Derived Stem Cells Research Articles

Abstract PO2-20-06: Using the Australian Cardio-Oncology Registry to study long-term cancer therapy related cardiac dysfunction in adult oncology patients – The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse experience

Abstract Background Cancer therapy related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) is a significant side effect of several chemotherapies, targeted agents, and immunotherapies integral to treatment. Anthracyclines are an example of a commonly used chemotherapy drug class that can cause irreversible early and late onset heart failure. CTRCD often leads to dose reductions and treatment delays or cessation, limiting treatment success and contributing to increased mortality and life-long morbidity in oncology survivors. In Australia, there are currently no multi-centre, longitudinal studies examining CTRCD in adult oncology patients. Trial design The Australian Cardiology-Oncology Registry (ACOR) is a prospective observational non-interventional study involving 14 sites across Australia. Patient information is obtained from hospital medical records and de-identified upon entry into the registry. Patient demographics, medical history, cancer diagnosis, treatment, cardiac evaluations, and the management of demonstrated CTRCD are recorded. Data is collected at baseline (prior to treatment), and then at six-monthly intervals thereafter. Additionally, patients who develop anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (ACT) will be asked to participate in the biobanking study, which will involve a one-off 12mL peripheral blood draw that will be processed at an external site for whole genome exome sequencing and the development of pluripotent derived stem cell cardiomyocytes. Eligibility criteria Inclusion Criteria • Adult oncology patients (>18+ years of age) treated with cardiotoxic therapies within the last 5-years Exclusion Criteria • Diagnosis of Trisomy 21 • Patients being treated with palliative intent Specific aims Chris O’Brien Lifehouse aims to use the ACOR to explore the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and management of CTRCD amongst adult oncology patients receiving cardiotoxic therapies. In addition, a biobanking sub-study will attempt to identify gene polymorphisms predisposing individuals to developing ACT. It is hoped that such longitudinal data collection can lead to the introduction of an ACT susceptibility genetic screening test allowing for the inclusion of patient risk stratification prior to anthracycline exposure in routine cancer treatment. Statistical methods Descriptive statistics will be used for variables for quantitative analysis. Kaplan Meier analyses will be used for survival curves, freedom from cardiac failure since enrolment and freedom from arrhythmia since enrolment. An annual report will be produced. Present accrual and target accrual At the time of submission, 224 adult oncology patients have been recruited to the ACOR via Chris O’Brien Lifehouse with the opening of the biobanking sub-study currently in progress. The ACOR anticipates with full registered site capacity to capture 600 patients annually. Citation Format: Jocelyn Finney, Ben Felmingham, Sanjeev Kumar, Alina Mahmood, Lisa Horvath, David Celermajer, Rachel Conyers. Using the Australian Cardio-Oncology Registry to study long-term cancer therapy related cardiac dysfunction in adult oncology patients – The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse experience [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO2-20-06.

Recent advances on anti-HIV chimeric antigen receptor-T-cell treatment to provide sustained HIV remission.

Successful sustained remission of HIV infection has been achieved after CCR5Δ32/Δ32 allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for treatment of leukemia in a small cohort of people living with HIV (PLWH). This breakthrough demonstrated that the goal of curing HIV was achievable. However, the high morbidity and mortality associated with bone marrow transplantation limits the routine application of this approach and provides a strong rationale for pursuing alternative strategies for sustained long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART)-free HIV remission. Notably, long-term immune-mediated control of HIV replication observed in elite controllers and posttreatment controllers suggests that potent HIV-specific immune responses could provide sustained ART-free remission in PLWH. The capacity of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells engineered to target malignant cells to induce remission and cure in cancer patients made this an attractive approach to provide PLWH with a potent HIV-specific immune response. Here, we review the recent advances in the design and application of anti-HIV CAR-T-cell therapy to provide a functional HIV cure. HIV reservoirs are established days after infection and persist through clonal expansion of infected cells. The continuous interaction between latently infected cells and the immune system shapes the landscape of HIV latency and likely contributes to ART-free viral control in elite controllers. CAR-T cells can exhibit superior antiviral activity as compared with native HIV-specific T cells, particularly because they can be engineered to have multiple HIV specificities, resistance to HIV infection, dual costimulatory signaling, immune checkpoint inhibitors, stem cell derivation, CMV TCR coexpression, and tissue homing ligands. These modifications can significantly improve the capacities of anti-HIV CAR-T cells to prevent viral escape, resist HIV infection, and enhance cytotoxicity, persistence, and tissue penetration. Collectively, these novel modifications of anti-HIV CAR-T cell design have increased their capacity to control HIV infection. Anti-HIV CAR-T cells can be engineered to provide potent and sustained in-vitro and in-vivo antiviral function. The combination of anti-HIV CAR-T cells with other immunotherapeutics may contribute to long-term HIV remission in PLWH.

