Neural Precursor Cells Expanded Inside the 3D Micro-Scaffold Nichoid Present Different Non-Coding RNAs Profiles and Transcript Isoforms Expression: Possible Epigenetic Modulation by 3D Growth

Study of lncRNAs in Pediatric Neurological Diseases: Methods, Analysis of the State-of-Art and Possible Therapeutic Implications

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as crucial regulators in various cellular processes, and their roles in pediatric neurological diseases are increasingly being explored. This review provides an overview of lncRNA implications in the central nervous system, both in its physiological state and when a pathological condition is present. We describe the role of lncRNAs in neural development, highlighting their significance in processes such as neural stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and synaptogenesis. Dysregulation of specific lncRNAs is associated with multiple pediatric neurological diseases, such as neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative disorders and brain tumors. The collected evidence indicates that there is a need for further research to uncover the full spectrum of lncRNA involvement in pediatric neurological diseases and brain tumors. While challenges exist, ongoing advancements in technology and our understanding of lncRNA biology offer hope for future breakthroughs in the field of pediatric neurology, leveraging lncRNAs as potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers.

3D photopolymerized microstructured scaffolds influence nuclear deformation, nucleo/cytoskeletal protein organization, and gene regulation in mesenchymal stem cells

Mechanical stimuli from the extracellular environment affect cell morphology and functionality. Recently, we reported that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) grown in a custom-made 3D microscaffold, the Nichoid, are able to express higher levels of stemness markers. In fact, the Nichoid is an interesting device for autologous MSC expansion in clinical translation and would appear to regulate gene activity by altering intracellular force transmission. To corroborate this hypothesis, we investigated mechanotransduction-related nuclear mechanisms, and we also treated spread cells with a drug that destroys the actin cytoskeleton. We observed a roundish nuclear shape in MSCs cultured in the Nichoid and correlated the nuclear curvature with the import of transcription factors. We observed a more homogeneous euchromatin distribution in cells cultured in the Nichoid with respect to the Flat sample, corresponding to a standard glass coverslip. These results suggest a different gene regulation, which we confirmed by an RNA-seq analysis that revealed the dysregulation of 1843 genes. We also observed a low structured lamina mesh, which, according to the implemented molecular dynamic simulations, indicates reduced damping activity, thus supporting the hypothesis of low intracellular force transmission. Also, our investigations regarding lamin expression and spatial organization support the hypothesis that the gene dysregulation induced by the Nichoid is mainly related to a reduction in force transmission. In conclusion, our findings revealing the Nichoid's effects on MSC behavior is a step forward in the control of stem cells via mechanical manipulation, thus paving the way to new strategies for MSC translation to clinical applications.

Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Expanded Inside the Nichoid Micro-Scaffold: a Focus on Anti-Inflammatory Response

Purpose

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising source for stem cell therapies in numerous diseases, including pediatric respiratory system diseases. Characterized by low immunogenicity, high anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory features, MSCs demonstrated an excellent therapeutic profile in numerous in vitro and preclinical models. MSCs reside in a specialized physiologic microenvironment, characterized by a unique combination of biophysical, biochemical, and cellular properties. The exploitation of the 3D micro-scaffold Nichoid, which simulates the native niche, enhanced the anti-inflammatory potential of stem cells through mechanical stimulation only, overcoming the limitation of biochemical and xenogenic growth factors application.

Materials and Methods

In this work, we expanded pediatric bone marrow MSCs (BM-MSCs) inside the Nichoid and performed a complete cellular characterization with different approaches including viability assays, immunofluorescence analyses, RNA sequencing, and gene expression analysis.

Results

We demonstrated that BM-MSCs inside the scaffold remain in a stem cell quiescent state mimicking the condition of the in vivo environment. Moreover, the gene expression profile of these cells shows a significant up-regulation of genes involved in immune response when compared with the flat control.

Conclusion

The significant changes in the expression profile of anti-inflammatory genes could potentiate the therapeutic effect of BM-MSCs, encouraging the possible clinical translation for the treatment of pediatric congenital and acquired pulmonary disorders, including post-COVID lung manifestations.

Lay Summary

Regenerative medicine is the research field integrating medicine, biology, and biomedical engineering. In this context, stem cells, which are a fundamental cell source able to regenerate tissues and restore damage in the body, are the key component for a regenerative therapeutic approach. When expanded outside the body, stem cells tend to differentiate spontaneously and lose regenerative potential due to external stimuli. For this reason, we exploit the scaffold named Nichoid, which mimics the in vivo cell niche architecture. In this scaffold, mesenchymal stem cells "feel at home" due to the three-dimensional mechanical stimuli, and our findings could be considered as an innovative culture system for the in vitro expansion of stem cells for clinical translation.

Future Perspective

The increasing demand of safe and effective cell therapies projects our findings toward the possibility of improving cell therapies based on the use of BM-MSCs, particularly for their clinical translation in lung diseases.

Graphical Abstract

Retinal organoids and microfluidic chip-based approaches to explore the retinitis pigmentosa with USH2A mutations

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness worldwide, with limited medical treatment options. USH2A mutations are one of the most common causes of non-syndromic RP. In this study, we developed retinal organoids (ROs) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of RP patient to establish a sustainable in vitro RP disease model. RT-qPCR, western blot, and immunofluorescent staining assessments showed that USH2A mutations induced apoptosis of iPSCs and ROs, and deficiency of the extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Transcriptomics and proteomics findings suggested that abnormal ECM-receptor interactions could result in apoptosis of ROs with USH2A mutations via the PI3K-Akt pathway. To optimize the culture conditions of ROs, we fabricated a microfluidic chip to co-culture the ROs with RPE cells. Our results showed that this perfusion system could efficiently improve the survival rate of ROs. Further, ECM components such as laminin and collagen IV of ROs in the RP group were upregulated compared with those maintained in static culture. These findings illustrate the potential of microfluidic chip combined with ROs technology in disease modelling for RP.