathogenic microorganism and malignant tumor. Despite the generation of NK cells from the aforementioned perinatal blood, yet the systematical and detailed information of the biological and transcriptomic signatures of UC-NKs and P-NKs before large-scale clinical applications in disease remodeling is still largely obscure.

Methods

Herein, we took advantage of the “3IL”-based strategy for high-efficient generation of NK cells from umbilical cord blood and placental blood (UC-NKs and P-NKs), respectively. On the one hand, we conducted flow cytometry (FCM) assay and coculture to evaluate the subpopulations, cellular vitality and cytotoxic activity of the aforementioned NK cells. On the other hand, with the aid of RNA-SEQ and multiple bioinformatics analyses, we further dissected the potential diversities of UC-NKs and P-NKs from the perspectives of transcriptomes.

Results

On the basis of the “3IL” strategy, high-efficient NKs were generated from mononuclear cells (MNCs) in perinatal blood. P-NKs revealed comparable ex vivo expansion but preferable activation and cytotoxicity upon K562 cells over UC-NKs. Both of the two NKs showed diversity in cellular vitality and transcriptome including apoptotic cells, cell cycle, gene expression profiling and the accompanied multifaceted biological processes.

Conclusions

Our data revealed the multifaceted similarities and differences of UC-NKs and P-NKs both at the cellular and molecular levels. Our findings supply new references for allogeneic NK cell-based immunotherapy in regenerative medicine and will benefit the further exploration for illuminating the underlying mechanism as well.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-022-02697-6.

An optimized method for obtaining clinical-grade specific cell subpopulations from human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are heterogeneous populations with broad application prospects in cell therapy, and using specific subpopulations of MSCs can enhance their particular capability under certain conditions and achieve better therapeutic effects. However, no studies have reported how to obtain high‐quality specific MSC subpopulations in vitro culture. Here, for the first time, we established a general operation process for obtaining high‐quality clinical‐grade cell subpopulations from human umbilical cord MSCs (hUC‐MSCs) based on particular markers. We used the MSC‐CD106⁺ subpopulations, whose biological function has been well documented, as an example to explore and optimize the crucial links of primary preparation, pre‐treatment, antibody incubation, flow sorting, quality and function test. After comprehensively evaluating the quality and function of the acquired MSC‐CD106⁺ subpopulations, including in vitro cell viability, apoptosis, proliferation, marker stability, adhesion ability, migration ability, tubule formation ability, immunomodulatory function and in vivo wound healing ability and proangiogenic activity, we defined an important pre‐treatment scheme which might effectively improve the therapeutic efficiency of MSC‐CD106⁺ subpopulations in two critical clinical application scenarios—direct injection after cell sorting and post‐culture injection into bodies. Based on the above, we tried to establish a general five‐step operation procedure for acquiring high‐quality clinical‐grade MSC subpopulations based on specific markers, which cannot only improve their enrichment efficiency and the reliability of preclinical studies, but also provide valuable methodological guidance for the rapid clinical transformation of specific MSC subpopulations.

Decoding the multidimensional signatures of resident and expanded natural killer cells generated from perinatal blood

Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes and play a pivotal role in innate and adaptive immune responses against infections and malignancies. Longitudinal studies have indicated the feasibility of perinatal blood for large-scale NK cell generation, yet the systematic and detailed comparations of the signatures of resident and expanded NK cells (rNKs, eNKs) are largely obscure. Herein, we harvested rNKs from umbilical cord blood (rUC-NKs) and placental blood (rP-NKs) as well as the corresponding eNKs (eUC-NKs, eP-NKs). Furthermore, the biological properties and transcriptomic signatures including cellular subpopulations, cytotoxicity, gene expression profiling, genetic characteristics, signaling pathways and gene set-related biological process were investigated. The enriched rNKs and eNKs exhibited diversity in biomarker expression pattern, and eNKs with higher percentages of NKG2D⁺, NKG2A⁺, NKp44⁺ and NKp46⁺ subsets. rNKs or eNKs with different origins showed more similarities in transcriptomic signatures than those with the same origin. Our data revealed multifaceted similarities and differences of the indicated rNKs and pNKs both at the cellular and molecular levels. Our findings provide new references for further dissecting the efficacy and molecular mechanisms of rNKs and eNKs, which will collectively benefit the fundamental and translational studies of NK cell-based immunotherapy.

