MicroRNA-155 mediates multiple gene regulations pertinent to the role of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in skin regeneration.

Introduction: The role of Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) in skin wound healing remains to be fully characterized. This study aims to evaluate the regenerative potential of autologous AD-MSCs in a non-healing porcine wound model, in addition to elucidate key miRNA-mediated epigenetic regulations that underlie the regenerative potential of AD-MSCs in wounds. Methods: The regenerative potential of autologous AD-MSCs was evaluated in porcine model using histopathology and spatial frequency domain imaging. Then, the correlations between miRNAs and proteins of AD-MSCs were evaluated using an integration analysis in primary human AD-MSCs in comparison to primary human keratinocytes. Transfection study of AD-MSCs was conducted to validate the bioinformatics data. Results: Autologous porcine AD-MSCs improved wound epithelialization and skin properties in comparison to control wounds. We identified 26 proteins upregulated in human AD-MSCs, including growth and angiogenic factors, chemokines and inflammatory cytokines. Pathway enrichment analysis highlighted cell signalling-associated pathways and immunomodulatory pathways. miRNA-target modelling revealed regulations related to genes encoding for 16 upregulated proteins. miR-155-5p was predicted to regulate Fibroblast growth factor 2 and 7, C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 and Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1. Transfecting human AD-MSCs cell line with anti-miR-155 showed transient gene silencing of the four proteins at 24 h post-transfection. Discussion: This study proposes a positive miR-155-mediated gene regulation of key factors involved in wound healing. The study represents a promising approach for miRNA-based and cell-free regenerative treatment for difficult-to-heal wounds. The therapeutic potential of miR-155 and its identified targets should be further explored in-vivo.

miRNome and Proteome Profiling of Human Keratinocytes and Adipose Derived Stem Cells Proposed miRNA-Mediated Regulations of Epidermal Growth Factor and Interleukin 1-Alpha.

Wound healing is regulated by complex crosstalk between keratinocytes and other cell types, including stem cells. In this study, a 7-day direct co-culture model of human keratinocytes and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) was proposed to study the interaction between the two cell types, in order to identify regulators of ADSCs differentiation toward the epidermal lineage. As major mediators of cell communication, miRNome and proteome profiles in cell lysates of cultured human keratinocytes and ADSCs were explored through experimental and computational analyses. GeneChip® miRNA microarray, identified 378 differentially expressed miRNAs; of these, 114 miRNAs were upregulated and 264 miRNAs were downregulated in keratinocytes. According to miRNA target prediction databases and the Expression Atlas database, 109 skin-related genes were obtained. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed 14 pathways including vesicle-mediated transport, signaling by interleukin, and others. Proteome profiling showed a significant upregulation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and Interleukin 1-alpha (IL-1α) compared to ADSCs. Integrated analysis through cross-matching the differentially expressed miRNA and proteins suggested two potential pathways for regulations of epidermal differentiation; the first is EGF-based through the downregulation of miR-485-5p and miR-6765-5p and/or the upregulation of miR-4459. The second is mediated by IL-1α overexpression through four isomers of miR-30-5p and miR-181a-5p.

Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 in urothelial bladder carcinoma in an Egyptian cohort: Clinical implication and prognostic significance.

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer (BC) has a particular importance in Egyptian patients due to aggressive behavior and absence of prognostic markers. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression of gene and protein expression of HER2 and epidermal growth factor (EGFR) in Egyptian patients with BC and ultimately to investigate their clinical implication and prognostic significance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 46 patients with urothelial bladder BC. Tissue were obtained from transurethral resection (N = 22) and radical cystectomy (N = 24) specimens. The original hematoxylin and eosin slides were re-evaluated and the formalin fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues which had sufficient tumor tissue (>75%) and minimal or absent tumor necrosis were selected for immunohistochemistry (IHC) and RNA extraction. Furthermore, five control biopsies were obtained from patients with cystitis. Follow-up data were retrieved from the medical records which included the treatment regimen, disease recurrence and/or progression, and survival. RESULTS: EGFR and HER2 protein were overexpressed in 35% and 46% of patients respectively. EGFR was correlated with the tumor size, grade and pathological stage, with a similar trend for HER2. The recurrence rate was higher in patients with expression of any of the markers. Gene expression was significantly higher (10.6-folds) for EGFR and (21-folds) for HER2 in patients with BC in comparison to control patients. Survival analysis showed lower median disease-free survival in association with HER2 protein overexpression. CONCLUSIONS: Our data highlighted the prognostic significance of EGFR and HER in BC and proposed their possible use as predictive markers and potential therapeutic targets.

