Bone Marrow-derived Progenitor Cells Research Articles

Abstract 30: Modulating the angiogenic potential of human microvascular endothelial cells by an endogenous zinc finger transcription factor, ZNF24

Abstract Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting ones, is an indispensible process under normal physiological conditions such as embryonic development, certain stages of the female reproductive cycle and placenta formation during pregnancy as well as under pathological conditions such as wound healing, diabetic retinopathy, and cancer initiation, progression and metastasis. We have previously identified the molecular mechanism by which a zinc finger transcription factor, ZNF24, functions as a new inhibitor of tumor angiogenesis. ZNF24 represses the transcription of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in breast cancer cells via direct binding to an 11-bp fragment within the VEGF proximal promoter. In the current study, we have focused on the role of ZNF24 in modulating the angiogenic potential of the endothelial compartment of the tumor microenvironment. Utilizing primary human microvascular endothelial cells, we have found that silencing ZNF24 in these cells leads to significantly decreased endothelial cell proliferation. Quantitative real-time PCR array analyses have identified multiple cell cycle regulators as potential downstream targets of ZNF24, which may be responsible for the decreased proliferation in these cells. Moreover, knockdown of ZNF24 in microvascular endothelial cells leads to significantly decreased cell migration and invasion. Consistently, we found that VEGFR2 signaling and the proteolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) were significantly downregulated in these cells. We also determined the effect of ZNF24 silencing on the levels of major regulators of MMP2 proteolytic activity such as the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) and other MMPs. Knockdown of ZNF24 does not induce significant changes in levels of these TIMPs and MMPs, suggesting that ZNF24 regulates MMP2 at the transcriptional level. Indeed, the mRNA level of MMP2 is significantly decreased in cells transfected with ZNF24 siRNA, indicating that ZNF24 may be potentiating endothelial cell invasion by positively regulating MMP2 transcription. In a pilot in vivo angiogenesis assay, knockdown of ZNF24 in microvascular endothelial cells leads to the significantly decreased formation of vascular networks when co-implanted with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells in immunodeficient mice. Taken together, these results demonstrate that ZNF24 may be playing an essential role in modulating the angiogenic potential of microvascular endothelial cells by regulating the proliferation and motility of these cells. (Supported by NIH P01 CA045548 and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation) Citation Format: Di Jia, Lan Huang, Joyce Bischoff, Marsha Moses. Modulating the angiogenic potential of human microvascular endothelial cells by an endogenous zinc finger transcription factor, ZNF24. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 30. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-30

Development of an experimentally useful model of acute myocardial infarction: 2/3 nephrectomized triple nitric oxide synthases-deficient mouse

We investigated the effect of subtotal nephrectomy on the incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in mice deficient in all three nitric oxide synthases (NOSs). Two-thirds nephrectomy (NX) was performed on male triple NOSs−/− mice. The 2/3NX caused sudden cardiac death due to AMI in the triple NOSs−/− mice as early as 4months after the surgery. The 2/3NX triple NOSs−/− mice exhibited electrocardiographic ST-segment elevation, reduced heart rate variability, echocardiographic regional wall motion abnormality, and accelerated coronary arteriosclerotic lesion formation. Cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperglycemia), an increased number of circulating bone marrow-derived vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) progenitor cells (a pro-arteriosclerotic factor), and cardiac up-regulation of stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1α (a chemotactic factor of the progenitor cells) were noted in the 2/3NX triple NOSs−/− mice and were associated with significant increases in plasma angiotensin II levels (a marker of renin–angiotensin system activation) and urinary 8-isoprostane levels (a marker of oxidative stress). Importantly, combined treatment with a clinical dosage of an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker, irbesartan, and a calcium channel antagonist, amlodipine, markedly prevented coronary arteriosclerotic lesion formation and the incidence of AMI and improved the prognosis of those mice, along with ameliorating all those pro-arteriosclerotic parameters. The 2/3NX triple NOSs−/− mouse is a new experimentally useful model of AMI. Renin–angiotensin system activation, oxidative stress, cardiovascular risk factors, and SDF-1α-induced recruitment of bone marrow-derived VSMC progenitor cells appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of AMI in this model.