Abstract 2058: Endothelial Cell Regeneration By Secretome Obtained From P53 Silenced Bone Marrow Derived MSCs (BMSCs).

Introduction: Diabetes is associated with impaired endothelial function. Studies have demonstrated that endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and mature endothelial cells (EC) are susceptible to apoptosis in hyperglycemic environment. Hyperglycemia promotes p53 gene over-expression and p53 gene silencing prior to hyperglycemia exposure prevents cellular senescence and helps vascular regeneration. Previously we have shown that p53 silenced human CD34+ve progenitor cell therapy and even associated cell derived secretome, helped tissue regeneration. Our goal in this project was to test whether conditioned media (CM) obtained from p53 silenced human stem cells (other than CD34+ve cells) can also improve endothelial regeneration exposed to hyperglycemia. We compared CM obtained from adipose and bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells on endothelial regeneration Methods: Ad-human-P53 (TP53)-shRNA was used to silence P53 and Ad-scrambled-null-shRNA was used as control in bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells. To collect conditioned media BM-MSCs were cultured in exosome free FBS media for 5 days, following transduction with Ad-p53sh or Ad-null, as the case may be. After transduction, cells were grown in media containing 2% exosome free FBS for only 48h and the collected supernatant was concentrated 10-fold to obtain the CM. Endothelial regeneration was tested using endothelial wound healing assay kit ( from Cell Biolabs # CBA-120-T). We compared CM obtained from null and p53sh in adipose and bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells on human endothelial cells in normal and high glucose conditions Results: Proliferation rate of endothelial cells was enhanced when we used CM from bone marrow derived cells as compared to CM from adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells, by nearly two fold. We are currently analyzing the secretome by mass spectroscopy. Conclusion: P53 silencing appears to improve endothelial regeneration on using CM obtained from bone marrow derived stem cells. This maybe secondary to improved mitochondrial function post p53 gene silencing. The CM thus obtained are in sufficient quantities and may have therapeutic role in treating diabetes vascular complications such as diabetic wound healing.

Raman spectroscopy analysis of human amniotic fluid cells from fetuses with myelomeningocele

Prenatal surgery for the treatment of spina bifida (myelomeningocele, MMC) significantly enhances the neurological prognosis of the patient. To ensure better protection of the spinal cord by large defects, the application of skin grafts produced with cells gained from the amniotic fluid is presently studied. In order to determine the most appropriate cells for this purpose, we tried to shed light on the extremely complex amniotic fluid cellular composition in healthy and MMC pregnancies. We exploited the potential of micro-Raman spectroscopy to analyse and characterize human amniotic fluid cells in total and putative (cKit/CD117-positive) stem cells of fetuses with MMC in comparison with amniotic fluid cells from healthy individuals, human fetal dermal fibroblasts and adult adipose derived stem cells. We found that (i) the differences between healthy and MMC amniocytes can be attributed to specific spectral regions involving collagen, lipids, sugars, tryptophan, aspartate, glutamate, and carotenoids, (ii) MMC amniotic fluid contains two particular cell populations which are absent or reduced in normal pregnancies, (iii) the cKit-negative healthy amniocyte subpopulation shares molecular features with human fetal fibroblasts. On the one hand we demonstrate a different amniotic fluid cellular composition in healthy and MMC pregnancies, on the other our work confirms micro-Raman spectroscopy to be a valuable tool for discriminating cell populations in unknown mixtures of cells.

