Nestin-specific green fluorescent protein expression in embryonic stem cell-derived neural precursor cells used for transplantation

Expression of the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under control of a thymidine kinase promoter/nestin second intron was specifically detected in nestin immunoreactive neural precursor cells after selection of murine embryonic stem (ES) cells in chemically defined medium. Allowing differentiation in vitro, the capacity of these cells to give rise to astroglia, oligodendroglia, and neurones was investigated. After intracerebral transplantation, long-lasting integration of precursor cells into the host tissue was observed, serving as a pool for successive neuronal and glial differentiation. EGFP expression by ES cell-derived neural precursor cells may be a valuable tool to optimize protocols for maintenance and expansion of these cells in vitro as well as in vivo after intracerebral transplantation. In addition, preparative fluorescence-activated cell sorting of EGFP-labeled neural precursor cells should be useful for standardization of a donor cell population for cell replacement therapies.     

Uptake of Abeta 1-40- and Abeta 1-42-coated yeast by microglial cells: a role for LRP

Artificial diffuse and amyloid core of neuritic plaques [beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta) deposits] could be prepared using heat-killed yeast particles opsonized with Abeta 1-40 or Abeta 1-42 peptides. Interaction and fate of these artificial deposits with microglial cells could be followed using a method of staining that allows discrimination of adherent and internalized, heat-killed yeast particles. Using this system, it was possible to show that nonfibrillar or fibrillar (f)Abeta peptides, formed in solution upon heating (aggregates), could not impair the internalization of heat-killed yeast particles opsonized with fAbeta 1-40 or fAbeta 1-42. This indicated that depending on their physical state, Abeta peptide(s) do not recognize the same receptors and probably do not follow the same internalization pathway. Using competitive ligands of class A scavenger receptors (SR-A) or low-density lipoprotein-related receptor protein (LRP), it has been shown that SR-A were not involved in the recognition of amyloid peptide deposits, whereas LRP specifically recognized deposits of fAbeta 1-42 (but not fAbeta 1-40) and mediated their phagocytosis.     

Human embryonic stem cell-derived neural precursor transplants attenuate apomorphine-induced rotational behavior in rats with unilateral quinolinic acid lesions

To test the efficacy of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived neural precursors in an experimental model of Huntington's disease (HD), we differentiated hESC into nestin-positive neural precursors by co-culturing with PA6 stromal cells, and subsequently transplanted them into the striatum of quinolinic acid (QA)-induced HD model. The transplanted animals exhibited a behavioral recovery in the apomorphine-induced rotation test for 3 weeks after transplantation. The transplanted hESC-derived neural precursors were found in both cortex and striatum. They also exhibited some evidence of neuronal differentiation. At the time of examination, no tumor was detected. These results strongly suggest that hESC-derived neural precursors can lead to a behavioral recovery, as well as neuronal differentiation, in the pre-clinical model of HD.     

Embryonic stem cell-derived neuronally committed precursor cells with reduced teratoma formation after transplantation into the lesioned adult mouse brain

The therapeutic potential of embryonic stem (ES) cells in neurodegenerative disorders has been widely recognized, and methods are being developed to optimize culture conditions for enriching the cells of interest and to improve graft stability and safety after transplantation. Whereas teratoma formation rarely occurs in xenogeneic transplantation paradigms of ES cell-derived neural progeny, more than 70% of mice that received murine ES cell-derived neural precursor cells develop teratomas, thus posing a major safety problem for allogeneic and syngeneic transplantation paradigms. Here we introduce a new differentiation protocol based on the generation of substrate-adherent ES cell-derived neural aggregates (SENAs) that consist predominantly of neuronally committed precursor cells. Purified SENAs that were differentiated into immature but postmitotic neurons did not form tumors up to four months after syngeneic transplantation into the acutely degenerated striatum and showed robust survival.     

