Search

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are emerging as a treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD), which is a common inflammatory skin disorder that affects a large number of people across the world. Treatment of AD using human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (hUCB-MSCs) has recently been studied; however, the mechanism underlying the effects of these cells is unclear. This study investigated the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) secreted by hUCB-MSCs on AD. hUCB-MSCs secreted a high concentration of EGF compared with other cell types. To elucidate the effect of EGF secreted by hUCB-MSCs, EGF expression was downregulated in hUCB-MSCs using EGF-targeting small interfering RNA, and these cells were co-cultured with keratinocytes, Th2 cells, and mast cells. Depletion of EGF expression disrupted the immunomodulatory effects of hUCB-MSCs on these AD-related inflammatory cells. In a Dermatophagoides farinae-induced AD mouse model, subcutaneous injection of hUCB-MSCs ameliorated gross scoring, histopathologic damage, and mast cell infiltration, and significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-4, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFa), thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), and IL-22, as well as the serum IgE level. These therapeutic effects were significantly attenuated at all evaluation points in mice injected with EGF-depleted hUCB-MSCs. Taken together, these results suggest that EGF secreted by hUCB-MSCs plays an important role in treatment of AD by regulating the inflammatory response in keratinocytes, Th2 cells, and mast cells.

Introduction Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into various cell types. Methods In this study we investigated the potential of human tonsil–derived MSCs (T-MSCs) for neuromuscular regeneration in trembler-J (Tr-J) mice, a model for Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A). Results T-MSCs differentiated toward skeletal myocytes with increased expression of skeletal muscle–related markers (including troponin I type 1, and myogenin), and the formation of myotubes in vitro. In-situ transplantation of T-MSC–derived myocytes (T-MSC myocytes) into the gastrocnemius muscle in Tr-J mice enhanced motor function, with recovery of compound muscle action potential amplitudes. Morphology of the sciatic nerve and skeletal muscle recovered without the formation of teratomas, and the expression levels of nerve growth factor and glial-cell-line–derived neurotrophic factor were increased significantly in T-MSC myocytes compared with T-MSCs in vitro. Conclusion Transplantation of T-MSC myocytes could enable neuromuscular regeneration in patients with CMT1A. Muscle Nerve, 2017

Stem cells are regarded as an important source of cells which may be used to promote the regeneration of skeletal muscle (SKM) which has been damaged due to defects in the organization of muscle tissue caused by congenital diseases, trauma or tumor removal. In particular, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which require less invasive harvesting techniques, represent a valuable source of cells for stem cell therapy. In the present study, we demonstrated that human tonsil-derived MSCs (T-MSCs) may differentiate into myogenic cells in vitro and that the transplantation of myoblasts and myocytes generated from human T-MSCs mediates the recovery of muscle function in vivo. In order to induce myogenic differentiation, the T-MSC-derived spheres were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium/nutrient mixture F-12 (DMEM/F‑12) supplemented with 1 ng/ml transforming growth factor-β, non-essential amino acids and insulin‑transferrin-selenium for 4 days followed by culture in myogenic induction medium [low-glucose DMEM containing 2% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 10 ng/ml insulin‑like growth factor 1 (IGF1)] for 14 days. The T-MSCs sequentially differentiated into myoblasts and skeletal myocytes, as evidenced by the increased expression of skeletal myogenesis-related markers [including α-actinin, troponin I type 1 (TNNI1) and myogenin] and the formation of myotubes in vitro. The in situ transplantation of T-MSCs into mice with a partial myectomy of the right gastrocnemius muscle enhanced muscle function, as demonstrated by gait assessment (footprint analysis), and restored the shape of SKM without forming teratomas. Thus, T-MSCs may differentiate into myogenic cells and effectively regenerate SKM following injury. These results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of T-MSCs to promote SKM regeneration following injury.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) is the most common inherited motor and sensory neuropathy, and is caused by duplication of PMP22, alterations of which are a characteristic feature of demyelination. The clinical phenotype of CMT1A is determined by the degree of axonal loss, and patients suffer from progressive muscle weakness and impaired sensation. Therefore, we investigated the potential of Schwann-like cells differentiated from human tonsil-derived stem cells (T-MSCs) for use in neuromuscular regeneration in trembler-J (Tr-J) mice, a model of CMT1A. After differentiation, we confirmed the increased expression of Schwann cell (SC) markers, including glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR), S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B), glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which suggests the differentiation of T-MSCs into SCs (T-MSC-SCs). To test their functional efficiency, the T-MSC-SCs were transplanted into the caudal thigh muscle of Tr-J mice. Recipients&rsquo, improved locomotive activity on a rotarod test, and their sciatic function index, which suggests that transplanted T-MSC-SCs ameliorated demyelination and atrophy of nerve and muscle in Tr-J mice. Histological and molecular analyses showed the possibility of in situ remyelination by T-MSC-SCs transplantation. These findings demonstrate that the transplantation of heterologous T-MSC-SCs induced neuromuscular regeneration in mice and suggest they could be useful for the therapeutic treatment of patients with CMT1A disease.