Characterization of microbiome and metabolite analyses in patients with metabolic associated fatty liver disease and type II diabetes mellitus

Background

State-of-the-art renewal has indicated the improvement of diagnostics of patients with metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and/or type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by dissecting the clinical characteristics as well as genomic analysis. However, the deficiency of the characterization of microbial and metabolite signatures largely impedes the symptomatic treatment.

Methods

For the purpose, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 20 patients with MAFLD (short for “M”), 20 cases with MAFLD and T2DM (short for “MD”), together with 19 healthy donors (short for “Ctr”). Microbial and metabolite analyses were further conducted to explore the similarities and differences among the aforementioned populations based on feces and blood samples, respectively.

Results

Compared with those in the Ctr group, patients with M or MD revealed multifaceted similarities (e.g., Age, ALP, LDL, BUN) and distinctions in clinical indicators of liver (e.g., BMI, ALT, PCHE, CAP). With the aid of microbial and metabolite analyses as well as bioinformatic analyses, we found that the characteristics of gut microbiota (e.g., abundance, hierarchical clustering, cladogram, species) and lipid metabolism (e.g., metabolite, correlation coefficient and scatter plot) were distinct among the indicated groups.

Conclusions

The patients with MD revealed multifaceted similarities and distinctions in characteristics of microbiome and metabolites with those in the M and HD groups, and in particular, the significantly expressed microbes (e.g., Elusimicrobiota, Berkelbacteria, Cyanobacteria, Peregrinibacteria) and lipid metabolites (e.g., Lipid-Q-P-0765, Lipid-Q-P-0216, Lipid-Q-P-0034, Lipid-Q-P-0800), which would collectively benefit the clinical diagnosis of MAFLD and T2DM.

Expression of immunomodulatory and tissue regenerative biomarkers in human dental pulp derived-mesenchymal stem cells treated with curcumin: an in vitro study

BACKGROUND

Human Dental pulp derived-mesenchymal stem cells (hDP-MSCs) have the capability of selfrenewal, multipotency, as well as immunosuppressive properties. They are ideal candidates for regenerating damaged dental tissue and treating inflammation-related diseases. However, methods (such as genetic variation) to improve the immunomodulatory and regenerative efficiency of MSCs in different diseases still need to be developed. Curcumin (CUR) is known for its broad applications in regenerative medicine and the treatment of inflammatory disorders via its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. This study was conducted to investigate the effect and underlying mechanisms of CUR on the immunomodulatory and regenerative function of hDP-MSCs and whether treating these cells with CUR can improve therapeutic efficacy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

hDP-MSCs were isolated from dental pulp and then treated with CUR. Cell viability rate was observed in hDP-MSCs after treatment of CUR by MTT assay. Real-time quantitative (RT-PCR) was applied to estimate the expression of immunomodulatory and regenerative genes after treatment of CUR. The RT-PCR results showed that VEGF-A and STAT3 markers were up-regulated while HLA-G5 and VCAM-1 markers were down-regulated by CUR (20 µM) treatment in hDP-MSCs (P < 0.001). Besides, this research indicated that there were no significant changes in the expressions of RelA and DSPP after 48 h (P = 0.33, P = 1).

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate that CUR can enhance the immunomodulatory and regenerative effects of hDP-MSCs and improve their therapeutic efficacy. These findings can give an understanding of the mechanism for improving restorative and immunomodulatory activity in hDP-MSCs by curcumin.

Sulfuretted hydrogen ameliorates high dose glucose-induced podocyte apoptosis via orchestrating AMPK/mTOR cascade-mediated anti-apoptotic effects

Background

Podocytes play a pivotal role in the glomerular filtration barrier and contribute to proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis through abnormal apoptosis. Longitudinal studies have indicated the protective properties of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) against neuronal cell apoptosis, whereas the biological function and the underlying molecular mechanism on glucose-induced podocyte apoptosis are largely unknown.

Methods

Herein, we conducted multifaceted biological analyses to verify the potential function of H₂S in glucose-induced podocyte apoptosis by examining apoptotic proteins and markers (e.g., caspase 3, Hoechst) and antioxidative effects [e.g., reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT)]. Then, we took advantage of transcriptome sequencing and biological analyses to further determine the potential influence of H₂S as well as the accompanying molecular mechanism.