毛囊神经干细胞促进受损大鼠视神经大胶质细胞去分化

目的 培养毛囊神经干细胞,研究其对受损视神经大胶质细胞去分化的影响。 方法 取约90g雄性SD大鼠触须垫毛囊隆突区贴块,无血清培养或经15%胎牛血清诱导培养毛囊隆突区细胞,用免疫荧光细胞化学和PCR鉴定;以含增强型绿色荧光蛋白的腺相关病毒（rAAV2EGFP）稳定转染该细胞。成年雄性SD大鼠54只,分为正常对照组、损伤组、移植组,移植组为视神经损伤后移植上述毛囊神经干细胞。转染细胞移植组术后7d、14d、30d,取视神经荧光显微镜下观察;损伤组和未转染细胞移植组术后7d取术侧视神经行Affymetrix基因芯片及实时荧光定量PCR检测,术后7d、14d取术侧视神经行HE、免疫组织化学检测。 结果 成功培养出神经前体细胞标记分子阳性的毛囊神经干细胞,诱导后该细胞可表达成熟神经细胞标记分子。毛囊神经干细胞移植到受损视神经30 d后,仍能存活和迁移。与损伤组相比,移植组差异表达基因有240条,其中一些与去分化相关,如干细胞、凋亡、增殖、信号转导、转录、分化发育、细胞黏附等相关基因,实时荧光定量PCR与基因芯片结果基本相符。移植组视神经远侧段细胞数较损伤组明显增多,巢蛋白、髓鞘碱性蛋白(MBP)、细胞外信号调节激酶1/2(ERK1/2)表达增加,胶质纤维酸性蛋白(GFAP)表达减少,且视神经近侧段神经丝(NF)表达增加。 结论 毛囊神经干细胞通过调节受损视神经中的一些基因表达,促进了其大胶质细胞去分化并向有利于神经再生方向变化。     

Proteomic analysis of phosphotyrosyl proteins in human embryonic stem cell-derived neural stem cells

Phosphorylation can reveal essential cell functions, such as cell differentiation, signal transduction, metabolic maintenance and cell division. The aim of this study was to investigate phosphorylated protein expression changes during neuronal lineage differentiation from hESCs. To measure the phosphorylated protein expression change during neuronal differentiation, we performed a comparative phosphoproteome analysis using 2-DE after MALDI-TOF MS and an MS/MS protein identification method, making a comparison between neural lineage differentiating cells and normal embryoid bodies (EBs) differentiated from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and profiling constituent phosphorylated proteins. Of 36 differentially expressed protein spots, 12 spots were shown to be up-regulated in differentiating neural cells. Specifically, the 7 up-regulated proteins of the 12 have potential roles in neuronal differentiation or neuronal damage recovery, including ACTB, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2B1 (hnRNP A2B1), heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L (hnRNP L), SET, chaperonin-containing TCP-1, vimentin and voltage-dependent anion channel protein 1 (VDAC1). These proteins are discussed further below.     

Embryonic stem cells inhibit expression of erythropoietin in the injured spinal cord

Recent observations have demonstrated neuroprotective role of erythropoietin (Epo) and Epo receptor in the central nervous system. Here we examined Epo function in the murine spinal cord after transplantation of pluripotent mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells pre-differentiated towards neuronal type following spinal cord injury. Expression of Epo was measured at both mRNA and protein levels in the ES cells as well as in the spinal cords after 1 and 7 days. Our data demonstrated that expression of Epo mRNA, as well as its protein content, in ES cells was significantly decreased after differentiation procedure. In the spinal cords, analysis showed that Epo mRNA level was significantly decreased after 1 day of ES cell injections in comparison to media-injected control. Epo protein level detected by Western blot was diminished as well. Examination of Epo production in the injured spinal cords after media or ES cells injections by indirect immunofluorescence showed increased Epo-immunopositive staining after media injections 1 day after injection. In contrast, ES cell transplantation did not induce Epo expression. Seven days after ES cell injections, Epo-immunopositive cells’ distribution in the ipsilateral side was not changed, while the intensity of immunostaining on the contralateral side was increased, approaching levels in control media-injected tissues. Our data let us to presume that previously described immediate positive effects of ES cells injected into the injured zone of spinal cord are not based on Epo, but on other factors or hormones, which should be elucidated further.     

Grafted neural stem cells migrate to substantia nigra and improve behavior in Parkinsonian rats

Neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation has the potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, we investigated the effect of transplanted NSCs in a PD animal model. NSCs isolated from the subventricular zone (SVZ) of E14 rats were cultured in vitro to produce neurospheres, which were subsequently infected with recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV₂) expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). The PD animal model was established by unilateral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) of Sprague–Dawley rats. Once the model was established, EGFP-expressing NSCs were transplanted into the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) or striatum of PD rats. We found that NSCs transplanted into either site significantly reduced apomorphine-induced circling behavior of PD rats. Pathological analysis revealed that the EGFP-expressing NSCs could be detected at both injection sites at 1, 2 and 4 months after transplantation. SNc transplanted cells dispersed within the SNc with a significant portion differentiated into tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons. Whereas cells transplanted into the striatum migrated ventrally and posteriorly towards the SNc. These results suggest that the 6-OHDA damaged brain area attracts grafted NSCs, which migrated from the striatum and survived for a long time in SNc, resulting in behavioral improvement of PD rats.     

Human neural stem cell-derived cholinergic neurons innervate muscle in motoneuron deficient adult rats

Motoneuron damage occurs in spinal cord injury and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Current advances offer hope that human embryonic stem cells [Science 282 (1998) 1145] or neural stem cells (NSC) [Exp Neurol 161 (2000) 67; Exp Neurol 158 (1999) 265; J Neurosci Methods 85 (1998) 141; Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 97 (2000) 14720; Exp Neurol 156 (1999) 156 ] may be donors to replace lost motoneurons. Previously, we developed a priming procedure that produced cholinergic cells that resemble motoneurons from human NSCs grafted into adult rat spinal cord [Nat Neurosci 5 (2002a) 1271]. However, effective replacement therapy will ultimately rely on successful connection of new motoneurons with their muscle targets. In this study, we examined the potential of human fetal NSC transplantation to replace lost motoneurons in an animal model of chronic motoneuron deficiency (newborn sciatic axotomy) [J Comp Neurol 224 (1984) 252; J Neurobiol 23 (1992) 1231]. We found, for the first time, that human neural stem cell-derived motoneurons send axons that pass through ventral root and sciatic nerve to form neuromuscular junctions with their peripheral muscle targets. Furthermore, this new cholinergic innervation correlates with partial improvement of motor function.     

胰岛素样生长因子1与神经干细胞源性神经元轴突的生长发育*

背景：研究表明胰岛素样生长因子1具有神经保护作用并能增加神经干细胞向神经元及少突胶质细胞分化的比例。 目的：观察胰岛素样生长因子1对神经干细胞源性神经元轴突生长发育的影响。 方法：分离培养新生Wistar大鼠海马神经干细胞,传3~5代后接种于24孔培养板。其中12孔加入10 μL胰岛素样生长因子1(500 mg/L)作为实验组,余为对照组。 结果与结论：培养1,2,3,4 d时,实验组细胞死亡数较对照组明显减少(P < 0.05),神经元轴突长度较对照组明显延长      (P < 0.05),但两组轴突的分叉数目差异无显著性意义(P > 0.05)。结果证实胰岛素样生长因子1可以增加神经干细胞向神经元的分化比例并促进神经干细胞源性神经元轴突长度的延伸,但不能增加轴突的分叉数量。      

Abeta(1-42) stimulated T cells express P-PKC-delta and P-PKC-zeta in Alzheimer disease

The protein kinase C (PKC) family of enzymes is a regulator of transmembrane signal transduction, and involvement of some PKC isoforms in T-cell activation has been demonstrated. Nevertheless, very little is known about their involvement in the Amyloid beta (Abeta)-dependent molecular signals in the T lymphocytes of Alzheimer disease (AD) patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of PKC-alpha, PKC-delta and PKC-zeta expression and activity in the signaling machinery activated in Abeta-reactive T cells, in adult healthy individuals, elderly healthy subjects, and from patients with AD. The results show that in peripheral T-cells from early AD patients, Abeta(1-42) produced a distinct subpopulation highly expressing P-PKC-delta, while in severe AD patients the same treatment induced two distinct P-PKC-delta and P-PKC-zeta T-cell subpopulations. Such subpopulations were not noticeable following CD3/CD28 treatment of the same samples or after treatment of peripheral T cells from healthy adult or elderly subjects with Abeta(1-42) or with CD3/CD28. We believe that these findings may be of help in possible attempts to develop further diagnostic strategies useful for the characterization of AD.     