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding the α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A) lysosomal enzyme, which results in globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) storage in vascular endothelial cells and different cell types throughout the body. Involvement of the kidney and heart is life threatening, and fibrosis of these organs is considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of Fabry disease. An increased concentration of deacylated Gb3 (lyso‑Gb3) in the plasma of symptomatic patients has also been suggested as a causative molecular event. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in renal fibrosis in Fabry disease, the present analyzed the changes in global gene expression prior to and following Gb3 or lyso‑Gb3 treatment in two types of kidney cell lines, human proximal renal tubular epithelial (HK‑2) and mouse renal glomerular mesangial (SV40 MES 13) cells. Gb3 and lyso‑Gb3 treatment regulated the expression of 199 and 328 genes in each cell type, demonstrating a >2.0‑fold change. The majority of the biological functions of the regulated genes were associated with fibrogenesis or epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT). The gene expression patterns of sphingolipid‑treated HK‑2 cells were distinguishable from the patterns in the SV40 MES 13 cells. Several genes associated with the EMT were selected and evaluated further in kidney cells and in Fabry mouse kidney tissues. In the SV40 MES 13 cells, the DLL1, F8, and HOXA11 genes were downregulated, and FOXP2 was upregulated by treatment with Gb3 or lyso‑Gb3. In the HK‑2 cells, the ADAMTS6, BEST1, IL4, and MYH11 genes were upregulated. Upregulation of the FOXP2, COL15A1, IL4, and MYH11 genes was also observed in the Fabry mouse kidney tissues. The gene expression profiles in kidney cells following the addition of Gb3 or lyso‑Gb3 revealed substrate‑specific and cell‑specific patterns. These findings suggested that Gb3 and lyso‑Gb3 lead to renal fibrosis in Fabry disease through different biochemical modulations.

Human tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells (T-MSCs) are newly identified MSCs and present typical features of MSCs, including having the differentiation capacity into the three germ layers and excellent proliferation capacity. They are easily sourced and are useful for stem cell therapy in various disease states. We previously reported that T-MSCs could be differentiated into skeletal myocytes and Schwann-like cells, therefore, they are a promising candidate for cell therapies for neuromuscular disease. Motor neurons (MNs), which regulate spontaneous behavior, are affected by a wide range of MN diseases (MNDs) for which there are no effective remedies. We investigated the differentiation potential of MN-like cells derived from T-MSCs (T-MSC-MNCs) for application to therapy of MNDs. After the process of MN differentiation, the expression of MN-related markers, including Islet 1, HB9/HLXB9 (HB9), and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), was increased when compared with undifferentiated T-MSCs. The secretion of acetylcholine to the conditioned medium was significantly increased after MN differentiation. We cocultured T-MSC-MNCs and human skeletal muscle cells, and confirmed the presence of the acetylcholine receptor clusters, which demonstrated the formation of neuromuscular junctions. The potential functional improvements afforded by these T-MSC-MNCs could be useful in the treatment of MNDs caused by genetic mutation, viral infection, or environmental problems.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of self-renewal and differentiation and are thus a valuable source for the replacement of diseased or damaged organs. Previously, we reported that the tonsils can be an excellent reservoir of MSCs for the regeneration of skeletal muscle (SKM) damage. However, the mechanisms involved in the differentiation from tonsil-derived MSCs (T-MSCs) to myocytes via myoblasts remain unclear. To clarify these mechanisms, we analyzed gene expression profiles of T-MSCs during differentiation into myocytes compared with human skeletal muscle cells (hSKMCs). Total RNA was extracted from T-MSCs, T-MSC-derived myoblasts and myocytes, and hSKMCs and was subjected to analysis using a microarray. Microarray analysis of the three phases of myogenic differentiation identified candidate genes associated with myogenic differentiation. The expression pattern of undifferentiated T-MSCs was distinguishable from the myogenic differentiated T-MSCs and hSKMCs. In particular, we selected FNBP1L, which among the upregulated genes is essential for antibacterial autophagy, since autophagy is related to SKM metabolism and myogenesis. T-MSCs differentiated toward myoblasts and skeletal myocytes sequentially, as evidenced by increased expression of autophagy-related markers (including Beclin-1, LC3B and Atg5) and decreased expression of Bcl-2. Furthermore, we reconfirmed that autophagy has an effect on the mechanism of skeletal myogenic differentiation derived from T-MSCs by treatment with 5-azacytidine and bafilomycin A1. These data suggest that the transcriptome of the T-MSC-derived myocytes is similar to that of hSKMCs, and that autophagy has an important role in the mechanism of myogenic differentiation of T-MSCs.