A Systematic Review of Keratinocyte Secretions: A Regenerative Perspective.

Cell regenerative therapy is a modern solution for difficult-to-heal wounds. Keratinocytes, the most common cell type in the skin, are difficult to obtain without the creation of another wound. Stem cell differentiation towards keratinocytes is a challenging process, and it is difficult to reproduce in chemically defined media. Nevertheless, a co-culture of keratinocytes with stem cells usually achieves efficient differentiation. This systematic review aims to identify the secretions of normal human keratinocytes reported in the literature and correlate them with the differentiation process. An online search revealed 338 references, of which 100 met the selection criteria. A total of 80 different keratinocyte secretions were reported, which can be grouped mainly into cytokines, growth factors, and antimicrobial peptides. The growth-factor group mostly affects stem cell differentiation into keratinocytes, especially epidermal growth factor and members of the transforming growth factor family. Nevertheless, the reported secretions reflected the nature of the involved studies, as most of them focused on keratinocyte interaction with inflammation. This review highlights the secretory function of keratinocytes, as well as the need for intense investigation to characterize these secretions and evaluate their regenerative capacities.

Biomaterials as a Vital Frontier for Stem Cell-Based Tissue Regeneration.

Biomaterials and tissue regeneration represent two fields of intense research and rapid advancement. Their combination allowed the utilization of the different characteristics of biomaterials to enhance the expansion of stem cells or their differentiation into various lineages. Furthermore, the use of biomaterials in tissue regeneration would help in the creation of larger tissue constructs that can allow for significant clinical application. Several studies investigated the role of one or more biomaterial on stem cell characteristics or their differentiation potential into a certain target. In order to achieve real advancement in the field of stem cell-based tissue regeneration, a careful analysis of the currently published information is critically needed. This review describes the fundamental description of biomaterials as well as their classification according to their source, bioactivity and different biological effects. The effect of different biomaterials on stem cell expansion and differentiation into the primarily studied lineages was further discussed. In conclusion, biomaterials should be considered as an essential component of stem cell differentiation strategies. An intense investigation is still required. Establishing a consortium of stem cell biologists and biomaterial developers would help in a systematic development of this field.

Non-additive effect of the DNA methylation inhibitor, 5-Aza-dC, and glass as a culture surface on osteogenic differentiation.

The clinical need for bone regenerative solutions is expanding with increasing life expectancy and escalating incidence of accidents. Several strategies are being investigated to enhance the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells. We previously reported two different approaches for this purpose, in monolayer and three-dimensional cell culture. The first approach was based on pretreating cells with 5-Aza-dC, a DNA methylation inhibitor, before the applying the differentiation media. The second approach was based on culturing cells on a glass surface during differentiation. In this study, we investigated the potential effect of combining both methods. Our results suggested that both approaches were associated with decreasing global DNA methylation levels. Cells cultured as a monolayer on glass surface showed enhancement in alkaline phosphatase activity at day 10, while 5-Aza-dC pretreatment enhanced the activity at day 5, irrespective of the culture surface. In three-dimensional pellet culture, 5-Aza-dC pretreatment enhanced osteogenesis through Runx-2 and TGF-ß1 upregulation while the glass surface induced Osterix. Furthermore, pellets cultured on glass showed upregulation of a group of miRNAs, including pro-osteogenesis miR- 20a and miR -148b and anti-osteogenesis miR -125b, miR -31, miR -138, and miR -133a. Interestingly, 5-Aza-dC was not associated with a change of miRNAs in cells cultured on tissue culture plastic but reverted the upregulated miRNAs on the glass to the basal level. This study confirms the two approaches for enhancing osteogenic differentiation and contradicts their combination.

Synthesis of scaffold-free, three dimensional, osteogenic constructs following culture of skeletal osteoprogenitor cells on glass surfaces.

