Modern approaches on stem cells and scaffolding technology for osteogenic differentiation and regeneration

The process of bone repair has always been a natural mystery. Although bones do repair themselves, supplemental treatment is required for the initiation of the self-regeneration process. Predominantly, surgical procedures are employed for bone regeneration. Recently, cell-based therapy for bone regeneration has proven to be more effective than traditional methods, as it eliminates the immune risk and painful surgeries. In clinical trials, various stem cells, especially mesenchymal stem cells, have shown to be more efficient for the treatment of several bone-related diseases, such as non-union fracture, osteogenesis imperfecta, osteosarcoma, and osteoporosis. Furthermore, the stem cells grown in a suitable three-dimensional scaffold support were found to be more efficient for osteogenesis. It has been shown that the three-dimensional bioscaffolds support and simulate an in vivo environment, which helps in differentiation of stem cells into bone cells. Bone regeneration in patients with bone disorders can be improved through modification of stem cells with several osteogenic factors or using stem cells as carriers for osteogenic factors. In this review, we focused on the various types of stem cells and scaffolds that are being used for bone regeneration. In addition, the molecular mechanisms of various transcription factors, signaling pathways that support bone regeneration and the senescence of the stem cells, which limits bone regeneration, have been discussed.

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Changes in the Transcriptome Profiles of Human Amnion-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells Induced by Three-Dimensional Culture: A Potential Priming Strategy to Improve Their Properties

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms23020863 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 23 (2) ◽

pp. 863

Author(s):

Alessia Gallo ◽

Nicola Cuscino ◽

Flavia Contino ◽

Matteo Bulati ◽

Mariangela Pampalone ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

3D Culture ◽

Therapeutic Effects ◽

Rna Seq ◽

Human Amnion ◽

Cell Based Therapy ◽

Therapeutic Properties ◽

Stromal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are believed to function in vivo as a homeostatic tool that shows therapeutic properties for tissue repair/regeneration. Conventionally, these cells are expanded in two-dimensional (2D) cultures, and, in that case, MSCs undergo genotypic/phenotypic changes resulting in a loss of their therapeutic capabilities. Moreover, several clinical trials using MSCs have shown controversial results with moderate/insufficient therapeutic responses. Different priming methods were tested to improve MSC effects, and three-dimensional (3D) culturing techniques were also examined. MSC spheroids display increased therapeutic properties, and, in this context, it is crucial to understand molecular changes underlying spheroid generation. To address these limitations, we performed RNA-seq on human amnion-derived MSCs (hAMSCs) cultured in both 2D and 3D conditions and examined the transcriptome changes associated with hAMSC spheroid formation. We found a large number of 3D culture-sensitive genes and identified selected genes related to 3D hAMSC therapeutic effects. In particular, we observed that these genes can regulate proliferation/differentiation, as well as immunomodulatory and angiogenic processes. We validated RNA-seq results by qRT-PCR and methylome analysis and investigation of secreted factors. Overall, our results showed that hAMSC spheroid culture represents a promising approach to cell-based therapy that could significantly impact hAMSC application in the field of regenerative medicine.

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Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Incorporated Silk Fibroin as a Potential Bio-Scaffold in Guiding Bone Regeneration

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym12040853 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 853 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Dewi Sartika ◽

Chih-Hsin Wang ◽

Ding-Han Wang ◽

Juin-Hong Cherng ◽

Shu-Jen Chang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽

Bone Regeneration ◽

Osteogenic Differentiation ◽

Silk Fibroin ◽

Bone Repair ◽

Matrix Deposition ◽

Calvarial Defects

Recently, stem cell-based bone tissue engineering (BTE) has been recognized as a preferable and clinically significant strategy for bone repair. In this study, a pure 3D silk fibroin (SF) scaffold was fabricated as a BTE material using a lyophilization method. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of the SF scaffold with and without seeded human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs) in facilitating bone regeneration. The effectiveness of the SF-hASCs scaffold was evaluated based on physical characterization, biocompatibility, osteogenic differentiation in vitro, and bone regeneration in critical rat calvarial defects in vivo. The SF scaffold demonstrated superior biocompatibility and significantly promoted osteogenic differentiation of hASCs in vitro. At six and twelve weeks postimplantation, micro-CT showed no statistical difference in new bone formation amongst all groups. However, histological staining results revealed that the SF-hASCs scaffold exhibited a better bone extracellular matrix deposition in the defect regions compared to other groups. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed this result; expression of osteoblast-related genes (BMP-2, COL1a1, and OCN) with the SF-hASCs scaffold treatment was remarkably positive, indicating their ability to achieve effective bone remodeling. Thus, these findings demonstrate that SF can serve as a potential carrier for stem cells, to be used as an osteoconductive bioscaffold for BTE applications.