Results

In this study, we found that glucose-induced podocyte apoptosis could be largely rescued by H₂S via antioxidative responses, which was further confirmed by transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analyses. According to apoptotic signaling analysis, the over-activated AMPK/mTOR signaling cascade in glucose-treated podocytes was effectively restrained.

Conclusions

For the first time, we indicated the protective effect and mechanism of H₂S in podocytes by restricting glucose-induced apoptosis and suppressing the abnormally activated AMPK/mTOR signaling cascade. Our findings provide new references for podocyte apoptosis-associated diseases and also indicate the potential of H₂S administration in clinical trials.

Aquaporin 4 inhibition alleviates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by restraining cardiomyocyte pyroptosis

Myocardial injury caused by ischemia-reperfusion is the main pathological manifestation of coronary artery disease (CAD), which is characterized by high mortality and morbidity. Thus, there’s an urgent need to develop efficacious strategies and elucidate the underlying mechanisms to prevent or alleviate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury to improve the clinical outcomes in patients. In this study, we took advantage of a typical myocardial cell line of mice (HL-1) and cultured with or without an aquaporin 4 inhibitor (TGN-20 denoted as AQP4i) under normal conditions (NC), ischemia (IS) and ischemia reperfusion (IR), respectively. The cytomorphology, ultrastructure, cell vitality and expression pattern of apoptotic proteins were verified with scanning electron microscope (SEM), immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR and western-blotting analysis, respectively. HL-1 under IS or IR condition revealed higher expression of Aquaporin 4 (Aqp4) compared to the NC group, whereas showed similarity in cytomorphology and ultrastructure. Aqp4 inhibition was sufficient to improve the apoptotic cells in HL-1 while showed minimal effects to the other cellular vitality. Furthermore, the expression pattern of apoptotic proteins and anti-apoptotic proteins together with proinflammatory factors in HL-1 was effectively rescued by Aqp4i treatment both at the mRNA level and protein level. Ischemia and ischemia reperfusion caused higher expression of Aqp4 and resultant increase of cardiomyocyte pyroptosis. Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury of HL-1 was effectively alleviated by Aqp4 and pyroptosis inhibition. Our findings provided new references for myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury management via targeting Aqp4-mediated pyroptosis of cardiomyocyte.

TNF-α and IFN-γ Participate in Improving the Immunoregulatory Capacity of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells: Importance of Cell-Cell Contact and Extracellular Vesicles

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have an immunoregulatory capacity and have been used in different clinical protocols requiring control of the immune response. However, variable results have been obtained, mainly due to the effect of the microenvironment on the induction, increase, and maintenance of MSC immunoregulatory mechanisms. In addition, the importance of cell–cell contact for MSCs to efficiently modulate the immune response has recently been highlighted. Because these interactions would be difficult to achieve in the physiological context, the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their participation as intermediaries of communication between MSCs and immune cells becomes relevant. Therefore, this article focuses on analyzing immunoregulatory mechanisms mediated by cell contact, highlighting the importance of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and the participation of EVs. Moreover, the effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), the main cytokines involved in MSC activation, are examined. These cytokines, when used at the appropriate concentrations and times, would promote increases in the expression of immunoregulatory molecules in the cell and allow the acquisition of EVs enriched with these molecules. The establishment of certain in vitro activation guidelines will facilitate the design of conditioning protocols to obtain functional MSCs or EVs in different pathophysiological conditions.

Therapeutic prospects of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells in COVID-19 associated pulmonary diseases: From bench to bedside

The ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has become a sudden public emergency of international concern and seriously threatens millions of people’s life health. Two current studies have indicated a favorable role for mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) in clinical remission of COVID-19 associated pulmonary diseases, yet the systematical elaboration of the therapeutics and underlying mechanism is far from satisfaction. In the present review, we summarize the therapeutic potential of MSCs in COVID-19 associated pulmonary diseases such as pneumonia induced acute lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and pulmonary fibrosis. Furthermore, we review the underlying mechanism of MSCs including direct- and trans-differentiation, autocrine and paracrine anti-inflammatory effects, homing, and neovascularization, as well as constitutive microenvironment. Finally, we discuss the prospects and supervision of MSC-based cytotherapy for COVID-19 management before large-scale application in clinical practice. Collectively, this review supplies overwhelming new references for understanding the landscapes of MSCs in the remission of COVID-19 associated pulmonary diseases.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells in patients with acute myeloid leukemia reveal transcriptome alterations and deficiency in cellular vitality

Background

State-of-the-art advances have indicated the pivotal characteristics of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BM-MSCs) in hematopoietic microenvironment as well as coordinate contribution to hematological malignancies. However, the panoramic view and detailed dissection of BM-MSCs in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML-MSCs) remain obscure.

