Primary hMSC Research Articles

HMSC exosomes as a novel treatment for female sensitive skin: An in vivo study.

Background: Recent studies have reported that the incidence of sensitive skin is increasing. Skin sensitivity and skin barrier functions were related to many skin diseases including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, and so on. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes (hMSC) might be considered as a new effective therapeutic scheme. Aims: This study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of hMSC exosomes as a novel topical treatment for sensitive skin. Patients/Methods: Exosomes were extracted from primary hMSC via ultracentrifugation method. The morphology of hMSC exosomes was studied via transmission electron microscope. Expression of exosome specific surface marker was detected via Western blot. 22 subjects (female, aged 18-55) diagnosed with sensitive skin were enrolled. Follow-up was conducted before, 7-day, 14-day, and 28-day after hMSC exosomes use. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), surface hydration, sebum secretion, and L*a*b* value were simultaneously tested at the same time point in an environment-controlled room. Results: Under transmission electron microscopy, the extracted hMSC exosomes were circular or elliptical with intact membrane structure, and their diameters ranged mainly from 40 to 80nm. Western blot showed that the expression of markers CD63, CD9, and Tsg101 was positive. Brownian motion based nanoparticle trajectory analysis (NTA) showed that the main peak of particle size distribution occurred around 96nm, the average particle size was 122nm, and the main peak accounted for 96.7%. All this conformed to the biological characteristics of exosomes standardized by the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles. In the clinical trial, scores of objective symptoms including roughness, scales, erythema, and subjective symptoms including tension, burning, or itching, were improved after 7-, 14-, and 28- day using hMSC-exosomes. TEWL, hydration, sebum, pH, and a* values were tended to return to the level of healthy skin. Conclusion: The hMSC-exosomes, with the advantages of biocompatibility and biodegradability, could improve clinical symptoms and eruptions in sensitive skin patients, and might be as an MSC cell-free novel therapy in sensitive skin-related disease treatment.

Metabolic Glycoengineering in hMSC-TERT as a Model for Skeletal Precursors by Using Modified Azide/Alkyne Monosaccharides.

Metabolic glycoengineering enables a directed modification of cell surfaces by introducing target molecules to surface proteins displaying new features. Biochemical pathways involving glycans differ in dependence on the cell type; therefore, this technique should be tailored for the best results. We characterized metabolic glycoengineering in telomerase-immortalized human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSC-TERT) as a model for primary hMSC, to investigate its applicability in TERT-modified cell lines. The metabolic incorporation of N-azidoacetylmannosamine (Ac4ManNAz) and N-alkyneacetylmannosamine (Ac4ManNAl) into the glycocalyx as a first step in the glycoengineering process revealed no adverse effects on cell viability or gene expression, and the in vitro multipotency (osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential) was maintained under these adapted culture conditions. In the second step, glycoengineered cells were modified with fluorescent dyes using Cu-mediated click chemistry. In these analyses, the two mannose derivatives showed superior incorporation efficiencies compared to glucose and galactose isomers. In time-dependent experiments, the incorporation of Ac4ManNAz was detectable for up to six days while Ac4ManNAl-derived metabolites were absent after two days. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the successful metabolic glycoengineering of immortalized hMSC resulting in transient cell surface modifications, and thus present a useful model to address different scientific questions regarding glycosylation processes in skeletal precursors.

Scavenging of Dickkopf-1 by macromer-based biomaterials covalently decorated with sulfated hyaluronan displays pro-osteogenic effects

Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), a Wnt inhibitor secreted by bone marrow stromal cells (MSC), is known to play an important role in long-term non-union bone fracture defects and glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis. Mitigating its effects in early bone defects could improve osteogenesis and bone defect healing.Here, we applied a biomaterial strategy to deplete a defect environment from DKK1 by scavenging the protein via a macromer-based biomaterial covalently decorated with sulfated hyaluronan (sHA3). The material consisted of cross-copolymerized three-armed macromers with a small anchor molecule. Using the glycidyl anchor, polyetheramine (ED900) could be grafted to the material to which sHA3 was efficiently coupled in a separate step. For thorough investigation of material modification, flat material surfaces were generated by fabricating them on glass discs.The binding capability of sHA3 for DKK1 was demonstrated in this study by surface plasmon resonance measurements. Furthermore, the surfaces demonstrated the ability to scavenge and inactivate pathologic amounts of DKK1 from complex media. In a combinatory approach with Wnt3a, we were able to demonstrate that DKK1 is the preferred binding partner of our sHA3-functionalized surfaces. We validated our findings in a complex in vitro setting of differentiating SaOS-2 cells and primary hMSC. Here, endogenous DKK-1 was scavenged resulting in increased osteogenic differentiation indicating that this is a consistent biological effect irrespective of the model system used. Our study provides insights in the mechanisms and efficiency of sHA3 surface functionalization for DKK1 scavenging, which may be used in a clinical context in the future. Statement of SignificanceDelayed bone defect healing has been shown to depend on the interplay of Wnt agonists and antagonists. In this study, we engineered surfaces of macromer materials via cross-copolymerization of a three-armed biodegradable macromer and a small anchor molecule (Glycidylmethacrylate). This material was stepwise modified with polyetheramines and sulfated hyaluronan (sHA3) in order to positively affect the bone healing micromilieu. We show that autocrine regulated pro-osteoclastic Wnt antagonist DKK1 and pro-osteoblastic agonist Wnt-3a were produced by SaOS-2 cells and hMSC. DKK1 was scavenged and inactivated from the micromilieu of osteogenic cells, whereas Wnt-3a remained unchanged in presence of DKK1. hMSC seeded and differentiated on sHA3 decorated macromer material showed improved osteogenic differentiation as measured by ALP activity and matrix mineralization.

Syndecan-1 Facilitates the Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Osteo-Adipogenic Balance.

Bone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stems cells (hMSCs) are precursors to adipocyte and osteoblast lineage cells. Dysregulation of the osteo-adipogenic balance has been implicated in pathological conditions involving bone loss. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) such as cell membrane-bound syndecans (SDCs) and glypicans (GPCs) mediate hMSC lineage differentiation and with syndecan-1 (SDC-1) reported in both adipogenesis and osteogenesis, these macromolecules are potential regulators of the osteo-adipogenic balance. Here, we disrupted the HSPG profile in primary hMSC cultures via temporal knockdown (KD) of SDC-1 using RNA interference (RNAi) in undifferentiated, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiated hMSCs. SDC-1 KD cultures were examined for osteogenic and adipogenic lineage markers along with changes in HSPG profile and common signalling pathways implicated in hMSC lineage fate. Undifferentiated hMSC SDC-1 KD cultures exhibited a pro-adipogenic phenotype with subsequent osteogenic differentiation demonstrating enhanced maturation of osteoblasts. In cultures where SDC-1 KD was performed following initiation of differentiation, increased adipogenic gene and protein marker expression along with increased Oil Red O staining identified enhanced adipogenesis, with impaired osteogenesis also observed in these cultures. These findings implicate SDC-1 as a facilitator of the hMSC osteo-adipogenic balance during early induction of lineage differentiation.

Molecular Phenotyping of Telomerized Human Bone Marrow Skeletal Stem Cells Reveals a Genetic Program of Enhanced Proliferation and Maintenance of Differentiation Responses.

ABSTRACTLong‐term in vitro expansion of bone marrow stromal (skeletal) stem cells (also known as human mesenchymal stem cells [hMSC]) is associated with replicative senescence and impaired functions. We have previously reported that telomerization of hMSC through hTERT overexpression led to bypassing a replicative senescence phenotype and improved in vitro and in vivo functions. However, the molecular consequence of telomerization is poorly characterized. Thus, we compared the molecular phenotype of a well‐studied telomerized hMSC (hMSC‐TERT) cell line with primary hMSC. At a cellular level, both cell populations exhibited strong concordance for the known hMSC CD markers, similar responses to osteoblast (OB) differentiation induction, and formed heterotopic bone in vivo. Overall gene expression was highly correlated between both cell types with an average Pearson's correlation coefficient (R2) between the gene expression of all primary hMSC and all hMSC‐TERT samples of 0.95 (range 0.93–0.96). Quantitative analysis of gene expression of CD markers, OB cell markers, and transcription factors (TF) showed a high degree of similarity between the two cell populations (72%, 77%, and 81%, respectively). The hMSC‐TERT population was enriched mainly for genes associated with cell cycle and cell cycle signaling when compared with primary hMSC. Other enrichment was observed for genes involved in cell adhesion and skeletal system development and immune response pathways. Interestingly, hMSC‐TERT shared a telomerization signature with upregulation of cancer/testis antigens, MAGE, and PAGE genes. Our data demonstrate that the enhanced biological characteristics of hMSC after telomerization are mainly due to enhanced expression of cell proliferation genes, whereas gene expression responses to differentiation are maintained. © 2018 The Authors. JBMR Plus Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research

Cefazolin Irreversibly Inhibits Proliferation and Migration of Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells.