Fabry disease is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficiency of alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-gal A), which results in the deposition of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) in the vascular endothelium. Globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb3), a deacylated Gb3, is also increased in the plasma of patients with Fabry disease. Renal fibrosis is a key feature of advanced Fabry disease patients. Therefore, we evaluated the association of Gb3 and lyso-Gb3 accumulation and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) on tubular epithelial cells of the kidney. In HK2 cells, exogenous treatments of Gb3 and lyso-Gb3 increased the expression of TGF-beta, EMT markers (N-cadherin and alpha-SMA), and phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT, and decreased the expression of E-cadherin. Lyso-Gb3, rather than Gb3, strongly induced EMT in HK2 cells. In the mouse renal mesangial cell line, SV40 MES 13 cells, Gb3 strongly induced phenotype changes. The EMT induced by Gb3 was inhibited by enzyme a-gal A treatment, but EMT induced by lyso-Gb3 was not abrogated by enzyme treatment. However, TGF-beta receptor inhibitor (TRI, SB525334) inhibited the activation of TGF-beta and EMT markers in HK2 cells with Gb3 and lyso-Gb3 treatments. This study suggested that increased plasma lyso-Gb3 has a crucial role in the development of renal fibrosis through the cell-specific induction of the EMT in Fabry disease, and that TRI treatment, alongside enzyme replacement therapy, could be a potential therapeutic option for patients with Fabry disease.

Fabry disease is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficiency of α-galactosidase A (α-gal A), resulting in deposition of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) in the vascular endothelium. Deacylated Gb3...

Fabry disease is an X-linked inborn error of glycosphingolipid metabolism associated with deficient alpha-galactosidase A activity. The major clinical feature of Fabry disease, such as fibrosis in cardiomyopathy and renal failure has been observed with abnormal accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) in biological fluids, vascular endothelium, heart and kidney. In addition to Gb3, increased concentration of deacylated Gb3 (lyso-Gb3) in the plasma of symptomatic patients also has been suggested as a causative molecular event. However, the correlation between fibrogenesis and elevated levels of these sphingolipids is poorly understood. To elucidate the genetic mechanisms involved in renal fibrosis in fabry disease, we analyzed the changes of global gene expression before and after Gb3 or lyso-Gb3 treatment on two types of kidney cell lines, human proximal renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) and mouse renal glomerular mesangial cells (SV40MES13), using microarray. The results showed that Gb3 and lyso-G...

Schwann cells (SCs), which produce neurotropic factors and adhesive molecules, have been reported previously to contribute to structural support and guidance during axonal regeneration; therefore, they are potentially a crucial target in the restoration of injured nervous tissues. Autologous SC transplantation has been performed and has shown promising clinical results for treating nerve injuries and donor site morbidity, and insufficient production of the cells have been considered as a major issue. Here, we performed differentiation of tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells (T-MSCs) into SC-like cells (T-MSC-SCs), to evaluate T-MSC-SCs as an alternative to SCs. Using SC markers such as CAD19, GFAP, MBP, NGFR, S100B, and KROX20 during quantitative real-time PCR we detected the upregulation of NGFR, S100B, and KROX20 and the downregulation of CAD19 and MBP at the fully differentiated stage. Furthermore, we found myelination of axons when differentiated SCs were cocultured with mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons. The application of T-MSC-SCs to a mouse model of sciatic nerve injury produced marked improvements in gait and promoted regeneration of damaged nerves. Thus, the transplantation of human T-MSCs might be suitable for assisting in peripheral nerve regeneration.

adverse events (AE). Efficacy measures included changes in the “scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA)” score and sensory organization test (SOT) score. Results: All subjects completed the study visits. There was no acute or delayed AE that was related to the Stemchymal® infusion during the follow-up period. For efficacy, in the patients with SCA3 (n = 6), SARA scores decreased in one, remained unchanged in 3 and increased in 2 patients after 1-year follow-up. In the patient with MSA-C, a marked increase of SARA score was observed. All SCA3 subjects showed early improvement in their balance performance (6/ 6, 100%) after Stemchymal® treatment. Conclusions: Our data suggest safety in all patients and some short-term therapeutic effects of intravenous administration of Stemchymal® in patients with SCA3. To further investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Stemchymal® treatment for SCA3, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple doses, phase II trial is in progress (NCT02540655). Assessments of disease progression by rating systems (ex. SARA) and quantitative systems will be performed (Figure 1).