{"title":"Clocking the circadian genes in human embryonic stem cells.","authors":"Soumyaa Thakur, Prachi Storewala, Upasna Basak, Nitya Jalan, Prasad Pethe","doi":"10.21037/sci-2020-014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21037/sci-2020-014","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Multicellular organisms respond to changing environment which is primarily driven by light from the sun. Essential cyclical processes such as digestion, sleep, migration and breeding are controlled by set of genes know as circadian genes. The core circadian genes comprise of <i>CLOCK</i>, <i>BMAL-1</i>, <i>PERIOD</i> and <i>CYRPTOCHROME</i> that are expressed cyclically and they regulate expression of several genes downstream. The expression of circadian genes has been well studied in multicellular animals; however, it has been shown that stem cells also possess active circadian cycle genes. The circadian cycle genes have been studied in mouse embryonic stem cells and in adult human stem cells. However, there are only few reports of circadian cycle genes in human pluripotent stem cells. We used human embryonic stem cells to investigate the expression of <i>CLOCK</i>, <i>BMAL-1</i>, <i>PERIOD</i> and <i>CYRPTOCHORME</i> genes by RT-PCR at 6, 18 and 22 hours in undifferentiated and differentiated cells. We differentiated human embryonic stem cells spontaneously by adding 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), and the cells primarily differentiated into ectoderm and mesoderm. We report that <i>CLOCK</i> and <i>BMAL-1</i> are differentially expressed while <i>PERIOD</i> and <i>CRYPTOCHROME</i> show cyclicity in differentiated and undifferentiated cells. Our results show circadian genes are active in human embryonic stem cells and this needs to be further investigated as human pluripotent stem cells have potential to be used for cell therapy, where they need to synchronize with the body's circadian cycle.</p>","PeriodicalId":21938,"journal":{"name":"Stem cell investigation","volume":"7 ","pages":"9"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.21037/sci-2020-014","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"38186693","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Role of endothelial progenitor cells in vascular development, homestatic maintenance of blood vessels and in injury-mediated reparative response","authors":"U. Testa, G. Castelli, E. Pelosi","doi":"10.21037/sci.2020.03.02","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21037/sci.2020.03.02","url":null,"abstract":"The blood vasculature is a closed circulatory system formed by arteries, veins and capillaries; the inner layer of these vessels is formed by a single layer of endothelial cells. Endothelial cells are specialized according to the specific needs of the tissues that they supply. The vascular system derives from the differentiation of mesodermal stem cells into angioblasts, embryonic endothelial progenitors. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are also present in adult life. Two types of EPCs have been reported: one of nonhematopoietic origin, endothelial colony forming cell (ECFC) able to generate endothelial cells, resident in vessel wall and present at low levels in peripheral blood and directly participating to the regeneration of endothelium following injury or ischemic damage; another of hematopoietic origin, called myeloid angiogenic cells (MACs), resident in bone marrow, generating monocytic cells, supporting angiogenesis through paracrine mechanisms. ECFCs play a role in reparative processes. ECFCs display a hierarchy of clonal proliferative potential and display a pronounced postnatal vascularization ability in vivo. For these properties, ECFCs represent a promising cell source for revascularization of damaged tissue. The use of ECFC for therapeutic use is still an embryonic field, but the therapeutic use of these cells holds great promise for the future.","PeriodicalId":21938,"journal":{"name":"Stem cell investigation","volume":"7 1","pages":"7-7"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44166466","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hien Lau, Soomin Park, C. Luong, Nicole Corrales, S. Rodriguez, Shiri Li, M. Alexander, J. Lakey
{"title":"The effect of short-term necrostatin-1 treatment on the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem beta cells","authors":"Hien Lau, Soomin Park, C. Luong, Nicole Corrales, S. Rodriguez, Shiri Li, M. Alexander, J. Lakey","doi":"10.21037/sci.2020.04.01","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21037/sci.2020.04.01","url":null,"abstract":"Despite ongoing effort over the past decade, current protocols have been unable to generate mature functional beta cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Based on our previous findings that short-term necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) treatment enhanced pancreatic endocrine cell differentiation and insulin secretion capacity of young porcine islets, we assessed whether short-term