Source Of Mesenchymal Stem/stromal Cells Research Articles

Potential risk of clonally expanded amnion mesenchymal stem cell transplants in contused spinal cords.

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) promote recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) using adult bone marrow MSC (BM-MSC). Newborn tissues are a convenient source of MSC that does not involve an invasive procedure for cell collection. In this study the authors tested the effects of rat amnion MSC clone (rAM-MSC) in SCI. We tested intra-parenchymal injection of a GFP+ rat rAM-MSC clone derived from E18.5 rats in rat SCI and measured behavioral recovery (BBB scores), histology and X-ray opacity. Expression of aggrecan was measured in culture after treatment with TGFß. Injection of rAM-MSC after SCI did not improve BBB scores compared to control vehicle injections; rather they reduced scores significantly over 6 weeks. Spinal cords injected with rAM-MSC were hard in regions surrounding the SCI site, which was confirmed by X-ray opacity. Whole mount imaging of these cords showed minimal tissue loss in the SCI site that occurred in SCI controls, and persistence of GFP+ rAM-MSC. Mason's Trichrome staining of tissue sections showed more intense staining for extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding and extending beyond the SCI site with injections of rAM-MSC but not in controls. In response to TGF-ß treatment in culture, chondrogenic aggrecan was expressed at higher levels in rAM-MSC than in rBM-MSC, suggesting that the upregulation of TGF-ß in SCI sites may promote chondrogenic differentiation. Acute injection after SCI of a clonally expanded rAM-MSC resulted in aberrant differentiation towards a chondrocytic phenotype that disrupts the spinal cord and inhibits behavioral recovery after SCI. It will be critical to ensure that injection of extensively expanded neonatal cells do not differentiate aberrantly in traumatic CNS tissue and disrupt recovery.

Inhibition of EZH2 Promotes Human Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation into Mesoderm by Reducing H3K27me3.

SummaryMesoderm derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) is a major source of the mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) that can differentiate into osteoblasts and chondrocytes for tissue regeneration. While significant progress has been made in understanding of molecular mechanisms of hESC differentiation into mesodermal cells, little is known about epigenetic factors controlling hESC fate toward mesoderm and MSCs. Identifying potential epigenetic factors that control hESC differentiation will undoubtedly lead to advancements in regenerative medicine. Here, we conducted an epigenome-wide analysis of hESCs and MSCs and uncovered that EZH2 was enriched in hESCs and was downregulated significantly in MSCs. The specific EZH2 inhibitor GSK126 directed hESC differentiation toward mesoderm and generated more MSCs by reducing H3K27me3. Our results provide insights into epigenetic landscapes of hESCs and MSCs and suggest that inhibiting EZH2 promotes mesodermal differentiation of hESCs.

Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells in Regenerative Medicine: Past, Present, and Future.

The concept of Regenerative Medicine combined with Cell based Therapy and Tissue Engineering represents the fourth pillar of healthcare and provides a promising approach for the treatment of serious diseases. Recently, cell based therapies are focused on the use of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). Human MSCs, that represent a mesoderm derived population of progenitors, are easily expanded in culture. They are capable to differentiate into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes and exhibit the potential to repair or regenerate damaged tissues. The best characterized source of human MSCs to date is the bone marrow; recently, fetal sources, such as amniotic fluid, umbilical cord, amniotic membranes, or placenta, have also attracted increased attention. Thus, MSCs may represent a valuable tool for tissue repair and cell therapeutic applications. To this end, the main focus of this review is to summarize and evaluate the key characteristics, the sources, and the potential use of MSCs in therapeutic approaches and modalities.

Human Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells from Umbilical Cord Blood and Placenta Exhibit Similar Capacities to Promote Expansion of Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells In Vitro.

