Bioactive hydrogel scaffolds for controllable vascular differentiation of human embryonic stem cells

We propose a new methodology to enhance the vascular differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) by encapsulation in a bioactive hydrogel. hESCs were encapsulated in a dextran-based hydrogel with or without immobilized regulatory factors: a tethered RGD peptide and microencapsulated VEGF(165). The fraction of cells expressing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor KDR/Flk-1, a vascular marker, increased up to 20-fold, as compared to spontaneously differentiated embryoid bodies (EBs). The percentage of encapsulated cells in hydrogels with regulatory factors expressing ectodermal markers including nestin or endodermal markers including alpha-fetoprotein decreased 2- or 3-fold, respectively, as compared to EBs. When the cells were removed from these networks and cultured in media conditions conducive for further vascular differentiation, the number of vascular cells was higher than the number obtained through EBs, using the same media conditions. Functionalized dextran-based hydrogels could thus enable derivation of vascular cells in large quantities, particularly endothelial cells, for potential application in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.     

Wnt信号通路调控角膜缘干细胞治疗角膜缘干细胞缺乏症

文题释义： Wnt信号通路：Wnt信号通路是一条高度保守的信号通路,在干细胞调控中发挥重要作用。当细胞外Wnts与细胞膜上特异性受体Frizzled蛋白结合导致GSK3β失活,β-catenin在胞质中积累继而向胞核转位,标志着Wnt通路被激活。β-catenin在细胞核中与转录因子Tcf /LEF结合启动下游基因而发挥功能。 角膜缘干细胞：角膜缘为角膜和结膜、巩膜交界部分,角膜缘干细胞存在于角膜缘的Vogt栅栏结构中,属于单能干细胞,在角膜损伤修复中发挥重要作用。角膜缘干细胞缺乏是由于眼表各类损伤(化学伤、严重的感染等)或者基质微环境异常(先天性无虹膜、放射线所致角膜病)导致角膜上皮被结膜上皮侵犯和替代。 背景：Wnt信号通路在干细胞的调控中发挥重要作用,但是其对于角膜缘干细胞的调控作用尚不十分明确。 目的：探讨Wnt信号通路对角膜缘干细胞的调控作用及其在角膜缘干细胞缺乏症治疗中的疗效。 方法：大鼠角膜缘组织中依次加入Dispase和Trypsin/EDTA进行消化,将消化后的角膜缘干细胞悬液接种于3D-Matrigel微环境中培养,实验组培养体系中加入Wnt信号通路激活剂氯化锂(500 μmol/L),对照组不加氯化锂,培养第7天qRT-PCR检测角膜缘干细胞中p63α、CK12、CEBPδ和Ki67的表达,免疫荧光染色检测角膜缘干细胞中β-catenin的表达。采用碱烧伤法建立大鼠角膜缘干细胞缺乏模型,治疗组大鼠结膜下注射激活了Wnt信号通路的角膜缘干细胞,对照组大鼠结膜下注射等量PBS,随后每天使用裂隙灯观察,治疗后第4天取角膜缘组织进行免疫荧光染色、苏木精-伊红染色。 结果与结论：①角膜缘干细胞在3D-Matrigel培养微环境中呈球形聚集生长,对照组角膜缘干细胞中β-catenin呈阴性,实验组角膜缘干细胞中β-catenin在细胞浆和细胞核内聚集;②qRT-PCR结果显示：对照组与实验组之间干性指标p63α、CK12和功能指标CEBPδ差异均无显著性意义(P > 0.05);实验组增殖指标Ki-67较对照组水平明显升高,差异有显著性意义(P < 0.05);③建立大鼠角膜缘干细胞缺乏模型,治疗组大鼠角膜组织混浊评分较对照组明显减低,差异有显著性意义(P < 0.05),角膜组织苏木精-伊红染色可见治疗组大鼠角膜上皮细胞排列整齐,细胞大小较均一,修复情况较良好,免疫荧光结果显示治疗组大部分角膜上皮细胞中β-catenin在细胞浆以及细胞核内聚集,而对照组角膜上皮细胞中β-catenin仅是弱阳性,未见在胞浆聚集或者进核;④结果表明,Wnt信号通路的激活增强了角膜缘干细胞的增殖能力,同时能够维持细胞干性,角膜缘干细胞进入干细胞自我更新状态;激活Wnt信号通路后的角膜缘干细胞可促进角膜缘干细胞缺乏模型大鼠角膜上皮的修复,减轻角膜混浊程度;通过调控Wnt信号通路改变角膜缘干细胞的功能特性可能成为治疗角膜缘干细胞缺乏症的新途径。 ORCID: 0000-0003-0698-3653(韩波) 中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：干细胞;骨髓干细胞;造血干细胞;脂肪干细胞;肿瘤干细胞;胚胎干细胞;脐带脐血干细胞;干细胞诱导;干细胞分化;组织工程     

