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Zomer HD, Reddi PP. Characterization of rodent Sertoli cell primary cultures. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:857-870. [PMID: 32743879 PMCID: PMC7685524 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells play a vital role in spermatogenesis by offering physical and nutritional support to the differentiating male germ cells. They form the blood-testis barrier and secrete growth factors essential for germ cell differentiation. Sertoli cell primary cultures are critical for understanding the regulation of spermatogenesis; however, obtaining pure cultures has been a challenge. Rodent Sertoli cell isolation protocols do not rule out contamination by the interstitial or connective tissue cells. Sertoli cell-specific markers could be helpful, but there is no consensus. Vimentin, the most commonly used marker, is not specific for Sertoli cells since its expression has been reported in peritubular myoid cells, mesenchymal stem cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, and endothelial cells, which contaminate Sertoli cell preparations. Markers based on transcription and growth factors also have limitations. Thus, the impediment to obtaining pure Sertoli cell cultures pertains to both the method of isolation and marker usage. The aim of this review is to discuss improvements to current methods of rodent Sertoli cell primary cultures, assess the properties of prepubertal versus mature Sertoli cell cultures, and propose steps to improve cellular characterization. Potential benefits of using contemporary approaches, including lineage tracing, specific cell ablation, and RNA-seq for obtaining Sertoli-specific transcript markers are discussed. Evaluating the specificity and applicability of these markers at the protein level to characterize Sertoli cells in culture would be critical. This review is expected to positively impact future work using primary cultures of rodent Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena D Zomer
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Prabhakara P Reddi
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
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Aliaghaei A, Meymand AZ, Boroujeni ME, Khodagoli F, Meftahi GH, Hadipour MM, Abdollahifar MA, Mesgar S, Ahmadi H, Danyali S, Hasani S, Sadeghi Y. Neuro-restorative effect of sertoli cell transplants in a rat model of amyloid beta toxicity. Behav Brain Res 2019; 367:158-165. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Dufour JM, Gores P, Hemendinger R, Emerich DF, Halberstadt CR. Transgenic Sertoli Cells as a Vehicle for Gene Therapy. Cell Transplant 2017; 13:1-6. [PMID: 15040599 DOI: 10.3727/000000004772664833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy involves the manipulation of genetic material to replace defective or deficient proteins to restore function in disease states. These genes are introduced into cells by mechanical, chemical, and biological approaches. To date, cell-based gene therapy has been hampered by the lack of an abundant, safe, and immunologically acceptable source of tissue. As an alternative, transgenic animals designed to produce therapeutic proteins could overcome some of the issues facing gene therapy but the problem of immune rejection of the tissue remains. This article reports on recently published work indicating the potential to use transgenic Sertoli cells surviving in an allogeneic host by virtue of their ability to create a locally immunoprivileged environment, thereby providing for the continued delivery of a therapeutic protein to the systemic circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannette M Dufour
- Surgical-Medical Research Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2N8, Canada
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Emerich DF, Sanberg PR. Article Commentary: Novel Means to Selectively Identify Sertoli Cell Transplants. Cell Transplant 2017. [DOI: 10.3727/000000002783985594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dwaine F. Emerich
- Sertoli Technologies, Inc., 766 Laten Knight Road, Cranston, RI 02921
| | - Paul R. Sanberg
- Center for Aging and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MDC-78, Tampa, FL 33612
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Sanberg PR, Greene-Zavertnik C, Davis CD. Article Commentary: Cell Transplantation: The Regenerative Medicine Journal. A Biennial Analysis of Publications. Cell Transplant 2017; 12:815-825. [DOI: 10.3727/000000003771000165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paul R. Sanberg
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 78, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Cathryn Greene-Zavertnik
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 78, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Cyndy D. Davis
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 78, Tampa, FL 33612