Stimulation of Naïve Adipose-Derived Stem Cells with Mesenteric Lymph from Chronic Alcohol-Fed Rats Induces IL-33 Release Associated with Cellular Necrosis

Our studies show that chronic alcohol feeding in rodents induced mesenteric lymphatic leakage into surrounding perilymphatic adipose tissue (PLAT) that was associated with increased fat regulatory T cells (fTregs), that were not increased in the circulation, suggesting local expansion of fTregs in PLAT. Increased visceral fTregs are implicated in age-associated insulin resistance. The IL-33 receptor, ST2, has been implicated in fTreg cell development and is critical for their accumulation in PLAT. IL-33 is released upon cell death by visceral adipose tissue stromal or adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) and acts as an alarmin to signal tissue damage. Whether lymphatic leakage in alcohol-fed animals results in death of ADSCs, release of IL-33, and activation of the IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway leading to PLAT fTreg accumulation has yet to be explored. Here, we tested the hypothesis that stimulation of naïve ADSCs with lymph from chronic alcohol-fed animals would lead to increased IL-33 via cell death. Male Fischer 344 rats were randomized to a Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet containing 36% of calories from alcohol or pair-fed an isocaloric diet for 10 weeks (N=10/group). Mesenteric lymph was collected from anesthetized alcohol- and pair-fed animals via the lymph fistula technique. PLAT ADSCs, isolated from age-matched, naïve, chow-fed rats were cultured until adherent and stimulated with 5% v/v lymph from alcohol- or pair-fed animals for 24 hrs. Supernatant was collected, and IL-33 concentration was measured by commercially available ELISA. Adherent ADSCs were stained with 7-AAD and CytoCalcein fluorescent dyes to assess cell viability using fluorescence microscopy. Viable and necrotic cells were counted using QuPath software. Statistical differences were assessed using one-way ANOVA in GraphPad Prism. Results show a 2.5-fold increase in the concentration of IL-33 in supernatant of ADSCs stimulated with lymph from alcohol-fed animals compared to ADSCs stimulated with lymph from pair-fed animals. In addition, ADSC necrosis was 4-fold greater in wells stimulated with lymph from alcohol-fed animals than in those stimulated with control lymph or vehicle. In contrast, lymph stimulation of ADSCs from control-fed animals did not show a significant increase in IL-33 release as compared to vehicle treated controls. These data indicate presence of mediators that induce IL-33 release in lymph from alcohol-fed animals and support the hypothesized involvement of the IL-33/ST2 pathway in chronic alcohol associated ADSC cell death. Supported by K01AA026640 (FSS), 1F30AA030909-01 (KW), 5T32AA007577-23 (PM). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Miniaturization of hiPSC-derived 3D neural cultures in stirred-tank bioreactors for parallelized preclinical assessment of rAAV.

Introduction: Engineered 3D models employing human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) derivatives have the potential to recapitulate the cell diversity and structure found in the human central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, these complex cellular systems offer promising human models to address the safety and potency of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), such as gene therapies. Specifically, recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) are currently considered highly attractive for CNS gene therapy due to their broad tropism, low toxicity, and moderate immunogenicity. To accelerate the clinical translation of rAAVs, in-depth preclinical evaluation of efficacy and safety in a human setting is primordial. The integration of hiPSC-derived CNS models in rAAV development will require, amongst other factors, robust, small-scale, high-throughput culture platforms that can feed the preclinical trials. Methods: Herein, we pioneer the miniaturization and parallelization of a 200mL stirred-tank bioreactor-based 3D brain cell culture derived from hiPSCs. We demonstrate the applicability of the automated miniaturized Ambr® 15 Cell Culture system for the maintenance of hiPSC-derived neurospheroids (iNSpheroids), composed of neuronal and glial cells. Critical process parameters were optimized, namely, cell density and agitation mode. Results: Under optimized conditions, stable iNSpheroid cultures were attained in the microbioreactors for at least 15days, with high cell viability and astrocytic and neuronal phenotype maintenance. This culture setup allowed the parallelization of different rAAVs, in different multiplicity of infections (MOIs), to address rAAV-host interactions at a preclinical scale. The iNSpheroids were exposed to rAAV2- and rAAV9-eGFP in the microbioreactors. Transgene expression was detected 14days post-transduction, revealing different astrocyte/neuron tropism of the two serotypes. Discussion: We advocate that the iNSpheroid cultures in miniaturized bioreactors are reliable and reproducible screening tools for addressing rAAV transduction and tropism, compatible with preclinical demands.

