Caloric restriction maintains stem cells through niche and regulates stem cell aging.

The functional loss of adult stem cells is a major cause of aging and age-related diseases. Changes in the stem cell niche, increased energy metabolic rate, and accumulation of cell damage severely affect the function and regenerative capacity of stem cells. Reducing the cellular damage and maintaining a pristine stem cell niche by regulating the energy metabolic pathways could be ideal for the proper functioning of stem cells and tissue homeostasis. Numerous studies point out that caloric restriction (CR) has beneficiary effects on stem cell maintenance and tissue regeneration. Recent researches indicate the preventive nature of calorie restriction in stem cells by modulating the stem cell niche through the reduction of energy metabolism and eventually decrease stem cell damage. In this review, we have focused on the general stimuli of stem cell aging, particularly the energy metabolism as an intrinsic influence and stem cell niche as an extrinsic influence in different adult stem cells. Further, we discussed the mechanism behind CR in different adult stem cells and their niche. Finally, we conclude on how CR can enhance the stem cell function and tissue homeostasis through the stem cells niche.

Memantine Attenuates Salicylate-induced Tinnitus Possibly by Reducing NR2B Expression in Auditory Cortex of Rat.

Memantine, a noncompetitive antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, suppresses the release of excessive levels of glutamate that may induce neuronal excitation. Here we investigated the effects of memantine on salicylate-induced tinnitus model. The expressions of the activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (ARC) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) genes; as well as the NMDA receptor subunit 2B (NR2B) gene and protein, were examined in the SH-SY5Y cells and the animal model. We also used gap-prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex (GPIAS) and noise burst prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle, and the auditory brainstem level (electrophysiological recordings of auditory brainstem responses, ABR) and NR2B expression level in the auditory cortex to evaluate whether memantine could reduce salicylate-mediated behavioral disturbances. NR2B was significantly upregulated in salicylate-treated cells, but downregulated after memantine treatment. Similarly, expression of the inflammatory cytokine genes TNFα and immediate-early gene ARC was significantly increased in the salicylate-treated cells, and decreased when the cells were treated with memantine. These results were confirmed by NR2B immunocytochemistry. GPIAS was attenuated to a significantly lesser extent in rats treated with a combination of salicylate and memantine than in those treated with salicylate only. The mean ABR threshold in both groups was not significant different before and 1 day after the end of treatment. Additionally, NR2B protein expression in the auditory cortex was markedly increased in the salicylate-treated group, whereas it was reduced in the memantine-treated group. These results indicate that memantine is useful for the treatment of salicylate-induced tinnitus.

Autophagy: An evolutionarily conserved process in the maintenance of stem cells and aging.

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved process that degrades and recycles defective organelles, toxic proteins, and various other aggregates on the cytoplasmic surface by sequestering them into autophagosomes which, then, fuse with lysosomes which degrade them. If these aggregates are not cleared, they accumulate and damage the cell resulting in cellular senescence and aging. Stem cells, with their capacity to differentiate, are crucial for tissue homeostasis. In addition to differentiation, the stemness of stem cells must be preserved. Recent studies in stem cells show the importance of autophagy in evading cellular senescence. In this review, we describe the conservative nature of the autophagy process, carried out throughout evolution. In particular, we highlight the role of autophagy in various evolutionarily diverse species and how it evolved to maintain tissue homeostasis and regulate aging and cellular senescence in stem cells.

Reduced sirtuin 1/adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient-derived mesenchymal stem cells can be restored by resveratrol.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neuron system. Our previous study has shown that bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) from ALS patients have functional limitations in releasing neurotrophic factors and exhibit the senescence phenotype. In this study, we examined sirtuin 1/adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (SIRT1/AMPK) activities and identified significant decreases in the ALS-MSCs compared with normal healthy control originated BM-MSCs. This decline was restored by pretreatment with resveratrol (RSV), measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, NAD/NADH assay, and immunoblot analysis. Neuroprogenitor markers were increased in RSV-treated ALS-MSCs (RSV/ALS-MSCs). The differentiated ALS-MSCs (ALS-dMSCs) exhibited a cell body and dendritic shape similar to neurons. RSV/ALS-MSCs showed significantly increased differentiation rate as compared with the untreated ALS-dMSCs. The neurite numbers and lengths were also significantly increased. This was confirmed with immunoblot analysis using neuron specific markers such as nestin, NF-M, Tuj-1, and Map-2 in RSV/ALS-dMSCs. Thus, this study shows that ALS-MSCs showed down-regulation of AMPK/SIRT1 signalling, which was recovered by treatment with RSV. This data suggest that RSV can be one of the candidate agents for improving therapeutic efficacy of ALS patients' originated MSCs.

Metformin promotes neuronal differentiation and neurite outgrowth through AMPK activation in human bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells.