Drugs may have a significant effect on postoperative bone healing by reducing the function of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSC) or mature osteoblasts. Although cefazolin is one of the most commonly used antibiotic drugs in arthroplasty to prevent infection worldwide, there is a lack of information regarding how cefazolin affects hMSC and therefore may have an effect on early bone healing. We studied the proliferation and migration capacity of primary hMSC during cefazolin treatment at various doses for up to 3 days, as well as the reversibility of the effects during the subsequent 3 days of culture without the drug. We found a time- and dose-dependent reduction of the proliferation rate and the migratory potential. Tests of whether these effects were reversible revealed that doses ≥250 μg/mL or treatments longer than 24 h irreversibly affected the cells. We are the first to show that application of cefazolin irreversibly inhibits the potential of hMSC for migration to the trauma site and local proliferation. Cefazolin should be administered only at the required dosage and time to prevent periprosthetic infection. If long-term administration is required and delayed bone healing is present, cefazolin application must be considered as a cause of delayed bone healing.

Inefficiency in macromolecular transport of SCS-based microcapsules affects viability of primary human mesenchymal stem cells but not of immortalized cells.

Microcapsules made of sodium cellulose sulphate (SCS) and poly-diallyl-dimethyl-ammonium chloride (pDADMAC) have been employed to encapsulate a wide range of established cell lines for several applications. However, little is known about the encapsulation of primary cells including human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Human MSCs are of interest in regenerative medicine applications due to pro-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, which result from paracrine effects of this cell type. In the present work we have encapsulated primary hMSCs and hMSC-TERT immortalized cells and compared their behavior and in vitro angiogenic potential. We found that, although both cell types were able to secret angiogenic factors such as VEGF, there was a marked reduction of primary hMSC viability compared to hMSC-TERT cells when cultured in these microcapsules. Moreover, this applied to other primary cell cultures such as primary human fibroblasts but not to other cell lines such as human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells. We found that the microcapsule membrane had a molecular weight cut-off below a critical size, which caused impairment in the diffusion of essential nutrients and had a more detrimental effect on the viability of primary cell cultures compared to cell lines and immortalized cells.

Telomerase activity promotes osteoblast differentiation by modulating IGF-signaling pathway.

The contribution of deficient telomerase activity to age-related decline in osteoblast functions and bone formation is poorly studied. We have previously demonstrated that telomerase over-expression led to enhanced osteoblast differentiation of human bone marrow skeletal (stromal) stem cells (hMSC) in vitro and in vivo. Here, we investigated the signaling pathways underlying the regulatory functions of telomerase in osteoblastic cells. Comparative microarray analysis and Western blot analysis of telomerase-over expressing hMSC (hMSC-TERT) versus primary hMSC revealed significant up-regulation of several components of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling. Specifically, a significant increase in IGF-induced AKT phosphorylation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were observed in hMSC-TERT. Enhanced ALP activity was reduced in presence of IGF1 receptor inhibitor: picropodophyllin. In addition, telomerase deficiency caused significant reduction in IGF signaling proteins in osteoblastic cells cultured from telomerase deficient mice (Terc−/−). The low bone mass exhibited by Terc−/− mice was associated with significant reduction in serum levels of IGF1 and IGFBP3 as well as reduced skeletal mRNA expression of Igf1, Igf2, Igf2r,Igfbp5 and Igfbp6. IGF1-induced osteoblast differentiation was also impaired in Terc−/− MSC. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that impaired IGF/AKT signaling contributes to the observed decreased bone mass and bone formation exhibited by telomerase deficient osteoblastic cells.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10522-015-9596-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Correlating ex vivo and in vivo osteogenic assays for quality control of clinically destined CGMP grade BM-MSC

Among diverse approaches in translational medicine, there is growing interest in use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to enhance bone regeneration. We aimed to evaluate the osteogenic potency of human bone marrow (BM)-derived MSC isolated and expanded according to good manufacturing practice (GMP) . Recently, numerous genes have been associated with the osteogenic differentiation, however their expression in differentiated hMSC ex vivo rarely predict in vivo bone formation . We wished to explore whether such biomarkers changes were applicable using primary hMSC grown in medium supplemented by platelet lysate at 1 week instead of 2 weeks time points. Testing 6 donor BM-hMSCs for osteogenesis using ex vivo matrix mineralization stainings revealed 4 were positive for Alizarin Red (ALZ) and 3 for Von Kossa (VK). In vivo bone formation assays, implanting hMSC with osteoconductive scaffold in NOD/SCID mice for 6 weeks, revealed that hMSC from 4 donors generated new bone (≥ 15% total area). Notably, the ex vivo phenotype of matrix mineralization staining at 2 weeks did not necessarily correlate with in vivo bone formation. To address the problem of donor-specific heterogeneity we selected hMSC from osteogenically functional donors when analyzing 1 week gene expression. Using hMSC from donors that were positive for ex vivo mineralization, 7 genes showed statistically significant changes using ALZ+ donors and 6 genes using VK+ donors. Using hMSC from bone-forming donors, 7 genes showed statistically significant changes and 5 of these were also relevant to ex vivo mineralization. Using these 5 genes for cluster analysis, a strong correlation with bone-formation was identified; distinctly clustering hMSC from bone-forming versus non-bone forming donors. We provide proof of principle that genetic analysis of hBM-MSC early responses to osteogenic factors ex vivo can indicate bone forming potential, suggesting that this approach may prove helpful for clinical trials.