Long Term Rejuvenation of Facial Skin by Transplantation of Autologous Stromal Vascular Fraction and Pre-conditioned Matrix: A Clinical Study

Background: For skin rejuvenation, today no procedure describes a specific treatment of the extracellular matrix (ECM) combined with stromal vascular fraction (SVF) from adipose tissue. A new product AmeaCell® , allows SVF extraction and ECM preconditioning in hypoxic conditions. Hypoxia significantly increased the adhesion of adipose derived stem cells and enhace their proliferation and differentiation. Objective: This clinical study aimed to evaluate safety and efficiency of this new procedure, over one year. Material and methods: The study was performed on 23 patients. After a liposuction and fat proceed, SVF and the matrix were extracted and preconditioned following Ameacell® procedure, then injected into wrinkles. Results were scored for WSRS and GAIS scales at 6, 12 months after surgery. Results: No serious adverse reactions occurred. Regarding efficiency, whatever the baseline, the Ameacell® procedure triggered an improvement of WSRS score in most patients after one year follow-up: 75% of patients when WSRS score at baseline 2; 83% of patients when WSRS score at baseline 3. This is in accordance with the GAIS scored by both investigators and patients. Conclusion: This one-year follow-up clinical study using Ameacell® procedure, exhibited an improvement of facial skin appearance.

Sexual Dimorphism's impact on adipogenesis: A three-dimensional in vitro model treated with 17β-estradiol and testosterone

Using a three-dimensional (3-D) in vitro culture model, we report the dose dependent effect of 17β-estradiol and testosterone on the adipogenic differentiation and maturation of human adipose derived stem cells (hASCs) obtained from female and male patients. Considering sexual dimorphism, we expected male and female adipocytes to respond differently to the sex steroids. Both male and female hASC spheroids were exposed to 100 nM and 500 nM of 17β-estradiol and testosterone either at the beginning of the adipogenic maturation (Phase I) to discourage intracellular triglyceride accumulation or exposed after adipogenic maturation (Phase II) to reduce the intracellular triglyceride accumulation. The results show that 17β-estradiol leads to a dose dependent reduction in intracellular triglyceride accumulation in female hASC spheroids compared to the both untreated and testosterone-treated cells. Affirming our hypothesis, 17β-estradiol prevented intracellular triglyceride accumulation during Phase I, while it stimulated lipolysis during Phase II. PPAR-γ and adiponectin gene expression also reduced upon 17β-estradiol treatment in female cells. Interestingly, 17β-estradiol and testosterone had only a modest effect on the male hASC spheroids. Collectively, our findings suggest that 17β-estradiol can prevent fat accumulation in adipocytes during early and late stages of maturation in females.

Adipose Derived Stem Cells in Orthopaedics: History and Current Applications

Context: Some studies have shown promising results with adipose-derived stem cell treatments for orthopaedic problems as a nonsurgical treatment option or an augmentation of surgical treatment. Purpose: Review of the history and background, preparation methods, and current applications of adipose-derived stem cells in orthopedics. Provide critical appraisal of the available evidence for the use of Adipose Derived Stem Cells. Results: Most of the studies utilizing adipose-derived stem cells are case series or meta-analyses with a small number of studies, therefore presenting a risk of selection bias. In cases of femoral head avascular necrosis and meniscal repair, no systematic review or meta-analysis has been published and available evidence is derived from smaller studies. Almost every review article concluded that large, multicenter, randomized control trials are needed to establish the value of adipose-derived stem cells in orthopaedics. Conclusion: There is a need in orthopaedics for treatment modalities that increase biological healing potential for some pathologies and adipose derived stem cells represent a potential modality for such a purpose. However, there is a lack of high quality and robust evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of this treatment modality in orthopaedic applications. The use of adipose derived stem cells in orthopaedics requires additional studies of higher quality before they can be considered an appropriate treatment option. Strength of Recommendation: Level C for use of Adipose-derived stem cells in orthopaedics.