Bone marrow-derived progenitor cells attenuate inflammation in lipopolysaccharide-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome

BackgroundAcute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the most common cause of respiratory failure among critically ill patients. Novel treatment strategies are required to address this common clinical problem. The application of exogenous adult stem cells was associated with a beneficial outcome in various pre-clinical models of ARDS. In the present study we evaluated the functional capacity and homing ability of bone marrow-derived progenitor cells (BMDPC) in vitro and investigated their potential as a treatment strategy in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ARDS.ResultsEvaluation of the BMDPC showed functional capacity to form endothelial outgrowth cell colonies, which stained positive for CD133 and CD31. Furthermore, DiI-stained BMDPC were demonstrated to home to injured lung tissue. Rats treated with BMDPC showed significantly reduced histopathological changes, a reduced expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 by the lung tissue, an inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine synthesis, a reduced weight loss and a reduced mortality (p < 0.03) compared to rats treated with LPS alone.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the application of exogenous BMDPC can attenuate inflammation in LPS-induced ARDS and thereby reduce the severity of septic organ damage. Cell therapy strategies using adult stem cells might therefore become a novel and alternative option in ARDS therapy.

Abstract 334: Selective Pharmacological Kinin Receptor Activation Restores Postischemic Neovascularisation And Hindlimb Perfusion In Diabetic Mice

Limb ischemia (LI) is a major complication of several cardiovascular diseases. Hyperglycaemia worsens LI by impairing neovascularisation. Genetic or pharmacological inactivation of the kallikrein-kinin system aggravates LI experimentally while ACE/kininase II inhibition improves its outcome. We assessed whether direct, selective and potent pharmacological activation of kinin receptors, B1 or B2, can have therapeutic effect in mice with LI. The selective B1 receptor agonist SarLys[Hyp3,Igl5,DPhe8]desArg9-bradykinin (B1-ago) or the selective B2 agonist [Hyp(3),Thi(5),(N)Chg(7),Thi(8)]-bradykinin (B2-ago) were administered by osmotic micropumps (30 nmole/kg.h-1) for 14 days after unilateral femoral artery ligature in mice previously rendered diabetic by streptozotocin. Comparison was made with ligatured, non-agonist treated normoglycaemic (normo) and hyperglycaemic (control-hyper) mice. Chronic administration of B2-ago had no effect on blood pressure, like B1-ago. B1-ago or B2-ago similarly restored the impaired neovascularisation process in diabetic mice as assessed by microangiography [angiographic score, ischemic/non-ischemic hindlimb ratio (R) 0.99±0.13, 0.60±0.06, 1.09±0.13 and 0.99±0.07 in normo, control-hyper, B1-ago and B2-ago respectively, n=10/group, p&lt;0.01] and by histological capillary density analysis (R: 1.2±0.2, 0.68±0.04, 1.7±0.1, and 1.8±0.1, p&lt;0.01). Both treatments increased blood flow in the ischemic hindfoot measured by laser doppler perfusion imaging (R: 0.62±0.05, 0.47±0.03, 0.76±0.04, 0.69±0.03 in normo, control-hyper, B1-ago and B2-ago respectively, p&lt;0.01). VEGF content in the ischemic gastrocnemius muscle increased 2 fold (p&lt;0.05) during B1-ago or B2-ago treatment and macrophage infiltration 3 fold (p&lt;0.01). Both treatments increased (0.5 to 1 fold, p&lt;0.05) circulating CD45/CD 11b-positive monocytes and CD34/VEGFR2 endothelium or bone marrow derived progenitor cells but not other bone marrow derived progenitors. Thus, selective pharmacological activation of either B1 or B2 receptor restores postischemic neovascularisation and tissue perfusion in hyperglycaemic mice. This effect involves mobilisation of macrophages and enhanced VEGF synthesis.

