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Kadota Y, Kawakami T, Sato M, Suzuki S. Mouse mesoderm-specific transcript inhibits adipogenic differentiation and induces trans-differentiation into hepatocyte-like cells in 3T3-L1 preadiocytes. BMC Res Notes 2022; 15:164. [PMID: 35538505 PMCID: PMC9092885 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-022-06051-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The mesoderm-specific transcript (Mest) is an imprinted gene that is transcribed from the paternal allele. It is a marker of adipose tissue expansion; however, it is uncertain whether Mest expression promotes or suppresses adipogenic differentiation. To elucidate the effects of Mest expression on adipogenic differentiation, we transfected an expression vector or siRNA for mouse Mest into 3T3-L1 mouse preadipocyte cell line. RESULTS In differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, Mest overexpression decreased lipid accumulation. Conversely, gene silencing of Mest increased the accumulation of lipid droplets in adipocytes. These results demonstrate that Mest negatively regulates adipocyte differentiation. Further, Mest induced trans-differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells into hepatocytes, and its overexpression induced the expression of hepatocyte marker genes, including albumin and α-fetoprotein. In the presence of dexamethasone, the forced expression of the Mest caused morphological changes in 3T3-L1 cells. Cells were flat and polygonal shapes, with an increased accumulation of intracellular glycogen and other features that are typical of hepatocytes. Therefore, Mest inhibits adipogenic differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes by inducing hepatocyte trans-differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshito Kadota
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, 180 Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima, Japan.
| | - Takashige Kawakami
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, 180 Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Masao Sato
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, 180 Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Shinya Suzuki
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, 180 Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima, Japan
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2
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Suzuki T, Furuhata E, Maeda S, Kishima M, Miyajima Y, Tanaka Y, Lim J, Nishimura H, Nakanishi Y, Shojima A, Suzuki H. GATA6 is predicted to regulate DNA methylation in an in vitro model of human hepatocyte differentiation. Commun Biol 2022; 5:414. [PMID: 35508708 PMCID: PMC9068788 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03365-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocytes are the dominant cell type in the human liver, with functions in metabolism, detoxification, and producing secreted proteins. Although gene regulation and master transcription factors involved in the hepatocyte differentiation have been extensively investigated, little is known about how the epigenome is regulated, particularly the dynamics of DNA methylation and the critical upstream factors. Here, by examining changes in the transcriptome and the methylome using an in vitro hepatocyte differentiation model, we show putative DNA methylation-regulating transcription factors, which are likely involved in DNA demethylation and maintenance of hypo-methylation in a differentiation stage-specific manner. Of these factors, we further reveal that GATA6 induces DNA demethylation together with chromatin activation in a binding-site-specific manner during endoderm differentiation. These results provide an insight into the spatiotemporal regulatory mechanisms exerted on the DNA methylation landscape by transcription factors and uncover an epigenetic role for transcription factors in early liver development. An integrated analysis of human induced pluripotent stem cells differentiating into hepatocyte-like cells unveils changes in DNA methylation and relevant transcription factors (like GATA6) that may influence hepatic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Suzuki
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrated Medical Science (IMS), RIKEN Yokohama Campus, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan.,Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1-7-29 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Erina Furuhata
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrated Medical Science (IMS), RIKEN Yokohama Campus, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Shiori Maeda
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrated Medical Science (IMS), RIKEN Yokohama Campus, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Mami Kishima
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrated Medical Science (IMS), RIKEN Yokohama Campus, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Yurina Miyajima
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrated Medical Science (IMS), RIKEN Yokohama Campus, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Yuki Tanaka
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrated Medical Science (IMS), RIKEN Yokohama Campus, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan.,Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1-7-29 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Joanne Lim
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrated Medical Science (IMS), RIKEN Yokohama Campus, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Hajime Nishimura
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrated Medical Science (IMS), RIKEN Yokohama Campus, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Yuri Nakanishi
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrated Medical Science (IMS), RIKEN Yokohama Campus, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Aiko Shojima
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrated Medical Science (IMS), RIKEN Yokohama Campus, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan.,Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1-7-29 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Harukazu Suzuki
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrated Medical Science (IMS), RIKEN Yokohama Campus, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan.
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3
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Fukushima K, Itaba N, Kono Y, Okazaki S, Enokida S, Kuranobu N, Murakami J, Enokida M, Nagashima H, Kanzaki S, Namba N, Shiota G. Secreted matrix metalloproteinase-14 is a predictor for antifibrotic effect of IC-2-engineered mesenchymal stem cell sheets on liver fibrosis in mice. Regen Ther 2021; 18:292-301. [PMID: 34504910 PMCID: PMC8399086 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Transplantation of IC-2-engineered bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) sheets (IC-2 sheets) was previously reported to potentially reduce liver fibrosis. Methods This study prepared IC-2-engineered cell sheets from multiple lots of BM-MSCs and examined the therapeutic effects of these cell sheets on liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in mice. The predictive factors for antifibrotic effect on liver fibrosis were tried to identify in advance. Results Secreted matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-14 was found to be a useful predictive factor to reduce liver fibrosis. Moreover, the cutoff index of MMP-14 for 30% reduction of liver fibrosis was 0.918 fg/cell, judging from univariate analysis and receiver operating curve analysis. In addition, MMP-13 activity and thioredoxin contents in IC-2 sheets were also inversely correlated with hepatic hydroxyproline contents. Finally, IC-2 was also found to promote MMP-14 secretion from BM-MSCs of elderly patients. Surprisingly, the values of secreted MMP-14 from BM-MSCs of elderly patients were much higher than those of young persons. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that the IC-2 sheets would be applicable to clinical use in autologous transplantation for patients with cirrhosis regardless of the patient's age. IC-2- sheets from multiple lots of BM-MSCs ameliorate liver fibrosis in mice. Secreted MMP-14 is a useful predictive marker to reduce liver fibrosis. MMP-13 and thioredoxin in IC-2 sheets were also associated with liver fibrosis. IC-2 also promotes MMP-14 secretion from BM-MSCs of elderly patients.
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Key Words
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- BM-MSCs, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells
- C3, complement C3
- CCl4, carbon tetrachloride
- DMSO, dimethyl sulfoxide
- EDTA, ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid
- FACS, Fluorescence-activated cell sorter
- FALD, fontan-associated liver disease
- GAPDH, Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase
- HCC, hepatic cellular carcinoma
- HLA, human leukocyte antigen
- HSCs, hepatic stellate cells
- Hepatic cell sheets
- IgG, immunoglobulin G
- LC, liver cirrhosis
- MMP-14, matrix metalloproteinase
- MSCs, mesenchymal stem cells
- Matrix metalloproteinase-14
- Mesenchymal stem cells
- Wnt/β-catenin signal inhibitor
- chronic liver injury
- hBM-MNCs, human bone marrow mononuclear cells
- iPS cells, induced pluripotent stem cells
- αSMA, α-smooth muscle actin
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Fukushima
- Division of Pediatrics and Perinatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Noriko Itaba
- Division of Medical Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Genomic Medicine and Regenerative Therapy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan
| | - Yohei Kono
- Division of Medical Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Genomic Medicine and Regenerative Therapy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan
| | - Shizuma Okazaki
- Division of Medical Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Genomic Medicine and Regenerative Therapy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan
| | - Shinpei Enokida
- Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Sensory and Motor Organs, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Naomi Kuranobu
- Division of Pediatrics and Perinatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Jun Murakami
- Division of Pediatrics and Perinatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Makoto Enokida
- Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Sensory and Motor Organs, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Hideki Nagashima
- Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Sensory and Motor Organs, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Susumu Kanzaki
- Division of Pediatrics and Perinatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8504, Japan
- Asahigawaso Rehabilitation & Medical Center, Okayama, 703-8555, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Namba
- Division of Pediatrics and Perinatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Goshi Shiota
- Division of Medical Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Genomic Medicine and Regenerative Therapy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan
- Corresponding author. Division of Medical Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Genomic Medicine and Regenerative Therapy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan. Fax: +81-859-38-6430.
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4
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5-Azacytidine pretreatment confers transient upregulation of proliferation and stemness in human mesenchymal stem cells. Cells Dev 2021; 165:203659. [PMID: 34024336 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2021.203659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Successful outcomes of cell-based therapeutic is highly-dependent on quality and quantity of the cells. Epigenetic modifiers are known to modulate cell fates via reprogramming, hence it is plausible to use them in enhancing the plasticity of mesenchymal stem cells. In this study, we aimed to study the effects of 5-Azacytidine (5-AzaCR), an epigenetic modifier, pretreatment on mesenchymal stem cells-derived from Wharton's Jelly (WJMSCs) fates. WJMSCs were pretreated with 5-AzaCR for 24 h and subsequently cultured in culture media mixtures. The proliferative and stemness characteristics of the pretreated WJMSCs were assessed through morphological and gene expression analyses. Results showed that cells pretreated with 5 μM to 20 μM of 5-AzaCR showed to acquire higher proliferative state transiently when cultured in embryonic-mesenchymal stem cell (ESC-MSC) media, but not in MSC medium alone, and this coincides with significant transitional upregulation of stemness transcription factors. 5-AzaCR pretreatment has potential to confer initial induction of higher state of stemness and proliferation in WJMSCs, influenced by the culture media.