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) from bone marrow (BM) have been used in coculture systems as a feeder layer for promoting the expansion of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) for hematopoietic cell transplantation. Because BM has some drawbacks, umbilical cord blood (UCB) and placenta (PL) have been proposed as possible alternative sources of MSCs. However, MSCs from UCB and PL sources have not been compared to determine which of these cell populations has the best capacity of promoting hematopoietic expansion. In this study, MSCs from UCB and PL were cultured under the same conditions to compare their capacities to support the expansion of HPCs in vitro. MSCs were cocultured with CD34+CD38−Lin− HPCs in the presence or absence of early acting cytokines. HPC expansion was analyzed through quantification of colony-forming cells (CFCs), long-term culture-initiating cells (LTC-ICs), and CD34+CD38−Lin− cells. MSCs from UCB and PL have similar capacities to increase HPC expansion, and this capacity is similar to that presented by BM-MSCs. Here, we are the first to determine that MSCs from UCB and PL have similar capacities to promote HPC expansion; however, PL is a better alternative source because MSCs can be obtained from a higher proportion of samples.

Effects of therapeutic drugs on human placenta explant cultures

Human placental mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) are an attractive source of MSC with great therapeutic potential. However, primary MSC are difficult to study in vitro due to their limited lifespan and patient-to-patient variation.Fetal and maternal MSC were prepared from cells of the chorionic and basal plates of the placenta, respectively. Fetal and maternal MSC were transduced with the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). Conventional stem cell assays assessed the MSC characteristics of the cell lines. Functional assays for cell proliferation, cell migration and ability to form colonies in soft agar were used to assess the whether transduced cells retained properties of primary MSC.Fetal chorionic and maternal MSC were successfully transduced with hTERT to create the cell lines CMSC29 and DMSC23 respectively. The lifespans of CMSC29 and DMSC23 were extended in cell culture. Both cell lines retained important MSC characteristics including cell surface marker expression and multipotent differentiation potential. Neither of the cell lines was tumourigenic in vitro. Gene expression differences were observed between CMSC29 and DMSC23 cells and their corresponding parent, primary MSC. Both cell lines show similar migration potential to their corresponding primary, parent MSC.The data show that transduced MSC retained important functional properties of the primary MSC. There were gene expression and functional differences between cell lines CMSC29 and DMSC23 that reflect their different tissue microenvironments of the parent, primary MSC. CMSC29 and DMSC23 cell lines could be useful tools for optimisation and functional studies of MSC.

Transfer of ampicillin and cefotaxime through the placenta

Human placental mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) are an attractive source of MSC with great therapeutic potential. However, primary MSC are difficult to study in vitro due to their limited lifespan and patient-to-patient variation.Fetal and maternal MSC were prepared from cells of the chorionic and basal plates of the placenta, respectively. Fetal and maternal MSC were transduced with the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). Conventional stem cell assays assessed the MSC characteristics of the cell lines. Functional assays for cell proliferation, cell migration and ability to form colonies in soft agar were used to assess the whether transduced cells retained properties of primary MSC.Fetal chorionic and maternal MSC were successfully transduced with hTERT to create the cell lines CMSC29 and DMSC23 respectively. The lifespans of CMSC29 and DMSC23 were extended in cell culture. Both cell lines retained important MSC characteristics including cell surface marker expression and multipotent differentiation potential. Neither of the cell lines was tumourigenic in vitro. Gene expression differences were observed between CMSC29 and DMSC23 cells and their corresponding parent, primary MSC. Both cell lines show similar migration potential to their corresponding primary, parent MSC.The data show that transduced MSC retained important functional properties of the primary MSC. There were gene expression and functional differences between cell lines CMSC29 and DMSC23 that reflect their different tissue microenvironments of the parent, primary MSC. CMSC29 and DMSC23 cell lines could be useful tools for optimisation and functional studies of MSC.

Stirred tank bioreactor culture combined with serum-/xenogeneic-free culture medium enables an efficient expansion of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells.

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) are being widely explored as promising candidates for cell-based therapies. Among the different human MSC origins exploited, umbilical cord represents an attractive and readily available source of MSC that involves a non-invasive collection procedure. In order to achieve relevant cell numbers of human MSC for clinical applications, it is crucial to develop scalable culture systems that allow bioprocess control and monitoring, combined with the use of serum/xenogeneic (xeno)-free culture media. In the present study, we firstly established a spinner flask culture system combining gelatin-based Cultispher(®) S microcarriers and xeno-free culture medium for the expansion of umbilical cord matrix (UCM)-derived MSC. This system enabled the production of 2.4 (±1.1) x10(5) cells/mL (n = 4) after 5 days of culture, corresponding to a 5.3 (±1.6)-fold increase in cell number. The established protocol was then implemented in a stirred-tank bioreactor (800 mL working volume) (n = 3) yielding 115 million cells after 4 days. Upon expansion under stirred conditions, cells retained their differentiation ability and immunomodulatory potential. The development of a scalable microcarrier-based stirred culture system, using xeno-free culture medium that suits the intrinsic features of UCM-derived MSC represents an important step towards a GMP compliant large-scale production platform for these promising cell therapy candidates.

