Mesenchymal Cell News Volume 6.28 | Jul 29 2014

In Vitro Characterization of Patches of Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Scientists developed a tissue-engineering product combining mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and amniotic membrane (AM) for clinical use. They investigated whether the stromal matrix of intact human AM could constitute a scaffold for human MSC derived from either bone marrow or adipose tissue. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Differentiation of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Prostate-Like Epithelial Cells In Vivo
Investigators report that when human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were combined with rat urogenital sinus stromal cells and transplanted into the renal capsule in vivo, they could differentiate into prostate epithelial-like cells that could be verified by prostate epithelial cell-specific markers including the prostate specific antigen. [PLoS One] Full Article

Cryopreservation of Human Dental Follicle Tissue for Use as a Resource of Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Isolated and cultured human dental stem cells (hDSCs) from cryopreserved dental follicles expressed mesenchymal stem cell markers at a level similar to that of hDSCs from fresh tissue. Researchers successfully differentiated in vitro into the mesenchymal lineage, osteocytes, adipocytes and chondrocytes under specific inductions. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med] Abstract

hTERT– and hCTLA4Ig-Expressing Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization and Osteogenic Differentiation
Researchers constructed two gene expression vectors for transfection of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4-Ig (CTLA4Ig) genes into human bone marrow-derived stem cells (hBMSCs). Successful transfection of both genes generated hTERT-CTLA4Ig hBMSCs that expressed both telomerase and CTLA4Ig without apparent mutual interference. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med] Abstract

miR-17-5p Modulates Osteoblastic Differentiation and Cell Proliferation by Targeting SMAD7 in Non-Traumatic Osteonecrosis
By targeting SMAD7, microRNA (miR)-17-5p promoted nuclear translocation of β-catenin, enhanced expression of COL1A1 and finally facilitated the proliferation and differentiation of HMSC-bm cells. Restoring expression of SMAD7 in HMSC-bm cells partially reversed the function of miR-17-5p. [Exp Mol Med] Full Article

Up-Regulation of Liver Enriched Transcription Factors (HNF4a and HNF6) and Liver Specific MicroRNA (miR-122) by Inhibition of Let-7b in Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Scientists evaluated the specific effect of let-7 microRNAs in particular let-7b in hepatic commitment of human adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells. [Chem Biol Drug Des] Abstract

Potential Spermatogenesis Recovery with Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in an Azoospermic Rat Model
Researchers tested whether spermatogenically-induced bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells can restore spermatogenesis after administration of an anticancer drug. [Int J Mol Sci]
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Direct Contact with Colon Cancer Cells Regulates Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Tumor Associated Fibroblasts
Using an in vitro direct co-culture model of colon cancer cells and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), scientists identified that colon cancer cells can induce adjoining BMSCs to exhibit the typical characteristic of tumor-associated fibroblast, with increased expression of α-smooth muscle actin. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract

The Caspase-8 shRNA-Modified Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improve the Function of Infarcted Heart
Researchers investigated whether caspase 8 small hairpin RNA (shRNA) modification enhance human mesenchymal stem cells survival and improve infarcted heart function. [Mol Cell Biochem] Abstract

Scalable Ex Vivo Expansion of Human Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells in Microcarrier-Based Stirred Culture Systems
Researchers describe a microcarrier-based stirred culture system operating under xeno-free conditions using a controlled stirred-tank bioreactor for an efficient and controlled ex vivo expansion of human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells. [Methods Mol Biol] Abstract

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Biomedical Engineering Professor Publishes First Comprehensive Textbook on Tissue Engineering
University of Houston faculty member Ravi Birla published his first book, “Introduction to Tissue Engineering: Applications and Challenges.” The book is the first of its kind, offering a comprehensive guide to entering into the field of artificial organ development. [University of Houston] Press Release

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Postdoctoral Fellow – Crosstalk and Interactions between Skeletal Cells and the Blood Vessels of Bone (KU Leuven)

PhD Studentship – Effects of Aging on MSC Therapy Activity (Loughborough University)

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Postdoctoral Research Scholar – The Role of Mesenchymal Factors in Cancer Progression (Washington University School of Medicine)

Scientist – Mesenchymal Stem and Progenitor Cell Biology (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Myogenic Progenitor Cell Biology (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cell Media Development, High Throughput Screening (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Cell Culture Support Products (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Immunology/Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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