Constitutive Expression of Human Telomerase Enhances the Proliferation Potential of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are highly desirable cells for bone engineering due to the inherent multipotent nature of the cells. Unfortunately, there is a high degree of variability, as primary hMSC cultures quickly undergo replicative senescence with loss of proliferative potential as they are continually propagated in cell culture. We sought to reduce the variability of these cells by insertion and expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) to immortalize the cell line. hMSCs were transduced with a lentivirus containing the human TERT gene. The resulting cell line has been propagated through more than 70 population-doubling level (PDL) to date and continues to grow exhibiting the characteristic fibroblastic hMSC phenotype. Expression of TERT mRNA and protein activity was confirmed in the TERT-transduced cells. Mock-transduced hMSCs had almost undetectable levels of TERT mRNA and protein activity and lost proliferation potential at PDL 14. The enhanced growth capacity of the hMSC TERT cells was due to increased cell proliferation and reduced cellular senescence rather than due to inhibition of apoptosis. The multipotent nature of the TERT cells was confirmed by differentiation toward the osteoblastic and adipogenic lineages in vitro. Osteoblastic differentiation was confirmed by both expression of alkaline phosphate and mineral deposition visualized by Alizarin Red staining. Adipogenic differentiation was confirmed by production of lipid droplets, which were detected by Oil Red-O staining. In summary, we have generated a stable hMSC line that can be continually propagated and retains both osteoblastic and adipogenic differentiation potential.

Environmental Biomechanics Substantiated by Defined Pillar Micropatterns Govern Behavior of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

While evidence on the impact of the biomechanical environment elasticity on human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) behavior is growing, the aspect of micropatterning is still poorly understood. Thus, the present study aimed at investigating the influence of defined environmental micropatterning on hMSC behavior. Following characterization, hMSCs were grown on defined pillar micropatterns of 5, 7, 9, and 11 µm. With respect to cell behavior, primary hMSC adhesion was detected by indirect immunofluorescence (iIF) for paxillin, vinculin, integrin αV, and actin, while proliferation was visualized by histone H3. Morphogenesis was monitored by scanning electron microscopy and the expression of stem cell-specific biomarkers by real-time PCR. Favoritism of primary adhesion of hMSCs on pillar tops occurred at smaller pillar micropatterns, concomitant with cell flattening. While vinculin, integrin αV, and paxillin appeared initially more cytoplasmic, high pillar micropatterns favored a progressive redistribution with polarization to cell tension sites and at cell borders. Accomplishment of morphogenesis at day 3 revealed establishment of fully rotund cell somata at 5 µm, while hMSCs appeared progressively elongated at rising micropatterns. The hMSC proliferation capacity was influenced by pillar micropatterns and gene expression analysis of stem cell- and differentiation-associated biomarkers disclosed clear modulation by distinct pillar micropatterns. In response to environmental biomechanics, our results show that hMSC behavior is governed by pillar micropatterning. In turn, these findings may form the basis to prospectively direct lineage specificity of hMSCs in a customized fashion.

The transcription factor osterix (SP7) regulates BMP6‐induced human osteoblast differentiation