Imatinib in pulmonary arterial hypertension: c-Kit inhibition.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease characterized by severe remodeling of the pulmonary artery resulting in increased pulmonary artery pressure and right ventricular hypertrophy and, ultimately, failure. Bone marrow-derived progenitor cells play a critical role in vascular homeostasis and have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of PAH. A proliferation of c-Kit(+) hematopoietic progenitors and mast cells has been noted in the remodeled vessels in PAH. Imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets c-Kit, has been shown to be beneficial for patients with PAH. Here we hypothesize that the clinical benefit of imatinib in PAH could be related to c-Kit inhibition of progenitor cell mobilization and maturation into mast cells. As a corollary to the phase 3 study using imatinib in PAH, blood samples were collected from 12 patients prior to starting study drug (baseline) and while on treatment at weeks 4 and 24. Eight were randomized to imatinib and 4 to placebo. Circulating c-Kit(+) and CD34(+)CD133(+) hematopoietic progenitors as well as biomarkers of mast cell numbers and activation were measured. Circulating CD34(+)CD133(+) and c-Kit(+) progenitor cells as well as c-Kit(+)/CD34(+)CD133(+) decreased with imatinib therapy (all P < 0.05). In addition, total tryptase, a marker of mast cell load, dropped with imatinib therapy (P = 0.02) and was related to pulmonary vascular resistance (R = 0.7, P = 0.02). The findings support c-Kit inhibition as a potential mechanism of action of imatinib in PAH and suggest that tryptase is a potential biomarker of response to therapy.

Growth factors/chemokines in diabetic vitreous and aqueous alter the function of bone marrow-derived progenitor (CD34⁺) cells in humans.

Ocular ischemic microenvironment plays a critical role in the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR). In this study, we investigated the effect of vitreous and aqueous obtained from proliferative DR patients on the function of CD34⁺ cells derived from healthy humans. Human CD34⁺ cells were incubated with vitreous or aqueous of subjects with PDR. After incubation, cell migration of CD34⁺ was evaluated with CXCL12. Intracellular levels of nitric oxide (NO) were measured with DAF-FM. Tube formation assay was used to evaluate the effect of treated CD34⁺ cells on in vitro angiogenesis. Angiogenic protein array and mass spectrometry (MS) were performed to ascertain the factors secreted by healthy nondiabetic CD34⁺ cells exposed to diabetic vitreous or aqueous. PDR vitreous/aqueous reduced migration of CD34⁺ cells (672.45 ± 42.1/736.75 ± 101.7 AFU; P < 0.01) and attenuated intracellular NO levels (182 ± 1.4/184.5 ± 6.3 AFU, P = 0.002). Pretreatment with PDR vitreous suppressed tube formation of human retinal endothelial cells (64 ± 1.6 vs. 80 ± 2.5). CD34⁺ exposed to PDR vitreous resulted in the increased expression of CXCL4 and serpin F1, whereas CD34⁺ exposed to PDR aqueous showed increased expression of CXCL4, serpin F1, and endothelin-1 (ET-1). MS analysis of CD34⁺ (exposed to PDR vitreous) expressed J56 gene segment, isoform 2 of SPARC-related modular calcium-binding protein 2, isoform 1 of uncharacterized protein c1 orf167, integrin α-M, and 40s ribosomal protein s21. Exposure of healthy nondiabetic CD34⁺ cells to PDR vitreous and aqueous resulted in decreased migration, reduced generation of NO, and altered paracrine secretory function. Our results suggest that the contribution of CD34⁺ cells to the aberrant neovascularization observed in PDR is driven more by the proangiogenic effects of the retinal cells rather than the influence of the vitreous.

Diabetes irreversibly depletes bone marrow-derived mesenchymal progenitor cell subpopulations.

Diabetic vascular pathology is largely attributable to impairments in tissue recovery from hypoxia. Circulating progenitor cells have been postulated to play a role in ischemic recovery, and deficiencies in these cells have been well described in diabetic patients. Here, we examine bone marrow–derived mesenchymal progenitor cells (BM-MPCs) that have previously been shown to be important for new blood vessel formation and demonstrate significant deficits in the context of diabetes. Further, we determine that this dysfunction is attributable to intrinsic defects in diabetic BM-MPCs that are not correctable by restoring glucose homeostasis. We identify two transcriptionally distinct subpopulations that are selectively depleted by both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and these subpopulations have provasculogenic expression profiles, suggesting that they are vascular progenitor cells. These results suggest that the clinically observed deficits in progenitor cells may be attributable to selective and irreversible depletion of progenitor cell subsets in patients with diabetes.