Adipose-derived stem cells derived decellularized extracellular matrix enabled skin regeneration and remodeling.

The tissues or organs derived decellularized extracellular matrix carry immunogenicity and the risk of pathogen transmission, resulting in limited therapeutic effects. The cell derived dECM cultured in vitro can address these potential risks, but its impact on wound remodeling is still unclear. This study aimed to explore the role of decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) extracted from adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) in skin regeneration. Methods: ADSCs were extracted from human adipose tissue. Then we cultivated adipose-derived stem cell cells and decellularized ADSC-dECM for freeze-drying. Western blot (WB), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and mass spectrometry (MS) were conducted to analyzed the main protein components in ADSC-dECM. The cell counting assay (CCK-8) and scratch assay were used to explore the effects of different concentrations of ADSC-dECM on the proliferation and migration of human keratinocytes cells (HaCaT), human umbilical vein endothelia cells (HUVEC) and human fibroblasts (HFB), respectively. Moreover, we designed a novel ADSC-dECM-CMC patch which used carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) to load with ADSC-dECM; and we further investigated its effect on a mouse full thickness skin wound model. Results: ADSC-dECM was obtained after decellularization of in vitro cultured human ADSCs. Western blot, ELISA and mass spectrometry results showed that ADSC-dECM contained various bioactive molecules, including collagen, elastin, laminin, and various growth factors. CCK-8 and scratch assay showed that ADSC-dECM treatment could significantly promote the proliferation and migration of HaCaT, human umbilical vein endothelia cells, and human fibroblasts, respectively. To evaluate the therapeutic effect on wound healing in vivo, we developed a novel ADSC-dECM-CMC patch and transplanted it into a mouse full-thickness skin wound model. And we found that ADSC-dECM-CMC patch treatment significantly accelerated the wound closure with time. Further histology and immunohistochemistry indicated that ADSC-dECM-CMC patch could promote tissue regeneration, as confirmed via enhanced angiogenesis and high cell proliferative activity. Conclusion: In this study, we developed a novel ADSC-dECM-CMC patch containing multiple bioactive molecules and exhibiting good biocompatibility for skin reconstruction and regeneration. This patch provides a new approach for the use of adipose stem cells in skin tissue engineering.

#40. Bone metastatic cancer derived stem cell factor induces sensory nerve sprouting in vitro and pain behavior in vivo through c-kit receptor activation

#40. Bone metastatic cancer derived stem cell factor induces sensory nerve sprouting in vitro and pain behavior in vivo through c-kit receptor activation

The therapeutics of fat grafting and adipose derived stem cells in burn injuries—a comprehensive review of the evidence and challenges

The therapeutics of fat grafting and adipose derived stem cells in burn injuries—a comprehensive review of the evidence and challenges

De novo regeneration of dentin pulp complex mediated by Adipose derived stem cells in an immunodeficient albino rat model (Histological, histochemical and scanning electron microscopic Study)

BackgroundDental tissue engineering is an alternative procedure for restoring damaged dental tissues. Adipose-derived stem cells are a new source of cells for regenerative endodontics in combination with scaffold materials. The descriptive data about this regenerative process is still insufficient. ObjectiveTo evaluate the regenerative potential of Adipose-derived stem cells using a self-assembling polypeptide scaffold for the dentin-pulp complex in an emptied root canal space. Material and Methods40 root segments of human single-rooted teeth were transplanted into the albino rats’ dorsal subcutaneous tissue. Root segments were divided into two groups: group I contained only a self-assembling polypeptide scaffold, and group II contained fluorescent-labeled Adipose-derived stem cells embedded in a self-assembling polypeptide scaffold. The newly formed tissues were assessed on the 60th and 90th days post-transplantation using routine histological examination, Masson trichrome staining, and scanning electron microscopy. ResultsGroup I showed granulation tissue without any signs of predentin formation or odontoblast-like cells. Group II revealed the presence of predentin tissue along the dentin margin, with arranged odontoblast-like cells. An organized connective tissue with abundant vasculature and calcific masses was observed in the pulp space. ConclusionAdipose-derived stem cells can be considered as alternative stem cells for regenerating the dentin-pulp complex. Dentin pulp complex regeneration utilizing a self-assembling polypeptide scaffold alone would not yield successful results.

