IN VITRO Murine Mesenchymal Stem Cell Commitment to Differentiation Is Regulated by Mitochondrial Dynamics Little is known regarding the impact of mitochondrial dynamics on the differentiation process. Scientists addressed this knowledge gap by isolating mesenchymal stem cells from Swiss female mice, inducing these cells to differentiate into osteo, chondro and adipocytes and measuring changes in mass, morphology, dynamics and bioenergetics. [Stem Cells] Abstract The Lineage Specification of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Is Directed by the Rate of Fluid Shear Stress Scientists showed 0-0′ facilitated mesenchymal stem cell differentiation towards chondrogenic and not osteogenic phenotype, by promoting moderate intracellular calcium concentration increase from the calcium channels with the exception of mechanosensitive, cation-selective channels or intracellular calcium stores, and F-actin organization. [J Cell Physiol] Abstract Systematic Microcarrier Screening and Agitated Culture Conditions Improves Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Yield in Bioreactors Researchers systematically evaluated 13 microcarriers for human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell expansion from three donors to establish a reproducible and transferable methodology for microcarrier selection. [Biotechnol J] Abstract Promotion of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Osteogenesis by PI3-Kinase/Akt Signaling, and the Influence of Caveolin-1/Cholesterol Homeostasis The authors hypothesized that focal adhesion signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt signaling may be negatively regulated by caveolin-1 during human mesenchymal stem cell osteogenesis. [Stem Cell Res Ther] Full Article A Robust Potency Assay Highlights Significant Donor Variation of Human Mesenchymal Stem/Progenitor Cell Immune Modulatory Capacity and Extended Radio-Resistance The authors established a robust immunomodulation potency assay based on pooling responder leukocytes to minimize individual immune response variability. Comparing various mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells revealed significant potency inconsistency and generally diminished allo-immunosuppression compared to dose-dependent inhibition of mitogenesis. [Stem Cell Res Ther] Full Article Canine and Equine Mesenchymal Stem Cells Grown in Serum Free Media Have Altered Immunophenotype Investigators aimed to determine if specific mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) culture conditions, MSC expansion in HYPERFlasks® or MSC expansion in a commercially available serum-free media, would alter MSC proliferation, phenotype or immunomodulatory properties in vitro. [Stem Cell Rev] Full Article IN VIVO Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Mesenchymal cells Preserve Kidney Function and Extend Lifespan in NZB/W F1 Mouse Model of Lupus Nephritis Investigators showed that human embryonic stem cell-mesenchymal stromal cells prevent the progression of fatal lupus nephritis in NZB/W F1 mice. Treatment led to statistically significant reductions in proteinuria and serum creatinine and preserved renal architecture. [Sci Rep] Full Article | Press Release Contribution and Mobilization of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Mouse Model of Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis Hepatic fibrosis is associated with bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Researchers aimed to determine what role MSCs play in the process and how they mobilize from bone marrow. [Sci Rep] Full Article |