The transcription factor osterix (Sp7) is essential for osteoblastogenesis and bone formation in mice. Genome wide association studies have demonstrated that osterix is associated with bone mineral density in humans; however, the molecular significance of osterix in human osteoblast differentiation is poorly described. In this study we have characterized the role of osterix in human mesenchymal progenitor cell (hMSC) differentiation. We first analyzed temporal microarray data of primary hMSC treated with bone morphogenetic protein-6 (BMP6) using clustering to identify genes that are associated with osterix expression. Osterix clusters with a set of osteoblast-associated extracellular matrix (ECM) genes, including bone sialoprotein (BSP) and a novel set of proteoglycans, osteomodulin (OMD), osteoglycin, and asporin. Maximum expression of these genes is dependent upon both the concentration and duration of BMP6 exposure. Next we overexpressed and repressed osterix in primary hMSC using retrovirus. The enforced expression of osterix had relatively minor effects on osteoblastic gene expression independent of exogenous BMP6. However, in the presence of BMP6, osterix overexpression enhanced expression of the aforementioned ECM genes. Additionally, osterix overexpression enhanced BMP6 induced osteoblast mineralization, while inhibiting hMSC proliferation. Conversely, osterix knockdown maintained hMSC in an immature state by decreasing expression of these ECM genes and decreasing mineralization and hMSC proliferation. Overexpression of the osterix regulated gene OMD with retrovirus promoted mineralization of hMSC. These results suggest that osterix is necessary, but not sufficient for hMSC osteoblast differentiation. Osterix regulates the expression of a set of ECM proteins which are involved in terminal osteoblast differentiation.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Treatment Delays Cellular Aging in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells while Maintaining Their Multipotent Capacity

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D3) was reported to induce premature organismal aging in fibroblast growth factor-23 (Fgf23) and klotho deficient mice, which is of main interest as 1,25D3 supplementation of its precursor cholecalciferol is used in basic osteoporosis treatment. We wanted to know if 1,25D3 is able to modulate aging processes on a cellular level in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC). Effects of 100 nM 1,25D3 on hMSC were analyzed by cell proliferation and apoptosis assay, β-galactosidase staining, VDR and surface marker immunocytochemistry, RT-PCR of 1,25D3-responsive, quiescence- and replicative senescence-associated genes. 1,25D3 treatment significantly inhibited hMSC proliferation and apoptosis after 72 h and delayed the development of replicative senescence in long-term cultures according to β-galactosidase staining and P16 expression. Cell morphology changed from a fibroblast like appearance to broad and rounded shapes. Long term treatment did not induce lineage commitment in terms of osteogenic pathways but maintained their clonogenic capacity, their surface marker characteristics (expression of CD73, CD90, CD105) and their multipotency to develop towards the chondrogenic, adipogenic and osteogenic pathways. In conclusion, 1,25D3 delays replicative senescence in primary hMSC while the pro-aging effects seen in mouse models might mainly be due to elevated systemic phosphate levels, which propagate organismal aging.

The Proteasome Inhibitor Bortezomib Stimulates Osteoblastic Differentiation of Human Osteoblast Precursor Cells Via Upregulation of Vitamin D Receptor Signaling

AbstractAbstract 1899 IntroductionIn multiple myeloma (MM), interactions of the malignant plasma cell clone with the bone marrow microenvironment lead to an enhanced osteoclast recruitment and impaired osteoblast activity. The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib has been shown to suppress osteoclast activity, and there is recent evidence that bortezomib enhances osteoblast differentiation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of bortezomib on human osteoblast precursors, focusing on vitamin D (VD) dependent osteoblastic differentiation. Since vitamin D receptor (VDR) is degraded by the proteasome, we hypothesized that bortezomib could influence its signaling and hence vitamin D induced osteoblastic differentiation. This might be of clinical importance, since an increased rate of vitamin D deficiency has recently been reported in patients with MM. MethodsPrimary human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) and primary human osteoblasts (hOB) were isolated from bone marrow aspirates or from bone fragments of healthy donors undergoing orthopedic surgery, respectively. Ascorbic acid and β-glycerolphosphate were used for osteoblastic stimulation (OS), either in combination with or without vitamin D. In order to analyze the effects of proteasome inhibition on osteoblastic differentiation and activity, hMSC and hOB were incubated with bortezomib at subapoptotic doses (1 - 5 nM). In addition, coculture experiments of hMSC, hOB and myeloma cells were performed. Expression of osteocalcin and osteopontin (OPN) were quantified by real-time PCR as markers of osteoblastic lineage differentiation. Expression of VDR was analyzed by western blot in subcellular fractions and VDR signaling was investigated using luciferase reporter assays. ResultsIn coculture experiments, myeloma cells inhibited the vitamin D dependent differentiation and activity of osteoblast precursors, e.g. coculture of hMSC with the myeloma cell line LP-1 for 4 days decreased their osteocalcin expression by 58%. Treatment with bortezomib led to an increased osteoblastic differentiation of hMSC and hOB by OS, represented by an enhanced expression of osteoblast markers osteocalcin and OPN. Importantly, this effect could be further increased, when vitamin D was added. In hMSC stimulated with OS only, addition of 5 nM bortezomib led to an 18.3 fold increase in OPN mRNA expression. In comparison, hMSC stimulated with OS + vitamin D showed a 27.5 fold increase in OPN mRNA with the addition of bortezomib. Osteocalcin expression was increased 1.9 fold by bortezomib in the presence of OS and vitamin D, but not with OS alone. Similar results were obtained with osteoblasts: Incubation with bortezomib slightly increased osteocalcin and OPN mRNA expression in cells stimulated with OS only (1.3 fold and 2.4 fold, respectively). In comparison, in cells stimulated with OS and vitamin D, bortezomib elevated osteocalcin and OPN expression 2.9 fold and 5.5 fold, respectively. Bortezomib led to an increase in nuclear VDR levels in hMSC in western blot analyses. Primary hMSC transfected with a VDR luciferase reporter construct showed a 3.7 fold increase in VDR signaling with bortezomib. ConclusionOur data show that bortezomib stimulates osteoblastic differentiation of hMSCs and hOBs and acts, at least in part, through VDR signaling. Substitution of vitamin D in multiple myeloma patients treated with bortezomib may be beneficial for bone turnover and needs clinical evaluation. Disclosures:Kaiser:Johnson & Johnson: Research Funding. Mieth:Johnson & Johnson: Research Funding. Sezer:Johnson & Johnson: Research Funding. Heider:Johnson & Johnson: Research Funding.