BACKGROUND: Efficient differentiation of stem cells into three-dimensional (3D) osteogenic construct is still an unmet challenge. These constructs can be crucial for patients with bone defects due to congenital or traumatic reasons. The modulation of cell fate and function as a consequence of interaction with the physical and chemical properties of materials is well known. METHODS: The current study has examined the osteogenic differentiation potential of human skeletal populations following culture on glass surfaces, as a monolayer, or in glass tubes as a pellet culture. The 3D prosperities were assessed morphometrically and the differentiation was evaluated through molecular characterization as well as matrix formation. RESULTS: Early temporal expression of alkaline phosphatase expression of skeletal populations was observed following culture on glass surfaces. Skeletal populations seeded on glass tubes, adhered as a monolayer to the tube base and subsequently formed 3D pellets at the air -media interface. The pellets cultured on glass displayed 4.9 ± 1.3 times the weight and 2.9 ± 0.1 the diameter of their counterpart cultured in plastic tubes and displayed enhanced production of osteogenic matrix proteins, such a collagen I and osteonectin. The size and weight of the pellets correlated with surface area in contrast to cell numbers seeded. Global DNA methylation level was decreased in pellets cultured on glass. In contrast, gene expression analysis confirmed upregulation extracellular matrix proteins and osteogenesis-related growth factors. CONCLUSION: This simple approach to the culture of skeletal cells on glass tubes provides a scaffold-free, 3D construct platform for generating pellets enabling analysis and evaluation of tissue development and integration of multiple constructs with implications for tissue repair and regenerative application on scale-up.

Xeno-free workflow exhibits comparable efficiency and quality of keratinocytes isolated from human skin biopsies.

INTRODUCTION: Regenerative solutions of the skin represent a hope for burn victims with extensive skin loss and chronic wound patients. The development of xeno-free workflow is crucial for clinical application in compliance with the directives of the European Medicines Agency. This study aimed at evaluating the outcome of the xeno-free isolation workflow of keratinocytes from human skin biopsy. METHODS: Skin biopsies were obtained from volunteers. The epidermis was digested with TrypLE™ Select, which was deactivated by dilution or with trypsin, deactivated by media with fetal bovine serum. Freshly isolated cells were compared for total cell number, viability, activity of caspase 3, gene expression and the presence of the keratinocyte surface markers cytokeratin 14. The cells were cultured in xeno-free conditions for one week and characterized regarding the number and viability as well as the metalloproteinase secretion. RESULTS: The number of obtained cells was similar in both workflows. The cell viability was less in the TrypLE group, with slight reduction of the cell surface marker cytokeratin 14. Caspase 3 activity was comparable as well as the gene expression of the apoptotic markers BAX, BCL2 and SLUG, as well as the keratinocyte markers cytokeratin 14, stratifin and filaggrin. Upon culture, the number of keratinocytes, their viability and secretion of matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 10 were equal in both groups. CONCLUSION: This study reports the possibility of isolating functioning and viable keratinocytes through a xeno-free workflow for clinical application.

Human serum albumin as a clinically accepted cell carrier solution for skin regenerative application.

The rules governing Medicinal Products in the European Union necessitates the production of cell-based therapy in good manufacturing practice facilities. The produced cells may need several hours in transportation to reach the application sites. In this study, we investigated four candidate solutions for transporting human keratinocytes. The solutions are (1) normal saline, (2) saline with 2.5% human serum albumin (Saline + HSA), (3) chemically defined, xeno-free keratinocyte media and (4) keratinocyte media with pituitary bovine extract (PBE-media). One million keratinocytes from three donors were suspended in each solution and kept at 4 °C for up to 24 h. Cells kept in Saline + HSA showed higher viability after 1, 3 and 24 h. Then, equal number of viable cells were seeded on collagenous matrix and cultured for 48 h. The adhesion and colonization were higher in the cells kept in PBE-media, while the keratinocyte surface marker, cytokeratin 14, was present in all studied groups. These results confirmed the suitability of Saline + HSA as a cell transportation solution for clinical use, which will be the choice for the planned clinical trial. Keratinocyte PBE-media can be an alternative for cells transported for research purpose, if the same media type is going to be used in the following experiments.

Exploring the effect of epigenetic modifiers on developing insulin-secreting cells.