Incorporating bioactive glass nanoparticles in silk fibroin/bacterial nanocellulose composite scaffolds improves their biological and osteogenic properties for bone tissue engineering applications

Blend polymers composed of natural polymers are a ubiquitous biomaterial class due to their suitable mechanical and biological characterization. In the present study, composite scaffolds based on bacterial cellulose (BC)/silk fibroin (SF) with bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGNPs) were developed to enhance osteogenesis in human adipose derived stem cells (hASCs). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results of BGNPs indicated a spherical morphology and size ranging from 15 to 30 nm. The presence of BC and BGNPs reduced the pore diameter of SF scaffolds to about 210 ± 10 μm and 205 ± 10 μm, respectively, while increasing their compressive strength and compressive modulus. FTIR analyses proved the presence of BGNPs, BC and SF in the scaffolds. Flow cytometry data confirmed the surface markers for hASCs. The results also showed that BC and BGNPs addition to BC/SF scaffolds decreased degradation and swelling rate. The gene expression (Runx2, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin) studies signified the osteogenic potential of BGNPs in BC/SF scaffolds on hASCs. Eventually, the increased cell adhesion, viability and differentiation in the BC/SF and BC/SF/BGNPs composite scaffolds drawn from MTT, SEM, Alizarin red staining and alkaline phosphatase activity confirmed that these scaffolds promise to serve as a therapeutic candidate for bone defects.

Abstract 4226: Human-derived hydrogels for 3D models of bone and osteosarcoma organoids and adipose tissue interactions

Abstract The goal of the study was to determine the metabolic and morphological changes, via high Content Imaging, in 3D models of osteosarcoma cancer cells using human derived hydrogels with different protein composition, Obagel and Obagel ECM. Furthermore, we evaluated the relevance of the adipose tissue microenvironment in Adipose Derived Stem Cells (ADSC) linage and Tumoroids development. Methods: Adipose derived Stem cells were cultured in a modified 3D human and fat and bone linage differentiation as studied via histology and Immunofluorescence. Osteosarcoma spheroids were cultured in Obatala Sciences’ human-derived hydrogels ObaGel and ObaGelECM and control media. Organoid structure and phenotypic changes were analyzed via live cell imaging on the Incucyte S3 and Nikon high content imaging device. Then, adipocyte- cancer cell crosstalk was evaluated using pooled adipocytes co-cultured with KHOS spheroids. Adipose derived Stem cells were cultured in a modified 3D human derived hydrogel dictates that promotes the differentiation potential toward fat and adipose tissue simultaneously in microenvironments within the organoid. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that ObaGel and ObaGel-ECM 3D cultures can support the growth and proliferation of KHOS tumor spheres during an extended culture period. Metabolic changes and phenotypic changes associated to ObaGel and ObaGel-ECM differentially facilitated tumoroids growth and migratory behavior. Conclusions: Human derived hydrogels are developed to support 3D culture of Bone and Osteosarcoma cells to recapitulate the phenotypic changes associated with their metastatic potential. The use of human derived 3D culture systems can accelerate the understanding of the role of the microenvironment in bone development and the pathogenesis and progression of Cancers like Osteosarcoma as well as screening for drug development. Citation Format: Cecilia G. Sanchez, Arman Raz, Haley Lassiter, Trivia Frazier. Human-derived hydrogels for 3D models of bone and osteosarcoma organoids and adipose tissue interactions [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4226.