treatment of Nec1 can improve the differentiation and function of hiPS beta cells. After 3 days of culture, hiPS beta cells, cultured in either control differentiation media (n=3) or supplemented with Nec-1 (100 μM, n=3), were evaluated for viability, cellular composition, GLUT2 expression in beta cells, and glucose-stimulated insulin expression. While the viability and levels of beta-, alpha-, and GLUT2-positive beta cells were unaffected, the level of insulinand glucagon-positive bi-hormonal cells was significantly lower in Nec-1 treated hiPS beta cells. Short-term Nec-1 treatment also did not affect the insulin secretion ability of hiPS beta cells. The addition of Nec-1 to the differentiation media of hiPS beta cells reduced the number of bi-hormonal cells after short-term culture, suggesting that future studies should evaluate different concentrations and treatment duration of Nec-1.","PeriodicalId":21938,"journal":{"name":"Stem cell investigation","volume":"7 1","pages":"6-6"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44038655","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Stem cell investigationPub Date : 2020-03-31eCollection Date: 2020-01-01DOI: 10.21037/sci.2020.03.01
Mohamed A Rowisha, Mohamed R El-Shanshory, Eslam E El-Hawary, Amira Youssef Ahmed, Shafeq Ryad Mustafa Altoraky
{"title":"Impact of maternal and neonatal factors on umbilical cord CD34<sup>+</sup> cells.","authors":"Mohamed A Rowisha, Mohamed R El-Shanshory, Eslam E El-Hawary, Amira Youssef Ahmed, Shafeq Ryad Mustafa Altoraky","doi":"10.21037/sci.2020.03.01","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21037/sci.2020.03.01","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The achievement of optimal number of CD34<sup>+</sup> umbilical cord stem cells is essential for successful umbilical cord stem cell transplantation. So the aim of this study was to assess the potential effect of both maternal and neonatal factors on the umbilical cord blood CD34<sup>+</sup> cell count.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study was done on umbilical cord blood samples obtained from 20 mothers during labor. Their ages ranged from 22 to 34 years and were subjected to history taking, physical examination of the baby and assessment of the CD34<sup>+</sup> cells count in umbilical cord blood.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Number of previous live births and weight of the baby had a significant effect on CD34<sup>+</sup> cells count while the sex of the baby, delivery route, maternal age and gestation period had no significant effect on CD34<sup>+</sup> cells count.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Umbilical cord blood-derived CD34<sup>+</sup> cell count is better with good weight and first babies and decreased with subsequent babies.</p>","PeriodicalId":21938,"journal":{"name":"Stem cell investigation","volume":"7 ","pages":"5"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.21037/sci.2020.03.01","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37851835","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"CD44 expression in stem cells and niche microglia/macrophages following ischemic stroke.","authors":"Rikako Sawada, Akiko Nakano-Doi, Tomohiro Matsuyama, Nami Nakagomi, Takayuki Nakagomi","doi":"10.21037/sci.2020.02.02","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21037/sci.2020.02.02","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>CD44, an adhesion molecule in the hyaluronate receptor family, plays diverse and important roles in multiple cell types and organs. Increasing evidence is mounting for CD44 expression in various types of stem cells and niche cells surrounding stem cells. However, the precise phenotypes of CD44<sup>+</sup> cells in the brain under pathologic conditions, such as after ischemic stroke, remain unclear.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In the present study, using a mouse model for cerebral infarction by middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion, we examined the localization and traits of CD44<sup>+</sup> cells.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In sham-mice operations, CD44 was rarely observed in the cortex of MCA regions. Following ischemic stroke, CD44<sup>+</sup> cells emerged in ischemic areas of the MCA cortex during the acute phase. Although CD44 at ischemic areas was, in part, expressed in stem cells, it was also expressed in hematopoietic lineages, including activated microglia/macrophages, surrounding the stem cells. CD44 expression in microglia/macrophages persisted through the chronic phase following ischemic stroke.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These data demonstrate that CD44 is expressed in stem cells and cells in the niches surrounding them, including inflammatory cells, suggesting that CD44 may play an important role in reparative processes within ischemic areas under neuroinflammatory conditions; in particular, strokes.