Abstract 45: The Identification and Hierarchy of Bone Marrow-derived Artery-resident Mesodermal Progenitor Cells and their Dynamics in Atherosclerosis

Background: We recently identified bone marrow (BM)-derived artery resident calcifying progenitor cells. Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells may possess bipotent (osteoblastic/osteoclastic) characteristics. However, the nature of progenitor cells remains elusive. Therefore, we investigated developmental hierarchy of progenitor cells and in vivo dynamics in atherosclerosis. Methods and Results: We harvested cells from BM and artery of C57 mice. In BM, Lin-CD29+Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells showed hematopoietic potential and differentiated into osteoclasts OC). They also possessed mesenchymal stem cell property including osteoblastic (OB) differentiation, suggesting that Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells could be mesodermal progenitor cells. Interestingly, BM-derived artery-resident, clonal Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells maintained bipotency (OB/OC) but lost hematopoietic nature. In contrast, Sca-1+PDGFRα+ cells in BM and artery only showed unipotency (OB). When we overexpressed or knocked down PDGFRα, there was no alteration in OB or OC differentiation of Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells and no effect on OB differentiation of Sca-1+PDGFRα+ cells, indicating PDGFRα as a surface marker but not a functional player. In hyperlipidemic ApoE-KO mice compared with control, Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells were less mobilized from BM to peripheral circulation and less infiltrated into atherosclerotic plaque, whereas Sca-1+PDGFRα+ cells were not significantly affected. Multiplex cytokine assay of serum and artery revealed that IL-1β was significantly increased and IL-5 was markedly decreased in atherosclerotic mice. IL-1β decreased the migration of Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells by 5 folds compared with TNFα, and IL-5 increased the migration as much as TNFα. But the migration of Sca-1+PDGFRα+ cells was not altered. These data indicate that atherosclerosis-related humoral factors mainly regulated mesodermal progenitor cells’ dynamics. Conclusion: We demonstrate that Sca-1+PDGFRα- cell is a mesodermal progenitor cell that possesses both hematopoietic and mesenchymal potentials. In atherogenesis, the mobilization and infiltration of Sca-1+PDGFRα- progenitor cells were regulated by IL-1β and IL-5. These data provide a novel mechanism regarding the role of bipotent progenitor cells in atherosclerosis.

VEGF regulates region-specific localization of perivascular bone marrow-derived cells in glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is characterized by a pathogenic vasculature that drives aggressive local invasion. Recent work suggests that GBM cells recruit bone marrow-derived progenitor cells (BMDC) to facilitate recurrence after radiotherapy, but how this may be achieved is unclear. In this study, we established the spatiotemporal and regional contributions of perivascular BMDCs (pBMDC) to GBM development. We found an increased recruitment of BMDCs to GBM in response to tumor growth and following radiotherapy. However, in this study, BMDCs did not differentiate into endothelial cells directly but rather provided a perivascular support role. The pBMDCs were shown to associate with tumor vasculature in a highly region-dependent manner, with central vasculature requiring minimal pBMDC support. Region-dependent association of pBMDC was regulated by VEGF. In the absence of VEGF, following radiotherapy or antiangiogenic therapy, we documented an increase in Ang2 that regulated recruitment of pBMDCs to maintain the vulnerable central vasculature. Together, our results strongly suggested that targeting pBMDC influx along with radiation or antiangiogenic therapy would be critical to prevent vascular recurrence of GBM.

Preserved bioactivity and tunable release of a SDF1-GPVI bi-specific protein using photo-crosslinked PEGda hydrogels

Chemokine-induced stem cell recruitment is a promising strategy for post myocardial infarction treatment. Injection of stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1) has been shown to attract bone marrow-derived progenitor cells (BMPCs) from the blood that have the potential to differentiate into cardiovascular cells, which support angiogenesis, enabling the improvement of myocardial function. SDF1-GPVI bi-specific protein contains a glycoprotein VI (GPVI)-domain that serves as an anchor for collagen type I (Col I) and III, which are exposed in the wall of injured vasculature. In this study, we generated a cytocompatible hydrogel via photo-crosslinking of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate that serves as a reservoir for SDF1-GPVI. Controlled and sustained release of SDF1-GPVI was demonstrated over a period of 7 days. Release features were modifiable depending on the degree of the crosslinking density. Functionality of the GPVI-domain was investigated using a GPVI-binding ELISA to Col I. Activity of the SDF1-domain was tested for its CXCR4 binding potential. Preserved functionality of SDF1-GPVI bi-specific protein after photo-crosslinking and controllable release was successfully demonstrated in vitro supporting the implementation of this drug delivery system as a powerful tool for therapeutic protein delivery in the treatment of cardiovascular ischemic disease.

