Mesenchymal Cell News Volume 12.13 | Apr 7 2020

TOP STORY

Multi-Peptide Presentation and Hydrogel Mechanics Jointly Enhance Therapeutic Duo-Potential of Entrapped Stromal Cells

As MSC behavior is influenced by the properties of engineered hydrogels, the authors hypothesized that the biochemical and biophysical properties of alginate could be manipulated to promote the dual contributions of encapsulated MSCs toward bone formation. [Biomaterials] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

IN VITRO

Topography Induced Stiffness Alteration of Stem Cells Influences Osteogenic Differentiation

Investigators showed that topography had a significant influence on single cell stiffness of human bone marrow derived-MSCs and their osteogenic differentiation. [Biomater Sci] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Osteoblastic Differentiation on Graphene Oxide-Functionalized Titanium Surfaces: An In Vitro Study

Researchers evaluated dental pulp stem cell viability, cytotoxic response, and osteogenic differentiation capability in the presence of graphene oxide-coated titanium surfaces. [Nanomaterials] Full Article

Indian Hedgehog Regulates Senescence in Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell through Modulation of ROS/mTOR/4EBP1, p70S6K1/2 Pathway

Bone marrow-derived MSCs transfected with Indian Hedgehog siRNA showed characteristics of senescence-associated features including increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, induction of cell cycle inhibitors, development of senescence-associated secretory phenotype, activation of ROS and mTOR pathways as well as the promotion of skewed differentiation. [Aging (Albany NY)] Full Article

Irradiation-Induced Senescence of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Aggravates Osteogenic Differentiation Dysfunction via Paracrine Signaling

The authors observed that irradiated bone marrow MSCs lost typical fibroblast-like morphology, exhibited suppressed viability and differentiation potential accompanied with senescence phenotypes, including an increase in senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining-positive cells and up-regulated senescence related genes p53/p21, while none changes happened to p16. [Am J Physiol Cell Physiol] Abstract

Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Reverse High Glucose-Induced Reduction of Angiogenesis in Human Retinal Microvascular Endothelial Cells

Whereas adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs) were generally unaffected by high-glucose (HG), HG caused a reduction of the angiogenic potential in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells. Increased oxidative stress levels appeared to be linked to the HG-induced reduction of angiogenesis, which could be restored by ASC-conditioned medium and antioxidant treatment. [Cytotherapy] Abstract

IN VIVO

Pf-127 Hydrogel Plus Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate Improves Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Mediated Skin Wound Healing in Mice

Pluronic F-127 (PF-127) was found to be cytotoxic to Wharton’s jelly MSCs (WJMSCs) while sodium ascorbyl phosphate significantly improved the survival of PF-127-embedded WJMSCs. [Stem Cell Res Ther] Full Article

Ultrasound-Targeted Microbubble Destruction Optimized HGF-Overexpressing Bone Marrow Stem Cells to Repair Fibrotic Liver in Rats

Investigators determined whether stable expression of hepatic growth factor (HGF) in bone marrow MSCs coupled with ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction technique could effectively and definitely alleviating carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in rats. [Stem Cell Res Ther] Full Article

Morphological Changes in Synovial Mesenchymal Stem Cells during Their Adhesion to the Meniscus

Researchers quantified the proportion of human synovial MSCs that adhered to a porcine abraded meniscus, clarified their morphological changes, and revealed the mechanism by which the synovial MSCs adhered to the meniscus. [Lab Invest] Abstract

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Current Status and Future Prospects of Genome-Scale Metabolic Modeling to Optimize the Use of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine

Scientists discuss the current knowledge of MSC metabolism and how it may be optimized along with the current and future uses of genome scale constraint based metabolic modeling to further this aim. [Front Bioeng Biotechnol] Full Article

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

Citius Signs Exclusive Option with Novellus to License Novel Stem-Cell Therapy for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) Associated with COVID-19

Citius Pharmaceuticals, Inc. signed an exclusive six-month option agreement to in-license a stem-cell therapy for ARDS from a subsidiary of Novellus, Inc. Novellus’s patented process uses its exclusive non-immunogenic synthetic messenger ribonucleic acid molecules to create induced pluripotent stem cells that, in turn, generate MSCs with superior immunomodulatory properties. [Citius Pharmaceuticals, Inc.] Press Release

FDA Approval to Commence First Stem Cell Clinical Trial for Protection against COVID-19

Hope Biosciences announced that FDA has approved a Phase II clinical trial evaluating efficacy and safety of Hope Biosciences’ autologous, adipose-derived MSCs to provide immune support against COVID-19. [Hope Biosciences] Press Release

Scientists Around the Globe Pivot Their Research to SARS-CoV-2

Numerous groups around the world have diverted their skills and resources to help stop the pandemic. While the majority of research at academic institutions grinds to a halt, some labs have kept their lights on to conduct coronavirus-related experiments. [The Scientist] Editorial

Safely Conducting Essential Research in the Face of COVID-19

Some scientists can’t simply stop going to their laboratories — especially not those who are overseeing clinical trials that could offer life-saving vaccines and therapies, particularly against the new coronavirus. And some research activities must continue even in the face of a shutdown. [Nature News] Editorial

NIH’s Process for Removing Reviewers Remains a Mystery, Watchdog Finds

A new report by the Office of Inspector General of National Institute of Health’s (NIH’s) parent body, the Department of Health and Human Services, documents how NIH has begun to remove reviews who breached NIH standards on research integrity. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

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NEW Principal Investigator/Professor Positions – Stem Cell Research (Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health)

NEW PhD Student – Bioprinting of Tissues (Uppsala University)

NEW Postdoctoral Positions – Systems Biology and Metabolism (Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Biomaterials and Nanotechnology in Regenerative Medicine (Guangzhou Medical University)

Assistant Professor – Sarcoma (McGill University)

Professor – Molecular Physiology (Karolinska Institutet)

Faculty Position – Regenerative Medicine (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Bone Repair (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Osteoarthritis, Mechanobiology, and Regenerative Medicine (Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation)

Postdoctoral Scholar – Cancer Research in Sarcoma (The Ohio State University)

Postdoctoral Associate – Cartilage Regeneration (Drexel University)

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