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Transected Tendon Treated with a New Fibrin Sealant Alone or Associated with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

Cells ◽

10.3390/cells8010056 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 56 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Katleen Frauz ◽

Luis Teodoro ◽

Giane Carneiro ◽

Fernanda Cristina da Veiga ◽

Danilo Lopes Ferrucci ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Fibrin Sealant ◽

Tendon Repair ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Maximum Load ◽

Adipose Derived Stem Cells ◽

Tissue Organization ◽

Cell Based Therapy ◽

Crotalus Durissus

Tissue engineering and cell-based therapy combine techniques that create biocompatible materials for cell survival, which can improve tendon repair. This study seeks to use a new fibrin sealant (FS) derived from the venom of Crotalus durissus terrificus, a biodegradable three-dimensional scaffolding produced from animal components only, associated with adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) for application in tendons injuries, considered a common and serious orthopedic problem. Lewis rats had tendons distributed in five groups: normal (N), transected (T), transected and FS (FS) or ASC (ASC) or with FS and ASC (FS + ASC). The in vivo imaging showed higher quantification of transplanted PKH26-labeled ASC in tendons of FS + ASC compared to ASC on the 14th day after transection. A small number of Iba1 labeled macrophages carrying PKH26 signal, probably due to phagocytosis of dead ASC, were observed in tendons of transected groups. ASC up-regulated the Tenomodulin gene expression in the transection region when compared to N, T and FS groups and the expression of TIMP-2 and Scleraxis genes in relation to the N group. FS group presented a greater organization of collagen fibers, followed by FS + ASC and ASC in comparison to N. Tendons from ASC group presented higher hydroxyproline concentration in relation to N and the transected tendons of T, FS and FS + ASC had a higher amount of collagen I and tenomodulin in comparison to N group. Although no marked differences were observed in the other biomechanical parameters, T group had higher value of maximum load compared to the groups ASC and FS + ASC. In conclusion, the FS kept constant the number of transplanted ASC in the transected region until the 14th day after injury. Our data suggest this FS to be a good scaffold for treatment during tendon repair because it was the most effective one regarding tendon organization recovering, followed by the FS treatment associated with ASC and finally by the transplanted ASC on the 21st day. Further investigations in long-term time points of the tendon repair are needed to analyze if the higher tissue organization found with the FS scaffold will improve the biomechanics of the tendons.

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Hypoxia signalling manipulation for bone regeneration

Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine ◽

10.1017/erm.2015.4 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 17 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

Justin Drager ◽

Edward J. Harvey ◽

Jake Barralet

Keyword(s):

Bone Regeneration ◽

Bone Repair ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Bone Development ◽

Hypoxia Inducible Factor ◽

Cell Recruitment ◽

Substantial Progress ◽

Hif Pathway

Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signalling is intricately involved in coupling angiogenesis and osteogenesis during bone development and repair. Activation of HIFs in response to a hypoxic bone micro-environment stimulates the transcription of multiple genes with effects on angiogenesis, precursor cell recruitment and differentiation. Substantial progress has been made in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which oxygen content regulates the levels and activity of HIFs. In particular, the discovery of the role of oxygen-dependent hydroxylase enzymes in modulating the activity of HIF-1α has sparked interest in potentially promising therapeutic strategies in multiple clinical fields and most recently bone healing. Several small molecules, termed hypoxia mimics, have been identified as activators of the HIF pathway and have demonstrated augmentation of both bone vascularity and bone regeneration in vivo. In this review we discuss key elements of the hypoxic signalling pathway and its role in bone regeneration. Current strategies for the manipulation of this pathway for enhancing bone repair are presented with an emphasis on recent pre-clinical in vivo investigations. These findings suggest promising approaches for the development of therapies to improve bone repair and tissue engineering strategies.