Senolytic drugs dasatinib and quercetin combined with Carboplatin or Olaparib reduced the peritoneal and adipose tissue metastasis of ovarian cancer

Chemotherapy and targeted drugs-induced senescent ovarian cancer cells that accumulate in peritoneal adipose tissue contribute significantly to chronic inflammation, disrupt homeostasis, and may fuel various aspects of cancer progression. However, the pro-senescence effects of chemotherapy and targeted drugs on adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) within peritoneal adipose tissue remain poorly understood. In this study, we show that the first-line chemotherapy and targeted drugs can induce the cellular senescence of ADSCs in vitro and increase the aging of peritoneal adipose tissue in vivo. These treatments significantly promoted the dysregulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, including insulin resistance and liver lipid accumulation. Our study shows that dasatinib and quercetin, as senolytics, effectively restore glucose homeostasis in mice with ovarian cancer and significantly reduce adipose tissue aging. Importantly, combining these drugs with Carboplatin or Olaparib results in a marked decrease in both peritoneal and adipose tissue metastasis of ovarian cancer cells. Mechanistically, we revealed that there is crosstalk between ovarian cancer cells and senescent ADSCs. The crosstalk increases inflammatory cytokines and chemokines production in ADSCs and notably upregulates chemokine receptors on cancer cells. Collectively, these data indicate that senescent ADSCs induced by chemotherapy and targeted therapy drugs impair adipose tissue function. However, the senolytic drugs dasatinib and quercetin, can significantly ameliorate organ aging and damage induced by these treatments. Notably, dasatinib and quercetin combined with Carboplatin or Olaparib reduced the peritoneal and adipose tissue metastasis of ovarian cancer, ultimately benefiting the mice undergoing chemotherapy and targeted therapy.

An optimized culture system for efficient derivation of porcine expanded potential stem cells from preimplantation embryos and by reprogramming somatic cells.

Pigs share anatomical and physiological traits with humans and can serve as a large-animal model for translational medicine. Bona fide porcine pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) could facilitate testing cell and drug therapies. Agriculture and biotechnology may benefit from the ability to produce immune cells for studying animal infectious diseases and to readily edit the porcine genome in stem cells. Isolating porcine PSCs from preimplantation embryos has been intensively attempted over the past decades. We previously reported the derivation of expanded potential stem cells (EPSCs) from preimplantation embryos and by reprogramming somatic cells of multiple mammalian species, including pigs. Porcine EPSCs (pEPSCs) self-renew indefinitely, differentiate into embryonic and extra-embryonic lineages, and permit precision genome editing. Here we present a highly reproducible experimental procedure and data of an optimized and robust porcine EPSC culture system and its use in deriving new pEPSC lines from preimplantation embryos and reprogrammed somatic cells. No particular expertise is required for the protocols, which take ~4-6 weeks to complete. Importantly, we successfully established pEPSC lines from both in vitro fertilized and somatic cell nuclear transfer-derived embryos. These new pEPSC lines proliferated robustly over long-term passaging and were amenable to both simple indels and precision genome editing, with up to 100% targeting efficiency. The pEPSCs differentiated into embryonic cell lineages in vitro and teratomas in vivo, and into porcine trophoblast stem cells in human trophoblast stem cell medium. We show here that pEPSCs have unique epigenetic features, particularly H3K27me3 levels substantially lower than fibroblasts.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation for patients with Richter transformation: a retrospective study on behalf of the Chronic Malignancies Working Party of the EBMT.

Management of Richter transformation (RT) is particularly challenging, with survival estimates <1 year. We report on outcomes of 66 RT patients undergoing allogeneic-HCT (allo-HCT) between 2008 and 2018 registered with the EBMT. Median age at allo-HCT was 56.2 years (interquartile range (IQR), 51.3-63.1). Median time from RT to allo-HCT was 6.9 months (IQR, 4.9-11) and 28 (42.4%) were in complete remission (CR). The majority underwent reduced intensity conditioning (66.2%) using peripheral blood derived stem cells. Eighteen (27.3%) patients had a matched sibling donor, 24 (36.4%) a matched unrelated donor and the remaining were mismatched. Median follow-up was 6.6 years; 1- and 3- year overall and progression free survival (PFS) (95% CI) was 65% (54-77) and 39% (27-51) and 53% (41-65) and 29% (18-40), respectively. Patients in CR at time of allo-HCT had significantly better 3-year PFS (39% vs. 21%, p = 0.032). Cumulative incidences of grade II-IV acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) at day +100 was 41% (95% CI 29-53) and chronic GVHD at 3years was 53% (95% CI 41-65). High rates of non-relapse mortality (NRM) were observed; 38% (95% CI, 26-50) at 3 years. Although potentially curative, approaches to reduce considerable NRM and chronic GVHD rates are required.