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5
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Sakaguchi T, Kono Y, Itaba N, Morimoto M, Isomoto H, Shiota G. Identification of a Novel Deactivating Small-Molecule Compound for Fibrogenic Hepatic Stellate Cells. Yonago Acta Med 2020; 63:79-87. [PMID: 32158337 DOI: 10.33160/yam.2020.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Liver fibrosis progresses to decompensated liver cirrhosis, for which medical needs remain unmet. We recently developed IC-2, a small-molecule compound that suppresses Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and found that IC-2 also suppresses liver fibrosis. In this study, we performed three-step screening of newly synthesized IC-2 derivatives to identify other small-molecule compounds that suppress liver fibrosis. Methods The screening system consisted of three steps: a cell viability assay, a transcription factor 4 (TCF4) reporter assay, and induction of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen 1α1 (Col1A1) expression in response to each compound. Screening using human LX-2 hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) was performed to target HSCs, which are the driver cells of liver fibrosis. Results In the first step, since 9b and 9b-CONH2 at 100 μM did not have any effects on cell viability, they were omitted in the next screening. Additionally, the conditions that led to > 40% inhibition of the controls were also excluded in subsequent screening. The second step was performed under 31 conditions for 19 small-molecule compounds. Sixteen small-molecule compounds caused significant reduction of TCF4 activity relative to that of 0.1% DMSO. Of the 16 compounds, the 10 showing the greatest suppression of TCF4 activity were selected for the third step. Expressions of mRNA for α-SMA and Col1A1 were significantly reduced by seven and three small-molecule compounds, respectively. The greatest reductions in the α-SMA and Col1A1 mRNA expressions were observed in the cells treated with IC-2-F. Protein expressions of α-SMA and Col1A1 caused by IC-2-F were also comparable to those caused by IC-2. Conclusion IC-2-F was identified as a novel deactivating small-molecule compound for HSCs in vitro. These data suggest that IC-2-F is a promising medicine for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuki Sakaguchi
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Regenerative Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan.,Division of Medicine and Clinical Science, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| | - Yohei Kono
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Regenerative Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| | - Noriko Itaba
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Regenerative Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| | - Minoru Morimoto
- Research Initiative Center, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8550, Japan
| | - Hajime Isomoto
- Division of Medicine and Clinical Science, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| | - Goshi Shiota
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Regenerative Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
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6
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Yu Y, Li M, Song Y, Xu J, Qi F. Overexpression of long noncoding RNA CUDR promotes hepatic differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. Mol Med Rep 2019; 21:1051-1058. [PMID: 31894319 PMCID: PMC7003026 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are capable of regulating cell differentiation and pluripotency. The objective of the present study was to explore the effect of lncRNA cancer upregulated drug resistant (CUDR) on the hepatic differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HuMSCs). HuMSCs were subjected to a hepatogenic differentiation protocol. The level of CUDR was monitored by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) following certain stages of hepatic differentiation. Lentivirus transfection was used to achieve CUDR overexpression. The hepatocyte-related proteins and mRNAs were then examined by immunofluorescence, ELISA and RT-qPCR analyses. The results showed that CUDR was upregulated during the hepatic differentiation of HuMSCs. Upregulation of CUDR can improve hepatic differentiation of HuMSCs, including hepatocyte-related genes and proteins. In addition, it was also found that liver-enriched transcription factors were upregulated after CUDR overexpression. Moreover, there was an association between the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and CUDR. In summary, these results demonstrated that the overexpression of CUDR could improve the hepatic differentiation of HuMSCs, therefore it could be an ideal source for regenerative therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yabin Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, Jiangsu 223300, P.R. China
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, P.R. China
| | - Yan Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, Jiangsu 223300, P.R. China
| | - Jianbo Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, Jiangsu 223300, P.R. China
| | - Fuzhen Qi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, Jiangsu 223300, P.R. China
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Generation of functional hepatocyte-like cells from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by overexpression of transcription factor HNF4α and FOXA2. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2019; 18:546-556. [PMID: 31230960 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous study showed that overexpression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) could directly promote mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells. However, the efficiency of hepatic differentiation remains low. The purpose of our study was to establish an MSC cell line that overexpressed HNF4α and FOXA2 genes to obtain an increased hepatic differentiation efficiency and hepatocyte-like cells with more mature hepatocyte functions. METHODS Successful establishment of high-level HNF4α and FOXA2 co-overexpression in human induced hepatocyte-like cells (hiHep cells) was verified by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and RT-PCR. Measurements of albumin (ALB), urea, glucose, indocyanine green (ICG) uptake and release, cytochrome P450 (CYP) activity and gene expression were used to analyze mature hepatic functions of hiHep cells. RESULTS hiHep cells efficiently express HNF4α and FOXA2 genes and proteins, exhibit typical epithelial morphology and acquire mature hepatocyte-like cell functions, including ALB secretion, urea production, ICG uptake and release, and glycogen storage. hiHep cells can be activated by CYP inducers. The percentage of both ALB and α-1-antitrypsin (AAT)-positive cells was approximately 72.6%. The expression levels of hepatocyte-specific genes (ALB, AAT, and CYP1A1) and liver drug transport-related genes (ABCB1, ABCG2, and SLC22A18) in hiHep cells were significantly higher than those in MSCs-Vector cells. The hiHep cells did not form tumors after subcutaneous xenograft in BALB/c nude mice after 2 months. CONCLUSION This study provides an accessible, feasible and efficient strategy to generate hiHep cells from MSCs.
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8
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Itaba N, Kono Y, Watanabe K, Yokobata T, Oka H, Osaki M, Kakuta H, Morimoto M, Shiota G. Reversal of established liver fibrosis by IC-2-engineered mesenchymal stem cell sheets. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6841. [PMID: 31048740 PMCID: PMC6497888 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43298-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis viral infection, alcoholic intoxication, and obesity cause liver fibrosis, which progresses to decompensated liver cirrhosis, a disease for which medical demands cannot be met. Since there are currently no approved anti-fibrotic therapies for established liver fibrosis, the development of novel modalities is required to improve patient prognosis. In this study, we clarified the anti-fibrotic effects of cell sheets produced from human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) incubated on a temperature-sensitive culture dish with the chemical compound IC-2. Orthotopic transplantation of IC-2-engineered MSC sheets (IC-2 sheets) remarkably reduced liver fibrosis induced by chronic CCl4 administration. Further, the marked production of fibrolytic enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-14, as well as thioredoxin, which suppresses hepatic stellate cell activation, was observed in IC-2 sheets. Moreover, the anti-fibrotic effect of IC-2 sheets was much better than that of MSC sheets. Finally, knockdown experiments revealed that MMP-14 was primarily responsible for the reduction of liver fibrosis. Here, we show that IC-2 sheets could be a promising therapeutic option for established liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Itaba
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan
| | - Yohei Kono
- KanonCure Inc., 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan
| | - Kaori Watanabe
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Yokobata
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Oka
- Research Initiative Center, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyama, Tottori, 680-8550, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiko Osaki
- Division of Pathological Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kakuta
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1-1-1, Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Minoru Morimoto
- Research Initiative Center, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyama, Tottori, 680-8550, Japan
| | - Goshi Shiota
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan.