Extracellular matrix-regulated neural differentiation of human multipotent marrow progenitor cells enhances functional recovery after spinal cord injury

Background contextRecent advanced studies have demonstrated that cytokines and extracellular matrix (ECM) could trigger various types of neural differentiation. However, the efficacy of differentiation and in vivo transplantation has not yet thoroughly been investigated. PurposeTo highlight the current understanding of the effects of ECM on neural differentiation of human bone marrow-derived multipotent progenitor cells (MPCs), regarding state-of-art cure for the animal with acute spinal cord injury (SCI), and explore future treatments aimed at neural repair. Study designA selective overview of the literature pertaining to the neural differentiation of the MSCs and experimental animals aimed at improved repair of SCI. MethodsExtracellular matrix proteins, tenascin-cytotactin (TN-C), tenascin-restrictin (TN-R), and chondroitin sulfate (CS), with the cytokines, nerve growth factor (NGF)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/retinoic acid (RA) (NBR), were incorporated to induce transdifferentiation of human MPCs. Cells were treated with NBR for 7 days, and then TN-C, TN-R, or CS was added for 2 days. The medium was changed every 2 days. Twenty-four animals were randomly assigned to four groups with six animals in each group: one experimental and three controls. Animals received two (bilateral) injections of vehicle, MPCs, NBR-induced MPCs, or NBR/TN-C-induced MPCs into the lesion sites after SCI. Functional assessment was measured using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor rating score. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance followed by Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) post hoc tests. ResultsResults showed that MPCs with the transdifferentiation of human MPCs to neurons were associated with increased messenger-RNA (mRNA) expression of neuronal markers including nestin, microtubule-associated protein (MAP) 2, glial fibrillary acidic protein, βIII tubulin, and NGF. Greater amounts of neuronal morphology appeared in cultures incorporated with TN-C and TN-R than those with CS. The addition of TN-C enhanced mRNA expressions of MAP2, βIII tubulin, and NGF, whereas TN-R did not significantly change. Conversely, CS exposure decreased MAP2, βIII tubulin, and NGF expressions. The TN-C-treated MSCs significantly and functionally repaired SCI-induced rats at Day 42. Present results indicate that ECM components, such as tenascins and CS in addition to cytokines, may play functional roles in regulating neurogenesis by human MPCs. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the combined use of TN-C, NBR, and human MPCs offers a new feasible method for nerve repair.

Expression of Thyrotropin Receptor, Thyroglobulin, Sodium-Iodide Symporter, and Thyroperoxidase by Fibrocytes Depends on AIRE

CD34(+) fibrocytes, bone marrow-derived progenitor cells, infiltrate orbital connective tissue in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy, a manifestation of Graves' disease. In the orbit, they become CD34(+) fibroblasts and coexist with native CD34(-) fibroblasts. Fibrocytes have been shown to express TSH receptor and thyroglobulin. The objective of the study was to determine whether a broader repertoire of thyroid protein expression can be detected in fibrocytes and whether a common factor is responsible. Fibrocytes and fibroblasts were collected and analyzed from healthy individuals and those with Graves' disease in an academic clinical practice. Real-time PCR, Western blot analysis, gene promoter analysis, cell transfections, and flow cytometric cell sorting were performed. We detect two additional thyroid proteins expressed by fibrocytes, namely sodium-iodide symporter and thyroperoxidase. The autoimmune regulator (AIRE) protein appears necessary for this expression. AIRE expression in fibrocytes results from an active AIRE gene promoter and stable AIRE mRNA. Knocking down AIRE with a targeting small interfering RNA reduces the expression of these thyroid proteins in fibrocytes as well as the transcription factors paired box-8 and thyroid transcription factor-1. When compared with an unaffected first-degree relative, levels of these proteins are substantially reduced in fibrocytes from an individual with an inactivating AIRE mutation. Levels of AIRE and the thyroid proteins are lower in orbital fibroblasts from patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy than in fibrocytes. However, when mixed fibroblast populations are sorted into pure CD34(+) and CD34(-) subsets, the levels of these proteins are dramatically increased selectively in CD34(+) fibroblasts. Fibrocytes express four proteins, the aggregate expression of which was previously thought to be restricted to thyroid epithelium. These proteins represent the necessary molecular biosynthetic machinery necessary for thyroid hormone production. Our findings implicate AIRE in the promiscuous expression of thyroid proteins in fibrocytes.