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In vitro Three Dimensional Scaffold-free Construct of Human Adipose-derived Stem Cells in Coculture with Endothelial Cells and Fibroblasts

Revista de Chimie ◽

10.37358/rc.17.6.5670 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 68 (6) ◽

pp. 1341-1344

Author(s):

Grigore Berea ◽

Gheorghe Gh. Balan ◽

Vasile Sandru ◽

Paul Dan Sirbu

Keyword(s):

Tissue Engineering ◽

Stem Cells ◽

Endothelial Cells ◽

Single Cell ◽

Cell Line ◽

Bone Repair ◽

Umbilical Vein ◽

Human Fibroblasts ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Adipose Derived Stem Cells

Complex interactions between stem cells, vascular cells and fibroblasts represent the substrate of building microenvironment-embedded 3D structures that can be grafted or added to bone substitute scaffolds in tissue engineering or clinical bone repair. Human Adipose-derived Stem Cells (hASCs), human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and normal dermal human fibroblasts (NDHF) can be mixed together in three dimensional scaffold free constructs and their behaviour will emphasize their potential use as seeding points in bone tissue engineering. Various combinations of the aforementioned cell lines were compared to single cell line culture in terms of size, viability and cell proliferation. At 5 weeks, viability dropped for single cell line spheroids while addition of NDHF to hASC maintained the viability at the same level at 5 weeks Fibroblasts addition to the 3D construct of stem cells and endothelial cells improves viability and reduces proliferation as a marker of cell differentiation toward osteogenic line.

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Regeneration of Bone Defects Using Bioactive Glass Combined with Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells. An experimental in vivo study

Revista de Chimie ◽

10.37358/rc.19.6.7259 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 70 (6) ◽

pp. 1983-1987

Author(s):

Cristian Trambitas ◽

Anca Maria Pop ◽

Alina Dia Trambitas Miron ◽

Dorin Constantin Dorobantu ◽

Flaviu Tabaran ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽

Bioactive Glass ◽

Bone Repair ◽

Bone Defects ◽

Calvarial Bone ◽

Specific Protocol ◽

Repair Mechanisms ◽

Male Wistar Rats

Large bone defects are a medical concern as these are often unable to heal spontaneously, based on the host bone repair mechanisms. In their treatment, bone tissue engineering techniques represent a promising approach by providing a guide for osseous regeneration. As bioactive glasses proved to have osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties, the aim of our study was to evaluate by histologic examination, the differences in the healing of critical-sized calvarial bone defects filled with bioactive glass combined with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells, compared to negative controls. We used 16 male Wistar rats subjected to a specific protocol based on which 2 calvarial bone defects were created in each animal, one was filled with Bon Alive S53P4 bioactive glass and adipose-derived stem cells and the other one was considered control. At intervals of one week during the following month, the animals were euthanized and the specimens from bone defects were histologically examined and compared. The results showed that this biomaterial was biocompatible and the first signs of osseous healing appeared in the third week. Bone Alive S53P4 bioactive glass could be an excellent bone substitute, reducing the need of bone grafts.

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Let-7f miRNA regulates SDF-1α- and hypoxia-promoted migration of mesenchymal stem cells and attenuates mammary tumor growth upon exosomal release

Cell Death and Disease ◽

10.1038/s41419-021-03789-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (6) ◽

Author(s):

Virginia Egea ◽

Kai Kessenbrock ◽

Devon Lawson ◽

Alexander Bartelt ◽

Christian Weber ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽

Tumor Growth ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Hypoxia Inducible Factor ◽

Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽

Target Cells ◽

Autophagic Flux ◽

Stromal Cell Derived Factor

AbstractBone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are recruited to damaged or inflamed tissues where they contribute to tissue repair. This multi-step process involves chemokine-directed invasion of hMSCs and on-site release of factors that influence target cells or tumor tissues. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unclear. Previously, we described that microRNA let-7f controls hMSC differentiation. Here, we investigated the role of let-7f in chemotactic invasion and paracrine anti-tumor effects. Incubation with stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) or inflammatory cytokines upregulated let-7f expression in hMSCs. Transfection of hMSCs with let-7f mimics enhanced CXCR4-dependent invasion by augmentation of pericellular proteolysis and release of matrix metalloproteinase-9. Hypoxia-induced stabilization of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha in hMSCs promoted cell invasion via let-7f and activation of autophagy. Dependent on its endogenous level, let-7f facilitated hMSC motility and invasion through regulation of the autophagic flux in these cells. In addition, secreted let-7f encapsulated in exosomes was increased upon upregulation of endogenous let-7f by treatment of the cells with SDF-1α, hypoxia, or induction of autophagy. In recipient 4T1 tumor cells, hMSC-derived exosomal let-7f attenuated proliferation and invasion. Moreover, implantation of 3D spheroids composed of hMSCs and 4T1 cells into a breast cancer mouse model demonstrated that hMSCs overexpressing let-7f inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Our findings provide evidence that let-7f is pivotal in the regulation of hMSC invasion in response to inflammation and hypoxia, suggesting that exosomal let-7f exhibits paracrine anti-tumor effects.

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Expression Profile of New Marker Genes Involved in Differentiation of Canine Adipose-Derived Stem Cells into Osteoblasts

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22136663 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (13) ◽

pp. 6663

Author(s):

Maurycy Jankowski ◽

Mariusz Kaczmarek ◽

Grzegorz Wąsiatycz ◽

Claudia Dompe ◽

Paul Mozdziak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

In Vitro Culture ◽

Osteogenic Differentiation ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Marker Genes ◽

P Value ◽

Illumina Platform

Next-generation sequencing (RNAseq) analysis of gene expression changes during the long-term in vitro culture and osteogenic differentiation of ASCs remains to be important, as the analysis provides important clues toward employing stem cells as a therapeutic intervention. In this study, the cells were isolated from adipose tissue obtained during routine surgical procedures and subjected to 14-day in vitro culture and differentiation. The mRNA transcript levels were evaluated using the Illumina platform, resulting in the detection of 19,856 gene transcripts. The most differentially expressed genes (fold change >|2|, adjusted p value < 0.05), between day 1, day 14 and differentiated cell cultures were extracted and subjected to bioinformatical analysis based on the R programming language. The results of this study provide molecular insight into the processes that occur during long-term in vitro culture and osteogenic differentiation of ASCs, allowing the re-evaluation of the roles of some genes in MSC progression towards a range of lineages. The results improve the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms associated with long-term in vitro culture and differentiation of ASCs, as well as providing a point of reference for potential in vivo and clinical studies regarding these cells’ application in regenerative medicine.

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Bone defect reconstruction via endochondral ossification: A developmental engineering strategy

Journal of Tissue Engineering ◽

10.1177/20417314211004211 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

pp. 204173142110042

Author(s):

Rao Fu ◽

Chuanqi Liu ◽

Yuxin Yan ◽

Qingfeng Li ◽

Ru-Lin Huang

Keyword(s):

Bone Regeneration ◽

Bone Defect ◽

Bone Repair ◽

Endochondral Ossification ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Endochondral Bone ◽

Defect Reconstruction ◽

Hypoxic Conditions ◽

Bone Defect Reconstruction

Traditional bone tissue engineering (BTE) strategies induce direct bone-like matrix formation by mimicking the embryological process of intramembranous ossification. However, the clinical translation of these clinical strategies for bone repair is hampered by limited vascularization and poor bone regeneration after implantation in vivo. An alternative strategy for overcoming these drawbacks is engineering cartilaginous constructs by recapitulating the embryonic processes of endochondral ossification (ECO); these constructs have shown a unique ability to survive under hypoxic conditions as well as induce neovascularization and ossification. Such developmentally engineered constructs can act as transient biomimetic templates to facilitate bone regeneration in critical-sized defects. This review introduces the concept and mechanism of developmental BTE, explores the routes of endochondral bone graft engineering, highlights the current state of the art in large bone defect reconstruction via ECO-based strategies, and offers perspectives on the challenges and future directions of translating current knowledge from the bench to the bedside.

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