Human adipose mesenchymal stem cells as potent anti-fibrosis therapy for systemic sclerosis

ObjectivesDisplaying immunosuppressive and trophic properties, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) are being evaluated as promising therapeutic options in a variety of autoimmune and degenerative diseases. Although benefits may be expected in systemic sclerosis (SSc), a rare autoimmune disease with fibrosis-related mortality, MSC have yet to be evaluated in this specific condition. While autologous approaches could be inappropriate because of functional alterations in MSC from patients, the objective of the present study was to evaluate allogeneic and xenogeneic MSC in the HOCl-induced model of diffuse SSc. We also questioned the source of human MSC and compared bone marrow- (hBM-MSC) and adipose-derived MSC (hASC). MethodsHOCl-challenged BALB/c mice received intravenous injection of BM-MSC from syngeneic BALB/c or allogeneic C57BL/6 mice, and xenogeneic hBM-MSC or hASC (3 donors each). Skin thickness was measured during the experiment. At euthanasia, histology, immunostaining, collagen determination and RT-qPCR were performed in skin and lungs. ResultsXenogeneic hBM-MSC were as effective as allogeneic or syngeneic BM-MSC in decreasing skin thickness, expression of Col1, Col3, α-Sma transcripts, and collagen content in skin and lungs. This anti-fibrotic effect was not associated with MSC migration to injured skin or with long-term MSC survival. Interestingly, compared with hBM-MSC, hASC were significantly more efficient in reducing skin fibrosis, which was related to a stronger reduction of TNFα, IL1β, and enhanced ratio of Mmp1/Timp1 in skin and lung tissues. ConclusionsUsing primary cells isolated from 3 murine and 6 human individuals, this preclinical study demonstrated similar therapeutic effects using allogeneic or xenogeneic BM-MSC while ASC exerted potent anti-inflammatory and remodeling properties. This sets the proof-of-concept prompting to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of allogeneic ASC in SSc patients.

Establishment and characterization of fetal and maternal mesenchymal stem/stromal cell lines from the human term placenta

IntroductionHuman placental mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) are an attractive source of MSC with great therapeutic potential. However, primary MSC are difficult to study in vitro due to their limited lifespan and patient-to-patient variation. MethodsFetal and maternal MSC were prepared from cells of the chorionic and basal plates of the placenta, respectively. Fetal and maternal MSC were transduced with the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). Conventional stem cell assays assessed the MSC characteristics of the cell lines. Functional assays for cell proliferation, cell migration and ability to form colonies in soft agar were used to assess the whether transduced cells retained properties of primary MSC. ResultsFetal chorionic and maternal MSC were successfully transduced with hTERT to create the cell lines CMSC29 and DMSC23 respectively. The lifespans of CMSC29 and DMSC23 were extended in cell culture. Both cell lines retained important MSC characteristics including cell surface marker expression and multipotent differentiation potential. Neither of the cell lines was tumourigenic in vitro. Gene expression differences were observed between CMSC29 and DMSC23 cells and their corresponding parent, primary MSC. Both cell lines show similar migration potential to their corresponding primary, parent MSC. DiscussionThe data show that transduced MSC retained important functional properties of the primary MSC. There were gene expression and functional differences between cell lines CMSC29 and DMSC23 that reflect their different tissue microenvironments of the parent, primary MSC. CMSC29 and DMSC23 cell lines could be useful tools for optimisation and functional studies of MSC.

Endometrial stem/progenitor cells: the first 10 years.

