Search

Background: To address the limitations of Cultivated Limbal Epithelial Transplantation (CLET) and the use of amniotic membrane (AM) in treating Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD), we aimed to develop a Collagen/Silk Fibroin (Co/SF) scaffold enriched with Platelet-Rich Growth Factor (PRGF) to support the proliferation, maintenance, and differentiation of Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs) into corneal epithelial cells (CECs)., Method: Scaffolds loaded with PRGF were evaluated through release studies, cytotoxicity assays, and cell differentiation. The proliferation and differentiation of WJMSCs and Limbal Epithelial Stem Cells (LESCs) were investigated using MTT assays, real-time PCR and immunostaining., Results: The PRGF-loaded Co/SF scaffold significantly promoted the proliferation of both WJMSCs and LESCs in a concentration-dependent manner. Real-time PCR and immune staining revealed a significant increase in the expression of P63, ABCG2, and cytokeratin 3/12 markers in WJMSCs, a significant decrease in the expression of P63 and ABCG2, and a significant increase in the expression of cytokeratin 3/12 markers indicating successful differentiation into CECs., Conclusion: The WJMSC cultured on PRGF-enriched Co/SF scaffold demonstrates potential as a viable alternative to conventional CLET, offering a promising strategy for corneal tissue regeneration.

Currently, regenerative medicine and cellular-based therapy have been in the center of attention worldwide in advanced medical technology. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) as a suitable stem cell source for cell-based therapy has been shown to be safe and effective in multiple clinical trial studies (CTSs) of several diseases. Despite the advantages, MSC needs more investigation to enhance its therapeutic application. The CRISPR/Cas system is a novel technique for editing of genes that is being explored as a means to improve MSCs therapeutic usage. In this study, we review the recent studies that explore CRISPR potency in gene engineering of MSCs, which have great relevance in MSC-based therapies. However, CRISPR/Cas technology make possible specific targeting of loci in target genes, but next-generation MSC-based therapies to achieve extensive clinical application need dedicated efforts.

Rapid wound healing using platelet‐rich growth factors (PRGF), stem cells, and probiotics is important due to their positive effects on skin regeneration and antibacterial activities. A novel method was employed to fabricate a biomaterial multi‐layered electrospun scaffold composed of polyurethane, PRGF, and gelatin fibers. This scaffold was used to induce mesenchymal stem cells with fibroblast cells (co‐cultured cells) and Lactobacillus plantarum. The scaffolds were analyzed for physical, mechanical, and biological characteristics. The results showed that the nanocomposite scaffolds had a higher Young's modulus and decreased contact angle. Scanning electron microscope and MTT assays demonstrated improved spreading, density, and proliferation of co‐culture cells and L. plantarum on the PU/PRGF/gelatin/PU scaffolds. Additionally, L. plantarum showed antibacterial effects on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. Furthermore, in vivo studies showed that the PU/PRGF/gelatin/PU scaffold with Co and L.p was implanted on the full‐thickness skin wound of the rat's dorsal area, resulting in high pathological scores and aesthetic macroscopic results that demonstrated greater wound repair efficacy compared to the control groups. Based on the results, PU/PRGF/gelatin/PU containing the co‐culture cells and L. plantarum showed better potential for cell attachment, angiogenesis, proliferation, prevention of infection, and accelerated wound healing in rats. Highlights: Multi‐layered scaffold designed to mimic the architectures found in tissue layers.Co‐culture involves diverse cell populations with varying levels of interaction.Antibacterial activity inhibits target bacteria growth without harming nearby tissues.Full‐thickness wounds penetrate beyond the dermis and epidermis layers of the skin.Wound healing involves a number of stage‐specific molecular pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as self-renewing multipotent stromal cells, have been considered promising agents for cancer treatment. A large number of studies have demonstrated the valuable properties of MSC-based treatment, such as low immunogenicity and intrinsic tumor-trophic migratory properties. To enhance the potency of MSCs for therapeutic purposes, equipping MSCs with targeted delivery functions using genetic engineering is highly beneficial. Genetically engineered MSCs can express tumor suppressor agents such as pro-apoptotic, anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic factors and act as ideal delivery vehicles. MSCs can also be loaded with nanoparticle drugs for increased efficacy and externally moderated targeting. Moreover, exosomes secreted by MSCs have important physiological properties, so they can contribute to intercellular communication and transfer cargo into targeted tumor cells. The precise role of genetically modified MSCs in tumor environments is still up for debate, but the beginning of clinical trials has been confirmed by promising results from preclinical investigations of MSC-based gene therapy for a wide range of malignancies. This review highlights the advanced techniques of engineering/nano-engineering and MSC-derived exosomes in tumor-targeted therapy. [Display omitted] • MSCs, as self-renewing multipotent stromal cells, represent a powerful weapon against cancer. • Engineered MSCs can express tumor suppressor agents. • Loading MSCs with nanoparticle drugs increased efficacy and externally moderated targeting. • Dynamic interactions of MSCs-Ex contribute to intercellular communication and transfer cargo into targeted tumor cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]