The porcine limbal epithelial stem cell niche as a new model for the study of transplanted tissue-engineered human limbal epithelial cells

Transparency of the human cornea is dependent upon the integrity of its epithelium and hence a population of limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs). We have previously shown that LESCs reside in limbal epithelial crypts at the periphery of the human cornea. In this study the anatomy and functionality of the porcine limbus was evaluated for the first time as a novel model of the human limbus. Scanning electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, and histology revealed common structures in the porcine and human limbus in terms of the location and topography of palisades of Vogt and limbal epithelial crypts. Epithelial cells harvested from crypt regions achieved higher colony forming efficiency than cultures established from the noncrypt regions and central cornea. Also, expression of the putative SC markers p63α and integrin β1 brightness was higher in the basal layer of the crypt regions, as shown by immunocytochemistry. De-epithelialized porcine corneas were used as an in vitro organ culture model to study the fate of transplanted human epithelium cultured from the limbus. Multilayered epithelium was observed after ～1 week. Subsequently, wounds were inflicted on the central corneal epithelium. The wounded tissue healed within 5-7 days, and multilayering of the central corneal epithelium was re-established. The transplanted epithelia were repeatedly wounded at least four times and the wounds healed by 1 week. Putative SC marker expression of the transplanted epithelia was confirmed using immunohistochemistry. These results demonstrate that the porcine limbus shares features with the human limbus and as such provides a suitable model for the study of cultured limbal epithelial cell transplantation. These data have significant clinical value as this model can provide information on LESC fate post-transplantation and their ability to respond to injury, which is not possible to study in patients.     

PHB/PHBHHx scaffolds and human adipose-derived stem cells for cartilage tissue engineering

The goal of this study was to investigate the potential of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)/poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) (PHB/PHBHHx) to produce neocartilage upon seeding with differentiated human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs). hASCs were grown on a three-dimensional PHB/PHBHHx scaffold in vitro with or without chondrogenic media for 14 days. Scanning electron microscopy showed that differentiated cells produced abundant extracellular matrices with increasing culture time. No cytotoxicity was observed by the live/dead cell viability assay. GAG and total collagen content in the differentiated cells increased significantly with in vitro culture time. After 14 days of in vitro culture, the differentiated cells grown on the (PHB/PHBHHx) scaffold (differentiated cells/(PHB/PHBHHx)) were implanted into the subcutaneous layer nude mice for 12 or 24 weeks, non-differentiated cells/(PHB/PHBHHx) were implanted as the control group. The differentiated cells/(PHB/PHBHHx) implants formed cartilage-like tissue after 24 weeks of implantation, and stained positive for collagen type II, safranin O, and toluidine blue. In addition, typical cartilage lacuna was observed, and there were no remnants of PHB/PHBHHx. Collagen type II was detected by Western blot at 12 and 24 weeks of implantation. In the control group, no cartilage formation was observed. This study demonstrated that PHB/PHBHHx is a suitable material for cartilage tissue engineering.     