BACKGROUNDThe existence of stem/progenitor cells in the endometrium was postulated many years ago, but the first functional evidence was only published in 2004. The identification of rare epithelial and stromal populations of clonogenic cells in human endometrium has opened an active area of research on endometrial stem/progenitor cells in the subsequent 10 years.METHODSThe published literature was searched using the PubMed database with the search terms ‘endometrial stem cells and menstrual blood stem cells' until December 2014.RESULTSEndometrial epithelial stem/progenitor cells have been identified as clonogenic cells in human and as label-retaining or CD44+ cells in mouse endometrium, but their characterization has been modest. In contrast, endometrial mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have been well characterized and show similar properties to bone marrow MSCs. Specific markers for their enrichment have been identified, CD146+PDGFRβ+ (platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta) and SUSD2+ (sushi domain containing-2), which detected their perivascular location and likely pericyte identity in endometrial basalis and functionalis vessels. Transcriptomics and secretomics of SUSD2+ cells confirm their perivascular phenotype. Stromal fibroblasts cultured from endometrial tissue or menstrual blood also have some MSC characteristics and demonstrate broad multilineage differentiation potential for mesodermal, endodermal and ectodermal lineages, indicating their plasticity. Side population (SP) cells are a mixed population, although predominantly vascular cells, which exhibit adult stem cell properties, including tissue reconstitution. There is some evidence that bone marrow cells contribute a small population of endometrial epithelial and stromal cells. The discovery of specific markers for endometrial stem/progenitor cells has enabled the examination of their role in endometrial proliferative disorders, including endometriosis, adenomyosis and Asherman's syndrome. Endometrial MSCs (eMSCs) and menstrual blood stromal fibroblasts are an attractive source of MSCs for regenerative medicine because of their relative ease of acquisition with minimal morbidity. Their homologous and non-homologous use as autologous and allogeneic cells for therapeutic purposes is currently being assessed in preclinical animal models of pelvic organ prolapse and phase I/II clinical trials for cardiac failure. eMSCs and stromal fibroblasts also exhibit non-stem cell-associated immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, further emphasizing their desirable properties for cell-based therapies.CONCLUSIONSMuch has been learnt about endometrial stem/progenitor cells in the 10 years since their discovery, although several unresolved issues remain. These include rationalizing the terminology and diagnostic characteristics used for distinguishing perivascular stem/progenitor cells from stromal fibroblasts, which also have considerable differentiation potential. The hierarchical relationship between clonogenic epithelial progenitor cells, endometrial and decidual SP cells, CD146+PDGFR-β+ and SUSD2+ cells and menstrual blood stromal fibroblasts still needs to be resolved. Developing more genetic animal models for investigating the role of endometrial stem/progenitor cells in endometrial disorders is required, as well as elucidating which bone marrow cells contribute to endometrial tissue. Deep sequencing and epigenetic profiling of enriched populations of endometrial stem/progenitor cells and their differentiated progeny at the population and single-cell level will shed new light on the regulation and function of endometrial stem/progenitor cells.

WITHDRAWN: Effects and mechanisms of mesenchymal stem/stromal cell functions for treatment of hematologic malignancies: promises and challenges

// Myoung Woo Lee 1, 2, * , Somi Ryu 3, * , Dae Seong Kim 1, 2 , Ji Won Lee 1 , Ki Woong Sung 1 , Hong Hoe Koo 1, 2, 4 and Keon Hee Yoo 1, 2, 5 1 Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea 2 Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea 3 Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, Korea 4 Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea 5 Department of Medical Device Management and Research, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea * These authors contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Keon Hee Yoo, email: hema2170@skku.edu Keywords: mesenchymal stem/stromal cell; hematologic malignancy; leukemia; anti-cancer therapy; cell therapy Received: August 29, 2017 Accepted: November 16, 2017 Published: January 02, 2018 ABSTRACT Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are known for being multi-potent; however, they also possess anti-cancer properties, prompting efforts to adapt MSCs for therapies. However, MSCs have also been widely implicated in pathways that, on the contrary, contribute to tumor growth. Numerous studies have been conducted to adapt MSCs for further clinical use, but the results have been inconclusive, possibly due to the heterogeneity of MSC populations. Moreover, the conflicting roles of MSCs in tumor inhibition and tumor growth impede their adaptation for anti-cancer therapies. Anti-tumorigenic and pro-tumorigenic properties of MSCs in hematologic malignancies are not as well established as they are for solid malignancies and data comparing them are still limited. In this review, cancer-related influences of MSCs on hematologic malignancies, such as leukemia and lymphoma, are discussed in addition to underlying mechanisms, as well as sources of MSCs and effects on different cancer types. This review describes how MSCs preserve both anti- and pro-tumorigenic effects, as they tend to not only inhibit tumor growth by suppressing tumor cell proliferation, but also promote tumor growth by suppressing tumor cell apoptosis. Thus, clinical studies trying to adapt MSCs for anti-cancer therapies should consider that MSCs could actually promote hematologic cancer progression. It is necessary to take extreme care in developing MSC-based cell therapies in order to boost anti-cancer properties while eliminating tumor-favoring effects. This review emphasizes that research regarding therapies with MSCs must consider the fact that they exert both anti- and pro-tumorigenic effects on hematologic malignancies.

