Abstract
BackgroundMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stromal cells that have the ability to self-renew and migrate to sites of pathology. In vivo tracking of MSCs provides insights into both, the underlying mechanisms of MSC transformation and their potential as gene delivery vehicles. The aim of our study was to assess the ability of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs)-labeled Wharton’s Jelly of the human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (WJ-MSCs) to carry the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene to cutaneous injury sites in a murine model.MethodsWJ-MSCs were isolated from a fresh umbilical cord and were genetically transformed to carry the GFP gene using lentiviral vectors with magnetically labeled SPIONs. The SPIONs/GFP-positive WJ-MSCs expressed multipotent cell markers and demonstrated the potential for osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. Fifteen skin-injured mice were divided into three groups. Group I was treated with WJ-MSCs, group II with SPIONs/GFP-positive WJ-MSCs, and group III with SPIONs/GFP-positive WJ-MSCs exposed to an external magnetic field (EMF). Magnetic resonance imaging and optical molecular imaging were performed, and images were acquired 1, 2, and 7 days after cell injection.ResultsThe results showed that GFP could be intensively detected around the wound in vivo 24 h after the cells were injected. Furthermore, we observed an accumulation of WJ-MSCs at the wound site, and EMF exposure increased the speed of cell transport. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that SPIONs/GFP function as cellular probes for monitoring in vivo migration and homing of WJ-MSCs. Moreover, exposure to an EMF can increase the transportation efficiency of SPIONs-labeled WJ-MSCs in vivo.ConclusionsOur findings could lead to the development of a gene carrier system for the treatment of diseases.
Highlights
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stromal cells that have the ability to self-renew and migrate to sites of pathology
Lentivirus infection and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) labeling In our study, green fluorescent protein (GFP) was used for the in vivo tracking of WJMSCs
In summary, SPION-labeled stem cells are excellent and safe magnetization and tracer agents, and together with exposure to an external magnetic field (EMF) generated by permanent magnets, they can be used as a new method of magnetic guidance of targeted stem cells
Summary
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stromal cells that have the ability to self-renew and migrate to sites of pathology. The aim of our study was to assess the ability of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs)-labeled Wharton’s Jelly of the human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (WJ-MSCs) to carry the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene to cutaneous injury sites in a murine model. There is significant potential for the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in cell therapy [1]. Their clinical application still faces various challenges, such as the fact that an efficient strategy for stem cell homing to target sites has not yet been identified. An improved curative effect on common carotid artery injuries was observed using magnetized endothelial progenitor cells, obtained from in situ intraarterial treatment of spinal cord injured animals, using a magnetic field to direct the stem cells [15]. The results are exciting, most of these studies involved the use of a constant electromagnetic field or an internal magnetic field
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