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9
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Wanet A, Caruso M, Domelevo Entfellner JB, Najar M, Fattaccioli A, Demazy C, Evraerts J, El-Kehdy H, Pourcher G, Sokal E, Arnould T, Tiffin N, Najimi M, Renard P. The Transcription Factor 7-Like 2-Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator-1 Alpha Axis Connects Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Metabolic Shift with Stem Cell Commitment to Hepatic Differentiation. Stem Cells 2017; 35:2184-2197. [DOI: 10.1002/stem.2688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Wanet
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (URBC); NAmur Research Institute for LIfe Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur (UNamur); Namur Belgium
| | - Marino Caruso
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (URBC); NAmur Research Institute for LIfe Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur (UNamur); Namur Belgium
| | - Jean-Baka Domelevo Entfellner
- South African National Bioinformatics Institute (SANBI)/Medical Research Council of South Africa Bioinformatics Unit, University of the Western Cape; Bellville South Africa
| | - Mehdi Najar
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy; Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB); Brussels Belgium
| | - Antoine Fattaccioli
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (URBC); NAmur Research Institute for LIfe Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur (UNamur); Namur Belgium
| | - Catherine Demazy
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (URBC); NAmur Research Institute for LIfe Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur (UNamur); Namur Belgium
| | - Jonathan Evraerts
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy; Université Catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherche Clinique et Expérimentale (IREC); Brussels Belgium
| | - Hoda El-Kehdy
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy; Université Catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherche Clinique et Expérimentale (IREC); Brussels Belgium
| | - Guillaume Pourcher
- Department of Digestive Diseases; Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris Descartes University; Paris France
| | - Etienne Sokal
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy; Université Catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherche Clinique et Expérimentale (IREC); Brussels Belgium
| | - Thierry Arnould
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (URBC); NAmur Research Institute for LIfe Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur (UNamur); Namur Belgium
| | - Nicki Tiffin
- South African National Bioinformatics Institute (SANBI)/Medical Research Council of South Africa Bioinformatics Unit, University of the Western Cape; Bellville South Africa
| | - Mustapha Najimi
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy; Université Catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherche Clinique et Expérimentale (IREC); Brussels Belgium
| | - Patricia Renard
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (URBC); NAmur Research Institute for LIfe Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur (UNamur); Namur Belgium
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10
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Guo Y, Chen B, Chen LJ, Zhang CF, Xiang C. Current status and future prospects of mesenchymal stem cell therapy for liver fibrosis. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2017; 17:831-841. [PMID: 27819130 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b1600101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the end-stage of many chronic liver diseases and is a significant health threat. The only effective therapy is liver transplantation, which still has many problems, including the lack of donor sources, immunological rejection, and high surgery costs, among others. However, the use of cell therapy is becoming more prevalent, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) seem to be a promising cell type for the treatment of liver fibrosis. MSCs have multiple differentiation abilities, allowing them to migrate directly into injured tissue and differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells. Additionally, MSCs can release various growth factors and cytokines to increase hepatocyte regeneration, regress liver fibrosis, and regulate inflammation and immune responses. In this review, we summarize the current uses of MSC therapies for liver fibrosis and suggest potential future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Bo Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Li-Jun Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Chun-Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Charlie Xiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
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11
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Shiota G, Itaba N. Progress in stem cell-based therapy for liver disease. Hepatol Res 2017; 47:127-141. [PMID: 27188253 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Liver transplantation has been accepted as a useful therapeutic approach for patients with end-stage liver disease. However, the mismatch between the great demand for liver transplants and the number of available donor organs underscores the urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies for patients with acute and chronic liver failure. The rapidly growing knowledge on stem cell biology has opened new avenues toward stem cell-based therapy for liver disease. As stem cells have capacity for high proliferation and multipotent differentiation, the characteristics of stem cells fit the cell therapy. Several types of cells have been investigated as possible sources of liver regeneration: mesenchymal stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, liver progenitor cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and bone marrow mononuclear cells. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that these cells have great potential as candidates of stem cell therapy. We reviewed the reports on clinical trials of cell therapy for liver disease that have been recently undertaken using mesenchymal stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, bone marrow mononuclear cells, and liver progenitor cells. These reports have heterogeneity of description of trial design, types of infused cells, patient population, and efficacy of therapies. We addressed these reports from these viewpoints and clarified their significance. We hope that this review article will provide a perspective on the available approaches based on stem cell-based therapy for liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goshi Shiota
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Noriko Itaba
- Departments of Genetic Medicine and Regenerative Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
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12
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Cipriano M, Correia JC, Camões SP, Oliveira NG, Cruz P, Cruz H, Castro M, Ruas JL, Santos JM, Miranda JP. The role of epigenetic modifiers in extended cultures of functional hepatocyte-like cells derived from human neonatal mesenchymal stem cells. Arch Toxicol 2016; 91:2469-2489. [PMID: 27909741 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1901-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The development of predictive in vitro stem cell-derived hepatic models for toxicological drug screening is an increasingly important topic. Herein, umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hnMSCs) underwent hepatic differentiation using an optimized three-step core protocol of 24 days that mimicked liver embryogenesis with further exposure to epigenetic markers, namely the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA), the cytidine analogue 5-azacytidine (5-AZA) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). FGF-2 and FGF-4 were also tested to improve endoderm commitment and foregut induction during Step 1 of the differentiation protocol, being HHEX expression increased with FGF-2 (4 ng/mL). DMSO (1%, v/v) when added at day 10 enhanced cell morphology, glycogen storage ability, enzymatic activity and induction capacity. Moreover, the stability of the hepatic phenotype under the optimized differentiation conditions was examined up to day 34. Our findings showed that hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) acquired the ability to metabolize glucose, produce albumin and detoxify ammonia. Global transcriptional analysis of the HLCs showed a partial hepatic differentiation degree. Global analysis of gene expression in the different cells revealed shared expression of gene groups between HLCs and human primary hepatocytes (hpHeps) that were not observed between HepG2 and hpHeps. In addition, bioinformatics analysis of gene expression data placed HLCs between the HepG2 cell line and hpHeps and distant from hnMSCs. The enhanced hepatic differentiation observed was supported by the presence of the hepatic drug transporters OATP-C and MRP-2 and gene expression of the hepatic markers CK18, TAT, AFP, ALB, HNF4A and CEBPA; and by their ability to display stable UGT-, EROD-, ECOD-, CYP1A1-, CYP2C9- and CYP3A4-dependent activities at levels either comparable with or even higher than those observed in primary hepatocytes and HepG2 cells. Overall, an improvement of the hepatocyte-like phenotype was achieved for an extended culture time suggesting a role of the epigenetic modifiers in hepatic differentiation and maturation and presenting hnMSC-HLCs as an advantageous alternative for drug discovery and in vitro toxicology testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cipriano
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - J C Correia
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S P Camões
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - N G Oliveira
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - P Cruz
- ECBio S.A., Amadora, Portugal
| | - H Cruz
- ECBio S.A., Amadora, Portugal
| | - M Castro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - J L Ruas
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - J P Miranda
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal.
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13
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Zhou X, Cui L, Zhou X, Yang Q, Wang L, Guo G, Hou Y, Cai W, Han Z, Shi Y, Han Y. Induction of hepatocyte-like cells from human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells by defined microRNAs. J Cell Mol Med 2016; 21:881-893. [PMID: 27874233 PMCID: PMC5387126 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Generating functional hepatocyte‐like cells (HLCs) from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is of great urgency for bio‐artificial liver support system (BALSS). Previously, we obtained HLCs from human umbilical cord‐derived MSCs by overexpressing seven microRNAs (HLC‐7) and characterized their liver functions in vitro and in vivo. Here, we aimed to screen out the optimal miRNA candidates for hepatic differentiation. We sequentially removed individual miRNAs from the pool and examined the effect of transfection with remainder using RT‐PCR, periodic acid—Schiff (PAS) staining and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake assays and by assessing their function in liver injury models. Surprisingly, miR‐30a and miR‐1290 were dispensable for hepatic differentiation. The remaining five miRNAs (miR‐122, miR‐148a, miR‐424, miR‐542‐5p and miR‐1246) are essential for this process, because omitting any one from the five‐miRNA combination prevented hepatic trans‐differentiation. We found that HLCs trans‐differentiated from five microRNAs (HLC‐5) expressed high level of hepatic markers and functioned similar to hepatocytes. Intravenous transplantation of HLC‐5 into nude mice with CCl4‐induced fulminant liver failure and acute liver injury not only improved serum parameters and their liver histology, but also improved survival rate of mice in severe hepatic failure. These data indicated that HLC‐5 functioned similar to HLC‐7 in vitro and in vivo, which have been shown to resemble hepatocytes. Instead of using seven‐miRNA combination, a simplified five‐miRNA combination can be used to obtain functional HLCs in only 7 days. Our study demonstrated an optimized and efficient method for generating functional MSC‐derived HLCs that may serve as an attractive cell alternative for BALSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Lina Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xinmin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Qiong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Lu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Guanya Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yu Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Weile Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zheyi Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yongquan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ying Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
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14
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Cipriano M, Freyer N, Knöspel F, Oliveira NG, Barcia R, Cruz PE, Cruz H, Castro M, Santos JM, Zeilinger K, Miranda JP. Self-assembled 3D spheroids and hollow-fibre bioreactors improve MSC-derived hepatocyte-like cell maturation in vitro. Arch Toxicol 2016; 91:1815-1832. [PMID: 27590069 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1838-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
3D cultures of human stem cell-derived hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) have emerged as promising models for short- and long-term maintenance of hepatocyte phenotype in vitro cultures by better resembling the in vivo environment of the liver and consequently increase the translational value of the resulting data. In this study, the first stage of hepatic differentiation of human neonatal mesenchymal stem cells (hnMSCs) was performed in 2D monolayer cultures for 17 days. The second stage was performed by either maintaining cells in 2D cultures for an extra 10 days, as control, or alternatively cultured in 3D as self-assembled spheroids or in multicompartment membrane bioreactor system. All systems enabled hnMSC differentiation into HLCs as shown by positive immune staining of hepatic markers CK-18, HNF-4α, albumin, the hepatic transporters OATP-C and MRP-2 as well as drug-metabolizing enzymes like CYP1A2 and CYP3A4. Similarly, all models also displayed relevant glucose, phase I and phase II metabolism, the ability to produce albumin and to convert ammonia into urea. However, EROD activity and urea production were increased in both 3D systems. Moreover, the spheroids revealed higher bupropion conversion, whereas bioreactor showed increased albumin production and capacity to biotransform diclofenac. Additionally, diclofenac resulted in an IC50 value of 1.51 ± 0.05 and 0.98 ± 0.03 in 2D and spheroid cultures, respectively. These data suggest that the 3D models tested improved HLC maturation showing a relevant biotransformation capacity and thus provide more appropriate reliable models for mechanistic studies and more predictive systems for in vitro toxicology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madalena Cipriano
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nora Freyer
- Bioreactor Group, Berlin Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fanny Knöspel
- Bioreactor Group, Berlin Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nuno G Oliveira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita Barcia
- ECBio S.A., Rua Henrique Paiva Couceiro, Nº 27, 2700-451, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Pedro E Cruz
- ECBio S.A., Rua Henrique Paiva Couceiro, Nº 27, 2700-451, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Helder Cruz
- ECBio S.A., Rua Henrique Paiva Couceiro, Nº 27, 2700-451, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Matilde Castro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jorge M Santos
- ECBio S.A., Rua Henrique Paiva Couceiro, Nº 27, 2700-451, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Katrin Zeilinger
- Bioreactor Group, Berlin Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joana P Miranda
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal.