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Chiappalupi S, Luca G, Mancuso F, Madaro L, Fallarino F, Nicoletti C, Calvitti M, Arato I, Falabella G, Salvadori L, Di Meo A, Bufalari A, Giovagnoli S, Calafiore R, Donato R, Sorci G. Intraperitoneal injection of microencapsulated Sertoli cells restores muscle morphology and performance in dystrophic mice. Biomaterials 2015; 75:313-326. [PMID: 26523508 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2015] [Revised: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disease characterized by progressive muscle degeneration leading to impaired locomotion, respiratory failure and premature death. In DMD patients, inflammatory events secondary to dystrophin mutation play a major role in the progression of the pathology. Sertoli cells (SeC) have been largely used to protect xenogeneic engraftments or induce trophic effects thanks to their ability to secrete trophic, antiinflammatory, and immunomodulatory factors. Here we have purified SeC from specific pathogen-free (SPF)-certified neonatal pigs, and embedded them into clinical grade alginate microcapsules. We show that a single intraperitoneal injection of microencapsulated SPF SeC (SeC-MC) in an experimental model of DMD can rescue muscle morphology and performance in the absence of pharmacologic immunosuppressive treatments. Once i.p. injected, SeC-MC act as a drug delivery system that modulates the inflammatory response in muscle tissue, and upregulates the expression of the dystrophin paralogue, utrophin in muscles through systemic release of heregulin-β1, thus promoting sarcolemma stability. Analyses performed five months after single injection show high biocompatibility and long-term efficacy of SeC-MC. Our results might open new avenues for the treatment of patients with DMD and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Chiappalupi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy; Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Italy
| | - Giovanni Luca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancuso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Luca Madaro
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome 00143, Italy; National Research Council, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome 00143, Italy; Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Italy
| | - Francesca Fallarino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Carmine Nicoletti
- Unit of Histology, DAHFMO, La Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy; Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Italy
| | - Mario Calvitti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Iva Arato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Giulia Falabella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Laura Salvadori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Meo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06126, Italy
| | - Antonello Bufalari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06126, Italy
| | - Stefano Giovagnoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia 06123, Italy
| | | | - Rosario Donato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy; Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Italy
| | - Guglielmo Sorci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy; Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Italy.
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Luca G, Mancuso F, Calvitti M, Arato I, Falabella G, Bufalari A, De Monte V, Tresoldi E, Nastruzzi C, Basta G, Fallarino F, Lilli C, Bellucci C, Baroni T, Aglietti MC, Giovagnoli S, Cameron DF, Bodo M, Calafiore R. Long-term stability, functional competence, and safety of microencapsulated specific pathogen-free neonatal porcine Sertoli cells: a potential product for cell transplant therapy. Xenotransplantation 2015; 22:273-83. [PMID: 26134468 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Porcine Sertoli cells (pSCs) have been employed for cell therapy in pre-clinical studies for several chronic/immune diseases as they deliver molecules associated with trophic and anti-inflammatory effects. To be employed for human xenografts, pSCs products need to comply with safety and stability. To fulfill such requirements, we employed a microencapsulation technology to increase pre-transplant storage stability of specific pathogen-free pSCs (SPF-pSCs) and evaluated the in vivo long-term viability and safety of grafts. METHODS Specific pathogen free neonatal pigs underwent testis excision under sterility. pSCs were isolated, characterized by immunofluorescence (IF) and cytofluorimetric analysis (CA) and examined in terms of viability and function [namely, production of anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), inhibin B, and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TFGβ-1)]. After microencapsulation in barium alginate microcapsules (Ba-MC), long-term SPF-pSCs (Ba-MCpSCs) viability and barium concentrations were evaluated at 1, 24 throughout 40 h to establish pre-transplant storage conditions. RESULTS The purity of isolated pSCs was about 95% with negligible contaminating cells. Cultured pSCs monolayers, both prior to and after microencapsulation, maintained high function and full viability up to 24 h of storage. At 40 h post-encapsulation, pSCs viability decreased to 80%. Barium concentration in Ba-MCpSCs lagged below the normal maximum daily allowance and was stable for 4 months in mice with no evident side effects. CONCLUSIONS Such results suggest that this protocol for the isolation and microencapsulation of pSCs is compatible with long-haul transportation and that Ba-MCpSCs could be potentially employable for xenotransplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Luca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.,Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction, Saint Mary Hospital, Terni, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancuso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Mario Calvitti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Iva Arato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giulia Falabella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Antonello Bufalari
- Department of Pathology, Diagnostic and Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Valentina De Monte
- Department of Pathology, Diagnostic and Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Enrico Tresoldi