</p>","PeriodicalId":21938,"journal":{"name":"Stem cell investigation","volume":"7 ","pages":"4"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.21037/sci.2020.02.02","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37851834","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The role of exosomal microRNAs in pancreatic cancer","authors":"Yi-Fan Xu, Xiaohui Xu, A. Williams, W. Ding","doi":"10.21037/sci.2020.02.01","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21037/sci.2020.02.01","url":null,"abstract":"Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. New therapeutic and diagnostic strategies are urgently needed to improve pancreatic cancer outcomes. Exosomes are endosome-derived extracellular vesicles containing cellular lipids, proteins, and microRNAs (miRNAs). Studies have shown that exosomal miRNAs are potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for various types of cancer. In this review, we summarize recent findings indicating the role of exosomal miRNAs in pancreatic cancer progression, therapeutic resistance, and biomarker development.","PeriodicalId":21938,"journal":{"name":"Stem cell investigation","volume":"7 1","pages":"3-3"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49301073","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
J. Pawitan, I. Liem, T. Kispa, Evah Luviah, Fajar Mujadid, Novialdi Novialdi
{"title":"Cell pausing method for adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells: comparison of Petaka G3 and ordinary flask","authors":"J. Pawitan, I. Liem, T. Kispa, Evah Luviah, Fajar Mujadid, Novialdi Novialdi","doi":"10.21037/sci.2019.12.01","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21037/sci.2019.12.01","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Various methods of cell pausing were applied to prevent proliferation of cultured cells, which either required special medium, using complicated encapsulation method, or using a special flask (Petaka G3 flask). Therefore, this study aimed to develop an easy and economical method of cell pausing method for adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs) using ordinary basal medium and flask that yielded AT-MSCs, which were compliant with the requirements of International society for cell therapy (ISCT). \u0000 Methods: We assessed cell numbers and viabilities, and percentages of CD73, CD90, CD105, and lineage negative, as well as differentiation potentials of AT-MSCs, which were cultured until 80% confluent and then placed at 4 °C or room temperature for three to seven days. We assessed those parameters between fully filled and sealed ordinary flasks compared to Petaka G3 flasks. \u0000 Results: Cell numbers, viabilities, and percentages of CD73, CD90, CD105, and lineage negative, as well as differentiation potentials of AT-MSCs at room temperature were better than at 4 °C, and at room temperature, results of ordinary flasks were comparable to Petaka G3 flasks. \u0000 Conclusion: We have developed an easy and economical method of cell pausing method for adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells (AT- MSCs), using ordinary basal medium and flask.","PeriodicalId":21938,"journal":{"name":"Stem cell investigation","volume":"7 1","pages":"1-1"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.21037/sci.2019.12.01","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44403463","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Adipose-derived stem cells and their microenvironment (Niche) in type 2 diabetes mellitus","authors":"Karina, J. Pawitan, I. Rosadi","doi":"10.21037/sci.2019.12.02","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21037/sci.2019.12.02","url":null,"abstract":"The number of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is continuously rising globally. Stromal vascular fraction (SVF), which contains adipose tissue stem cells (ASCs), is an alternative therapy that is developed to overcome T2DM. T2DM changes adipose tissue microenvironment (niche) by increasing blood glucose level, oxidative stress and hypoxia, which increase the risk factors of inflammation that leads to remodelling of microenvironment (niche) that may have an impact on various cells in adipose tissue, including ASCs. Therefore, autologous SVF quality might be influenced by diabetes condition through its microenvironment. In this review, we addressed the main function of adipose tissue that includes adipogenesis, microenvironment of ASCs, and SVF in T2DM.","PeriodicalId":21938,"journal":{"name":"Stem cell investigation","volume":"7 1","pages":"2-2"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.21037/sci.2019.12.02","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41979444","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Stem cell investigationPub Date : 2019-12-27eCollection Date: 2019-01-01DOI: 10.21037/sci.2019.10.06
Mohammadmahdi Jafarzadeh Bejargafshe, Mohammad Hedayati, Sahar Zahabiasli, Eisa Tahmasbpour, Saeed Rahmanzadeh, Amir Nejad-Moghaddam