Diabetes is a worldwide health problem with increasing incidence. The current management modalities did not succeed to decrease comorbidities. This study aimed at enhancing the regenerative solution for diabetes by improving the differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) into glucose-sensitive, insulin-secreting cells through an epigenetic modification approach. A 3-day treatment protocol with the epigenetic modifiers, either decitabine (5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine; Aza); a DNA methylation inhibitor or Vorinostat (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid; SAHA); a histone deacetylase inhibitor was added to two different human stem cell lines. The cells followed a multi-step differentiation protocol that provided the critical triggers in a temporal approach. Aza-pretreated group showed higher intracellular expression of insulin and the transcription factor 'PDX-1'. The cells responded to the high glucose challenge by secreting insulin in the media, as shown by ELISA. Gene expression showed induction of the genes for insulin, the glucose transporter 2, glucokinase, as well as the transcription factors MafA and NKX6.1. Although SAHA showed upregulation of insulin secretion, in comparison to control, the cells could not respond to the high glucose challenge. Interestingly, Aza-treated cells showed a significant decrease in the global DNA methylation level at the end of the culture. In conclusion, this additional step with Aza could enhance the response of MSC to the classical differentiation protocol for insulin-secreting cells and may help in establishing a regenerative solution for patients with diabetes.

Immunomodulatory MicroRNAs in cancer: targeting immune checkpoints and the tumor microenvironment.

Cancer immunotherapy represents a promising new era in cancer management due to the relatively high safety margins and selectivity, compared to the classical cancer chemotherapeutic agents. However, there is an imperative need to overcome tumor resistance in order to improve clinical outcomes and maximize the benefits of cancer immunotherapy. The interaction between the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) receptor and its ligand PD-L1 is a vital immune checkpoint that is often adopted by cancer cells to undergo immune evasion. PD-1/PD-L1 signaling is regulated at multiple levels through the crosstalk with other immune targets or relevant signaling partners involved in the cancer progression. Among the significant epigenetic players that are implicated in modulating the immune system are microRNAs (miRNAs). A complex system of these noncoding RNAs regulates the gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and plays a significant role in the modulation of both innate and the adaptive immune systems. The expression profile of immune-modulatory miRNAs might be useful as a predictive biomarker for the response and clinical outcomes in cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, in the current review, we highlighted the role of miRNAs in cancer immune evasion through a critical discussion of their impact on key immune checkpoints as well as the role of miRNAs in cancer progression and resistance.

Paradoxical effects of the epigenetic modifiers 5-aza-deoxycytidine and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid on adipogenesis.

Adipogenesis is an important biological process that is linked to obesity and metabolic disorders. On the other hand, fat regeneration is crucial as a restorative approach following mastectomy or severe burn injury. Furthermore, optimizing an in-vitro model of adipogenesis, which would help in understanding the possible effects and/or side effects of fat-soluble drugs and anti-obesity remedies, in addition to the developmental studies. Epigenetic is an important factor that is involved in cellular differentiation and commitment. This study aimed at investigating the effect of DNA methylation and histone deactylases inhibitors, 5-Aza-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC) and Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), on the adipogenic differentiation process. The two modifiers were applied according to our previously published protocol, followed by three cycles of a classical, two-step adipogenesis protocol. The cells pretreated with SAHA showed enhanced expression of the many adipogenic genes, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ as well as the accumulation of intracytoplasmic fat as shown by oil red and Nile red staining and the secretion of adipokines, such as MCP-1 and IP-10. On contrary, 5-Aza-dC inhibited all these markers. In conclusion, adding the reported step with SAHA to the differentiation protocols could have an impact on the progress of the in-vitro fat regenerative approach. The possible role of 5-Aza-dC in the inhibition of adipogenesis can be of clinical interest and will need further characterization in the future.

Interplay between Epigenetics, Expression of Estrogen Receptor- α, HER2/ERBB2 and Sensitivity of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells to Hormonal Therapy.