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardia and Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - Claudio Nastruzzi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Basta
- Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Cinzia Lilli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Catia Bellucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Tiziano Baroni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Giovagnoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Don F Cameron
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Maria Bodo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Riccardo Calafiore
- Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction, Saint Mary Hospital, Terni, Italy.,Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Luca G, Calvitti M, Mancuso F, Falabella G, Arato I, Bellucci C, List EO, Bellezza E, Angeli G, Lilli C, Bodo M, Becchetti E, Kopchick JJ, Cameron DF, Baroni T, Calafiore R. Reversal of experimental Laron Syndrome by xenotransplantation of microencapsulated porcine Sertoli cells. J Control Release 2013; 165:75-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2012.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Revised: 08/16/2012] [Accepted: 08/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Bistoni G, Calvitti M, Mancuso F, Arato I, Falabella G, Cucchia R, Fallarino F, Becchetti A, Baroni T, Mazzitelli S, Nastruzzi C, Bodo M, Becchetti E, Cameron DF, Luca G, Calafiore R. Prolongation of skin allograft survival in rats by the transplantation of microencapsulated xenogeneic neonatal porcine Sertoli cells. Biomaterials 2012; 33:5333-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2012.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Mazzitelli S, Luca G, Mancuso F, Calvitti M, Calafiore R, Nastruzzi C, Johnson S, Badylak SF. Production and characterization of engineered alginate-based microparticles containing ECM powder for cell/tissue engineering applications. Acta Biomater 2011; 7:1050-62. [PMID: 20950716 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2010.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2010] [Revised: 10/06/2010] [Accepted: 10/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A method for the production of engineered alginate-based microparticles, containing extracellular matrix and neonatal porcine Sertoli cells (SCs), is described. As a source for extracellular matrix, a powder form of isolated and purified urinary bladder matrix (UBM) was employed. We demonstrated that the incorporation of UBM does not significantly alter the morphological and dimensional characteristics of the microparticles. The alginate microparticles were used for SC encapsulation as an immunoprotective barrier for transplant purposes, while the co-entrapped UBM promoted retention of cell viability and function. These engineered microparticles could represent a novel approach to enhancing immunological acceptance and increasing the functional life-span of the entrapped cells for cell/tissue engineering applications. In this respect, it is noteworthy that isolated neonatal porcine SCs, administered alone in highly biocompatible microparticles, led to diabetes prevention and reversion in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice.
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Xenograft of Microencapsulated Sertoli Cells Reverses T1DM in NOD Mice by Inducing Neogenesis of Beta-Cells. Transplantation 2010; 90:1352-7. [DOI: 10.1097/tp.0b013e3181ffb9d2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Luca G, Calvitti M, Nastruzzi C, Bilancetti L, Becchetti E, Angeletti G, Mancuso F, Calafiore R. Encapsulation,In VitroCharacterization, andIn VivoBiocompatibility of Sertoli Cells in Alginate-Based Microcapsules. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 13:641-8. [PMID: 17335402 DOI: 10.1089/ten.2006.0137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
A method for microencapsulation of isolated neonatal porcine Sertoli cells is described. Using a conventional alginate-poli-L-ornithine encapsulation procedure, which has been used in our laboratory for almost two decades to envelop pancreatic islets, we observed significant loss of Sertoli cell viability, possibly due to excessive Ca(2+) ion exposure. Replacing calcium with barium, or shortening the incubation period in the presence of Ca ions, we obtained barium or calcium alginate gel microbeads that did not alter morphology and viability of the encapsulated Sertoli cells. The procedure might permit access to a novel approach to immunologically alter cell graft acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Luca
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine and Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Luca G, Nastruzzi C, Calvitti M, Becchetti E, Baroni T, Neri LM, Capitani S, Basta G, Brunetti P, Calafiore R. Accelerated functional maturation of isolated neonatal porcine cell clusters: in vitro and in vivo results in NOD mice. Cell Transplant 2005; 14:249-61. [PMID: 16052907 DOI: 10.3727/000000005783983034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neonatal porcine cell clusters (NPCCs) might replace human for transplant in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). However, these islets are not immediately functional, due to their incomplete maturation/ differentiation. We then have addressed: 1) to assess whether in vitro coculture of islets with homologous Sertoli cells (SC) would shorten NPCCs' functional time lag, by accelerating the beta-cell biological maturation/differentiation; 2) to evaluate metabolic outcome of the SC preincubated, and microencapsulated NPCCs, upon graft into spontaneously diabetic NOD mice. The islets, isolated from < 3 day piglets, were