O119: Investigating the Secretome of Adipose Derived Stem Cells on Extracellular Matrix Remodelling in Radiation-Induced Fibrosis

Abstract Background Radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF) is a debilitating complication following radiotherapy, characterised by fibroblast proliferation and excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, leading to functional and aesthetic impairments. Although autologous fat grafting (AFG) has shown promise in reversing RIF, the mechanisms, largely attributed to adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate ADSCs’ and their secretome on ECM remodelling in RIF management. Methods The anti-fibrotic potential of the ADSC secretome on HDFs subjected to ionising radiation was assessed via a series of in vitro experiments. Control HDFs were compared with irradiated HDFs to assess any phenotypical changes. Irradiated HDFs were treated with ADSC pre-conditioned media (CM) or ADSC co-culture (CC). Gene expression (COL1A1, TGF-β, CCN-2, MMP-1, MMP-3, TIMP-1, ACTA2, TNC) was assessed via real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). ProCollagen1a1 and CCN2 protein concentrations were assessed by ELISA. Results Irradiated HDFs demonstrated changes in fibrotic gene expression. ADSC-CM treatment significantly reduced COL1A1 expression, although protein levels remained unchanged. TGF-β1, CCN2, MMP-3, TIMP-1 and ACTA-2 exhibited reduced expression post-ADSC-CM treatment whereas TNC expression was found to be significantly increased. Co-culture with ADSCs led to a general, but not statistically significant, decrease in pro-fibrotic gene expression. Notably, CCN-2 protein expression significantly increased. Conclusion This study demonstrates that ionising radiation results in a pathological pro-fibrotic phenotype in HDFs. The ADSC secretome potentially mitigates this, reducing pro-fibrotic gene expression. Unexpectedly, co-culture experiments highlighted a complex interaction with upregulation of fibrosis-associated genes. Further research is needed to clarify these interactions to improve therapeutic interventions for RIF.

Development of hybrid biomicroparticles: cellulose exposing functionalized fusion proteins

BackgroundOne of the leading current trends in technology is the miniaturization of devices to the microscale and nanoscale. The highly advanced approaches are based on biological systems, subjected to bioengineering using chemical, enzymatic and recombinant methods. Here we have utilised the biological affinity towards cellulose of the cellulose binding domain (CBD) fused with recombinant proteins.ResultsHere we focused on fusions with ‘artificial’, concatemeric proteins with preprogrammed functions, constructed using DNA FACE™ technology. Such CBD fusions can be efficiently attached to micro-/nanocellulose to form functional, hybrid bionanoparticles. Microcellulose (MCC) particles were generated by a novel approach to enzymatic hydrolysis using Aspergillus sp. cellulase. The interaction between the constructs components – MCC, CBD and fused concatemeric proteins – was evaluated. Obtaining of hybrid biomicroparticles of a natural cellulose biocarrier with proteins with therapeutic properties, fused with CBD, was confirmed. Further, biological tests on the hybrid bioMCC particles confirmed the lack of their cytotoxicity on 46BR.1 N fibroblasts and human adipose derived stem cells (ASCs). The XTT analysis showed a slight inhibition of the proliferation of 46BR.1 N fibroblasts and ACSs cells stimulated with the hybrid biomicroparticles. However, in both cases no changes in the morphology of the examined cells after incubation with the hybrid biomicroparticles’ MCC were detected.ConclusionsMicrocellulose display with recombinant proteins involves utilizing cellulose, a natural polymer found in plants, as a platform for presenting or displaying proteins. This approach harnesses the structural properties of cellulose to express or exhibit various recombinant proteins on its surface. It offers a novel method for protein expression, presentation, or immobilization, enabling various applications in biotechnology, biomedicine, and other fields. Microcellulose shows promise in biomedical fields for wound healing materials, drug delivery systems, tissue engineering scaffolds, and as a component in bio-sensors due to its biocompatibility and structural properties.