Recent Developments in Mesenchymal Stem Cells

A special issue of Biomolecules (ISSN 2218-273X). This special issue belongs to the section "Cellular Biochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024 | Viewed by 7115

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Centro di Ricerca E. Menni, Fondazione Poliambulanza Istituto Ospedaliero, 25124 Brescia, Italy
Interests: regenerative medicine; placenta; amniotic membrane; mesenchymal stromal cells; secretome; immunomodulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Laboratorio di Biotecnologie Applicate All'Ortopedia, IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi–Sant’Ambrogio, Via Cristina Belgioioso 173, 20157 Milan, Italy
Interests: regenerative medicine; mesenchymal stromal cells; osteoarthritis; extracellular vesicles; miRNA
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Mesenchymal-stromal-cell-based products are among the cutting-edge biological approaches for regenerative medicine in several fields of medical technology. Alongside the classical view of clinically expanded cells, mesenchymal stromal cells are now envisioned as crucial biological products acting as the active force in more complex therapeutic agents such as orthobiologics. Additionally, outmatching the idea of tissue substitution, mesenchymal stromal cells are a reservoir of active factors and extracellular vesicles, collectively referred to as the “secretome”, that stimulate resident progenitor cells to favour tissue regeneration. For these reasons, both cells and their secretomes are the biological platforms of advanced therapeutics, which are attracting great interest in regenerative medicine approaches.

This Special Issue aims to identify the advances required to address future regenerative-medicine-based approaches relying on mesenchymal stromal cells and their released products. This Special Issue will establish the benchmarks for the state-of-the-art evidence necessary to facilitate the clinical implementation of these innovative therapeutic approaches. Reports presenting basic science, in vitro, in vivo and pre-clinical research may be included to ensure that regenerative medicine technology is able to be seamlessly transferred to the clinic.

Dr. Antonietta Rosa Silini
Dr. Enrico Ragni
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • mesenchymal stromal cell
  • regenerative medicine
  • secretome