Current Concepts in the Molecular Pathogenesis of Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy

Graves' disease (GD) is a common autoimmune condition. At its core, stimulatory autoantibodies are directed at the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR), resulting in dysregulated thyroid gland activity and growth. Closely associated with GD is the ocular condition known as thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). The pathogenesis of TAO remains enigmatic as do the connections between the thyroid and orbit. This review highlights the putative molecular mechanisms involved in TAO and suggests how these insights provide future directions for identifying therapeutic targets. Genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors have been suggested as contributory to the development of GD and TAO. Thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor and insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R) are expressed at higher levels in the orbital connective tissue from individuals with TAO than in healthy tissues. Together, they form a functional complex and appear to promote signaling relevant to GD and TAO. Orbital fibroblasts display an array of cell surface receptors and generate a host of inflammatory molecules that may participate in T and B cell infiltration. Recently, a population of orbital fibroblasts has been putatively traced to bone marrow-derived progenitor cells, known as fibrocytes, as they express CD45, CD34, CXCR4, collagen I, functional TSHR, and thyroglobulin (Tg). Fibrocytes become more numerous in GD and we believe traffic to the orbit in TAO. Numerous attempts at developing complete animal models of GD have been largely unsuccessful, because they lack fidelity with the ocular manifestations seen in TAO. Better understanding of the pathogenesis of TAO and development of improved animal models should greatly accelerate the identification of medical therapy for this vexing medical problem.

Heme Oxygenase-1 Is Required for Angiogenic Function of Bone Marrow-Derived Progenitor Cells: Role in Therapeutic Revascularization

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a cytoprotective enzyme that can be down-regulated in diabetes. Its importance for mature endothelium has been described, but its role in proangiogenic progenitors is not well known. We investigated the effect of HO-1 on the angiogenic potential of bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) and on blood flow recovery in ischemic muscle of diabetic mice. Lack of HO-1 decreased the number of endothelial progenitor cells (Lin(-)CD45(-)cKit(-)Sca-1(+)VEGFR-2(+)) in murine bone marrow, and inhibited the angiogenic potential of cultured BMDCs, affecting their survival under oxidative stress, proliferation, migration, formation of capillaries, and paracrine proangiogenic potential. Transcriptome analysis of HO-1(-/-) BMDCs revealed the attenuated up-regulation of proangiogenic genes in response to hypoxia. Heterozygous HO-1(+/-) diabetic mice subjected to hind limb ischemia exhibited reduced local expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PlGF), stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1), VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and CXCR-4. This was accompanied by impaired revascularization of ischemic muscle, despite a strong mobilization of bone marrow-derived proangiogenic progenitors (Sca-1(+)CXCR-4(+)) into peripheral blood. Blood flow recovery could be rescued by local injections of conditioned media harvested from BMDCs, but not by an injection of cultured BMDCs. This is the first report showing that HO-1 haploinsufficiency impairs tissue revascularization in diabetes and that proangiogenic in situ response, not progenitor cell mobilization, is important for blood flow recovery. HO-1 is necessary for a proper proangiogenic function of BMDCs. A low level of HO-1 in hyperglycemic mice decreases restoration of perfusion in ischemic muscle, which can be rescued by a local injection of conditioned media from cultured BMDCs.

Changes in the number of circulating CD34+ cells after eccentric exercise of the elbow flexors in relation to muscle damage

BackgroundIt has been reported that strenuous exercise increases the number of bone marrow-derived progenitor cells such as CD34+ cells in the blood, but no previous studies have investigated the changes in circulating CD34+ cells following resistance exercise. This study tested the hypothesis that the number of CD34+ cells in the blood would increase after eccentric exercise of the elbow flexors, but decrease in recovery, and the magnitude of the changes would be dependent on the magnitude of muscle damage. MethodsNine men (28.0 ± 6.6 years) performed exercises consisting of 10 sets of six maximal voluntary eccentric contractions of the elbow flexors with their non-dominant arm. Six of them performed the same exercise with the same arm 4 weeks later. Changes in indirect markers of muscle damage were measured before, within 10 min after, and at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after eccentric exercise. Differential leukocyte counts (total leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes) and CD34+ cells in the blood were measured before, immediately after, and at 2, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h following the exercises. ResultsAfter eccentric exercise, significant (p < 0.05) decreases in maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque and increases in delayed onset muscle soreness and plasma creatine kinase activity were observed. However, no significant changes in leukocytes and CD34+ cells were evident. The changes in muscle damage markers were significantly (p < 0.05) smaller following the second exercise session as compared with the first exercise session, but the changes in leukocytes and CD34+ cells were not significantly different between sessions. ConclusionThese results did not support the hypothesis, and showed that eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage to the elbow flexors did not influence the number of circulating CD34+ cells.