Neurotrophin-induced differentiation of human embryonic stem cells on three-dimensional polymeric scaffolds

Human embryonic stem (hES) cells have the potential to form various cell types, including neural cells for the treatment of diseases such as Parkinson's, spinal cord injury, and glaucoma. Here, we have investigated the neuronal differentiation of hES cells on three-dimensional scaffolds fabricated from degradable poly(alpha-hydroxy esters) including poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and poly(L-lactic acid). When cultured in vitro, neural rosette-like structures developed throughout the scaffolds with differentiation dependent on factors in the medium (e.g., retinoic acid [RA], nerve growth factor [NGF], and neurotrophin 3 [NT-3]) and the differentiation stage of the cells. Specifically, enhanced numbers of neural structures and staining of nestin (a marker of neural precursors) and beta(III)-tubulin (indicative of neural differentiation) were observed with hES cell-seeded polymer scaffolds when cultured with both NGF and NT-3 when compared with control medium. In addition, vascular structures were found throughout the engineered tissues when cultured with the neurotrophins, but not in the presence of RA.     

Development of silk-based scaffolds for tissue engineering of bone from human adipose-derived stem cells

Silk fibroin is a potent alternative to other biodegradable biopolymers for bone tissue engineering (TE), because of its tunable architecture and mechanical properties, and its demonstrated ability to support bone formation both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we investigated a range of silk scaffolds for bone TE using human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs), an attractive cell source for engineering autologous bone grafts. Our goal was to understand the effects of scaffold architecture and biomechanics and use this information to optimize silk scaffolds for bone TE applications. Silk scaffolds were fabricated using different solvents (aqueous vs. hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP)), pore sizes (250-500 μm vs. 500-1000 μm) and structures (lamellar vs. spherical pores). Four types of silk scaffolds combining the properties of interest were systematically compared with respect to bone tissue outcomes, with decellularized trabecular bone (DCB) included as a "gold standard". The scaffolds were seeded with hASCs and cultured for 7 weeks in osteogenic medium. Bone formation was evaluated by cell proliferation and differentiation, matrix production, calcification and mechanical properties. We observed that 400-600 μm porous HFIP-derived silk fibroin scaffold demonstrated the best bone tissue formation outcomes, as evidenced by increased bone protein production (osteopontin, collagen type I, bone sialoprotein), enhanced calcium deposition and total bone volume. On a direct comparison basis, alkaline phosphatase activity (AP) at week 2 and new calcium deposition at week 7 were comparable to the cells cultured in DCB. Yet, among the aqueous-based structures, the lamellar architecture induced increased AP activity and demonstrated higher equilibrium modulus than the spherical-pore scaffolds. Based on the collected data, we propose a conceptual model describing the effects of silk scaffold design on bone tissue formation.     

Interactions between human mesenchymal stem cells and natural killer cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitor cells representing an attractive therapeutic tool for regenerative medicine. They possess unique immunomodulatory properties, being capable of suppressing T-cell responses and modifying dendritic cell differentiation, maturation, and function, whereas they are not inherently immunogenic, failing to induce alloreactivity to T cells and freshly isolated natural killer (NK) cells. To clarify the generation of host immune responses to implanted MSCs in tissue engineering and their potential use as immunosuppressive elements, the effect of MSCs on NK cells was investigated. We demonstrate that at low NK-to-MSC ratios, MSCs alter the phenotype of NK cells and suppress proliferation, cytokine secretion, and cyto-toxicity against HLA-class I- expressing targets. Some of these effects require cell-to-cell contact, whereas others are mediated by soluble factors, including transforming growth factor-beta1 and prostaglandin E2, suggesting the existence of diverse mechanisms for MSC-mediated NK-cell suppression. On the other hand, MSCs are susceptible to lysis by activated NK cells. Overall, these data improve our knowledge of interactions between MSCs and NK cells and consequently of their effect on innate immune responses and their contribution to the regulation of adaptive immunity, graft rejection, and cancer immunotherapy.     