Methods

For the purpose, we isolated and identified AML-MSCs together with healthy donor-derived HD-MSCs from the bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) by using the standard density gradient centrifugation based on clinical diagnosis and cellular phenotypic analysis. Subsequently, we systematically compared the potential similarities and discrepancy both at the cellular and molecular levels via flow cytometry, multilineage differentiation, chromosome karyotyping, cytokine quantification, and transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis including single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), gene ontology (GO), HeatMap, principal component analysis (PCA), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA).

Results

On the one hand, AML-MSCs exhibited undistinguishable signatures in cytomorphology, surface biomarker expression pattern, stemness, chromosome karyotype, and chondrogenesis as HD-MSCs, whereas with impaired adipogenesis, enhanced osteogenesis, and variations in cytokine expression pattern. On the other hand, with the aid of genomic and bioinformatic analyses, we verified that AML-MSCs displayed multidimensional discrepancy with HD-MSCs both in genome-wide gene expression profiling and genetic variation spectrum. Simultaneously, the deficiency of cellular vitality including proliferation and apoptosis in AML-MSCs was largely rescued by JAK-STAT signaling inhibition.

Conclusions

Overall, our findings elucidated that AML-MSCs manifested multifaceted alterations in biological signatures and molecular genetics, and in particular, the deficiency of cellular vitality ascribed to over-activation of JAK-STAT signal, which collectively provided systematic and overwhelming new evidence for decoding the pathogenesis of AML and exploring therapeutic strategies in future.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02444-0.

Interferon-γ enhances the therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells on experimental renal fibrosis

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) administered for therapeutic purposes can be activated by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) secreted from natural killer cells in injured tissues and exert anti-inflammatory effects. These processes require a substantial period of time, leading to a delayed onset of MSCs’ therapeutic effects. In this study, we investigated whether pretreatment with IFN-γ could potentiate the anti-fibrotic ability of MSCs in rats with ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) and unilateral ureter obstruction. Administration of MSCs treated with IFN-γ strongly reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells and ameliorated interstitial fibrosis compared with control MSCs without IFN-γ treatment. In addition, conditioned medium obtained from IFN-γ-treated MSCs decreased fibrotic changes in cultured cells induced by transforming growth factor-β1 more efficiently than that from control MSCs. Most notably, secretion of prostaglandin E2 from MSCs was significantly increased by treatment with IFN-γ. Increased prostaglandin E2 in conditioned medium obtained from IFN-γ-treated MSCs induced polarization of immunosuppressive CD163 and CD206-positive macrophages. In addition, knockdown of prostaglandin E synthase weakened the anti-fibrotic effects of MSCs treated with IFN-γ in IRI rats, suggesting the involvement of prostaglandin E2 in the beneficial effects of IFN-γ. Administration of MSCs treated with IFN-γ might represent a promising therapy to prevent the progression of renal fibrosis.

Two-step generation of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells from human pluripotent stem cells with reinforced efficacy upon osteoarthritis rabbits by HA hydrogel

Background

Current studies have enlightened the rosy prospects of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) in regenerative medicine. However, systematic investigation of their signatures and applications with alternative biomaterials in osteoarthritis (OA) remains indistinct.

Methods

Herein, we initially took advantage of a small molecule library-mediated programming strategy for hPSC-MSC induction. Then, with the aid of multifaceted analyses such as flow cytometry (FCM), chromosome karyocyte and cell vitality, wound healing and microtubule formation assay and coculturing with T lymphocytes, we systematically evaluated the characterizations of signatures in vitro and the in vivo efficacy of hPSC-MSCs and HA hydrogel composite on rabbit osteoarthritis model.

