IN VITRO The Effect of Bisphosphonates on the Endothelial Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Scientists evaluated the effect of various bisphosphonates on the differentiation of human placental mesenchymal stem cells along the endothelial lineage and their subsequent functional and morphogenic capabilities. [Sci Rep] Full Article MicroRNA-301a Promotes Cell Proliferation via PTEN Targeting in Ewing’s Sarcoma Cells To explore possible oncogenic factors in Ewing’s sarcoma (ES), investigators conducted microarray-based investigation and profiled the changes in miRNA expression and their effects on downstream mRNAs in five ES cell lines and human mesenchymal stem cells. [Int J Oncol] Abstract The Effect of Local Anesthetic on Pro-Inflammatory Macrophage Modulation by Mesenchymal Stromal Cells The authors measured the effect of local anesthetics, lidocaine and bupivacaine, on macrophage viability and pro-inflammatory secretion. They also examined their effect on modulation of the macrophage pro-inflammatory phenotype in an in vitro co-culture system with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), by quantifying macrophage tumor necrosis factor-α secretion and MSC prostaglandin E2 production. [Int Immunopharmacol] Abstract Signaling Pathways Involved in the Effects of HMGB1 on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Migration and Osteoblastic Differentiation The effects of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) on mesenchymal stem cell migration and osteoblastic differentiation, and the signaling pathways involved in these effects, have not yet been elucidated. Scientists investigated these effects, as well as the signaling mechanisms involved, using in vitro models. [Int J Mol Med] Abstract IN VIVO Wnt3a, a Protein Secreted by Mesenchymal Stem Cells Is Neuroprotective and Promotes Neurocognitive Recovery following Traumatic Brain Injury The authors sought to determine if intravenous administration of mesenchymal stem cells (IV-MSCs) could enhance hippocampal neurogenesis following traumatic brain injury (TBI). They demonstrated that IV-MSC treatment attenuates loss of neural stem cells and promotes hippocampal neurogenesis in TBI injured mice. [Stem Cells] Abstract Viral-Mediated Fusion of Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Cells of the Infarcted Heart Hinders Healing via Decreased Vascularization and Immune Modulation Researchers augmented fusion of transplanted mesenchymal stem cells with recipient cardiac cell types via viral fusogens to determine how cardiac function is impacted. [Sci Rep] Full Article Angio-Vasculogenic Properties of Endothelial-Induced Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Human Adipose Tissue Researchers identified the angio-vasculogenic properties of endothelial differentiated mesenchymal stem cells and determined whether these cells are effective for vascular repair. [Circ J] Abstract Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Restore Impaired Mucosal Immune Responses in Aged Mice Investigators examined the potential of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) to restore the gastrointestinal mucosal immune system in aged mice. Aged mice were adoptively transferred with AMSCs. [PLoS One] Full Article |