{"title":"Safety and efficacy of stem cell therapy for treatment of neural damage in patients with multiple sclerosis.","authors":"Mohammadmahdi Jafarzadeh Bejargafshe, Mohammad Hedayati, Sahar Zahabiasli, Eisa Tahmasbpour, Saeed Rahmanzadeh, Amir Nejad-Moghaddam","doi":"10.21037/sci.2019.10.06","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21037/sci.2019.10.06","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifocal inflammatory disease that involves the central nervous system and associated with limbs paralysis and serious problems in sensation, limbs, visual and sphincter. This disease is a result of autoimmune mechanism in which autoantibodies target the self-myelin antigens and cause demyelination. Because of the myelin dysfunction, MS is clinically identified with neurological disabilities. Furthermore, it can be entered into the progressive phase because of irreversible neurodegeneration and axons damage. Unfortunately, there is no effective therapeutic method for this disease and current medications have been focused on amelioration of symptoms and chronic inflammation. Although current immunotherapies ameliorate the reactivity of autoimmune anti-myelin and MS relapse rate, there is no approved method for improvement of the disease progression and repairing of the damaged myelin. Therefore, finding an appropriate clinical treatment for improvement of neurological damages in MS patients is essential. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells with high proliferative and self-renewal capacities, as well as immunomodulatory and neuroregenerative effects. Bone marrow and adipose tissues derived MSCs have been considered for the treatment of different diseases because not only they can be easily isolated from these tissues, but also a patient can be served as a donor for himself without the risk of rejection. More importantly, autologous MSCs carry a safer pattern without the risk of malignant transformation. Here, we will discuss the effectiveness of MSCs therapy for MS patients by reviewing of clinical trials.</p>","PeriodicalId":21938,"journal":{"name":"Stem cell investigation","volume":" ","pages":"44"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.21037/sci.2019.10.06","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37626898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evaluation of platelet-rich plasma from diabetic donors shows increased platelet vascular endothelial growth factor release.","authors":"Karina, Komang Ardi Wahyuningsih, Siti Sobariah, Iis Rosliana, Imam Rosadi, Tias Widyastuti, Irsyah Afini, Septelia Inawati Wanandi, Pradana Soewondo, Heri Wibowo, Jeanne Adiwinata Pawitan","doi":"10.21037/sci.2019.10.02","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21037/sci.2019.10.02","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains pro-angiogenic growth factors including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Angiogenesis is a necessary component of wound healing in instances of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). PRP composition varies depending on methods and donor health status. Our group has developed an improved PRP protocol for diabetes treatment. The aims of this study were to examine the levels of the pro-angiogenic factor VEGF in these patient populations with and without diabetes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>PRP was prepared using 24 mL of whole blood from 13 diabetic and 10 non-diabetic patients registered at Klinik Hayandra. Whole blood in sodium citrate tubes were centrifuged at 1,000 rpm for 5 minutes followed by plasma separation. Plasma samples were centrifuged at 3,000 rpm for 5 minutes. Upper platelet-poor plasma layers were discarded, leaving 5 mL of concentrated platelet containing plasma (PRP). Concentrated plasma samples were mixed, aliquoted, stored at -86 °C, and pooled for platelet count, VEGF, and total protein analyses. Platelet counting was also performed using fresh whole blood and PRP to measure changes following PRP preparation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Diabetic donors had higher whole blood platelet counts than non-diabetic donors, but this difference was not statistically significant. An average increase of more than 250% in platelet number after PRP preparation using our method was noted in both groups. Freezing-thawing samples at -86 °C lysed more than 90% of PRP platelets regardless of diabetes status. Diabetic PRP had lower mean total protein and higher VEGF concentrations. Lysed platelets from diabetic donors released more VEGF than those from non-diabetic donors.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>PRP from diabetic donors had higher VEGF content making autologous PRP application a promising treatment for DFU. However, this should be investigated another appropriate clinical trial.</p>","PeriodicalId":21938,"journal":{"name":"Stem cell investigation","volume":" ","pages":"43"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.21037/sci.2019.10.02","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37626896","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}