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15
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Effect of Chromatin-Remodeling Agents in Hepatic Differentiation of Rat Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Vitro and In Vivo. Stem Cells Int 2016; 2016:3038764. [PMID: 27242905 PMCID: PMC4876003 DOI: 10.1155/2016/3038764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 03/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic events, including covalent histone modifications and DNA methylation, play fundamental roles in the determination of lineage-specific gene expression and cell fates. The aim of this study was to determine whether the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (DNMTi) 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) and the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) trichostatin A (TSA) promote the hepatic differentiation of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rBM-MSCs) and their therapeutic effect on liver damage. 1 μM TSA and 20 μM 5-aza-dC were added to standard hepatogenic medium especially at differentiation and maturation steps and their potential function on hepatic differentiation in vitro and in vivo was determined. Exposure of rBM-MSCs to 1 μM TSA at both the differentiation and maturation steps considerably improved hepatic differentiation. TSA enhanced the development of the hepatocyte shape, promoted the chronological expression of hepatocyte-specific markers, and improved hepatic functions. In contrast, treatment of rBM-MSCs with 20 μM 5-aza-dC alone or in combination with TSA was ineffective in improving hepatic differentiation in vitro. TSA and/or 5-aza-dC derived hepatocytes-like cells failed to improve the therapeutic potential in liver damage. We conclude that HDACis enhance hepatic differentiation in a time-dependent manner, while DNMTis do not induce the hepatic differentiation of rBM-MSCs in vitro. Their in vivo function needs further investigation.
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16
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Itaba N, Sakabe T, Kanki K, Azumi J, Shimizu H, Kono Y, Matsumi Y, Abe KI, Tonoi T, Oka H, Sakurai T, Saimoto H, Morimoto M, Mabuchi Y, Matsuzaki Y, Shiota G. Identification of the small molecule compound which induces hepatic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells. Regen Ther 2015; 2:32-41. [PMID: 31245457 PMCID: PMC6581787 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are expected to have utility as a cell source in regenerative medicine. Because we previously reported that suppression of the Wnt/β-catenin signal enhances hepatic differentiation of human MSCs, we synthesized twenty-three derivatives of small molecule compounds originally reported to suppress the Wnt/β-catenin signal in human colorectal cancer cells. We then screened these compounds for their ability to induce hepatic differentiation of human UE7T-13 MSCs. After screening using WST assay, TCF reporter assay, and albumin mRNA expression, IC-2, a derivative of ICG-001, was identified as a potent inducer of hepatic differentiation of human MSCs. IC-2 potently induced the expression of albumin, complement C3, tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO2), EpCAM, C/EBPα, glycogen storage, and urea production. Furthermore, we examined the effects of IC-2 on human bone marrow mononuclear cell fractions sorted according to CD90 and CD271 expression. Consequently, CD90+ CD271+ cells were found to induce the highest production of urea and glycogen, important hepatocyte functions, in response to IC-2 treatment. CD90+ CD271+ cells also highly expressed albumin mRNA. As the CD90+ CD271+ population has been reported to contain a rich fraction of MSCs, IC-2 apparently represents a potent inducer of hepatic differentiation of human MSCs. We screened newly synthesized derivatives of small molecule compounds generated from known Wnt/β-catenin signal inhibitors. IC-2 was identified as an inducer of the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells into hepatocytes. IC-2 potently induces hepatic differentiation of human bone marrow mononuclear CD90+ CD271+ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Itaba
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Sakabe
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Keita Kanki
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Junya Azumi
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Hiroki Shimizu
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Yohei Kono
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Matsumi
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichiro Abe
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Takayuki Tonoi
- Research Center for Bioscience and Technology, Tottori University, 4-101, Koyama, Tottori 680-8550, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Oka
- Research Center for Bioscience and Technology, Tottori University, 4-101, Koyama, Tottori 680-8550, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Sakurai
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Koyama, Tottori 680-8552, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Saimoto
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Koyama, Tottori 680-8552, Japan
| | - Minoru Morimoto
- Research Center for Bioscience and Technology, Tottori University, 4-101, Koyama, Tottori 680-8550, Japan
| | - Yo Mabuchi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Graduate School of Health Care Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Yumi Matsuzaki
- Department of Life Science, Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, Shimane 693-8501, Japan
| | - Goshi Shiota
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
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17
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Itaba N, Matsumi Y, Okinaka K, Ashla AA, Kono Y, Osaki M, Morimoto M, Sugiyama N, Ohashi K, Okano T, Shiota G. Human mesenchymal stem cell-engineered hepatic cell sheets accelerate liver regeneration in mice. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16169. [PMID: 26553591 PMCID: PMC4639852 DOI: 10.1038/srep16169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an attractive cell source for cell therapy. Based on our hypothesis that suppression of Wnt/β-catenin signal enhances hepatic differentiation of human MSCs, we developed human mesenchymal stem cell-engineered hepatic cell sheets by a small molecule compound. Screening of 10 small molecule compounds was performed by WST assay, TCF reporter assay, and albumin mRNA expression. Consequently, hexachlorophene suppressed TCF reporter activity in time- and concentration-dependent manner. Hexachlorophene rapidly induced hepatic differentiation of human MSCs judging from expression of liver-specific genes and proteins, PAS staining, and urea production. The effect of orthotopic transplantation of human mesenchymal stem cell-engineered hepatic cell sheets against acute liver injury was examined in one-layered to three-layered cell sheets system. Transplantation of human mesenchymal stem cell-engineered hepatic cell sheets enhanced liver regeneration and suppressed liver injury. The survival rates of the mice were significantly improved. High expression of complement C3 and its downstream signals including C5a, NF-κB, and IL-6/STAT-3 pathway was observed in hepatic cell sheets-grafted tissues. Expression of phosphorylated EGFR and thioredoxin is enhanced, resulting in reduction of oxidative stress. These findings suggest that orthotopic transplantation of hepatic cell sheets manufactured from MSCs accelerates liver regeneration through complement C3, EGFR and thioredoxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Itaba
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Matsumi
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Kaori Okinaka
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - An Afida Ashla
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Yohei Kono
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiko Osaki
- Division of Pathological Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Minoru Morimoto
- Research Center for Bioscience and Technology, Tottori University, 4-101, Koyama-cho Minami, Tottori 680-8550, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Sugiyama
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BioAnalysis, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, 6-29 Yoshida-Shimoadachi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuo Ohashi
- Laboratory of Drug Development and Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamada-Oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Teruo Okano
- Institute of Advanced Biomedical Engineering and Science, Tokyo Women's Medical University. 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan
| | - Goshi Shiota
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
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18
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Liao X, Liao Y, Zou Y, Li G, Liao C. Epigenetic modifications of histone H3 during the transdifferentiation of Thy-1(+) Lin(‑) bone marrow cells into hepatocytes. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:7561-7. [PMID: 26459745 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The epigenetic modifications during the transdifferentiation of adult stem cells remain to be fully elucidated. In the present study, the histone H3 modifications during the transdifferentiation of rat Thy‑1(+) Lin(‑) bone marrow cells into hepatocytes in vitro were examined, which involved performing hepatocyte growth factor-mediated transdifferentiation of bone marrow Thy-1(+) Lin(‑) cells into hepatic lineage cells. Subsequently, the hepatocyte-specific markers, cytokeratin‑18 (CK‑18), albumin (ALB) and α‑fetoprotein (AFP) were examined by immunofluorescence staining or reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Changes in the key pluripotency factor, octamer‑binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) and histone modifications, including the dimethylation and acetylation of H3 at lysine 9 (H3K9me2 and H3K9ac), lysine 14 (H3K14me2 and H3K14ac) and lysine 27 (H3K27me2 and H3K27ac), were also investigated by RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence staining or western blot analysis The mRNA expression levels of AFP and ALB were detected in the bone marrow stem cell‑derived hepatic lineage cells on days 7 and 14 following induction, and CK‑18 was detected on day 14 following induction. During the transdifferentiation of the bone marrow Thy‑1(+) Lin(‑) cells into hepatocytes, the mRNA expression of OCT4 was significantly reduced, and the levels of H3K9me2, H3K9ac, H3K14me2, H3K14ac, H3K27me2 and H3K27ac were increased significantly, compared with the levels at baseline (P<0.05). Therefore, the results of the present study demonstrated that histone H3 modifications at lysine 9, 14 and 27 are involved in the regulation of transcription during the transdifferentiation of bone marrow stem cells to hepatic lineage cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Liao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Yixin Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Yantai Zou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Guanhong Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Caixian Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
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Visweswaran M, Pohl S, Arfuso F, Newsholme P, Dilley R, Pervaiz S, Dharmarajan A. Multi-lineage differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells - To Wnt, or not Wnt. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2015; 68:139-47. [PMID: 26410622 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2015.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent precursor cells originating from several adult connective tissues. MSCs possess the ability to self-renew and differentiate into several lineages, and are recognized by the expression of unique cell surface markers. Several lines of evidence suggest that various signal transduction pathways and their interplay regulate MSC differentiation. To that end, a critical player in regulating MSC differentiation is a group of proteins encoded by the Wnt gene family, which was previously known for influencing various stages of embryonic development and cell fate determination. As MSCs have gained significant clinical attention for their potential applications in regenerative medicine, it is imperative to unravel the mechanisms by which molecular regulators control differentiation of MSCs for designing cell-based therapeutics. It is rather coincidental that the functional outcome(s) of Wnt-induced signals share similarities with cellular redox-mediated networks from the standpoint of MSC biology. Furthermore, there is evidence for a crosstalk between Wnt and redox signalling, which begs the question whether Wnt-mediated differentiation signals involve the intermediary role of reactive oxygen species. In this review, we summarize the impact of Wnt signalling on multi-lineage differentiation of MSCs, and attempt to unravel the intricate interplay between Wnt and redox signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malini Visweswaran
- Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Sebastian Pohl
- Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Frank Arfuso
- Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Philip Newsholme
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Rodney Dilley
- Ear Sciences Centre, University of Western Australia and Ear Science Institute Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6008, Australia
| | - Shazib Pervaiz
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, Singapore; School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Arun Dharmarajan
- Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6102, Australia.