Metformin is an AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) activator that plays a role in glucose energy metabolism and cell protection. It is widely used to treat several diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and metabolic diseases. In this study, we investigated whether AMPK activation upon treatment with metformin may promote neurite outgrowth during the progression of neuronal differentiation in human bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs). Differentiation of metformin-treated MSCs (Met-MSCs to Met-diMSCs) in the neuronal induction media resulted in an increase in the number of differentiated cells in a metformin concentration dependent manner. The differentiation rate reached its maximum at 3 H after the initial treatment with neuronal induction media. At 3 H of induction, the neurite length increased significantly in Met-diMSCs as compared with control cells without metformin treatment (diMSCs). diMSCs showed a significant increase in the expression of neuronal-specific marker genes; however, the expression of dendrite-specific markers MAP-2 and Tuj-1 was significantly increased in Met-diMSCs as compared to diMSCs, as confirmed by immunoblotting. This effect was abolished upon treatment with the AMPK inhibitor, compound C, as evident by quantitative PCR, immunoblotting, and immunocytochemical staining. Thus, metformin treatment promotes neuronal differentiation and neurite outgrowth in hBM-MSCs through AMPK activation.

Functional restoration of replicative senescent mesenchymal stem cells by the brown alga Undaria pinnatifida.

The brown alga Undaria pinnatifida, which is called Mi-Yoek in Korea, has been traditionally consumed as a health food in East Asian countries. Recent studies have reported that U. pinnatifida has beneficial effects on arteriosclerosis, inflammation, fat metabolism, and tumors. In this study, we examined the anti-senescence effects of ethanol extracts of U. pinnatifida (UP-Ex) in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs). UP-Ex protected hBM-MSCs against oxidative injury, as determined by MTT assays. This effect was confirmed by immunoblot analysis of the oxidation-sensitive protein p53 and the apoptotic protein cleaved caspase-3. Excessive intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation induced by oxidative stress was moderated in UP-Ex-treated hBM-MSCs (UP-Ex-MSCs). Similarly, expression of the ROS-scavenging enzymes superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), SOD2, and catalase was recovered in UP-Ex-MSCs. Excessive ROS induced by long-term cell expansion (passage 17) was significantly decreased along with restoration of the senescence proteins p53, p21, and p16 in UP-Ex-MSCs. UP-Ex treatment also improved the ability of these replicative, senescent hBM-MSCs (passage 17) to differentiate into osteocytes or adipocytes, suggesting that UP-Ex ameliorates the functional decline of senescent stem cells and may provide better therapeutic efficacy in stem cell therapy. Abbreviations: hBM-MSCs: human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells; DCF: 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein; DCFH-DA: 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate; MTT: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl-)2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; PFA: paraformaldehyde; RIPA: radioimmunoprecipitation assay; ROS: reactive oxygen species; SOD1: superoxide dismutase 1; SOD2: superoxide dismutase 2.

The tubulin deacetylase sirtuin-2 regulates neuronal differentiation through the ERK/CREB signaling pathway.

Modification of microtubule (MT) dynamics is important for diverse aspects of cellular function including differentiation, cargo trafficking, migration, and adhesion. MTs also play a crucial role in the progression of neuronal development. The MT deacetylase Sirtuin 2 (Sirt2) and histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) regulate MT dynamics by deacetylating alpha-tubulin (α-tubulin). In this study, we investigated the role of MT deacetylation in the progression of neuronal differentiation. For this, we examined acetylated α-tubulin levels during the differentiation of stem cells into neurons. Acetylated α-tubulin levels were significantly altered during differentiation, and these changes were abolished following treatment with 10 µM AGK2 (Sirt2 inhibitor) or 3 µM tubastatin A (HDAC6 inhibitor). However, neural-specific protein expression (Nestin, NF-M, and MAP-2) was reduced in AGK2-treated hBM-MSCs (AGK-MSCs), but not in tubastatin A-treated hBM-MSCs (Tubastatin A-MSCs). Inhibition of Sirt2 led to a decrease in ERK phosphorylation (p-ERK) level, but HDAC6 inhibition had no such effect. Similar results were obtained for CREB phosphorylation (p-CREB). The results suggest that Sirt2 plays a crucial role in neuronal differentiation via the ERK-CREB signaling pathway.

PDE4 Inhibition by Rolipram Promotes Neuronal Differentiation in Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Increased intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) can promote axonal elongation and facilitate neuronal repair, while decreased cAMP is associated with losses in neuronal regenerative capacity. Rolipram, which upregulates intracellular cAMP by blocking phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) enzyme activity, can mitigate diverse neurological disorders. In this study, we investigated whether rolipram induces neuronal differentiation of human bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs). Rolipram-treated MSCs (Roli-MSCs) had significantly increased expression of the neuroprogenitor proteins Nestin, Musashi, GFAP, and Sox-2. When Roli-MSCs were differentiated with neuronal induction media (Roli-dMSCs), they exhibited cell body and dendritic morphologies similar to those of neurons. The neurite number and length of Roli-dMSCs were significantly increased compared to those of differentiated MSCs (dMSCs). Compared with undifferentiated hBM-MSCs, the Roli-dMSCs and dMSCs showed significantly increased expression of the neuronal-specific marker genes Nestin, Musashi, CD133, GFAP, NF-M, MAP-2, KCNH1, KCNH5, SCN3A, and CACNA1A, and decreased expression of other lineage-specific markers Adiponectin, ALP, FABP4, and MMP13. The Roli-dMSCs also showed a higher expression of the neuronal markers Nestin, Musashi, Sox-2, NF-M, and Tuj-1 compared to those of the undifferentiated hBM-MSCs, measured by immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting assay. Thus, we have shown that rolipram ameliorates neuronal differentiation by the regulation of neuroprogenitor expression in hBM-MSCs, and rolipram treatment of MSCs may improve the therapeutic efficacy of stem cell therapy for neurodegenerative disorders.