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells are resistant to hormonal/targeted therapies. This study aims to investigate epigenetic differences between TNBC and other types of breast cancer and the effect of epigenetic modulation on the response of TNBC cells to hormonal therapy. Thus, we investigated (i) the expression of different epigenetic markers, (ii) the effect of epigenetic modifying agents on the expression of ERα and HER2/ERBB2 and (iii) the effect on the response to tamoxifen in four breast cancer cell lines with different hormonal receptor status. Our results revealed a differential expression patterns of epigenetic markers in the four breast cancer cells. In TNBC cells, histone deacetylases (HDAC) 1 and 2 were less expressed, whereas HDACs 4 and 6 were overexpressed. Interestingly, treatment with epigenetic modifiers resulted in (i) a pronounced increase in the expression of ERα and HER2/ERBB2 along with (ii) an increase in the sensitivity of TNBC cells to tamoxifen. Collectively, this study indicates a different epigenetic background for TNBC cells, which represses the expression of ERα and HER2/ERBB2. Furthermore, we provide here the rationale for the use of epigenetic modifiers to enhance the response of TNBC to hormonal therapy through upregulation of ERα.

Two faces of the coin: Minireview for dissecting the role of reactive oxygen species in stem cell potency and lineage commitment.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced as by-products of several intracellular metabolic pathways and are reduced to more stable molecules by several protective pathways. The presence of high levels of ROS can be associated with disturbance of cell function and could lead to apoptosis. The presence of ROS within the physiological range has many effects on several signalling pathways. In stem cells, this role can range between keeping the potency of the naive stem cells to differentiation towards a certain lineage. In addition, the level of certain ROS would change according to the differentiation stage. For example, the presence of ROS can be associated with increasing the proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells, decreasing the potency of embryonic stem cells and adding to the genomic stability of induced pluripotent stem cells. ROS can enhance the differentiation of stem cells into cardiomyocytes, adipocytes, endothelial cells, keratinocytes and neurons. In the meantime, ROS inhibits osteogenesis and enhances the differentiation of cartilage to the hypertrophic stage, which is associated with chondrocyte death. Thus, ROS may form a link between naïve stem cells in the body and the environment. In addition, monitoring of ROS levels in vitro may help in tissue regeneration studies.

Skin regeneration in three dimensions, current status, challenges and opportunities.

Skin regeneration is a life-saving need for many patients, whom list is stretched from burn victims to motor-car accidents. Spraying cells, either keratinocytes or stem cells, were associated with variable results and, in many cases, unfavorable outcomes. As the spatial configuration of the skin is distinctive, many trials investigated the bio-printing or the construction of three dimensional skin models where different layers of the skin were preserved. Although some of these models showed the histological configuration of the skin, their acceptance by the wound was questionable as a consequence of delayed vascularization. In this mini-review, different models for three dimensional regeneration of the skin will be discussed with their main points of strength and challenges as well as their possible opportunities.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester protects against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in vivo: Impact on oxidative stress and RANKL/OPG signals.

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) is one of the most common causes of secondary osteoporosis. Given that glucocorticoids are considered as a main component of the treatment protocols for a variety of inflammation and immune-mediated diseases besides its use as adjuvant to several chemotherapeutic agents, it is crucial to find ways to overcome this critical adverse effect. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), which is a natural compound derived from honeybee propolis displayed promising antiosteoporotic effects against mechanical bone injury in various studies. The current work aimed at investigating the potential protective effect of CAPE against GIO in vivo with emphasis on the modulation of oxidative status and receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegrin (OPG) signaling. The results showed that CAPE opposed dexamethasone (DEX)-mediated alterations in bone histology and tartarate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity. In addition, CAPE restored oxidative balance, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RunX2) expression and reduced caspase-3 activity in femur tissues. Co-administration of CAPE with DEX normalized RANKL/OPG ratio and Akt activation indicating a reduction in DEX-osteoclastogenesis. In conclusion, concurrent treatment of CAPE with DEX exhibited promising effects in the protection against DEX-induced osteoporosis through opposing osteoclastogenesis and protecting osteoblasts. The potent antioxidant activity of CAPE is, at least in part, involved in its anti-apoptotic effects and modulation of RunX2 and RANKL/OPG signals. The use of CAPE-enriched propolis formulas is strongly recommended for patients on chronic glucocorticoid therapy to help in the attenuation of GIO.