Locally existing endothelial cells and pericytes in ovarian stroma, but not bone marrow-derived vascular progenitor cells, play a central role in neovascularization during follicular development in mice

BackgroundNeovascularization is necessary for follicular growth. Vascularization is first observed in preantral follicles, and thereafter the vasculature markedly increases in follicles undergoing development. Neovascularization includes angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. Vasculogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels by bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells. It is unclear whether vasculogenesis occurs during follicular growth. Blood vessels must be mature to be functional blood vessels. Mature blood vessels are characterized by the recruitment of pericytes. However, it is unclear where pericytes come from and whether they contribute to neovascularization in the follicle during follicular growth. In this study, we investigated whether bone marrow-derived progenitor cells that differentiate into vascular endothelial cells or pericytes contribute to neovascularization during follicular growth.MethodsA parabiosis model was used in this study. Six-week-old wild-type and transgenic female mice expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) were conjoined between the lateral abdominal regions to create a shared circulatory system. After 6 weeks, the ovaries were obtained and immunostained for CD31/CD34 (a vascular endothelial cell marker), platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFR-β) (a pericyte marker), and GFP (a bone marrow-derived cell marker).ResultsCells that were positive for CD34 and PDGFR-β were observed in the stroma adjacent to the primary or early preantral follicles and in the theca cell layer of the follicles from the late preantral stage to the preovulatory stage. CD31/CD34 and GFP double-positive cells were observed in the theca cell layer of the follicle from the antral stage to the preovulatory stage while the number of double-positive cells in the preovulatory follicles did not increase. PDGFR-β and GFP double-positive cells were observed in the theca cell layer of the preovulatory follicle but not in the smaller follicle.ConclusionsLocally existing endothelial cells and pericytes in the stroma play a central role in the neovascularization during follicular growth, while bone marrow-derived endothelial cells and pericytes partially contribute to this process.

When Seed and Soil Theory Meets Chicken or Egg Theory in Cancer Metastasis.

Cancer metastasis has been a serious problem since decades. Seed and soil hypothesis of metastasis remains true and all the metastatic tumors follow this nature’s law [1,2]. Advance metastasis or multi-organ metastasis is difficult to treat due to multi-organ dysfunction. One of the major issues in metastasis is that diagnosis occurs at the advanced stages. Secondly, we have not understood the complete mechanisms so well so far due to intricate nature of metastasis. In metastasis, seed (tumor cell) migrates to the soil (distant organs, e.g. lung, liver, brain, and bone). Several experimental studies have been done that suggested the role of bone marrow derived progenitor cells [3] (e.g. CD11b+ [4] and VEGFR1+ [5] cells) in the initiation of metastasis. Several chemokines, such as SDF-1, TNF-α, TGF-β and VEGF-A influence the recruitment of different cell types to pre-metastatic sites resulting into increased expression of specific molecules in the niche like S100A8, S100A9, lysyl oxidase (LOX), fibronectin, MMP9 and MMP2 in the initiation of premetastatic niche [6,7], which are bonafide candidates of therapeutic targeting [8]. In addition, tumor induced hypoxia has been shown to promote the premetastatic niche formation by recruiting CD11b+/Ly6Cmed/Ly6G+ cells [9] and producing LOX [10]. Recently, much attention has been given to the tumor-derived exosomes or micro vesicles that carry almost every essential cellular macromolecule and has signals to polarize cells in the tumor microenvironment and create premetastatic niche in the distant organs, before the seed (tumor cell) arrives [11,12]. Exosomes derived from melanomas were shown to educate pro-metastatic progenitor cells in the bone marrow [13]. Renal-carcinoma-derived exosomes were found to promote angiogenesis in lung tumor metastases [14]. In addition, using murine mammary carcinoma demonstrated that, tumor-derived microvesicles use osteopontin to mobilize pro-angiogenic cells from the bone marrow [15]. Surprisingly, exosomes perform cell independent miRNA biogenesis to promote tumorigenesis and metastasis [16]. Firstly, tumor derived exosomes has pro-angiogenic functions that helps tumor in building required vasculature for tumor growth. For example, Yoon et al. [17] investigated pro-angiogenic role of tumor-secreted exosomes by showing Egr-1 activation in endothelial cells through ERK1/2 and JNK signaling pathways and endothelial cell migration, which was facilitated by the tumor cell derived extracellular vesicles. On the other hand, tumor derived exosomes involved in the destruction of vasculature integrity for metastasis. For example, miR-105, which is characteristically expressed and secreted by metastatic breast cancer cells, is reported as a potent regulator of tumor cell migration through targeting the tight junction protein ZO-1 via exosomes. Tumor cell secreted exosomes deliver miR-105 to the site of endothelial monolayers that efficiently destroys tight junctions and hence the integrity of barriers against metastasis [18]. Although exosomes have attracted much attention and are considered as a bonafide targets for cancer therapy, their roles in tumor metastasis is poorly investigated. In addition, technologies and methods to study exosomes are growing day by day. It is possible that tumor cell exosomes are delivered to the distant organs that manipulates host environment before any immune cells or chemokine. However, what initiates tumor cell migration to the distant organs, remains unclear, i.e. chicken comes first or egg and warrants further investigations.

