Dual chemotactic factors-secreting human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells via TALEN-mediated gene editing enhanced angiogenesis

Abstract

BackgroundEven though mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have angiogenic property, their cytokine secretory capacity is limited to treat ischemic vascular disorders. In present study, we produced genome-edited MSCs that secreted dual chemokine granulocyte chemotactic protein-2 (GCP-2) and stromal-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) and determined their therapeutic potential in the context of experimental ischemia. MethodsGCP-2 and SDF-1α genes were integrated into safe harbor site at the safe harbor genomic locus of amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (AMM) via transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN). GCP-2 and SDF-1α gene-edited AMM (AMM/GS) were used for quantitative (q)-PCR, Matrigel tube formation, cell migration, Matrigel plug assays and in vivo therapeutic assays using hindlimb ischemia mouse model. ResultsAMM/GS-derived culture media (CM) induced significantly higher tube lengths and branching points as compared to AMM/S CM and AMM CM. Interestingly, Matrigel plug assays revealed that significantly higher levels of red blood cells were found in AMM/GS than AMM/S and AMM Matigel plugs and exhibited micro-vascular like formation. Cells was transplanted into ischemic mouse hindlimbs and compared with control groups. AMM/GS injection prevented limb loss and augmented blood perfusion, suggesting that enhances neovascularization in hindlimb ischemia. In addition, transplanted AMM/GS revealed high vasculogenic potential in vivo compared with transplanted AMM/S. ConclusionTaken together, genome-edited MSCs that express dual chemokine GCP-2 and SDF-1α might be alternative therapeutic options for the treatment of ischemic vascular disease.