Myeloma Cells Inhibit the Non-Canonical Wnt Co-Receptor Ror2 in Human Mesenchymal/Osteoprogenitor Cells: Effect of Wnt5a/Ror2 Pathway Activation On MM-Induced Impairment of the Osteogenic Differentiation Process.

Abstract 741Osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) is typically impaired in multiple myeloma (MM) patients leading to osteoblast deficiency. Canonical Wnt signal pathway is critical in the regulation of bone formation process and its activation in osteoblastic cells improves bone mass reducing the development of osteolytic lesions in MM mouse model. Together to canonical Wnt signaling, a non-canonical Wnt pathway, independently to β-catenin activation, has been identified. Non-canonical Wnt signaling is transduced through FZD receptor and Ror2 co-receptor to several cascades either disheveled pathways involving Rho family small GTPase and JNK or Ca++ dependent pathways involving the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT). Interestingly, recent evidences suggest that non-canonical Wnt pathway activation by Wnt5a or Wnt4, rather than canonical one by Wnt3a, stimulates the osteogenic properties of hMSC through Ror2 activation. The effect of MM cells on non-canonical Wnt pathway as well as the role of the activation of this pathway in hMSC on the osteogenic differentiation impairment induced by MM cells are not known and have been investigated in the present study.First we checked the expression of non-canonical Wnt related molecules by bone marrow (BM) hMSC and osteoprogenitor cells (PreOB) at the first passage by oligonucleotide arrays. We found that both cells expressed the activator of non-canonical Wnt pathways Wnt5a but lack of express the main activators of canonical Wnt signaling as Wnt1, Wnt3a and Wnt8. The presence of the Wnt5a receptor FZD2 and FZD5 was also detected in both cells as well as of Ror2. Interestingly we found that osteogenic differentiation of hMSC towards preOB significantly increased Ror2 but not Wnt5a expression. Secondly, we performed a series of co-culture between PreOB and MM cells using either the human myeloma cell lines (JJN3, XG-1, XG-6, KMS12, KMS27) or purified CD138+ cells obtained from MM patients finding that MM cells inhibit Ror2 protein expression by PreOB and consistently the activity of NFATc1 at nuclear level. Following activation of non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway either by Wnt5a treatment or by the induction of both Wnt5a and Ror2 overexpression by lentivirus vectors have been performed in primary hMSC obtained from MM patients. The efficiency of Wnt5a and Ror2 trasduction was checked by GFP expression using flow cytometry whereas the efficacy was evaluated by the level of Wnt5a and Ror2 mRNA and protein expression as well as by the intracytoplasmatic increase of Ca++ influx, phospho-PKC expression and NFATc1 activity. We found that Wnt5a treatment as well as Wnt5a or Ror2 overexpression significantly increased osteogenic differentiation and the expression of alkaline phosphatase in hMSC. Consistently, in the co-culture system with MM cells, Wnt5a and Ror2 overexpression by hMSC blunted the inhibitory effect of MM cells on alkaline phosphatase expression and osteogenic differentiation. Finally, these observations were further confirmed showing that Wnt5a or Ror2 silencing in PreOB by siRNA or shRNA trasfection, respectively inhibited the expression of osteogenic markers alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and collagen I.In conclusion our data indicate that activation of non-canonical Wnt5a/Ror2/Ca++ signal pathway in hMSC increases osteogenic differentiation and counterbalance the inhibitory effect of MM cell suggesting that this pathway could represent a potential target in MM microenvironment. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Morphological and immunocytochemical characteristics indicate the yield of early progenitors and represent a quality control for human mesenchymal stem cell culturing