examined in terms of morphology/viability/function and final yield. SC effects on the islet maturation pathways, both in vitro and in vivo, upon microencapsulation in alginate/poly-L-ornithine, and intraperitoneal graft into spontaneously diabetic NOD mice were determined. Double fluorescence immunolabeling showed increase in beta-cell mass for SC+ neonatal porcine islets versus islets alone. In vitro insulin release in response to glucose, as well as mRNA insulin expression, were significantly higher for SC+ neonatal porcine islets compared with control, thereby confirming SC-induced increase in viable and functional beta-cell mass. Graft of microencapsulated SC+ neonatal porcine islets versus encapsulated islets alone resulted in significantly longer remission of hyperglycemia in NOD mice. We have preliminarily shown that the in vitro NPCCs' maturation time lag can dramatically be curtailed by coincubating these islets with SC. Graft of microencapsulated neonatal porcine islets, precultured in Sertoli cells, has been proven successful in correcting hyperglycemia in stringent animal model of spontaneous diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Luca
- Department of Internal Medicine (Di.M.I.), Section of Internal Medicine and Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences, University of Perugia, Via E. Dal Pozzo, Perugia 06126, Italy
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Valdés-González R, Silva-Torres L, Ramírez-González B, Ormsby CE, Terán-Ortiz L, Ayala-Sumuano JT. Method for evaluating quality of cultured neonatal pig Sertoli cells. Xenotransplantation 2005; 12:316-23. [PMID: 15943781 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3089.2005.00235.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sertoli cells (SC) in the testis secrete factors that nourish and immunoprotect developing spermatozoa, which have made them the focus of studies that aim to generate localized tolerance, particularly for transplantation and perhaps autoimmunity. Several methods have been described to isolate these cells, which include a two-step enzymatic digestion with limited assessment of the culture. Here we describe a one-step method, and a series of tests for determining purity, viability, and function of the cultured cells. METHODS We isolated SC from neonatal pigs using Liberase HI digestion. Viability and apoptosis of cultured cells were measured by flow cytometry with propidium iodide and annexin, respectively. Specific identification of the Sertoli type was made by immunodetection of Sox9, vimentin, and Mullerian inhibiting substance. Moreover, for functionality we were able to detect clusterin in the cultured cells by Western blot. RESULTS Our isolation method had a yield and purity similar to previous reports measured with two-step methods. Viability was 95.22 +/- 0.57% and apoptotic cells were 10.5 +/- 0.32% after 48 h in culture. At 7 days, practically all cells expressed Sox9, Mullerian inhibiting substance, clusterin, and vimentin. CONCLUSIONS We describe an alternative strategy for preparing and identifying cultured SC for further assays of metabolic activity or in transplantation models. Establishing a one-step Liberase-digestion method for isolation, evaluating viability and apoptosis by more sensitive methods, and detecting specific markers in culture can help to evaluate the quality of cultured cells. Specific cell markers for identifying SC may be critical when identifying SC outside the testis, in contrast with vimentin which is useful only for in situ cells.
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Emerich DF, Hemendinger R, Halberstadt CR. The testicular-derived Sertoli cell: cellular immunoscience to enable transplantation. Cell Transplant 2004; 12:335-49. [PMID: 12911122 DOI: 10.3727/000000003108746894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a renewed enthusiasm for the potential of cellular transplantation as a therapy for numerous clinical disorders. The revived interest is largely due to the unprecedented success of the "Edmonton protocol," which produced a 100% cure rate for type I diabetics following the transplantation of human islet allografts together with a modified immunosuppressive regimen. While these data provide a clear and unequivocal demonstration that transplantation is a viable treatment strategy, the shortage of suitable donor tissue together with the debilitating consequences of lifelong immunosuppression necessitate a concerted effort to develop novel means to enable transplantation on a widespread basis. This review outlines the use of Sertoli cells to provide local immunoprotection to cografted discordant cells, including those from xenogeneic sources. Sertoli cells are normally found in the testes where one of their functions is to provide local immunologic protection to developing germ cells. Isolated Sertoli cells 1) engraft and self-protect when transplanted into allogeneic and xenogeneic environments, 2) protect cografted allogeneic and xenogeneic cells from immune destruction, 3) protect islet grafts to reverse diabetes in animal models, 4) enable survival and function of cografted foreign dopaminergic neurons in rodent models of Parkinson's disease (PD), and 5) promote regeneration of damaged striatal dopaminergic circuitry in those same PD models. These benefits are discussed in the context of several potential underlying biological mechanisms. While the majority of work to date has focused on Sertoli cells to facilitate transplantation for diabetes and PD, the generalized ability of these unique cells to potently suppress the local immune environment opens additional clinical possibilities.
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