Chondrogenesis from human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells in three-dimensional scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering

Human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hPMSCs) represent a promising source of stem cells. The application of hPMSCs in cartilage tissue engineering, however, was less reported. In this study, hPMSCs were grown in a three-dimensional (3D) environment for cartilage tissue formation in vitro. To select proper scaffolds for 3D culture of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), rat adipose-derived MSCs were initially employed to optimize the composition and condition of the 3D environment. The suitability of a poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) precision scaffold previously developed for seeding and culture of primary chondrocytes was tested for MSCs. It was established that MSCs had to be embedded in alginate gel before seeded in the PLGA precision scaffold for cartilage-like tissue formation. The inclusion of nano-sized calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (nCDHA) and/or a recombinant protein containing arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) into the alginate gel enhanced the chondrogenesis for both rat adipose-derived MSCs and hPMSCs. The amount of extracellular matrix such as glycosaminoglycan and type II collagen accumulated during a period of 21 days was found to be the greatest for hPMSCs embedded in the alginate/nCDHA/RGD gel and injected and cultivated in the precision scaffold. Also, histological analyses revealed the lacunae formation and extracellular matrix production from the seeded hPMSCs. Comparing human bone marrow-derived MSCs (hBMSCs) and hPMSCs grown in the previous composite scaffolds, the secretion of glycosaminoglycan was twice as higher for hPMSCs as that for hBMSCs. It was concluded that the alginate/nCDHA/RGD mixed gel in the aforementioned system could provide a 3D environment for the chondrogenesis of hPMSCs, and the PLGA precision scaffold could provide the dimensional stability of the whole construct. This study also suggested that hPMSCs, when grown in a suitable scaffold, may be a good source of stem cells for building up the tissue-engineered cartilage.     

Flow perfusion culture of human mesenchymal stem cells on silicate-substituted tricalcium phosphate scaffolds

Autologous bone grafts are currently the gold standard for treatment of large bone defects, but their availability is limited due to donor site morbidity. Different substitutes have been suggested to replace these grafts, and this study presents a bone tissue engineered alternative using silicate-substituted tricalcium phosphate (Si-TCP) scaffolds seeded with human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC). The cells were seeded onto the scaffolds and cultured either statically or in a perfusion bioreactor for up to 21 days and assessed for osteogenic differentiation by alkaline phosphatase activity assays and by quantitative real-time RT-PCR on bone markers. During culture, cells from the flow cultured constructs demonstrated improved proliferation and osteogenic differentiation verified by a more pronounced expression of several bone markers, e.g. alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin, Runx2, bone sialoprotein II, and bone morphogenetic protein 2. Cells and matrix were distributed homogeneously throughout the entire scaffold in flow culture, whereas only a peripheral layer was obtained after static culture. A viable and homogenous ex vivo bone construct with superior osteogenic properties was produced in dynamic culture and may provide a replacement for autologous grafts.     

Using acellular porcine limbal stroma for rabbit limbal stem cell microenvironment reconstruction

To investigate the feasibility of using acellular porcine limbal stroma for limbal stem cell microenvironment reconstruction. Limbal reconstruction was performed in rabbit partial limbal defect models. Rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: acellular porcine limbal stroma, de-epithelized rabbit limbal autograft stroma, de-epithelized porcine limbal stroma and acellular porcine corneal stroma transplantation groups. In both the acellular porcine limbal stroma and de-epithelized rabbit limbal autograft stroma groups, cornea transparency and epithelium integrity were sustained and graft rejection was not observed. The basal epithelial cells of the grafts showed the K3+/P63+/Ki67+ phenotype at postoperative month 1, but it returned to K3-/P63+/Ki67+(phenotype characteristic of limbal epithelium) by postoperative months 3 and 6. In the de-epithelized porcine limbal stroma group, acute and serious immune rejection occurred by postoperative days 8-10. The basal epithelial cells of the grafts showed the K3+/P63+/Ki67+ phenotype at postoperative month 1. In the acellular porcine corneal stroma group, there were some new vessel invasion into the peripheral cornea and mild corneal opacity. The basal epithelial cells of the grafts showed the K3+/P63+/Ki67+ phenotype at postoperative months 1, 3, and 6. In conclusion, acellular porcine limbal stroma possessed very low immunogenicity, retained a good original limbal ECM microenvironment, and thus the reconstructed rabbit limbal microenvironment maintained limbal epithelial stem cell stemness and proliferation.     