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) are a heterogeneous cell population, which is reflected in varying morphological and biological properties. Three subpopulations with intrinsic characteristics can be distinguished: small rapidly self-renewing cells, spindle-shaped cells and large, flattened cells. Unfortunately, it has neither been possible to morphologically define these distinct cells consistently, nor to relate them to specific surface marker features. Here, the primary hMSC subpopulations of three donors are clearly defined by maximum cell diameter and area. Furthermore, these cells were stained for the putative hMSC surface markers CD105, CD90 as well as CD73, and evaluated by three-colour flow cytometry and simultaneous multicolour immunocytochemistry. Interestingly, cell cultures with a high rate of triple-positive hMSC featured a higher content of rapidly self-renewing cells. On the other hand, a higher fraction of flattened cells correlated with a loss of one or more hMSC surface markers. The expression of CD73 showed the highest heterogeneity. Immunocytochemistry further confirmed that flattened cells mainly lack CD73 expression, whereas rapidly self-renewing cells were steadily positive for all three hMSC markers. In the literature, hMSC properties are especially conceded to rapidly self-renewing cells, whereas flattened cells have been suggested to represent early stages of lineage-specific progenitors. We reveal that among the recently suggested surface markers, CD73 is the most sensitive, as it seems to be down-regulated in the early stages of differentiation. Our morphological and immunocytochemical characterization of hMSC subpopulations indicates the yield of early multipotent hMSC and thereby provides a quality control approach for hMSC culturing.

New insights into BMP-7 mediated osteoblastic differentiation of primary human mesenchymal stem cells

Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) are members of the TGF-β superfamily of growth factors. Several BMPs exhibit osteoinductive bioactivities, and are critical for bone formation in both developing and mature skeletal systems. BMP-7 (OP-1) is currently used clinically in revision of posterolateral spine fusions and long bone non-unions. The current study characterizes BMP-7 induced gene expression during early osteoblastic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC). Primary hMSC were treated with BMP-7 for 24 or 120 h and gene expression across the entire human genome was evaluated using Affymetrix HG-U133 Plus 2.0 Arrays. 955 probe sets representing 655 genes and 95 ESTs were identified as differentially expressed and were organized into three major expression profiles (Profiles A, B and C) by hierarchical clustering. Genes from each profile were classified according to biochemical pathway analyses. Profile A, representing genes upregulated by BMP-7, revealed strong enrichment for established osteogenic marker genes, as well as several genes with undefined roles in osteoblast function, including MFI2, HAS3, ADAMTS9, HEY1, DIO2 and FGFR3. A functional screen using siRNA suggested roles for MFI2, HEY1 and DIO2 in osteoblastic differentiation of hMSC. Profile B contained genes transiently downregulated by BMP-7, including numerous genes associated with cell cycle regulation. Follow-up studies confirmed that BMP-7 attenuates cell cycle progression and cell proliferation during early osteoblastic differentiation. Profile C, comprised of genes continuously downregulated by BMP-7, exhibited strong enrichment for genes associated with chemokine/cytokine activity. Inhibitory effects of BMP-7 on cytokine secretion were verified by analysis of enriched culture media. Potent downregulation of CHI3L1, a potential biomarker for numerous joint diseases, was also observed in Profile C. A focused evaluation of BMP, GDF and BMP inhibitor expression elucidated feedback loops modulating BMP-7 bioactivity. BMP-7 was found to induce BMP-2 and downregulate GDF5 expression. Transient knockdown of BMP-2 using siRNA demonstrated that osteoinductive properties associated with BMP-7 are independent of endogenous BMP-2 expression. Noggin was identified as the predominant inhibitor induced by BMP-7 treatment. Overall, this study provides new insight into key bioactivities characterizing early BMP-7 mediated osteoblastic differentiation.