Transplantation of human embryonic stem cell-derived neural progenitors improves behavioral deficit in Parkinsonian rats

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) may potentially serve as a renewable source of cells for transplantation. In Parkinson's disease, hESC-derived dopaminergic (DA) neurons may replace the degenerated neurons in the brain. Here, we generated highly enriched cultures of neural progenitors from hESCs and grafted the progenitors into the striatum of Parkinsonian rats. The grafts survived for at least 12 weeks, the transplanted cells stopped proliferating, and teratomas were not observed. The grafted cells differentiated in vivo into DA neurons, though at a low prevalence similar to that observed following spontaneous differentiation in vitro. Transplanted rats exhibited a significant partial correction of D-amphetamine and apomorphine-induced rotational behavior, along with a significant improvement in stepping and placing non-pharmacological behavioral tests. While transplantation of uncommitted hESC-derived neural progenitors induced partial behavioral recovery, our data indicate that the host-lesioned striatum could not direct the transplanted neural progenitors to acquire a dopaminergic fate. Hence, induction of their differentiation toward a midbrain fate prior to transplantation is probably required for complete correction of behavioral deficit. Our observations encourage further developments for the potential use of hESCs in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.     

Embryonic stem cell-derived embryoid bodies in three-dimensional culture system form hepatocyte-like cells in vitro and in vivo

Pluripotent embryonic stem (ES) cells can be a source of hepatocytes for bioartificial livers or transplantation. In this study, embryoid bodies (EBs) were formed from ES cells cultured in polypropylene conical tubes. The EBs were then inserted into a collagen scaffold three-dimensional culture system and stimulated with exogenous growth factors and hormones to induce hepatic histogenesis. The EB-derived cells expressed liver-specific genes, and albumin-positive cells formed cord-like structures that were not present in two-dimensional monolayer culture systems. However, these albumin- positive cells were not cytokeratin 18 positive. Electron microscopy showed immature hepatocyte- like cells having tight junctions, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and intercellular canaliculi. The scaffold including EB-derived hepatocyte-like cells was transplanted into the median lobes of partially hepatectomized nude mice. After 7 and 14 days, cells positive for both albumin and cytokeratin 18 appeared in the transplant and formed clustered aggregates. Thus the collagen scaffold three-dimensional culture system and the liver regeneration environment induced hepatocyte-like cells and hepatic lobule-like aggregates from EBs. Therefore, differentiating EBs in the scaffold culture system may be useful in developing bioartificial livers, secondary livers, and as pharmaceutical models.     

Embryonic development of hair follicle pluripotent stem (hfPS) cells

Our laboratory discovered nestin-expressing hair follicle stem cells and demonstrated their pluripotency. We have shown that nestin-positive and K15-negative multipotent hair follicle stem cells are located above the hair follicle bulge, and we termed these cells hair follicle pluripotent stem (hfPS) cells. We have previously shown that hair follicle stem cells can regenerate peripheral nerve and spinal cord. In the present study, we describe the embryonic development of the hair follicle stem cell area (hfPSCA), which is located above the bulge and below the sebaceous glands in the adult mouse. At embryonic day 16.5 (E16.5) of nestindriven GFP (ND-GFP) transgenic mice, which express nestin in hfPS cells, the ND-GFP hair follicle stem cells are located in mesenchymal condensates. At postnatal day 0 (P0), the ND-GFP-expressing cells are migrating to the upper part of the hair follicle from the dermal papilla. At P3, keratin 15 (K15)-positive cells, derived from ND-GFP dermal papilla cells, are located in the outer-root sheath and basal layer of the epidermis. By P10, the ND-GFP have formed the K15-positive outer-root sheath as well as the ND-GFP hfPSA. These results suggest that ND-GFP hfPS cells in the dermal papilla form nestin-expressing hair follicle stem cells in the first hair cycle. These observations provide new insight into the origins of hfPS cells and the hfPSCA.     

大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞分化为神经干细胞

为了观察骨髓间充质干细胞(BMSCs)分化为神经干细胞(NSCs)的能力,本研究通过贴壁法培养大鼠BMSCs,体外培养扩增纯化后,在细胞传代时用含有表皮生长因子(EGF)、碱性成纤维细胞生长因子(bFGF)、N2、B27的DMEM/F12的培养液制成细胞悬液,并进行诱导,观察诱导后细胞的形态及生长情况,用免疫荧光检测形成的细胞球的巢蛋白(nestin)的表达情况;形成的细胞球在含10%血清的培养液中进一步分化。结果显示:BMSCs在含EGF、bFGF、N2、B27的培养液中,逐渐形成nestin表达阳性的细胞球,在含血清的培养液中能分化为神经元样细胞、星形胶质样细胞及少突胶质样细胞。本研究结果提示经纯化的BMSCs能分化为NSCs,并具有进一步分化的能力。     