Results

We found the combination of LLY-507 and AZD5153 was sufficient for high-efficiency CD73⁺CD90⁺CD105⁺CD31⁻CD34⁻CD45⁻HLA-DR⁻ MSC induction from both hESCs and hiPSCs with stemness (POU5F1/SOX2/NANOG). The programmed hPSC-MSCs revealed conservative transcriptome variations and went through a heterogeneous intermediate-stage with mesenchymal-associated gene expression (NT5E, ENG, VIM and FN1) as well as displayed typical cytomorphology, immunophenotypes and normal karyotyping, multilineage differentiation potential, favorable cell vitality, proangiogenic and immunoregulatory properties in vitro. Meanwhile, the cell population exhibited preferable restorative and ameliorative function on OA rabbits with HA hydrogel in vivo.

Conclusions

Collectively, we established a rapid and convenient procedure for hPSC-MSC generation without redundant manipulations. The fundamental and clinical studies upon osteoarthritis (OA) treatment would benefit tremendously from the combination of the inexhaustible hPSC-MSCs and advantageous biomaterials.

Serum miR-195-5p Exhibits Clinical Significance in the Diagnosis of Essential Hypertension with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Targeting DRD1

OBJECTIVES

Diagnosis and management of essential hypertension (EH) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by combining comprehensive treatment and classificatory diagnosis have been continuously improved. However, understanding the pathogenesis of EH patients with concomitant T2DM and subsequent treatment remain the major challenges owing to the lack of non-invasive biomarkers and information regarding the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Herein, we collected 200 serum samples from EH and/or T2DM patients and healthy donors (N). Gene-expression profiling was conducted to identify candidate microRNAs with clinical significance. Then, a larger cohort of the aforementioned patients and 50 N were used to identify the correlation between the tumor suppressor miR-195-5p and EH and/or T2DM. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to explore the target genes of miR-195-5p. The suppressive effects of miR-195-5p on the 3'-UTR of the dopamine receptor D1 (DRD1) transcript in EH patients with concomitant T2DM were verified as well.

RESULTS

Compared with that in other groups, serum miR-195-5p was highly downregulated in EH patients with concomitant T2DM. miR-195-5p overexpression efficiently suppressed DRD1 expression by binding to the two 3'-UTRs. Additionally, two single nucleotide polymorphisms, including 231T-A and 233C-G, in the miR-195-5p binding sites of the DRD1 3'-UTR were further identified. Collectively, we identified the potential clinical significance of DRD1 regulation by miR-195-5p in EH patients with concomitant T2DM.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggested that miR-195-5p circulating in the peripheral blood served as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for EH and T2DM, which could eventually help address major challenges during the diagnosis and treatment of EH and T2DM.

Multifaceted modifications for a cell size-based circulating tumor cell scope technique hold the prospect for large-scale application in general populations

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) indicate the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer patients, together with benefiting individual treatment and anticancer drug development. However, their large-scale application in general population still requires systematically multifaceted modifications for currently proprietary new technologies based on filtration. We primitively utilized a cell size-based platform to evaluate the recovery efficiency of spiked abnormal cell lines and analyzed circulating abnormal cells (CACs). To dissect the subpopulations of CACs, we conducted immunofluorescent (IF) staining with a combination of unique biomarkers of CTCs and circulating endothelial cells (CECs). Furthermore, we improved the CTC screening system by assessing the feasibility of transferring CTCs for automatic IF analysis, together with simulating and optimizing the circumstances for long-term CTC storage and transportation. We detected CACs in 15 HD candidates with CTC characteristics such as abnormally large cytomorphology, high nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio, and positive for panCK or VIM staining. Thereafter, we improved accuracy of the platform by distinguishing CTCs from CECs, which satisfied the elementary requirement for small-scale CTC screening in HD candidates. Finally, large-scale CTC screening in general population was available after multifaceted modifications including automatic analysis by transferring CTCs on slides, choosing the appropriate blood-collecting tube, optimizing the conditions for long-term CTC storage and transportation, and evaluating the potential effect on the CTC phenotype. Hence, we systematically modified the scope of technique parameters, improved the accuracy of early cancer detection, and made it realizable for large-scale CTC or CEC screening in general population.