Beta2-adrenergic receptor gene haplotypes and bronchodilator response in Egyptian patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PURPOSE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a multi-factorial disorder caused by environmental determinants and genetic risk factors. Understanding the genetic predisposition of COPD is essential to develop personalized treatment regimens. Beta2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) gene polymorphisms have been implicated in the pathogenesis of obstructive pulmonary diseases. This study was conducted to assess the genetic association between Arg16Gly and Gln27Glu polymorphisms and COPD in the Egyptian patients, and to analyze their impact on the clinical outcome and therapeutic response. PATIENTS/METHODS: The study population included 115 participants (61 COPD patients and 54 healthy controls) were genotyped for the Arg16Gly (rs1042713) and Gln27Glu (rs1042714) polymorphisms. Pulmonary function test was done and repeated in patients after salbutamol inhalation. RESULTS: The Gly16 and Gln27 alleles represented 57% and 70% of the whole study population, and only 3 haplotypes were detected; Arg16/Gln27, Gly16/Gln27, and Gly16/Glu27. Genotypes and haplotypes homozygous for Arg16 and Gln27 were more likely to develop COPD (p<0.05). However, individuals carrying Glu27 allele conferred protection against COPD development (p=0.002). Furthermore, Arg16 genotypes and haplotypes were significantly associated with higher grades of dyspnea, more COPD symptoms and frequent exacerbations. In contrast, patients carrying Glu27 allele had better bronchial airway responsiveness to ß2-agonists. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that the ADRB2 gene polymorphisms may have vital role in COPD risk, severity, and bronchodilator response among Egyptian population. Larger epidemiological studies are needed for results validation.

The effect of circadian rhythm on pharmacokinetics and metabolism of the Cdk inhibitor, roscovitine, in tumor mice model.

Roscovitine is a selective Cdk-inhibitor that is under investigation in phase II clinical trials under several conditions, including chemotherapy. Tumor growth inhibition has been previously shown to be affected by the dosing time of roscovitine in a Glasgow osteosarcoma xenograft mouse model. In the current study, we examined the effect of dose timing on the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution and metabolism of this drug in different organs in B6D2F1 mice. The drug was orally administered at resting (ZT3) or activity time of the mice (ZT19) at a dose of 300 mg/kg. Plasma and organs were removed at serial time points (10, 20 and 30 min; 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 h) after the administration. Roscovitine and its carboxylic metabolite concentrations were analyzed using HPLC-UV, and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated in different organs. We found that systemic exposure to roscovitine was 38% higher when dosing at ZT3, and elimination half-life was double compared to when dosing at ZT19. Higher organ concentrations expressed as (organ/plasma) ratio were observed when dosing at ZT3 in the kidney (180%), adipose tissue (188%), testis (132%) and lungs (112%), while the liver exposure to roscovitine was 120% higher after dosing at ZT19. The metabolic ratio was approximately 23% higher at ZT19, while the intrinsic clearance (CLint) was approximately 67% higher at ZT19, indicating faster and more efficient metabolism. These differences may be caused by circadian differences in the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion processes governing roscovitine disposition in the mice. In this article, we describe for the first time the chronobiodistribution of roscovitine in the mouse and the contribution of the dosing time to the variability of its metabolism. Our results may help in designing better dosing schedules of roscovitine in clinical trials.

Epigenetic modifiers influence lineage commitment of human bone marrow stromal cells: Differential effects of 5-aza-deoxycytidine and trichostatin A.

Clinical imperatives for new bone to replace or restore the function of traumatized or bone lost as a consequence of age or disease has led to the need for therapies or procedures to generate bone for skeletal applications. However, current in vitro methods for the differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells (HBMSCs) do not, to date, produce homogeneous cell populations of the osteogenic or chondrogenic lineages. As epigenetic modifiers are known to influence differentiation, we investigated the effects of the DNA demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) or the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) on osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. Monolayer cultures of HBMSCs were treated for 3 days with the 5-aza-dC or TSA, followed by culture in the absence of modifiers. Cells were subsequently grown in pellet culture to determine matrix production. 5-aza-dC stimulated osteogenic differentiation as evidenced by enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity, increased Runx-2 expression in monolayer, and increased osteoid formation in 3D cell pellets. In pellets cultured in chondrogenic media, TSA enhanced cartilage matrix formation and chondrogenic structure. These findings indicate the potential of epigenetic modifiers, as agents, possibly in combination with other factors, to enhance the ability of HBMSCs to form functional bone or cartilage with significant therapeutic implications therein.