Bone Marrow Derived Eosinophil Cultures.

Eosinophils are multifunctional effector cells implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases including asthma, eosinophil gastrointestinal disorders and helminth infection. Mouse bone marrow derived progenitor cells can be differentiated into eosinophils following IL-5 exposure. These bone marrow derived eosinophils are fully differentiated at the end of a 14 day culture based on morphology and expression of molecular markers.

Therapeutic Effects of Bone Marrow-derived Progenitor Cells in Lipopolysaccharide-induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Objective: Endotoxin-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by diffuse dysfunction of the microvasculature including increased permeability with oedema formation and apoptosis or necrosis of endothelial- and epithelial cells. Concomitantly, an increased concentration of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) was found in septic patients, which seem to be involved in pulmonary regeneration. The number of circulating EPC correlated inversely to disease severity and mortality. Since bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (BMDPC) were found homing to damaged lung tissue, a reparative process seems to be initiated right after the initiation of vessel damage or degeneration. In the present study we investigated the potential of BMDPC as a treatment strategy in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ARDS. Methods: Male Wistar rats received lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (25 μg/kg) systemically and directly after LPS injection, the animals were administered 1x106 suspension of CD133+-cells dissolved in 1 ml of sodium chloride 0.9% or only 1 ml sodium chloride 0.9% for the control group. Mortality, macroscopic changes in lung tissue, disease symptoms, blood gas analyses, serum cytokine concentration, wet/dry weight and long-term results were analyzed. Results: Rats treated with BMDPC showed a significantly improved pulmonary gas exchange, an inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine synthesis, an improved clinical course and a reduced mortality (p<0.024) compared to rats treated with LPS alone. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the application of exogenous BMDPC can reduce the severity of septic organ damage. Cell therapy with BMDPC might therefore become a novel option in ARDS therapy.

Mechanisms of radiation-induced normal tissue toxicity and implications for future clinical trials.

To summarize current knowledge regarding mechanisms of radiation-induced normal tissue injury and medical countermeasures available to reduce its severity. Advances in radiation delivery using megavoltage and intensity-modulated radiation therapy have permitted delivery of higher doses of radiation to well-defined tumor target tissues. Injury to critical normal tissues and organs, however, poses substantial risks in the curative treatment of cancers, especially when radiation is administered in combination with chemotherapy. The principal pathogenesis is initiated by depletion of tissue stem cells and progenitor cells and damage to vascular endothelial microvessels. Emerging concepts of radiation-induced normal tissue toxicity suggest that the recovery and repopulation of stromal stem cells remain chronically impaired by long-lived free radicals, reactive oxygen species, and pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines resulting in progressive damage after radiation exposure. Better understanding the mechanisms mediating interactions among excessive generation of reactive oxygen species, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and activated macrophages, and role of bone marrow-derived progenitor and stem cells may provide novel insight on the pathogenesis of radiation-induced injury of tissues. Further understanding the molecular signaling pathways of cytokines and chemokines would reveal novel targets for protecting or mitigating radiation injury of tissues and organs.