Intravenously transplanted human neural stem cells migrate to the injured spinal cord in adult mice in an SDF-1- and HGF-dependent manner

Neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation has exhibited considerable therapeutic potential in spinal cord injury. However, most experiments in animals have been performed by injecting these cells directly into the injured spinal cord. A cardinal feature of NSCs is their exceptional migratory ability through the nervous system. Based on the migratory ability of NSCs, we investigated whether minimally invasive intravenous delivery of NSCs could facilitate their migration to the injured spinal cord and identified the chemo-attractants secreted by the lesions. Nude mice were injected intravenously with labelled human NSCs at 3, 7 and 10 days after the compression of the spinal cord at the T8 level. The migration of NSCs to the lesioned spinal cord was highest at 7 days after injury; this correlated with the peak of hepatocyte growth factor and stromal cell-derived factor-1 mRNA expressions in the lesion but not with the disruption of the blood-brain barrier. Finally, the grafted NSCs differentiated into neuronal and glial subpopulations at 21 days after transplantation. Our study suggests that intravenously administered NSCs can be employed as a renewable source for replacing lost cells for the treatment of spinal cord injuries.     

促红细胞生成素促进脊髓损伤大鼠移植神经干细胞存活和迁移

背景：如何有效促进移植入脊髓损伤组织内的神经干细胞存活和迁移,是目前神经修复研究的重点。 目的：观察促红细胞生成素对脊髓损伤大鼠移植神经干细胞存活、增殖和迁移的影响。 方法：将60只SD大鼠随机分为3组,均制备脊髓横断损伤模型。造模7 d,神经干细胞移植组和促红细胞生成素组于脊髓损伤处移植BrdU标记的神经干细胞7 μL(1×10⁹ L^-1),脊髓损伤对照组移植DMEM/F12培养基;促红细胞生成素组腹腔内注射促红细胞生成素5 000 U/kg,1次/d,连续注射7 d,其余两组注射等量生理盐水。于细胞移植后8周取损伤脊髓组织。 结果与结论：造模2周后,神经干细胞移植组和促红细胞生成素组BBB评分明显高于脊髓损伤对照组(P < 0.05),造模4周后,促红细胞生成素组BBB评分明显高于神经干细胞移植组(P < 0.05)。免疫荧光染色显示促红细胞生成素组大鼠损伤脊髓组织BrdU阳性细胞数量及迁移距离均大于神经干细胞移植组(P < 0.05)。说明促红细胞生成素能促进损伤脊髓组织原位移植的神经干细胞的存活与迁移,加速神经功能修复。     

Translocator protein (TSPO 18 kDa) is expressed by neural stem and neuronal precursor cells

Translocator protein 18 kDa, the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor by its earlier name, is a mitochondrial membrane protein associated with the mitochondrial permeability pore. While the function of the protein is not properly understood, it is known to play roles in necrotic and apoptotic processes of the neural tissue. In the healthy adult brain, TSPO expression is restricted to glial cells. In developing or damaged neural regions, however, TSPO appears in differentiating/regenerating neurons. Using immunocytochemical, molecular biological and cell biological techniques, we demonstrate that TSPO mRNA and protein, while missing from mature neurons, are present in neural stem cells and also in postmitotic neuronal precursors. Investigating some distinct stages of in vitro differentiation of NE-4C neural stem cells, TSPO 18 kDa was found to be repressed in a relatively late phase of neuron formation, when mature neuron-specific features appear. This timing indicates that mitochondria in fully developed neurons display specific characteristics and provides an additional marker for characterising neuronal differentiation.     

Human primary muscle stem cells regenerate injured urethral sphincter in athymic rats

Background : The aim of the study was to demonstrate the efficacy of human muscle stem cells(Mu SCs) isolated using innovative technology in restoring internal urinary sphincter function in a preclinical animal model. Methods : Colonies of pure human Mu SCs were obtained from muscle biopsy specimens. Athymic rats were subjected to internal urethral sphincter damage by electrocauterization. Five days after injury, 2 × 10⁵ muscle stem cells or medium as control were injected into the ar...