High incidence of contaminating maternal cell overgrowth in human placental mesenchymal stem/stromal cell cultures: a systematic review.

Placenta is a readily accessible translationally advantageous source of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) currently used in cryobanking and clinical trials. MSCs cultured from human chorion have been widely assumed to be fetal in origin, despite evidence that placental MSCs may be contaminated with maternal cells, resulting in entirely maternally derived MSC cultures. To document the frequency and determinants of maternal cell contamination in chorionic MSCs, we undertook a PRISMA-compliant systematic review of publications in the PubMed, Medline, and Embase databases (January 2000 to July 2013) on placental and/or chorionic MSCs from uncomplicated pregnancies. Of 147 studies, only 26 (18%) investigated fetal and/or maternal cell origin. After excluding studies that did not satisfy minimal MSC criteria, 7 of 15 informative studies documented MSC cultures as entirely fetal, a further 7 studies reported cultured human chorionic MSC populations to be either maternal (n=6) or mixed (n=1), whereas 1 study separately cultured pure fetal and pure maternal MSC from the same placenta. Maternal cell contamination was associated with term and chorionic membrane samples and greater passage number but was still present in 30% of studies of chorionic villous MSCs. Although most studies assume fetal origin for MSCs sourced from chorion, this systematic review documents a high incidence of maternal-origin MSC populations in placental MSC cultures. Given that fetal MSCs have more primitive properties than adult MSCs, our findings have implications for clinical trials in which knowledge of donor and tissue source is pivotal. We recommend sensitive methods to quantitate the source and purity of placental MSCs.

Comparative Analysis Of Bone Marrow and Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells

