Mesenchymal Cell News Volume 11.35 | Sep 10 2019

TOP STORY

Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from Acute Myelogenous Leukemia Patients Demonstrate Adipogenic Differentiation Propensity with Implications for Leukemia Cell Support

Researchers compared normal donor and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) derived MSCs and found that AML-MSCs had increased adipogenic potential with improved ability to support survival of leukemia progenitor cells. To identify underlying changes, RNA-Seq analysis was performed. Gene ontology and pathway analysis revealed adipogenesis to be among the set of altered biological pathways dysregulated in AML-MSCs as compared with normal donor-MSCs. [Leukemia] Full Article

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

IN VITRO

Activation of Hedgehog Signaling in Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induces Cartilage and Bone Tumor Formation via Wnt/β-Catenin

The authors showed that Ptch1 deletion in mice Prrx1⁺ MSCs promoted MSC proliferation and osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation but inhibited adipogenic differentiation. Moreover, Ptch1 deletion led to development of osteoarthritis-like phenotypes, exostoses, enchondroma, and osteosarcoma in Smo-Gli1/2-dependent manners. [eLife] Full Article

CD₄₉f^high Defines a Distinct Skin Mesenchymal Stem Cell Population Capable of Hair Follicle Epithelial Cell Maintenance

Using the epidermal stem cell marker CD₄₉f, investigators defined CD₄₉f^high distinct mesenchymal subpopulation in the dermis. In vitro and in vivo differentiation assays and transcriptome analysis demonstrated that CD₄₉f^high cells possess neural crest-like cell characteristics. [J Invest Dermatol] Abstract

Pharmacological mTOR Targeting Enhances the Antineoplastic Effects of Selective PI3Kα Inhibition in Medulloblastoma

Scientists performed studies aimed to enhance the anti-medulloblastoma effects of alpelisib by simultaneous catalytic targeting of the mTOR kinase. Pharmacological mTOR inhibition potently enhanced the suppressive effects of alpelisib on cancer cell proliferation, colony formation and apoptosis and additionally blocked sphere-forming ability of medulloblastoma stem-like cancer cells in vitro. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Effect of Mechanical Loading and Substrate Elasticity on the Osteogenic and Adipogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

MSCs were cultured in an osteogenic and also an adipogenic environment on soft PAAm, stiff PAAm, and PDMS; either unstrained or with 8% cyclic strain at 1 Hz. Without strain, the relative expression of the early osteogenic marker alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher on PDMS than both PAAm. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med] Abstract

Hypothermia and Nutrient Deprivation Alter Viability of Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Adherent and non-adherent MSCs were incubated at multiple temperatures in lactated ringers solution lacking essential cell growth ingredients, or in culture media which is optimized for cell growth. Cells were assessed either after the temperature changes or after recovery. [Gene] Abstract

Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Anodized Niobium Surface

Anodized niobium samples were produced and characterized. Their capacity to support the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived MSCs was also tested. The anodized niobium samples were characterized by SEM, profilometry, XPS, and wettability. [J Mater Sci Mater Med] Abstract

IN VIVO

Phase I/II Study of Safety and Preliminary Efficacy of Intravenous Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Chronic Stroke

Researchers examined the safety and preliminary efficacy estimates of intravenous allogeneic MSCs in this population. Entry criteria included ischemic stroke >6 months prior and substantial impairment and disability. [Stroke] Abstract

Antioxidant-Upregulated Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reduce Inflammation and Improve Fatty Liver Disease in Diet-Induced Obesity

Antioxidant genes Sod2 and catalase or null were upregulated in human adipose tissue-derived MSCs using adenoviral constructs. Modified MSCs were then delivered intraperitoneally into mice that were fed a 45% or 60% high-fat diet, and animals were followed for four weeks. [Stem Cell Res Ther] Full Article

MicroRNA-218-5p Relieves Postmenopausal Osteoporosis through Promoting the Osteoblast Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells

The mouse model of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) was established by bilateral ovariectomy, and the injection of miR-218-5p mimics significantly relieved PMOP degree. Then, bone marrow MSCs isolated from PMOP mice were induced into osteoblasts. [J Cell Biochem] Abstract

Subscribe to one of our other 19 science newsletters such as ESC & iPSC News & Cell Therapy News.

Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Secretome as a Therapeutic Strategy for Traumatic Brain Injury

The author highlights the neuroprotective effect of MSC secretome for the treatment of traumatic brain injury. In addition, the possible challenges of secretome as biotherapeutics are identified and how some of the issues raised could be overcome for effective clinical application are also discussed. [Biofactors] Abstract

The Potential Use of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

To date, numerous experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that MSCs therapy improves the central nervous system repair and modulates functional neurological symptoms. Investigators provide an overview of the current knowledge about the clinical applications of MSCs in multiple sclerosis (MS). [Life Sci] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the mesenchymal cell research field.

United States Orphan Drug Designation for Treatment of Soft Tissue Sarcomas Granted to SPEAR T-Cells Targeting MAGE-A4

Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc announced that the FDA has granted Orphan Drug Designation to SPEAR T-cells targeting MAGE-A4 for the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas. Orphan Designation by FDA was created to encourage the development of drugs for rare diseases, such as sarcomas. [Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc] Press Release

FDA Provides Guidance on Clinical Pathway to Marketing Application For Revascor in End-Stage Heart Failure Patients with an LVA

Mesoblast Limited announced positive outcomes from its recent meeting with the FDA on the pathway for marketing authorization of its allogeneic cell therapy product candidate Revascor in end-stage heart failure patients implanted with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). [Mesoblast Limited] Press Release

Google Bans Ads for Experimental Medical Treatments

On September 6^th, Google announced it would “prohibit advertising for unproven or experimental medical techniques such as most stem cell therapy, cellular (non-stem) therapy, and gene therapy.” The treatments, the company says in the statement, can have “dangerous health outcomes” and therefore have “no place” on the its platforms. [The Scientist] Editorial

Elsevier Investigates Hundreds of Peer Reviewers for Manipulating Citations

The Dutch publisher Elsevier is investigating hundreds of researchers whom it suspects of deliberately manipulating the peer-review process to boost their own citation numbers. [Nature News] Editorial

Frontrunner to Lead FDA, Dogged by Controversies, Has Developed Knack for Confronting Them

Before he interviewed with President Trump to become FDA commissioner, Dr. Stephen Hahn had only been here once in a formal capacity: to apologize to Congress. [STAT News] Editorial

NEW ICRS 2019 World Congress Vancouver
October 5-8, 2019
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the community.

NEW Research Scientist – Stem Cell Research (Yoh)

Scientific Communications Coordinator (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Proteoglycans in Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis (Drexel University)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Cell Cycles in Stem Cells (University of California, Santa Cruz)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Development and Stem Cell Biology (California Institute of Technology)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Stem Cells (GlaxoSmithKline plc.)

Postdoctoral Researchers – Stem Cell Biology (Simon Fraser University)

Postdoctoral Researcher – MSCs in Accelerated Aging Treatment (MD Anderson Cancer Center)

Postdcotral Research – MSC Donation (MD Anderson Cancer Center)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Sarcoma and Leukemia (Cedars-Sinai Medical Center)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Immunology & Respiratory Disease Research with MSCs (Boehringer Ingelheim)

Recruit Top Talent: Reach potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.

Have we missed an important article or publication in Mesenchymal Cell News? Click here to submit!

Comments or suggestions? Submit your feedback here.