N-Cadherin is expressed by putative stem/progenitor cells and melanocytes in the human limbal epithelial stem cell niche

Corneal epithelial stem cells are known to be localized to the basal layer of the limbal epithelium, providing a model system for epithelial stem cell biology; however, the mechanisms regarding the maintenance of these stem cells in their specialized niche remain poorly understood. N-cadherin is a member of the classic cadherin family and has previously been demonstrated to be expressed by hematopoietic stem cells. In the present study, we demonstrate that N-cadherin is expressed by putative stem/progenitor cells, as well as melanocytes, in the human limbal epithelial stem cell niche. In addition, we demonstrate that upon in vitro culture using 3T3 feeder layers, loss of N-cadherin expression occurs with cell proliferation. These results indicate that N-cadherin may be a critical cell-to-cell adhesion molecule between corneal epithelial stem/progenitor cells and their corresponding niche cells in the limbal epithelium.     

Bioactive starch-based scaffolds and human adipose stem cells are a good combination for bone tissue engineering

Silicon is known to have an influence on calcium phosphate deposition and on the differentiation of bone precursor cells. This study explores the effect of the incorporation of silanol (Si-OH) groups into polymeric scaffolds on the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose stem cells (hASC) cultured under dynamic and static conditions. A blend of corn starch with polycaprolactone (30/70wt.%, SPCL) was used to produce three-dimensional fibre meshes scaffolds by the wet-spinning technique, and a calcium silicate solution was used as a non-solvent to develop an in situ functionalization with Si-OH groups. In vitro assessment, using hASC, of functionalized and non-functionalized scaffolds was evaluated in either α-MEM or osteogenic medium under static and dynamic conditions (provided by a flow perfusion bioreactor). The functionalized materials, SPCL-Si, exhibit the capacity to sustain cell proliferation and induce their differentiation into the osteogenic lineage. The formation of mineralization nodules was observed in cells cultured on the SPCL-Si materials. Culturing under dynamic conditions using a flow perfusion bioreactor was shown to enhance the hASC proliferation and differentiation and a better distribution of cells within the material. The present work demonstrates the potential of these functionalized materials for future applications in bone tissue engineering. Additionally, these results highlight the simplicity, economic and reliable production process of those materials.     

Application of porous glycosaminoglycan-based scaffolds for expansion of human cord blood stem cells in perfusion culture

In vitro expansion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) has been employed to obtain sufficient numbers of stem cells for successful engraftment after HSC transplantation. A three-dimensional perfusion bioreactor system with a heparin-chitosan scaffold was designed and evaluated for its capability to support maintenance and expansion of HSCs. Porous chitosan scaffolds were fabricated by a freeze-drying technique and N-desulfated heparin was covalently immobilized within the scaffolds using carbodiimide chemistry. CD34+ HSCs isolated from umbilical cord blood by immunomagnetic separation were cultured within the porous scaffold in a perfusion bioreactor system. Control cultures were maintained on dishes coated with similar heparin-chitosan films. Oxygen uptake was measured during the culture period. After 7 days of culture, scaffolds were harvested for analysis. Cellular phenotype and HSC characteristics were evaluated via flow cytometry and colony forming unit assays. The results indicate good cell retention and proliferation within the perfused scaffolds. Oxygen consumption in the perfusion bioreactor system increased continuously during the culture, indicating steady cell growth. Cells from the perfused scaffold cultures showed higher percentages of primitive progenitors and exhibited superior colony forming unit performance as compared to cells from static cultures. In addition, perfusion culture at low oxygen (5%) enhanced the expansion of CD34+ cells and colony-forming activity compared to high oxygen (19%) cultures. The results suggest that perfusion culture of cord blood CD34+ cells under bone marrow-like conditions enhances HSC expansion compared to static cultures.     