BMP-2/4 and BMP-6/7 Differentially Utilize Cell Surface Receptors to Induce Osteoblastic Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are members of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily of growth factors and are used clinically to induce new bone formation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate receptor utilization by BMP-2, BMP-4, BMP-6, and BMP-7 in primary human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC), a physiologically relevant cell type that probably mediates the in vivo effects of BMPs. RNA interference-mediated gene knockdown revealed that osteoinductive BMP activities in hMSC are elicited through the type I receptors ACVR1A and BMPR1A and the type II receptors ACVR2A and BMPR2. BMPR1B and ACVR2B were expressed at low levels and were not found to play a significant role in signaling by any of the BMPs evaluated in this study. Type II receptor utilization differed significantly between BMP-2/4 and BMP-6/7. A greater reliance on BMPR2 was observed for BMP-2/4 relative to BMP-6/7, whereas ACVR2A was more critical to signaling by BMP-6/7 than BMP-2/4. Significant differences were also observed for the type I receptors. Although BMP-2/4 used predominantly BMPR1A for signaling, ACVR1A was the preferred type I receptor for BMP-6/7. Signaling by both BMP-2/4 and BMP-6/7 was mediated by homodimers of ACVR1A or BMPR1A. A portion of BMP-2/4 signaling also required concurrent BMPR1A and ACVR1A expression, suggesting that BMP-2/4 signal in part through ACVR1A/BMPR1A heterodimers. The capacity of ACVR1A and BMPR1A to form homodimers and heterodimers was confirmed by bioluminescence resonance energy transfer analyses. These results suggest different mechanisms for BMP-2/4- and BMP-6/7-induced osteoblastic differentiation in primary hMSC.

Role of Jagged/Notch Signaling in the Cell Fate Determination of Bone Marrow Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Notch, expressed on hematopoietic progenitors plays a crucial role in hematopoiesis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) express both, Notch and its ligand Jagged and are known to support self renewal of hematopoietic progenitors via cell-cell contact and cytokine secretion. The Jagged/Notch signaling pathway has been implicated in the differentiation process of MSC, however it is not completely understood and current observations are contradictory. In order to analyze the effect of Notch signaling on human MSC differentiation we constructed lentiviral vectors that contained either the GFP-marker gene, hJagged1 IRES GFP, hNotch1 intracellular domain (NICD) IRES GFP or a gene fusion between dominant negative Mastermind1 (MAML1dn - inhibitor of Notch signaling) and the Cherry reporter gene. Primary hMSC that were obtained from bone marrow of 3 different donors were transduced with respective lentivirus vectors to greater than 98%. After exposure to adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation stimuli hMSC differentiation was quantified by Alizarin red or oil red staining, alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity and expression levels of adipogenic or osteogenic markers by Real-time PCR. Jagged1 transduced hMSC demonstrated enhanced calcium phosphate deposits and enhanced AP activity and expression levels in osteogenic differentiation medium, while adipogenic differentiation was strongly inhibited as quantified by oil red staining and low mRNA expression of genes upregulated during adipogenic differentiation (pprY, Fabp4). Similarly, overexpression of NICD induced strong and rapid osteogenic differentiation while inhibiting adipogenic differentiation and reducing cell viability. Moreover, NICD overexpression upregulates the expression of endogenous Jagged1 up to 5-fold. Inhibition of Notch signaling via overexpression of MAML1dn partially blocked the effect of hJagged1 and NICD in co-transduction experiments. In another approach MSC samples obtained from 20 donors with various osteogenic differentiation potential as measured by AP activity were analyzed for Notch1 and Jagged1 expression. While there was no correlation between AP activity and Notch1 levels we observed a significant positive correlation for AP activity and Jagged1 expression. In summary, our data strongly suggest that increased Jagged/Notch signaling enhances the osteogenic differentiation of hMSC while inhibiting their adipogenic fate.

Mesenchymal stem cells with high telomerase expression do not actively restore their chromosome arm specific telomere length pattern after exposure to ionizing radiation

BackgroundPrevious studies have demonstrated that telomeres in somatic cells are not randomly distributed at the end of the chromosomes. We hypothesize that these chromosome arm specific differences in telomere length (the telomere length pattern) may be actively maintained. In this study we investigate the existence and maintenance of the telomere length pattern in stem cells. For this aim we studied telomere length in primary human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) and their telomerase-immortalised counterpart (hMSC-telo1) during extended proliferation as well as after irradiation. Telomere lengths were measured using Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (Q-FISH).ResultsA telomere length pattern was found to exist in primary hMSC's as well as in hMSC-telo1. This pattern is similar to what was previously found in lymphocytes and fibroblasts. The cells were then exposed to a high dose of ionizing radiation. Irradiation caused profound changes in chromosome specific telomere lengths, effectively destroying the telomere length pattern. Following long term culturing after irradiation, a telomere length pattern was found to re-emerge. However, the new telomere length pattern did not resemble the telomere length pattern observed before irradiation.ConclusionOur findings indicate that a telomere length pattern does exist in mesenchymal stem cells and that the pattern is not actively re-established after destruction by irradiation.