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Rust R, Weber RZ, Generali M, Kehl D, Bodenmann C, Uhr D, Wanner D, Zürcher KJ, Saito H, Hoerstrup SP, Nitsch RM, Tackenberg C. Xeno-free induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitor cells for in vivo applications. J Transl Med 2022; 20:421. [PMID: 36114512 PMCID: PMC9482172 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03610-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, there is no regenerative therapy for patients with neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. Cell-therapies have emerged as a potential treatment for numerous brain diseases. Despite recent advances in stem cell technology, major concerns have been raised regarding the feasibility and safety of cell therapies for clinical applications. METHODS We generated good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compatible neural progenitor cells (NPCs) from transgene- and xeno-free induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that can be smoothly adapted for clinical applications. NPCs were characterized in vitro for their differentiation potential and in vivo after transplantation into wild type as well as genetically immunosuppressed mice. RESULTS Generated NPCs had a stable gene-expression over at least 15 passages and could be scaled for up to 1018 cells per initially seeded 106 cells. After withdrawal of growth factors in vitro, cells adapted a neural fate and mainly differentiated into active neurons. To ensure a pure NPC population for in vivo applications, we reduced the risk of iPSC contamination by applying micro RNA-switch technology as a safety checkpoint. Using lentiviral transduction with a fluorescent and bioluminescent dual-reporter construct, combined with non-invasive in vivo bioluminescent imaging, we longitudinally tracked the grafted cells in healthy wild-type and genetically immunosuppressed mice as well as in a mouse model of ischemic stroke. Long term in-depth characterization revealed that transplanted NPCs have the capability to survive and spontaneously differentiate into functional and mature neurons throughout a time course of a month, while no residual pluripotent cells were detectable. CONCLUSION We describe the generation of transgene- and xeno-free NPCs. This simple differentiation protocol combined with the ability of in vivo cell tracking presents a valuable tool to develop safe and effective cell therapies for various brain injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruslan Rust
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland.
| | - Rebecca Z Weber
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Melanie Generali
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Debora Kehl
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Chantal Bodenmann
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Uhr
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Debora Wanner
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Kathrin J Zürcher
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Hirohide Saito
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Simon P Hoerstrup
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
- Wyss Translational Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roger M Nitsch
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Tackenberg
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland.
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Multiple therapeutic effects of human neural stem cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells in a rat model of post-traumatic syringomyelia. EBioMedicine 2022; 77:103882. [PMID: 35182996 PMCID: PMC8857569 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.103882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Post-traumatic syringomyelia (PTS) affects patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) and is characterized by progressive deterioration of neurological symptoms. To improve surgical treatment, we studied the therapeutic effects of neuroepithelial-like stem cells (NESCs) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in a rat model of PTS. To facilitate clinical translation, we studied NESCs derived from Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant iPSCs. Methods Human GMP-compliant iPSCs were used to derive NESCs. Cryo-preserved NESCs were used off-the-shelf for intraspinal implantation to PTS rats 1 or 10 weeks post-injury, and rats were sacrificed 10 weeks later. In vivo cyst volumes were measured with micro-MRI. Phenotypes of differentiated NESCs and host responses were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Findings Off-the-shelf NESCs transplanted to PTS rats 10 weeks post-injury reduced cyst volume. The grafted NESCs differentiated mainly into glial cells. Importantly, NESCs also stimulated tissue repair. They reduced the density of glial scars and neurite-inhibiting chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4), stimulated host oligodendrocyte precursor cells to migrate and proliferate, reduced active microglia/macrophages, and promoted axonal regrowth after subacute as well as chronic transplantation. Interpretation Significant neural repair promoted by NESCs demonstrated that human NESCs could be used as a complement to standard surgery in PTS. We envisage that future PTS patients transplanted with NESCs will benefit both from eliminating the symptoms of PTS, as well as a long-term improvement of the neurological symptoms of SCI. Funding This work was supported by Vinnova (2016-04134), Karolinska Institutet StratRegen, and the Chinese Scholarship Council.
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Chugh V, Vijaya Krishna K, Pandit A. Cell Membrane-Coated Mimics: A Methodological Approach for Fabrication, Characterization for Therapeutic Applications, and Challenges for Clinical Translation. ACS NANO 2021; 15:17080-17123. [PMID: 34699181 PMCID: PMC8613911 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c03800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Cell membrane-coated (CMC) mimics are micro/nanosystems that combine an isolated cell membrane and a template of choice to mimic the functions of a cell. The design exploits its physicochemical and biological properties for therapeutic applications. The mimics demonstrate excellent biological compatibility, enhanced biointerfacing capabilities, physical, chemical, and biological tunability, ability to retain cellular properties, immune escape, prolonged circulation time, and protect the encapsulated drug from degradation and active targeting. These properties and the ease of adapting them for personalized clinical medicine have generated a significant research interest over the past decade. This review presents a detailed overview of the recent advances in the development of cell membrane-coated (CMC) mimics. The primary focus is to collate and discuss components, fabrication methodologies, and the significance of physiochemical and biological characterization techniques for validating a CMC mimic. We present a critical analysis of the two main components of CMC mimics: the template and the cell membrane and mapped their use in therapeutic scenarios. In addition, we have emphasized on the challenges associated with CMC mimics in their clinical translation. Overall, this review is an up to date toolbox that researchers can benefit from while designing and characterizing CMC mimics.
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Mukherjee S, Yadav G, Kumar R. Recent trends in stem cell-based therapies and applications of artificial intelligence in regenerative medicine. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:521-541. [PMID: 34249226 PMCID: PMC8246250 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i6.521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can self-renew and differentiate into diverse types of mature and functional cells while maintaining their original identity. This profound potential of stem cells has been thoroughly investigated for its significance in regenerative medicine and has laid the foundation for cell-based therapies. Regenerative medicine is rapidly progressing in healthcare with the prospect of repair and restoration of specific organs or tissue injuries or chronic disease conditions where the body’s regenerative process is not sufficient to heal. In this review, the recent advances in stem cell-based therapies in regenerative medicine are discussed, emphasizing mesenchymal stem cell-based therapies as these cells have been extensively studied for clinical use. Recent applications of artificial intelligence algorithms in stem cell-based therapies, their limitation, and future prospects are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayali Mukherjee
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow 226028, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Garima Yadav
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow 226028, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rajnish Kumar
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow 226028, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Vitillo L, Vallier L. Derivation of Multipotent Neural Progenitors from Human Embryonic Stem Cells for Cell Therapy and Biomedical Applications. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2021; 2520:81-100. [PMID: 33948873 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2021_401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Long-term neuroepithelial-like stem cells (lt-NES) derived from human embryonic stem cells are a stable self-renewing progenitor population with high neurogenic potential and phenotypic plasticity. Lt-NES are amenable to regional patterning toward neurons and glia subtypes and thus represent a valuable source of cells for many biomedical applications. For use in regenerative medicine and cell therapy, lt-NES and their progeny require derivation with high-quality culture conditions suitable for clinical use. In this chapter, we describe a robust method to derive multipotent and expandable lt-NES based on good manufacturing practice and cell therapy-grade reagents. We further describe fully defined protocols to terminally differentiate lt-NES toward GABA-ergic, dopaminergic, and motor neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loriana Vitillo
- Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Department of Surgery, Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. .,Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Ludovic Vallier
- Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Department of Surgery, Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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