HLA匹配角膜缘干细胞联合羊膜移植修复翼状胬肉

背景：HLA匹配的角膜缘干细胞联合羊膜移植治疗翼状胬肉是眼科医生治疗的新理念,该方法治疗后并发症少、康复快、复发率低,尤其是能减少移植排斥反应等已被广泛接受。 目的：探讨HLA匹配的角膜缘干细胞联合羊膜移植治疗翼状胬肉疗效。 方法：选取2013年3月1日至2014年4月30日行HLA匹配的角膜缘干细胞联合羊膜移植治疗的翼状胬肉患者47例(47眼)作为试验组;回顾性分析2010年3月1日至2012年12月1日采用单纯翼状胬肉切除方法治疗的翼状胬肉患者40例(47眼)作为对照组,对两组患者治愈和复发情况进行比较。 结果与结论：试验组47例,全部顺利完成治疗,无并发症,其中1例切口感染,特殊对症治疗后均已好转出院,全部患者均无移植排斥反应。试验组治愈45眼,复发2眼,复发率为4.3%。对照组47眼中治愈32眼,复发15眼,复发率31.9%。结果表明HLA匹配的角膜缘干细胞联合羊膜移植治疗翼状胬肉并发症少、复发率低,是治疗翼状胬肉一种行之有效的方法。中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：干细胞;骨髓干细胞;造血干细胞;脂肪干细胞;肿瘤干细胞;胚胎干细胞;脐带脐血干细胞;干细胞诱导;干细胞分化;组织工程全文链接：     

三维支架材料与脂肪干细胞的生物相容性

背景：构建组织工程化气管需要适合的三维支架。 目的：观察脂肪干细胞与聚乳酸-乙醇酸共聚物及聚三亚甲基碳酸酯共聚物支架的生物相容性。 方法：采用组织块法原代分离培养SD大鼠脂肪干细胞,行流式细胞术及多向分化能力鉴定。将脂肪干细胞分别种植于聚乳酸-乙醇酸共聚物和聚乳酸-乙醇酸-三亚甲基碳酸酯共聚物支架中,扫描电镜观察细胞与支架的生物相容性。 结果与结论：脂肪干细胞种植于两种支架材料后生长速度快,扫描电镜观察可见脂肪干细胞呈球型,并伸展形成伪足,贴附于支架材料,细胞间相互连接成团。说明聚乳酸-乙醇酸共聚物与聚三亚甲基碳酸酯共聚物支架均具有良好的生物相容性,无细胞毒性,其多孔的三维立体状结构适合脂肪干细胞黏附生长。     

Stimulation of human mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts activities in vitro on silicon-releasable scaffolds

Cellular activities of human osteoblasts (HOBs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on a silicon-releasable scaffold, siloxane-doped poly(lactic acid) and vaterite composite coated with hydroxycarbonate apatite (SPV-H), were estimated using a medium with or without organic factors, such as dexamethasone (Dex) and beta-glycerophosphate (beta-GP), for inducing mineralization or differentiation. As a control, a composite film containing no silicon (denoted by PV-H) was prepared using poly(lactic acid) and vaterite. HOBs cultured on SPV-H formed some agglomerates, bone nodules, after a 21-day culture in a medium without the organic factors, whereas no agglomerate was observed on PV-H. Laser Raman spectra implied that calcium phosphate precipitated in HOBs on the SPV-H. The silicon species in SPV-H stimulated HOBs to mineralization. The culture tests using MSCs show that the level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in the cells cultured on SPV-H increased during the 21-day culture in a medium without Dex and beta-GP. The level was unchanged in MSCs cultured on PV-H. In the case of supplementing Dex and beta-GP to the medium, the level of ALP activity in MSCs cultured on SPV-H was higher than that on PV-H at all time points during the 21-day culture. The silicon species in SPV-H were regarded to induce and enhance the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs.