O-GlcNAc Modification of the Runt-Related Transcription Factor 2 (Runx2) Links Osteogenesis and Nutrient Metabolism in Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells In bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells differentiated for six days in osteogenic media, inhibition of the enzyme responsible for the removal of O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) from Ser/Thr residues results in elevated expression and activity of alkaline phosphatase, an early marker of bone formation and a transcriptional target of Runx2. [Mol Cell Proteomics] Abstract | Full Article The Kynurenine Pathway of Tryptophan Degradation Is Activated During Osteoblastogenesis Using microarray expression analysis, investigators found that IFNγ upregulates a set of genes associated with a tryptophan degradation pathway, known as the kynurenine pathway, in osteogenic differentiating human mesenchymal stem cells. They hypothesized that activation of the kynurenine pathway plays a role in osteoblastogenesis even in the absence of IFNγ. [Stem Cells] Abstract Adiponectin Regulates Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Niche through a Unique Signal Transduction Pathway – An Approach for Treating Bone Disease in Diabetes Scientists found that adiponectin (APN) regulates the mobilization and recruitment of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to participate in tissue repair and regeneration. APN facilitated BMSCs migrating from the bone marrow into the circulation to regenerate bone by regulating stromal cell-derived factor-1 in a mouse bone defect model. [Stem Cells] Abstract Mesenchymal Stem Cells Exert Anti-Proliferative Effect on Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated BV2 Microglia by Reducing Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Levels Investigators describe the mechanism through which bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells modulate the proliferative responses of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 microglia. [J Neuroinflammation] Full Article Induction of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation and Cartilage Formation by Cross-Linker-Free Collagen Microspheres Human mesenchymal stem cells rapidly adhered to transforming growth factor beta-β3-loaded microspheres and, after 21 days of culture, exhibited typical chondrocyte morphology and produced an uncalcified matrix made of the predominant cartilage components, aggrecan and type II collagen, but devoid of the hypertrophic marker type X collagen. [Eur Cell Mater] Abstract | Full Article Improvement in Spinal Cord Injury-Induced Bladder Fibrosis Using Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation into the Bladder Wall Researchers investigated the effect of B10 human mesenchymal stem cells directly transplanted into the bladder wall of spinal cord injury (SCI) rats and to determine whether they are capable of inhibiting collagen deposition and improving cystometric parameters in SCI rats. [Cell Transplant] Abstract | Press Release Interleukin 7 Plays a Role in T Lymphocyte Apoptosis Inhibition Driven by Mesenchymal Stem Cell without Favoring Proliferation and Cytokines Secretion Investigators confirmed the effect of human mesenchymal stem cells on lymphocytes proliferation and survival. They also show that the impairment of lymphocyte proliferation and apoptosis is contact-independent and occurs in a prostaglandin-independent manner. [PLoS One] Full Article Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Enhanced Mesenchymal Stem Cell Recruitment through Stromal Derived Factor-1 Signaling in Fracture Healing Researchers examined the effect of low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on the recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells and the pivotal role of stromal cell-derived factor-1/C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 pathway in response to LIPUS stimulation, which are essential factors in bone fracture healing. [PLoS One] Full Article Priming Wharton’s Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells with ROCK Inhibitor Improves Recovery in an Intracerebral Hemorrhage Model A strategy of priming mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) with fasudil, a Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, was investigated using Wharton’s jelly-derived MSCs (WJ-MSCs) to improve recovery in a rat model of intracranial hemorrhage. In vitro culture of WJ-MSCs by co-treatment with fasudil and CoCl2 provoked morphological changes of WJ-MSCs into neuron-like cells and increased the expression of neuronal markers. [J Cell Biochem] Abstract Effects of Low Level Laser Therapy on Attachment, Proliferation, and Gene Expression of VEGF and VEGF Receptor 2 of Adipocyte-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Cultivated under Nutritional Deficiency Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been shown to increase the proliferation of several cell types. Scientists evaluated the effects of LLLT on adhesion, proliferation, and gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and type 2 receptor of VEGF (VEGFR2) of mesenchymal stem cells from human and rat adipose tissues on nutritional deficiencies. [Laser Med Sci] Abstract |