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In Vitro and In Vivo Hepatic Differentiation of Adult Somatic Stem Cells and Extraembryonic Stem Cells for Treating End Stage Liver Diseases. Stem Cells Int 2015; 2015:871972. [PMID: 26347063 PMCID: PMC4541019 DOI: 10.1155/2015/871972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The shortage of liver donors is a major handicap that prevents most patients from receiving liver transplantation and places them on a waiting list for donated liver tissue. Then, primary hepatocyte transplantation and bioartificial livers have emerged as two alternative treatments for these often fatal diseases. However, another problem has emerged. Functional hepatocytes for liver regeneration are in short supply, and they will dedifferentiate immediately in vitro after they are isolated from liver tissue. Alternative stem-cell-based therapeutic strategies, including hepatic stem cells (HSCs), embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), are more promising, and more attention has been devoted to these approaches because of the high potency and proliferation ability of the cells. This review will focus on the general characteristics and the progress in hepatic differentiation of adult somatic stem cells and extraembryonic stem cells
in vitro and in vivo for the treatment of end stage liver diseases. The hepatic differentiation of stem cells would offer an ideal and promising source for cell therapy and tissue engineering for treating liver diseases.
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Kim ES, Jeon HB, Lim H, Shin JH, Park SJ, Jo YK, Oh W, Yang YS, Cho DH, Kim JY. Conditioned Media from Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Inhibits Melanogenesis by Promoting Proteasomal Degradation of MITF. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128078. [PMID: 26024475 PMCID: PMC4449211 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) secrete various beneficial molecules, which have anti-apoptotic activity and cell proliferation. However, the effect of hUCB-MSCs in melanogenesis is largely unclear. In this study, we show that conditioned media (CM) derived from hUCB-MSCs inhibit melanogenesis by regulating microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) expression via the ERK signalling pathway. Treatment of hUCB-MSC-CM strongly inhibited the alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone-induced hyperpigmentation in melanoma cells as well as melanocytes. Treatment of hUCB-MSC-CM induced ERK1/2 activation in melanocytes. In addition, inhibition of ERK1/2 suppressed the anti-pigmentation activity of the hUCB-MSC-CM in melanocytes and in vitro artificial skin models. We also found that the expression of MITF was appreciably diminished while expression of phosphorylated MITF, which leads to its proteasomal degradation, was increased in cells treated with hUCB-MSC-CM. These results suggested that hUCB-MSC-CM significantly suppresses melanin synthesis via MITF degradation by the ERK pathway activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Sung Kim
- Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Bae Jeon
- Biomedical Research Institute, MEDIPOST Co., Ltd., Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoon Lim
- Biomedical Research Institute, MEDIPOST Co., Ltd., Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyun Shin
- Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - So Jung Park
- Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Kyung Jo
- Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonil Oh
- Biomedical Research Institute, MEDIPOST Co., Ltd., Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Sun Yang
- Biomedical Research Institute, MEDIPOST Co., Ltd., Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hyung Cho
- Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (DHC); (JYK)
| | - Ju-Yeon Kim
- Biomedical Research Institute, MEDIPOST Co., Ltd., Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (DHC); (JYK)
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Yan Y, Zhu Y, Sun F, Zhang B, Li L, Sun Z, Li W, Qian H, Zhu W, Xu W. Extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 phosphorylation is required for hepatic differentiation of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2015; 240:534-45. [PMID: 25576343 DOI: 10.1177/1535370214548996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the capacity to restore liver function by differentiating into hepatocyte like cells. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we have investigated the signals involved in the hepatic differentiation of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs). hUCMSCs were treated with mouse fetal liver-conditioned medium (FLCM) to induce hepatic differentiation. Flow cytometry, reverse transcription PCR, real-time PCR, immunocytochemistry, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array were used to detect the expression of MSC- and hepotocyte-specific markers in FLCM-treated hUCMSCs. Urea production and cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) activity were used as indicators to evaluate liver cell characteristics. Raf/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was analyzed in hUCMSCs by Western blotting. Following FLCM treatment, expression of MSC-specific markers decreased, while hepatocyte-specific gene expression was increased. Urea production, albumin secretion, glycogen storage, and CYP3A4 activity were significantly enhanced in FLCM-treated cells. In addition, ERK1/2 phosphorylation was increased in a time-dependent manner through Raf/MEK/ERK pathway, and phosphorylation was sustained at a high level during hepatic induction. Inhibition of ERK1/2 activation by U0126 (an ERK1/2 inhibitor) and pFLAG-CMV-ERK1(K71R) (negative mutant of ERK1) reversed the expression of liver-specific genes in hUCMSCs and affected hepatic function significantly. In summary, this work shows that ERK1/2 phosphorylation plays an important role in inducing hepatic differentiation of hUCMSCs in FLCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongmin Yan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Feng Sun
- Clinical Laboratory of Nantong Tumour Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu 226000, P.R. China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Limin Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Zixuan Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Hui Qian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Wenrong Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China The Affiliated Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
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Liu WH, Song FQ, Ren LN, Guo WQ, Wang T, Feng YX, Tang LJ, Li K. The multiple functional roles of mesenchymal stem cells in participating in treating liver diseases. J Cell Mol Med 2014; 19:511-20. [PMID: 25534251 PMCID: PMC4369809 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a group of stem cells derived from the mesodermal mesenchyme. MSCs can be obtained from a variety of tissues, including bone marrow, umbilical cord tissue, umbilical cord blood, peripheral blood and adipose tissue. Under certain conditions, MSCs can differentiate into many cell types both in vitro and in vivo, including hepatocytes. To date, four main strategies have been developed to induce the transdifferentiation of MSCs into hepatocytes: addition of chemical compounds and cytokines, genetic modification, adjustment of the micro-environment and alteration of the physical parameters used for culturing MSCs. Although the phenomenon of transdifferentiation of MSCs into hepatocytes has been described, the detailed mechanism is far from clear. Generally, the mechanism is a cascade reaction whereby stimulating factors activate cellular signalling pathways, which in turn promote the production of transcription factors, leading to hepatic gene expression. Because MSCs can give rise to hepatocytes, they are promising to be used as a new treatment for liver dysfunction or as a bridge to liver transplantation. Numerous studies have confirmed the therapeutic effects of MSCs on hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis and other liver diseases, which may be related to the differentiation of MSCs into functional hepatocytes. In addition to transdifferentiation into hepatocytes, when MSCs are used to treat liver disease, they may also inhibit hepatocellular apoptosis and secrete various bioactive molecules to promote liver regeneration. In this review, the capacity and molecular mechanism of MSC transdifferentiation, and the therapeutic effects of MSCs on liver diseases are thoroughly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-hui Liu
- General Surgery Center, Chengdu Military General Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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Induction of highly functional hepatocytes from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells by HNF4α transduction. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104133. [PMID: 25137413 PMCID: PMC4138090 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To investigate the differentiation potential of human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells (HuMSCs) and the key factors that facilitate hepatic differentiation. Methods HuMSCs were induced to become hepatocyte-like cells according to a previously published protocol. The differentiation status of the hepatocyte-like cells was examined by observing the morphological changes under an inverted microscope and by immunofluorescence analysis. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α) overexpression was achieved by plasmid transfection of the hepatocyte-like cells. The expression of proteins and genes of interest was then examined by Western blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or real-time RT-PCR methods. Results Our results demonstrated that HuMSCs can easily be induced into hepatocyte-like cells using a published differentiation protocol. The overexpression of HNF4α in the induced HuMSCs significantly enhanced the expression levels of hepatic-specific proteins and genes. HNF4α overexpression may be associated with liver-enriched transcription factor networks and the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway. Conclusion The overexpression of HNF4α improves the hepatic differentiation of HuMSCs and is a simple way to improve cellular sources for clinical applications.
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Hu A, Shang C, Li Q, Sun N, Wu L, Ma Y, Jiao X, Min J, Zeng G, He X. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition delayed by E-cad to promote tissue formation in hepatic differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells in vitro. Stem Cells Dev 2014; 23:877-87. [PMID: 24266635 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2013.0354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) usually results in a single cell lineage, and the formation of liver tissues remains difficult. Here, we examine the role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that is regulated by epithelial cadherin (E-cad) expression in hepatic tissue formation from ESCs. E-cad was transfected into mouse ESCs to enable a stable expression of E-cad. Hepatic differentiation of ESCs was then induced by hepatic growth factors. Wnt/β-catenin signaling and EMT speed were examined to determine the differentiation process. Hepatic and angiogenesis markers, as well as differentiated cell-adhesive force were also examined to identify the hepatic tissue differentiation. In our results, E-cad expression gradually decreased in normal ESC (N-ESC) differentiation, but remained stable in the E-cad transfected ESC (EC-ESC) group. In EC-ESC differentiation, expressions of cytoplastic β-catenin and EMT were much lower and significantly prolonged. Angiogenesis markers vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) and CD31/PECAM-1 were expressed only on day 5-13 in N-ESC differentiation, whereas VEGFR-1 and CD31/PECAM-1 were expressed prolonged on day 5-17 in the EC-ESC group and were coincident with the expression of hepatic markers. Finally, EC-ESC differentiation maintained multilayer-growth patterns, and abundant vascular network structures appeared and migrated in albumin-positive cell areas. The cellular adhesion forces between embryonic body cells in EC-ESC differentiation during day 13-17 were similar to those of mouse liver tissue. In conclusion, accelerated EMT due to the decreased E-cad expression may partially contribute to the failure of hepatic tissue formation in N-ESC differentiation. E-cad can act in synergy with hepatic growth factors and facilitate the early-stage formation of hepatic tissues through down-regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling and delaying EMT. This work provides a new insight into hepatic tissue differentiation that is mediated by E-cad from ESC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anbin Hu
- 1 Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
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Seo KW, Sohn SY, Bhang DH, Nam MJ, Lee HW, Youn HY. Therapeutic effects of hepatocyte growth factor-overexpressing human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells on liver fibrosis in rats. Cell Biol Int 2013; 38:106-16. [PMID: 24115681 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a common end stage for a variety of liver diseases, including most chronic liver diseases, and results from an imbalance between collagen deposition and degradation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the ability to migrate into fibrotic livers and differentiate into hepatocytes. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has potent anti-apoptotic and mitogenic effects on hepatocytes during liver injury and plays an essential role in the development and regeneration of the liver. In this study, human HGF-overexpressing human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (hHGF-HUCB-MSCs) were prepared using the pMEX Expression System, and the upregulation of hHGF expression was confirmed by RT-PCR and ELISA. HGF expressed by hHGF-HUCB-MSCs exerted a stimulatory effect on hepatocyte proliferation in vitro. hHGF-HUCB-MSCs were transplanted to investigate the therapeutic effects of these cells on carbon tetrachloride (CCL4)-induced liver fibrosis in a rat model. After 4 weeks of cell treatment once per week with 2 × 10(6) cells, biochemical analysis of the serum and histopathological analysis of the liver tissue were performed. The results of the biochemical analysis of the serum show that the hHGF-HUCB-MSC-treated group had higher levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, indicating the improvement of liver function. Histopathology showed that the hHGF-HUCB-MSC-treated group had reduction in the density of collagen fibres. Thus hHGF-HUCB-MSCs can enhance liver regeneration and could be useful for the treatment of patients with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung-Won Seo
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehakro, Yuseoung gu, Daejon, 305-764, Republic of Korea
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The generation of hepatocytes from mesenchymal stem cells and engraftment into the liver. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2013; 16:69-75. [PMID: 21150616 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0b013e3283424f5b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Liver transplantation is the ultimate therapeutic option for the treatment of end-stage liver diseases, which, however, is restricted by the shortage of donor organs. Instead hepatocyte transplantation seemed to be a way out, but again marginal donor livers for the isolation of primary human hepatocytes are scarce. The hepatocyte differentiation capacity of mesenchymal stem cells might open a new cell resource to generate hepatocyte-like cells for therapeutical use. RECENT FINDINGS Apart from their potency of hepatocyte differentiation mesenchymal stem cells display pleiotropic biological features including modulation of immunogenicity, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic as well as pro-proliferative impact at the site of tissue or organ lesions. They are mobilized from the bone marrow and migrate to the liver along chemoattractive gradients thus contributing to the humoral and cellular response in tissue repair. The cause of different liver diseases is varying depending on, for example, viral, toxic, nutritional, neoplastic challenges. As known from animal studies mesenchymal stem cells seem to have a beneficial impact on liver regeneration and tissue repair under a variety of liver disease conditions. SUMMARY Their versatile biological features render mesenchymal stem cells an alternate cell resource for the treatment of liver diseases. It is important to know the mechanisms of integration of transplanted cells into the recipient tissue and to understand the communication between donor cells and the host tissue on the molecular level in order to support efficacy of cell transplantation and thus optimize the therapeutical outcome.
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Ji S, Zhang L, Hui L. Cell fate conversion: direct induction of hepatocyte-like cells from fibroblasts. J Cell Biochem 2013; 114:256-65. [PMID: 22948752 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Accepted: 08/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
One of the essential features of stem cells is their cellular plasticity to differentiate into daughter cells with defined functions. Recently, induction of pluripotent stem cells from somatic cells by defined transcription factors led to the focus on cellular plasticity of terminally differentiated cells. This approach is adopted by other studies to demonstrate the cell fate conversion between different lineages of terminally differentiated cells. We and others showed that induced hepatocyte-like (iHep) cells are directly converted from mouse fibroblasts by overexpression of liver-enriched transcription factors. iHep cells as well as pluripotent stem cell- or mesenchymal stem cell-derived hepatocyte-like cells provide potential cell sources for disease modeling, transplantation, and tissue engineering independent of donor organs. Here, we review the latest advances in generating hepatocyte-like cells and summarize general criteria for evaluating these cells. In addition, we propose a possible role of the p19(Arf) /p53 pathway in cell fate maintenance, which apparently limits the formation of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and iHep cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyi Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yueyang Road 320, Shanghai 200031, China
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Transcriptional characterization of Wnt pathway during sequential hepatic differentiation of human embryonic stem cells and adipose tissue-derived stem cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 434:235-40. [PMID: 23541944 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.02.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESs) and adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) are able to differentiate into hepatocytes. However, a role of Wnt signaling in hepatic differentiation of stem cells is unclear. This study characterized the transcriptional expression pattern of Wnt signaling genes during the sequential hepatocytes differentiation of hES and hADSC. The sequential hepatocytes differentiation of hES and hADSC was induced by three steps including induction, differentiation and maturation steps with the treatment of cytokines. Hepatocytes differentiation was more efficient in hES than hADSC in terms of the expression of hepatocyte-specific genes and the cellular uptake of ICG. The expression of WNT2B, WNT5A, and WISP1 increased at late hepatic differentiation of hES, but the expression of DKK1 and CCND1 decreased during early hepatic differentiation of hES. During hepatic differentiation of hADSC, the expression of WNT2B and WISP1 decreased, but the expression of WNT5B and DKK1 increased at late hepatic differentiation. These results showed that Wnt signaling appears to be activated in hepatic differentiation of hES, but repressed in hepatic differentiation of hADSC in a time-dependent manner, which suggests the differential regulation of Wnt signaling for hepatic differentiation of hES and hADSC.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the most effective therapy for liver failure. However, OLT is severely limited by the shortage of liver donors. Bioartificial liver (BAL) shows great potential as an alternative therapy for liver failure. In recent years, progress has been made in BAL regarding genetically engineered cell lines, immortalized human hepatocytes, methods for preserving the phenotype of primary human hepatocytes, and other functional hepatocytes derived from stem cells. DATA SOURCES A systematic search of PubMed and ISI Web of Science was performed to identify relevant studies in English language literature using the key words such as liver failure, bioartificial liver, hepatocyte, stem cells, differentiation, and immortalization. More than 200 articles related to the cell sources of hepatocyte in BAL were systematically reviewed. RESULTS Methods for preserving the phenotype of primary human hepatocytes have been successfully developed. Many genetically engineered cell lines and immortalized human hepatocytes have also been established. Among these cell lines, the incorporation of BAL with GS-HepG2 cells or alginate-encapsulated HepG2 cells could prolong the survival time and improve pathophysiological parameters in an animal model of liver failure. The cBAL111 cells were evaluated using the AMC-BAL bioreactor, which could eliminate ammonia and lidocaine, and produce albumin. Importantly, BAL loading with HepLi-4 cells could significantly improve the blood biochemical parameters, and prolong the survival time in pigs with liver failure. Other functional hepatocytes differentiated from stem cells, such as human liver progenitor cells, have been successfully achieved. CONCLUSIONS Aside from genetically modified liver cell lines and immortalized human hepatocytes, other functional hepatocytes derived from stem cells show great potential as cell sources for BAL. BAL with safe and effective liver cells may be achieved for clinical liver failure in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ping Pan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
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Herencia C, Martínez-Moreno JM, Herrera C, Corrales F, Santiago-Mora R, Espejo I, Barco M, Almadén Y, de la Mata M, Rodríguez-Ariza A, Muñoz-Castañeda JR. Nuclear translocation of β-catenin during mesenchymal stem cells differentiation into hepatocytes is associated with a tumoral phenotype. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34656. [PMID: 22506042 PMCID: PMC3323576 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2011] [Accepted: 03/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin pathway controls biochemical processes related to cell differentiation. In committed cells the alteration of this pathway has been associated with tumors as hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatoblastoma. The present study evaluated the role of Wnt/β-catenin activation during human mesenchymal stem cells differentiation into hepatocytes. The differentiation to hepatocytes was achieved by the addition of two different conditioned media. In one of them, β-catenin nuclear translocation, up-regulation of genes related to the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, such as Lrp5 and Fzd3, as well as the oncogenes c-myc and p53 were observed. While in the other protocol there was a Wnt/β-catenin inactivation. Hepatocytes with nuclear translocation of β-catenin also had abnormal cellular proliferation, and expressed membrane proteins involved in hepatocellular carcinoma, metastatic behavior and cancer stem cells. Further, these cells had also increased auto-renewal capability as shown in spheroids formation assay. Comparison of both differentiation protocols by 2D-DIGE proteomic analysis revealed differential expression of 11 proteins with altered expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cathepsin B and D, adenine phosphoribosyltransferase, triosephosphate isomerase, inorganic pyrophosphatase, peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase A or lactate dehydrogenase β-chain were up-regulated only with the protocol associated with Wnt signaling activation while other proteins involved in tumor suppression, such as transgelin or tropomyosin β-chain were down-regulated in this protocol. In conclusion, our results suggest that activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway during human mesenchymal stem cells differentiation into hepatocytes is associated with a tumoral phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Herencia
- Maimónides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC)/Reina Sofia University Hospital/University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Julio M. Martínez-Moreno
- Maimónides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC)/Reina Sofia University Hospital/University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Concepción Herrera
- Cellular Therapy Unit, IMIBIC/Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Fernando Corrales
- Center for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, Proteomics Laboratory, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Isabel Espejo
- Service of Clinic Analysis, Reina Sofía University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Monserrat Barco
- Service of Clinic Analysis, Reina Sofía University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Yolanda Almadén
- Maimónides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC)/Reina Sofia University Hospital/University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Manuel de la Mata
- Liver Research Unit, CIBERehd, IMIBIC/Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Antonio Rodríguez-Ariza
- Maimónides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC)/Reina Sofia University Hospital/University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Juan R. Muñoz-Castañeda
- Maimónides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC)/Reina Sofia University Hospital/University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Lam SP, Luk JM, Man K, Ng KTP, Cheung CK, Rose-John S, Lo CM. Activation of interleukin-6-induced glycoprotein 130/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway in mesenchymal stem cells enhances hepatic differentiation, proliferation, and liver regeneration. Liver Transpl 2010; 16:1195-206. [PMID: 20879018 DOI: 10.1002/lt.22136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Adult bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exist in all living species and are capable of differentiating into different types of specific cells. In this study, we demonstrate the therapeutic effectiveness of rat MSC transplantation in D-galactosamine (GalN)-induced acute liver injury and identified the novel pathways which are involved in hepatic differentiation of MSCs. In vivo, intraportal transplantation with 5 × 10(6) MSCs at 24 hours after GalN administration resulted in significant reduction in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin compared to the control group. Engrafted MSCs actively proliferated, differentiated, and further enhanced hepatocyte proliferation activity. In vitro, coculture of MSCs with GalN-induced injured hepatocytes showed efficient differentiation and was evidenced by progressive increase in messenger RNA levels of hepatic markers, including albumin, α-fetoprotein, CCAAT-enhancer binding protein α, α-1-antitryspin, and hepatocyte nuclear factor-3β. Immunofluorescent staining revealed that these cells were positive for albumin, α-fetoprotein, and cytokeratin 18, but not clusters of differentiation 34, cytokeratin 19, or OV6. During hepatic differentiation, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) signaling were constantly activated, and a gradual down-regulation of β-catenin expression in messenger RNA and protein levels was detected. Hyper-interleukin-6 fusion protein but not interleukin-6 (IL-6) alone caused reduction in β-catenin expression associated with the up-regulation of Wnt-5a in MSCs via activating the glycoprotein 130 (gp130)-mediated STAT3 signaling pathway, which indicates the operation of the trans-signaling mechanism. Activation of IL-6/gp130-mediated STAT3 signaling pathway in MSCs triggered wound healing, cell migration, and proliferation. In conclusion, transplantation of MSCs promotes cell proliferation and organ repair, and activation of IL-6/gp130-mediated STAT3 signaling pathway via soluble IL-6 receptor is crucial in hepatic differentiation of MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuk Pik Lam
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
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Ouyang JF, Lou J, Yan C, Ren ZH, Qiao HX, Hong DS. In-vitro promoted differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells towards hepatocytes induced by salidroside. J Pharm Pharmacol 2010; 62:530-8. [DOI: 10.1211/jpp.62.04.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Huang J, Bi Y, Zhu GH, He Y, Su Y, He BC, Wang Y, Kang Q, Chen L, Zuo GW, Luo Q, Shi Q, Zhang BQ, Huang A, Zhou L, Feng T, Luu HH, Haydon RC, He TC, Tang N. Retinoic acid signalling induces the differentiation of mouse fetal liver-derived hepatic progenitor cells. Liver Int 2009; 29:1569-81. [PMID: 19737349 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2009.02111.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) can be isolated from fetal liver and extrahepatic tissues. Retinoic acid (RA) signalling plays an important role in development, although the role of RA signalling in liver-specific progenitors is poorly understood. AIMS We sought to determine the role of RA in regulating hepatic differentiation. METHODS RNA was isolated from liver tissues of various developmental stages. Liver marker expression was assessed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence staining. Reversibly immortalized HPCs derived from mouse embryonic day 14.5 (E14.5) liver (aka, HP14.5) were established. Albumin promoter-driven reporter (Alb-GLuc) was used to monitor hepatic differentiation. Glycogen synthesis was assayed as a marker for terminal hepatic differentiation. RESULTS Retinoic acid receptor (RAR)-alpha, retinoid X receptor (RXR)-alpha and RXR-gamma expressed in E12.5 to postnatal day 28 liver samples. Expression of RAR-beta and RXR-beta was low perinatally, whereas RAR-gamma was undetectable in prenatal tissues and increased postnatally. Retinal dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (Raldh1 and Raldh2) were expressed in all tissues, while Raldh3 was weakly expressed in prenatal samples but was readily detected postnatally. Nuclear receptor corepressors were highly expressed in all tissues, while expression of nuclear co-activators decreased in perinatal tissues and increased after birth. HP14.5 cells expressed high levels of early liver stem cell markers. Expression of RA signalling components and coregulators was readily detected in HP14.5. RA was shown to induce Alb-GLuc activity and late hepatocyte markers. RA was further shown to induce glycogen synthesis in HP14.5 cells, an important function of mature hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS Our results strongly suggest that RA signalling may play an important role in regulating hepatic differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine designated by the Ministry of Education of China, The Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Roles of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in epithelial differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2009; 390:1309-14. [PMID: 19879238 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.10.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2009] [Accepted: 10/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been demonstrated to be able to differentiate into epithelial lineage, but the precise mechanisms controlling this process are unclear. Our aim is to explore the roles of Wnt/beta-catenin in the epithelial differentiation of MSCs. Using indirect co-culture of rat MSCs with rat airway epithelial cells (RTE), MSCs expressed several airway epithelial markers (cytokeratin 18, tight junction protein occudin, cystic fibrosis transmembrance regulator). The protein levels of some important members in Wnt/beta-catenin signaling were determined, suggested down-regulation of Wnt/beta-catenin with epithelial differentiation of MSCs. Furthermore, Wnt3alpha can inhibit the epithelial differentiation of MSCs. A loss of beta-catenin induced by Dickkopf-1 can enhance MSCs differentiation into epithelial cells. Lithium chloride transiently activated beta-catenin expression and subsequently decreased beta-catenin level and at last inhibited MSCs to differentiate into airway epithelium. Taken together, our study indicated that RTE cells can trigger epithelial differentiation of MSCs. Blocking Wnt/beta-catenin signaling may promote MSCs to differentiate towards airway epithelial cells.
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Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling is known for its role in embryogenesis as well as carcinogenesis. In the liver, it plays many critical roles during hepatic development and regeneration, and its dysregulation is evident in aberrant hepatic growth during various liver tumors. Its chief cellular roles in the liver include regulation of processes of cell proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative stress and differentiation, which in turn contributes to hepatic growth, zonation, xenobiotic metabolism and other metabolic processes inherent to the liver. Most of these functions of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling are dictated through the highly temporal and tissue-specific or non-specific transcriptional targets of the pathway. In addition, some of the critical functions such as cell-cell adhesion and perhaps maintenance of various junctions that are critical from an epithelial cell biology perspective are also a function of β-catenin, which is the central component of the canonical Wnt pathway. Various animal models and clinical studies have demonstrated the spectra of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in liver health and disease. Thus therapeutic modulation of this pathway for improved hepatic health is inevitable in the future. The current review discusses the advances in our understanding of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in liver physiology and pathology especially in hepatic metabolism and various tumors in adult liver and goes on to extrapolate the pre-clinical significance and possible translational implications of such findings.
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Monga SPS. Role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in liver metabolism and cancer. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2009; 43:1021-9. [PMID: 19747566 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2009.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2009] [Revised: 07/22/2009] [Accepted: 09/02/2009] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling is known for its role in embryogenesis as well as carcinogenesis. In the liver, it plays many critical roles during hepatic development and regeneration, and its dysregulation is evident in aberrant hepatic growth during various liver tumors. Its chief cellular roles in the liver include regulation of processes of cell proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative stress and differentiation, which in turn contributes to hepatic growth, zonation, xenobiotic metabolism and other metabolic processes inherent to the liver. Most of these functions of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling are dictated through the highly temporal and tissue-specific or non-specific transcriptional targets of the pathway. In addition, some of the critical functions such as cell-cell adhesion and perhaps maintenance of various junctions that are critical from an epithelial cell biology perspective are also a function of β-catenin, which is the central component of the canonical Wnt pathway. Various animal models and clinical studies have demonstrated the spectra of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in liver health and disease. Thus therapeutic modulation of this pathway for improved hepatic health is inevitable in the future. The current review discusses the advances in our understanding of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in liver physiology and pathology especially in hepatic metabolism and various tumors in adult liver and goes on to extrapolate the pre-clinical significance and possible translational implications of such findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satdarshan Pal Singh Monga
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15216, United States.
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Snykers S, De Kock J, Rogiers V, Vanhaecke T. In vitro differentiation of embryonic and adult stem cells into hepatocytes: state of the art. Stem Cells 2009; 27:577-605. [PMID: 19056906 PMCID: PMC2729674 DOI: 10.1634/stemcells.2008-0963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells are a unique source of self-renewing cells within the human body. Before the end of the last millennium, adult stem cells, in contrast to their embryonic counterparts, were considered to be lineage-restricted cells or incapable of crossing lineage boundaries. However, the unique breakthrough of muscle and liver regeneration by adult bone marrow stem cells at the end of the 1990s ended this long-standing paradigm. Since then, the number of articles reporting the existence of multipotent stem cells in skin, neuronal tissue, adipose tissue, and bone marrow has escalated, giving rise, both in vivo and in vitro, to cell types other than their tissue of origin. The phenomenon of fate reprogrammation and phenotypic diversification remains, though, an enigmatic and rare process. Understanding how to control both proliferation and differentiation of stem cells and their progeny is a challenge in many fields, going from preclinical drug discovery and development to clinical therapy. In this review, we focus on current strategies to differentiate embryonic, mesenchymal(-like), and liver stem/progenitor cells into hepatocytes in vitro. Special attention is paid to intracellular and extracellular signaling, genetic modification, and cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. In addition, some recommendations are proposed to standardize, optimize, and enrich the in vitro production of hepatocyte-like cells out of stem/progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Snykers
- Department of Toxicology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
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Snykers S, Henkens T, De Rop E, Vinken M, Fraczek J, De Kock J, De Prins E, Geerts A, Rogiers V, Vanhaecke T. Role of epigenetics in liver-specific gene transcription, hepatocyte differentiation and stem cell reprogrammation. J Hepatol 2009; 51:187-211. [PMID: 19457566 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2009.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Controlling both growth and differentiation of stem cells and their differentiated somatic progeny is a challenge in numerous fields, from preclinical drug development to clinical therapy. Recently, new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms have unveiled key regulatory roles of epigenetic marks driving cellular pluripotency, differentiation and self-renewal/proliferation. Indeed, the transcription of genes, governing cell-fate decisions during development and maintenance of a cell's differentiated status in adult life, critically depends on the chromatin accessibility of transcription factors to genomic regulatory and coding regions. In this review, we discuss the epigenetic control of (liver-specific) gene-transcription and the intricate interplay between chromatin modulation, including histone (de)acetylation and DNA (de)methylation, and liver-enriched transcription factors. Special attention is paid to their role in directing hepatic differentiation of primary hepatocytes and stem cells in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Snykers
- Department of Toxicology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
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Ishii K, Yoshida Y, Akechi Y, Sakabe T, Nishio R, Ikeda R, Terabayashi K, Matsumi Y, Gonda K, Okamoto H, Takubo K, Tajima F, Tsuchiya H, Hoshikawa Y, Kurimasa A, Umezawa A, Shiota G. Hepatic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells by tetracycline-regulated hepatocyte nuclear factor 3beta. Hepatology 2008; 48:597-606. [PMID: 18666263 DOI: 10.1002/hep.22362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are expected to be a potential source of cells for transplantation. Although recent reports have shown that isolated MSCs can differentiate into hepatocytes, the efficiency of differentiation is insufficient for therapeutic application. To circumvent this problem, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms of hepatic differentiation of human BM-MSCs. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 3beta (HNF3beta), a forkhead/winged helix transcription factor, is essential for liver development. In the present study, we established a tetracycline (Tet)-regulated expression system for HNF3beta in UE7T-13 BM-MSCs. HNF3beta expression significantly enhanced expression of albumin, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), tyrosine amino transferase (TAT) and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) genes. The differentiated cells showed hepatocyte-specific functions including glycogen production and urea secretion. During treatment with the Tet-on system for 8 days, over 80% of UE7T-13 cells turned out to express albumin. Furthermore, the combination of Tet with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) efficiently induced the genes such as albumin and TAT, which are associated with maturity of hepatocytes; however, it suppressed genes such as AFP and EpCAM, which are associated with immaturity of hepatocytes, suggesting that Tet-induced HNF3beta expression sensitizes BM-MSCs to bFGF signals. Finally, the results of the present study suggest that down-regulation of Wnt/beta-catenin signals caused by translocation of beta-catenin to cytoplasmic membrane is associated with hepatic differentiation of human BM-MSCs. CONCLUSION HNF3beta expression induced efficient differentiation of UE7T-13 human BM-MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Ishii
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Regenerative Therapeutics, Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
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Álvarez-Mercado AI, Sáez-Lara MJ, García-Mediavilla MV, Sánchez-Campos S, Abadía F, Cabello-Donayre M, Gil Á, Gonzalez-Gallego J, Fontana L. Xenotransplantation of Human Umbilical Cord Blood Mononuclear Cells to Rats with D-Galactosamine-Induced Hepatitis. Cell Transplant 2008; 17:845-57. [DOI: 10.3727/096368908786516837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cord blood is an attractive cell source in regenerative medicine and represents an alternative to bone marrow. The aim of this study was to investigate whether human umbilical cord blood mononuclear (HUCBM) cells might be valuable in hepatic regenerative medicine. HUCBM cells differentiated in vitro into hepatocytes, as suggested by expression of albumin, cytokeratin-18, glutamine synthetase, α-fetoprotein, and cytochrome P450 3A4 at both mRNA and protein levels in a time-dependent fashion. In contrast, the hematopoietic phenotype was gradually lost, as demonstrated by disappearance of CD45 expression. The regenerative potential of HUCBM cells was tested by using a human-to-rat xenotransplant model in which HUCBM cells were intraportally injected into rats with D-galactosamine-induced hepatitis. Liver histology and biochemical markers of hepatic damage were determined. Presence of human cells was detected in blood and liver of both control and D-galactosamine-treated animals. Cell transplantation produced an improvement in both the histological damage and liver function, as demonstrated by plasma values of alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and total and direct bilirubins. Results obtained suggest that HUCBM cells are capable of hepatic engraftment in this human-to-rat xenotransplant model and that transplantation of HUCBM cells may be a suitable therapy for liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana I. Álvarez-Mercado
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, School of Pharmacy, Campus de Cartuja s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, Biomedical Research Center, Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud, Avda. del Conocimiento s/n, 18100 Armilla, Granada, Spain
| | - María J. Sáez-Lara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, School of Pharmacy, Campus de Cartuja s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, Biomedical Research Center, Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud, Avda. del Conocimiento s/n, 18100 Armilla, Granada, Spain
| | - María V. García-Mediavilla
- Centro de Investigacion Biomédica en Red de Enferemedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), and Institute of Biomedicine, University of Leon, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 Leon, Spain
| | - Sonia Sánchez-Campos
- Centro de Investigacion Biomédica en Red de Enferemedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), and Institute of Biomedicine, University of Leon, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 Leon, Spain
| | - Francisco Abadía
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Sciences, University of Granada, Campus de Fuentenueva s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - María Cabello-Donayre
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, School of Pharmacy, Campus de Cartuja s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, Biomedical Research Center, Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud, Avda. del Conocimiento s/n, 18100 Armilla, Granada, Spain
| | - Ángel Gil
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, School of Pharmacy, Campus de Cartuja s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, Biomedical Research Center, Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud, Avda. del Conocimiento s/n, 18100 Armilla, Granada, Spain
| | - Javier Gonzalez-Gallego
- Centro de Investigacion Biomédica en Red de Enferemedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), and Institute of Biomedicine, University of Leon, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 Leon, Spain
| | - Luis Fontana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, School of Pharmacy, Campus de Cartuja s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, Biomedical Research Center, Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud, Avda. del Conocimiento s/n, 18100 Armilla, Granada, Spain
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Ke Z, Zhou F, Wang L, Chen S, Liu F, Fan X, Tang F, Liu D, Zhao G. Down-regulation of Wnt signaling could promote bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into hepatocytes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2008; 367:342-8. [PMID: 18174024 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.12.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2007] [Accepted: 12/19/2007] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been demonstrated to be able to differentiate into hepatocytes, but the precise mechanisms controlling this process are unclear. Our aim is try to explore the role of Wnt signaling on the differentiation of BMSCs into hepatocytes. Our study demonstrated that BMSCs could successfully differentiate into hepatocytes under in vitro induction of the tissue extract of damaged liver. The mRNA level of Wnt-1, Wnt-5a, Frizzled1, DSH (disheveled), GSK-3beta (glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta) and beta-catenin on day 21 when the differentiation direction was determined, was lower than that on days 0, 7, and 11. Furthermore, blocking Wnt-1 signaling by treating BMSCs with Dkk1 could induce BMSCs to express albumin earlier and up-regulation of Wnt signaling by treating BMSCs with Wnt-1 could inhibit BMSCs to differentiate into hepatocytes. Above results indicated that inhibition on Wnt signaling can promote BMSCs to differentiate into hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zunfu Ke
- Department of Pathology, Medical School of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan 2nd Road 74, Guangzhou 510080, Province Guangdong, PR China
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