Ectopic microRNAs used to preserve human mesenchymal stem cell potency and epigenetics

Liposome-Mediated MicroRNA Delivery: An Additional Layer of Gene Network Regulation and Nuclear Reprogramming

Background

Developing miRNA-mediated cell engineering introduces a novel technology for cell reprogramming and generating patient-specific tissues for therapeutic use, facilitating basic research on human adult stem cells. Furthermore, optimizing a reprogramming method without transduction minimizes the risk of tumorigenesis, especially for reprogrammed cells. This study aimed to explore the use of liposomes as vehicles for delivering miRNAs to cells, focusing on their role in regulating gene networks and facilitating nuclear reprogramming.

Methods

This study utilized cationic liposomal nanoparticles preserved under different conditions to introduce miRNAs into hMSCs. Using qPCR, the effective induction of pluripotency factors (OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG) was examined.

Results

Results indicated that miR-302a and miR-34a regulate pluripotency by interacting with key transcription factors, including OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG. Notably, the expression pattern of OCT4 showed that lipoplexes containing miR-302a increased the expression of this gene, while in the case of miR-34a, it decreased. Additionally, the study found that pluripotency precursors can be induced by delivering liposomal microRNA (LP-miRs).

Conclusion

LP-miRs, as small-molecule therapeutics, can influence reprogramming/engineering and the conversion of cells into other lineages. These findings have significant implications for our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the regulation of pluripotency and may have potential applications in regenerative medicine.

Emerging role of nanotechnology in treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevailing health challenge that requires urgent innovative interventions. This review explores the role of nanotechnology as a promising potential in the treatment of NAFLD. It delineates the limitations of the current management strategies for NAFLD and highlights the new nanotechnology-based treatments including nanoemulsions, liposomes, micelles, polymeric nanoparticles, nanogels, inorganic nanoparticles, and zinc oxide nanoparticles. Despite the optimism surrounding the nanotechnological approach, the review underscores the need to address the limitations such as technical challenges, potential toxicity, and ethical considerations that impede the practical application of nanotechnology in NAFLD management. It advocates for collaborative efforts from researchers, clinicians, ethicists, and policymakers to achieve safe, effective, and equitable nanotechnology-based treatments for NAFLD. See also Figure 1(Fig. 1).

Transposable elements, contributors in the evolution of organisms (from an arms race to a source of raw materials)

There is a concept proposing that the primitive lineages of prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and viruses emerged from the primordial pool of primitive genetic elements. In this genetic pool, transposable elements (TEs) became a source of raw material for primitive genomes, tools of genetic innovation, and ancestors of modern genes (e.g. ncRNAs, tRNAs, and rRNAs). TEs contributed directly to the genome evolution of three forms of life on the earth. TEs now appear as tools that were used to giving rise to sexual dimorphism and sex determination, lineage-specific expression of genes and tissue differentiation and finally genome stability and lifespan determination.

In vivo administration of G9a inhibitor A366 decreases osteogenic potential of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Epigenetic mechanisms such as histone methylation are considered as one of the most important mediators that control stem cell behaviors such as proliferation, senescence and differentiation. G9a, a histone methyltransferase, has recently generated intense attention as potential target for controlling many diseases such as cancers. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of in vivo administration of A366, a G9a inhibitor, on proliferative and differentiation potential of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs). We inhibited G9a using intraperitoneally administration of A366, and we evaluated BM-MSC proliferation and differentiation behaviors in vitro. Colony formation assay of BM-MSCs at primary culture showed that in vivo administration of A366 reduced the colony forming capacity of BM-MSCs. Moreover, PDT of BM-MSC isolated from A366-treated rats was higher than control, especially in the early passages. BM-MSC isolated from A366-treated rats showed higher adipogenic potential compared to the control at the early passages as determined by gene expression and Oil Red staining. Whereas, osteogenic potential of BM-MSC isolated from A366-treated rats was lower than control, especially at early passages. Our results suggest that the epigenetic modifier such as A366, which seems to be a therapeutic approach for controlling diseases such as cancer, might also influence the proliferation and differentiation capacity of MSCs both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, epigenetic modifying chemicals seem to be a strategy to manipulate MSC expansion capacity and differentiation propensity, as well as to efficiently involvement of MSCs in tissue homeostasis, cell-based therapy and tissue engineering.