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 5264 KiB  
Article
Skeletal Muscle-Derived Stem Cell Transplantation Accelerates the Recovery of Peripheral Nerve Gap Injury under 50% and 100% Allogeneic Compatibility with the Swine Leucocyte Antigen
by Tetsuro Tamaki, Toshiharu Natsume, Akira Katoh, Atsuko Shigenari, Takashi Shiina, Nobuyuki Nakajima, Kosuke Saito, Tsuyoshi Fukuzawa, Masayoshi Otake, Satoko Enya, Akihisa Kangawa, Takeshi Imai, Miyu Tamaki and Yoshiyasu Uchiyama
Biomolecules 2024, 14(8), 939; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14080939 - 2 Aug 2024
Viewed by 801
Abstract
Pig skeletal muscle-derived stem cells (SK-MSCs) were transplanted onto the common peroneal nerve with a collagen tube as a preclinical large animal experiment designed to address long nerve gaps. In terms of therapeutic usefulness, a human family case was simulated by adjusting the [...] Read more.
Pig skeletal muscle-derived stem cells (SK-MSCs) were transplanted onto the common peroneal nerve with a collagen tube as a preclinical large animal experiment designed to address long nerve gaps. In terms of therapeutic usefulness, a human family case was simulated by adjusting the major histocompatibility complex to 50% and 100% correspondences. Swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) class I haplotypes were analyzed and clarified, as well as cell transplantation. Skeletal muscle-derived CD34+/45− (Sk-34) cells were injected into bridged tubes in two groups (50% and 100%) and with non-cell groups. Therapeutic effects were evaluated using sedentary/general behavior-based functional recovery score, muscle atrophy ratio, and immunohistochemistry. The results indicated that a two-Sk-34-cell-transplantation group showed clearly and significantly favorable functional recovery compared to a non-cell bridging-only group. Supporting functional recovery, the morphological reconstitution of the axons, endoneurium, and perineurium was predominantly evident in the transplanted groups. Thus, Sk-34 cell transplantation is effective for the regeneration of peripheral nerve gap injury. Additionally, 50% and 100% SLA correspondences were therapeutically similar and not problematic, and no adverse reaction was found in the 50% group. Therefore, the immunological response to Sk-MSCs is considered relatively low. The possibility of the Sk-MSC transplantation therapy may extend to the family members beyond the autologous transplantation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Mesenchymal Stem Cells)
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18 pages, 3013 KiB  
Article
TSG-6 Inhibits the NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Promotes the Odontogenic Differentiation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells via CD44 in an Inflammatory Environment
by Ying Wang, Yulang Xie, Ningning Xue, Hao Xu, Dunfang Zhang, Ning Ji and Qianming Chen
Biomolecules 2024, 14(3), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14030368 - 19 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1747
Abstract
In pulpitis, dentinal restorative processes are considerably associated with undifferentiated mesenchymal cells in the pulp. This study aimed to investigate strategies to improve the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in an inflammatory environment. After pretreatment of DPSCs with 20 ng/mL [...] Read more.
In pulpitis, dentinal restorative processes are considerably associated with undifferentiated mesenchymal cells in the pulp. This study aimed to investigate strategies to improve the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in an inflammatory environment. After pretreatment of DPSCs with 20 ng/mL tumor necrosis factor-induced protein-6 (TSG-6), DPSCs were cultured in an inflammation-inducing solution. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were performed to measure the expression levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and odonto/osteogenic differentiation markers, respectively. Cell Counting Kit-8 and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine assays were used to assess cell proliferation and activity. Subcutaneous ectopic osteogenesis and mandibular bone cultures were performed to assess the effects of TSG-6 in vivo. The expression levels of odonto/osteogenic markers were higher in TSG-6-pre-treated DPSCs than nontreated DPSCs, whereas NF-κB-related proteins were lower after the induction of inflammation. An anti-CD44 antibody counteracted the rescue effect of TSG-6 on DPSC activity and mineralization in an inflammatory environment. Exogenous administration of TSG-6 enhanced the anti-inflammatory properties of DPSCs and partially restored their mineralization function by inhibiting NF-κB signaling. The mechanism of action of TSG-6 was attributed to its interaction with CD44. These findings reveal novel mechanisms by which DPSCs counter inflammation and provide a basis for the treatment of pulpitis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Mesenchymal Stem Cells)
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23 pages, 11147 KiB  
Article
Comparison between the Regenerative and Therapeutic Impacts of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cells Pre-Treated with Melatonin on Liver Fibrosis
by Ahmed Elzainy, Abir El Sadik and Waleed Mohammad Altowayan
Biomolecules 2024, 14(3), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14030297 - 1 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2068
Abstract
Background: The distinctive feature of liver fibrosis is the progressive replacement of healthy hepatic cells by the extracellular matrix protein, which is abundant in collagen I and III, with impaired matrix remodeling. The activation of myofibroblastic cells enhances the fibrogenic response of complex [...] Read more.
Background: The distinctive feature of liver fibrosis is the progressive replacement of healthy hepatic cells by the extracellular matrix protein, which is abundant in collagen I and III, with impaired matrix remodeling. The activation of myofibroblastic cells enhances the fibrogenic response of complex interactions of hepatic stellate cells, fibroblasts, and inflammatory cells to produce the excessive deposition of the extracellular protein matrix. This process is activated by multiple fibrogenic mediators and cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-1β, accompanied with a decrease in the anti-fibrogenic factor NF-κβ. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising therapy for liver fibrosis, allowing for a more advanced regenerative influence when cultured with extrinsic or intrinsic proliferative factors, cytokines, antioxidants, growth factors, and hormones such as melatonin (MT). However, previous studies showed conflicting findings concerning the therapeutic effects of adipose (AD) and bone marrow (BM) MSCs; therefore, the present work aimed to conduct a comparative and comprehensive study investigating the impact of MT pre-treatment on the immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects of AD- and BM-MSCs and to critically analyze whether MT-pre-treated AD-MSCs and BM-MSCs reveal equal or different therapeutic and regenerative potentials in a CCl4-injured liver experimental rat model. Materials and methods: Six groups of experimental rats were used, with ten rats in each group: group I (control group), group II (CCl4-treated group), group III (CCl4- and BM-MSC-treated group), group IV (CCl4 and MT-pre-treated BM-MSC group), group V (CCl4- and AD-MSC-treated group), and group VI (CCl4 and MT-pre-treated AD-MSC group). Liver function tests and the gene expression of inflammatory, fibrogenic, apoptotic, and proliferative factors were analyzed. Histological and immunohistochemical changes were assessed. Results: The present study compared the ability of AD- and BM-MSCs, with and without MT pre-treatment, to reduce hepatic fibrosis. Both types of MSCs improved hepatocyte function by reducing the serum levels of ALT, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and total bilirubin (TBIL). In addition, the changes in the hepatocellular architecture, including the hepatocytes, liver sinusoids, central veins, portal veins, biliary ducts, and hepatic arteries, showed a decrease in hepatocyte injury and cholestasis with a reduction in inflammation, apoptosis, and necrosis of the hepatic cells, together with an inhibition of liver tissue fibrosis. These results were augmented by an analysis of the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-1β, the anti-fibrogenic factor NF-κβ, the apoptotic factor caspase-3, and the proliferative indicators antigen Ki-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). These findings were found to be statistically significant, with the restoration of normal parameters in the rats that received AD-MSCs pre-treated with MT, denoting optimal regenerative and therapeutic effects. Conclusions: AD-MSCs pre-treated with MT are the preferred choice in improving hepatic fibrosis and promoting the therapeutic and regenerative ability of liver tissue. They represent a very significant tool for future stem cell use in the tissue regeneration strategy for the treatment of liver diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Mesenchymal Stem Cells)
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Review

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21 pages, 6155 KiB  
Review
Advancements in Research on Mesenchymal Stem-Cell-Derived Exosomal miRNAs: A Pivotal Insight into Aging and Age-Related Diseases
by Minglei Huang, Ye Liu, Longze Zhang, Shuangmin Wang, Xianyao Wang and Zhixu He
Biomolecules 2024, 14(11), 1354; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14111354 - 24 Oct 2024
Viewed by 500
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of differentiating into various cell types and play a crucial role in repairing aging tissues and diseased organs. Aging manifests as a gradual loss of cellular, tissue, and organ function, leading to the progression of pathologies. Exosomes [...] Read more.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of differentiating into various cell types and play a crucial role in repairing aging tissues and diseased organs. Aging manifests as a gradual loss of cellular, tissue, and organ function, leading to the progression of pathologies. Exosomes (Exos) are extracellular vesicles secreted by cells, which maintain cellular homeostasis, clear cellular debris, and facilitate communication between cells and organs. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the mechanisms for the synthesis and sorting of MSC–Exo miRNAs and summarizes the current research status of MSCs–Exos in mitigating aging and age-related diseases. It delves into the underlying molecular mechanisms, which encompass antioxidative stress, anti-inflammatory response, and the promotion of angiogenesis. Additionally, this review also discusses potential challenges in and future strategies for advancing MSC–Exo miRNA-based therapies in the treatment of aging and age-related diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Mesenchymal Stem Cells)
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28 pages, 7866 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Hydrogel Technology in Delivering Mesenchymal Stem Cell for Osteoarthritis Therapy
by Xiangjiang Wang, Wentao He, Hao Huang, Jiali Han, Ruren Wang, Hongyi Li, Ying Long, Guiqing Wang and Xianjing Han
Biomolecules 2024, 14(7), 858; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14070858 - 17 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1361
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA), a chronic joint disease affecting over 500 million individuals globally, is characterized by the destruction of articular cartilage and joint inflammation. Conventional treatments are insufficient for repairing damaged joint tissue, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), with their potential [...] Read more.
Osteoarthritis (OA), a chronic joint disease affecting over 500 million individuals globally, is characterized by the destruction of articular cartilage and joint inflammation. Conventional treatments are insufficient for repairing damaged joint tissue, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), with their potential for differentiation and self-renewal, hold great promise as a treatment for OA. However, challenges such as MSC viability and apoptosis in the ischemic joint environment hinder their therapeutic effectiveness. Hydrogels with biocompatibility and degradability offer a three-dimensional scaffold that support cell viability and differentiation, making them ideal for MSC delivery in OA treatment. This review discusses the pathological features of OA, the properties of MSCs, the challenges associated with MSC therapy, and methods for hydrogel preparation and functionalization. Furthermore, it highlights the advantages of hydrogel-based MSC delivery systems while providing insights into future research directions and the clinical potential of this approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Mesenchymal Stem Cells)
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