High-efficient generation of natural killer cells from peripheral blood with preferable cell vitality and enhanced cytotoxicity by combination of IL-2, IL-15 and IL-18

Natural killer (NK) cells are pivotal effector lymphocytes characterized for the innate immune response to pathogenic microorganism and tumor cells without priming and sensitization. Despite emerging knowledge has highlighted the rosy prospects in tumor immunosurveillance, yet the large-scale clinical application of NK cell-based therapy is hindered largely attributes to the defects in generating sufficient and high-quality cellular products. Herein, on the basis of 16 kinds of candidate combinations, we investigated the feasibility of cytokine cocktail-based strategy for convenient and standardized NK cell cultivation as well as the multifaceted characteristics and cytotoxicity against tumor cells. Our results revealed that joint utilization of Interleukin (IL)-2, IL-15, IL-18 manifested the optimal facilitation upon the ex vivo expansion and proportion of NK cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Meanwhile, the obtained NK cell population expressed high levels of activating molecules (CD16 and NKG2D) and exhibited splendid cytotoxicity against K562 cell line. Collectively, with the aid of cytokine-based programming, we established an alternative strategy for facilitating the large-scale persistence and activation of NK cells from peripheral blood, which would benefit the NK cell- and chimeric antigen receptor-modified NK (CAR-NK) cell-based autologous or allogeneic tumor immunotherapy.

Spatio-Temporal Metabolokinetics and Efficacy of Human Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells on Mice with Refractory Crohn's-like Enterocutaneous Fistula

Crohn's disease (CD) with externally fistulizing openings indicates the aggressive and relapsing manifestation and results in undesirable long-term outcomes of patients. MSC-based approach combined with multidisciplinary strategy has mandated a redefinition of the administration and management of numerous recurrent and refractory diseases whereas the spatio-temporal evaluation of the metabolokinetics and efficacy of MSCs on intractable CD with enterocutaneous fistula (EF) are largely inaccessible and dauntingly complex. Herein, we primitively established dual-fluorescence expressing placenta-derived MSCs (DF-MSCs) and explored their multidimensional attributes, including cytomorphology, immunophenotying, multilineage differentiation and long-term proliferation, together with the recognition of bifluorescence intensity (BLI). Then, with the aid of in vivo living imaging, clinicopathological or inflammatory cytokine examinations and in vitro analyses, we systematically and meticulously dissected the metabolokinetics and curative effect of MSCs on mice with refractory Crohn's-like EF (EF mice), together with revealing the underlying mechanism including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and neovascularization. Strikingly, the DF-MSCs exhibited stabilized BLI and biological properties. The spatio-temporal distribution and therapeutic process of MSCs in EF mice were intuitively delineated. Meanwhile, our data indicated the curative mechanisms of DF-MSCs by simultaneously downregulating ROS and accelerating neovascularization. Collectively, we systematically illuminated the spatio-temporal biofunction and mechanism of DF-MSCs on EF mice. Our findings have supplied new references for safety and effectiveness assessments as well as the establishment of guidelines for optimal administrations of MSC-based cytotherapy in preclinical studies, which collectively indicates the prospect of P-MSC administration in clinical trials during a wide spectrum of disease remodeling including the fistulizing CD. Graphical abstract.

High-efficient generation of VCAM-1+ mesenchymal stem cells with multidimensional superiorities in signatures and efficacy on aplastic anaemia mice

OBJECTIVE

Longitudinal studies have indicated VCAM-1⁺ mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) as promising resources in regenerative medicine, yet the abundance in gene expression is far from adequate in the advantaged and "discarded" hUC-MSCs. Thus, high-efficient preparation and systematic dissection of the signatures and biofunctions of the subpopulation is the prerequisite for large-scale clinical applications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We primarily took advantage of a cytokine-based programming strategy for large-scale VCAM-1⁺ hUC-MSC generation (III-MSCs). Thereafter, we conducted multifaceted analyses including cytomorphology, immunophenotype, cell vitality, multilineage differentiation, whole-genome analysis, tube formation and Matrigel plug assay, lymphocyte activation and differentiation, and systemic transplantation for aplastic anaemia (AA) treatment.

RESULTS

III-MSCs with high-proportioned VCAM-1 expression were obtained by combining IL-1β, IL-4 with IFN-γ, which exhibited comparable immunophenotype with untreated hUC-MSCs (NT-MSCs) but revealed multidimensional superiorities both at the cellular and molecular levels. Simultaneously, systemic infusion of III-MSCs could significantly ameliorate clinicopathological features and finally help facilitate haematopoietic reconstruction and immunoregulation in AA mice.

CONCLUSIONS

We have established a high-efficient procedure for large-scale generation of III-MSCs with preferable signatures and efficacy upon aplastic anaemia in mice. Our findings suggested that III-MSCs were advantageous sources with multifaceted characteristics for regenerative medicine.