Bone narrow (BM)- derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) represent the most extensively studied population of adult MSCs and are considered as the gold-standard for MSC-based clinical applications. Yet, it is now becoming increasingly clear that BM may not represent the most suitable source for MSC collection. Indeed, Umbilical cord (UC) has emerged as a more abundant and easily attainable source of MSCs and several reports have shown that MSCs can be efficiently isolated from the connective tissue that surrounds UC vessels, namely the Wharton's jelly (WJ). According to the existing literature, WJ-MSCs display typical MSC characteristics, however a head-to-head comparison with BM-MSCs is still lacking.Provided that ex vivo MSC expansion is a prerequisite for clinical MSC-applications, in the present study we seek to comparatively investigate the characteristics of WJ- and BM-MSCs, cultured under identical conditions.MSCs were isolated and expanded from consenting healthy donors' BM aspirates (n=5) and from the WJ of full-term neonates (n=10) after written informed consent of the family. MSCs were in vitro expanded and re-seeded for a total of 10 passages (P) and phenotypically characterized by flow cytometry (FC). MSCs were induced to differentiate in vitro to adipocytes and osteoblasts. Differentiation was assessed by cytochemical stains and by the expression of adipocyte- and osteocyte-specific genes. Relative gene expression was calculated by the ΔCt method. MSC growth characteristics were assessed by evaluating the population doubling time (DT) and by a methyl-triazolyl-tetrazolium (MTT)-assay throughout passages. Cell-cycle analysis was performed using propidium iodide (PI) staining. MSC survival was evaluated by FC with 7-Aminoactinomycin D (7-AAD) and senescence was estimated by the percentage of SA-b-gal+ cells in cultures. Moreover, MSC karyotypic stability was assessed with classic G-banding. Finally the expression of genes related to Wnt-mediated signal transduction was also investigated, using a PCR array. Total RNA was thus isolated from 6 representative BM- and 6 WJ-MSC cultures at P2. The fold change (FC) for each gene between the group of WJ- and the group of BM-MSCs was calculated with the ΔΔCt method (FC=2-ΔΔCt).WJ-MSCs displayed a spindle-shape morphology, similar to BM-MSCs. Furthermore, WJ- and BM-MSCs displayed identical immunophenotype, as evidenced by the expression of CD90,CD105,CD44,CD29,CD73 and the lack of expression of CD45,CD14,CD34,CD31. WJ-MSCs displayed superior proliferative potential compared to BM-MSCs throughout passages (p<0.05). Moreover, the proportion of proliferating (S/G2/M) WJ-MSCs was higher compared to BM-MSCs at P4 (p<0.001), while there was no significant difference between two MSC populations in the proportion of 7-AADbright/dim –cells at P4. Regarding senescence, significantly fewer SA-b-gal+ cells were observed in WJ-MSC cultures, as compared to BM-MSCs at P10 (p<0.05). Compared to their bone marrow counterparts, WJ-MSCs displayed inferior capacity to differentiate into adipocytes and osteoblasts as evidenced by Oil Red O and Alizarin Red staining, respectively, and also by the weaker expression of adipocyte- (PPAR-g, p<0.0002; CEBP-a, p<0.0001) and osteocyte-specific markers (RUNX2, p<0.0006; DLX5, p<0.0001; ALP, p<0.0042). No chromosomal abnormalities were observed in either WJ- or BM-MSCs during in vitro expansion. Regarding the Wnt-pathway signaling molecules, the Wnt antagonist sFRP4, which induces adipogenesis, as well the Wnt/b-catenin target gene Wisp-1, a regulator of osteogenesis were significantly down-regulated in WJ-MSCs (FC=22.3825, p<0,05; FC=20.18, p<0.0001, respectively). On the other hand, the expression of Wnt/b-catenin target gene Cyclin D1, which induces MSC proliferation and represses adipogenesis, was up-regulated in WJ-MSCs (FC=2.8, p<0.05).Taken together WJ-MSCs display decreased cellular senescence after extended in vitro culture, increased proliferative capacity and reduced potential to differentiate in vitro to adipocytes and osteocytes, as compared to BM-MSCs. The last two observations can be explained, at least partly, by the aberrant expression of Wnt-signaling molecules in WJ-MSCs. The emerging role of Wnt-signaling pathway in WJ-MSC biology is currently under investigation. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The differentiation stage of p53-Rb-deficient bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells imposes the phenotype of in vivo sarcoma development

Increasing evidence suggests that mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) carrying specific mutations are at the origin of some sarcomas. We have reported that the deficiency of p53 alone or in combination with Rb (Rb(-/-) p53(-/-)) in adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs) promotes leiomyosarcoma-like tumors in vivo. Here, we hypothesized that the source of MSCs and/or the cell differentiation stage could determine the phenotype of sarcoma development. To investigate whether there is a link between the source of MSCs and sarcoma phenotype, we generated p53(-/-) and Rb(-/-)p53(-/-) MSCs from bone marrow (BM-MSCs). Both genotypes of BM-MSCs initiated leiomyosarcoma formation similar to p53(-/-) and Rb(-/-)p53(-/-) ASCs. In addition, gene expression profiling revealed transcriptome similarities between p53- or Rb-p53-deficient BM-MSCs/ASCs and muscle-associated sarcomagenesis. These data suggest that the tissue source of MSC does not seem to determine the development of a particular sarcoma phenotype. To analyze whether the differentiation stage defines the sarcoma phenotype, BM-MSCs and ASCs were induced to differentiate toward the osteogenic lineage, and both p53 and Rb were excised using Cre-expressing adenovectors at different stages along osteogenic differentiation. Regardless the level of osteogenic commitment, the inactivation of Rb and p53 in BM-MSC-derived, but not in ASC-derived, osteogenic progenitors gave rise to osteosarcoma-like tumors, which could be serially transplanted. This indicates that the osteogenic differentiation stage of BM-MSCs imposes the phenotype of in vivo sarcoma development, and that BM-MSC-derived osteogenic progenitors rather than undifferentiated BM-MSCs, undifferentiated ASCs or ASC-derived osteogenic progenitors, represent the cell of origin for osteosarcoma development.

Same or Not the Same? Comparison of Adipose Tissue-Derived Versus Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem and Stromal Cells

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) comprise a heterogeneous population of cells with multilineage differentiation potential, the ability to modulate oxidative stress, and secrete various cytokines and growth factors that can have immunomodulatory, angiogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. Recent data indicate that these paracrine factors may play a key role in MSC-mediated effects in modulating various acute and chronic pathological conditions. MSCs are found in virtually all organs of the body. Bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) were discovered first, and the bone marrow was considered the main source of MSCs for clinical application. Subsequently, MSCs have been isolated from various other sources with the adipose tissue, serving as one of the alternatives to bone marrow. Adipose tissue-derived MSCs (ASCs) can be more easily isolated; this approach is safer, and also, considerably larger amounts of ASCs can be obtained compared with the bone marrow. ASCs and BM-MSCs share many biological characteristics; however, there are some differences in their immunophenotype, differentiation potential, transcriptome, proteome, and immunomodulatory activity. Some of these differences may represent specific features of BM-MSCs and ASCs, while others are suggestive of the inherent heterogeneity of both BM-MSC and ASC populations. Still other differences may simply be related to different isolation and culture protocols. Most importantly, despite the minor differences between these MSC populations, ASCs seem to be as effective as BM-MSCs in clinical application, and, in some cases, may be better suited than BM-MSCs. In this review, we will examine in detail the ontology, biology, preclinical, and clinical application of BM-MSCs versus ASCs.

Small Molecule Mesengenic Induction of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells to Generate Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells

The translational potential of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) is limited by their rarity in somatic organs, heterogeneity, and need for harvest by invasive procedures. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) could be an advantageous source of MSCs, but attempts to derive MSCs from pluripotent cells have required cumbersome or untranslatable techniques, such as coculture, physical manipulation, sorting, or viral transduction. We devised a single-step method to direct mesengenic differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and iPSCs using a small molecule inhibitor. First, epithelial-like monolayer cells were generated by culturing ESCs/iPSCs in serum-free medium containing the transforming growth factor-β pathway inhibitor SB431542. After 10 days, iPSCs showed upregulation of mesodermal genes (MSX2, NCAM, HOXA2) and downregulation of pluripotency genes (OCT4, LEFTY1/2). Differentiation was then completed by transferring cells into conventional MSC medium. The resultant development of MSC-like morphology was associated with increased expression of genes, reflecting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Both ESC- and iPSC-derived MSCs exhibited a typical MSC immunophenotype, expressed high levels of vimentin and N-cadherin, and lacked expression of pluripotency markers at the protein level. Robust osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation was induced in vitro in ES-MSCs and iPS-MSCs, whereas adipogenic differentiation was limited, as reported for primitive fetal MSCs and ES-MSCs derived by other methods. We conclude that treatment with SB431542 in two-dimensional cultures followed by culture-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition leads to rapid and uniform MSC conversion of human pluripotent cells without the need for embryoid body formation or feeder cell coculture, providing a robust, clinically applicable, and efficient system for generating MSCs from human iPSCs.

A Mesoderm-Derived Precursor for Mesenchymal Stem and Endothelial Cells

Among the three embryonic germ layers, the mesoderm is a major source of the mesenchymal precursors giving rise to skeletal and connective tissues, but these precursors have not previously been identified and characterized. Using human embryonic stem cells directed toward mesendodermal differentiation, we show that mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) originate from a population of mesodermal cells identified by expression of apelin receptor. In semisolid medium, these precursors form FGF2-dependent compact spheroid colonies containing mesenchymal cells with a transcriptional profile representative of mesoderm-derived embryonic mesenchyme. When transferred to adherent cultures, individual colonies give rise to MSC lines with chondro-, osteo-, and adipogenic differentiation potentials. Although the MSC lines lacked endothelial potential, endothelial cells could be derived from the mesenchymal colonies, suggesting that, similar to hematopoietic cells, MSCs arise from precursors with angiogenic potential. Together, these studies identified a common precursor of mesenchymal and endothelial cells, mesenchymoangioblast, as the source of mesoderm-derived MSCs.