Accumulation of apoptosis-insensitive human bone marrow-mesenchymal stromal cells after long-term expansion.

Cells undergo replicative senescence during in vitro expansion, which is induced by the accumulation of cellular damage caused by excessive reactive oxygen species. In this study, we investigated whether long-term-cultured human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are insensitive to apoptotic stimulation. To examine this, we established replicative senescent cells from long-term cultures of human bone marrow MSCs. Senescent cells were identified based on declining population doublings, increased expression of senescence markers p16 and p53 and increased senescence-associated ß-gal activity. In cell viability assays, replicative senescent MSCs in late passages (i.e. 15-19 passages) resisted damage induced by oxidative stress more than those in early passages did (i.e. 7-10 passages). This resistance occurred via caspase-9 and caspase-3 rather than via caspase-8. The senescent cells are gradually accumulated during long-term expansion. The oxidative stress-sensitive proteins ataxia-telangiectasia mutated and p53 were phosphorylated, and the expression of apoptosis molecules Bax increased, and Bcl-2 decreased in early passage MSCs; however, the expression of the apoptotic molecules did less change in response to apoptotic stimulation in late-passage MSCs, suggesting that the intrinsic apoptotic signalling pathway was not induced by oxidative stress in long-term-cultured MSCs. Based on these results, we propose that some replicative senescent cells may avoid apoptosis signalling via impairment of signalling molecules and accumulation during long-term expansion. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

G9a inhibition promotes neuronal differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells through the transcriptional induction of RE-1 containing neuronal specific genes.

Recent studies have shown that epigenomic modifications are significantly associated with neuronal differentiation. Many neuronal specific genes contain the repressor element-1 (RE-1), which recruits epigenetic modulators, such as the histone methyltransferase G9a and interrupts the expression of neuronal genes in non-neuronal cells. This study investigated the functional role of G9a during neuronal differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs). Human BM-MSCs treated with the G9a inhibitor BIX01294 showed an increased expression of various neuronal-lineage genes. Using genomic sequence analysis, we identified RE-1 consensus sequences in the proximal region of several neuronal-specific genes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay results have showed that H3K9me2 (dimethylation of lysine 9 on histone 3) occupancy at RE-1-containing sequences from neuronal-specific genes was significantly decreased in BIX01294-MSCs. When BIX01294-MSCs were differentiated with neuronal induction medium, cells differentiated more effectively into neuron-like cells, complete with a cell body and dendrites. Expression of neuronal-specific genes containing the RE-1 sequences was significantly increased in differentiated BIX01294-MSCs, as confirmed by immunocytochemical staining and immunoblotting. Thus, this study shows that BIX01294 pretreated human BM-MSCs can be effectively differentiated into neuron-like cells by induced expression of neuronal-specific genes containing RE-1 sequences.

Functional Restoration of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patient-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Through Inhibition of DNA Methyltransferase.

Alteration of DNA methylation is highly associated with aging and neurodegenerative disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Remedying these aberrant methylation patterns may serve to improve these diseases. Previously, we reported that human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from ALS patients (ALS-MSCs) have functionally decreased stem cell potency, and excessively express DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). In this study, we examined the correlation between excessive DNMT expression and functional decline in ALS-MSCs. The DNMT inhibitor RG108 was used for this. RG108-treated ALS-MSCs exhibit increased expression of the anti-senescence genes TERT, VEGF, and ANG, and decreased expression of the senescence-related genes ATM and p21. The activity of SA-ß-galactosidase and the expression of senescence proteins p53 and p16 were reduced in RG108-treated ALS-MSCs. The abilities of cell migration and protection against oxidative damage were improved in the treated ALS-MSCs. In neuronal differentiation experiments, the treated MSCs more effectively differentiated into neuron-like cells. These results suggest that ALS-MSC function can be restored by inhibiting excessively expressed DNMTs, an approach that may ultimately provide better efficacy in stem cell therapy.

Anti-senescence effects of DNA methyltransferase inhibitor RG108 in human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells.

Alteration of DNA methylation is highly associated with ageing and ageing-related diseases. Remedy of the altered methylation pattern may provide beneficial efficacy in these diseases. In this study, we used a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, RG108, to investigate the senescence effects in human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (hBM-MSCs). First, we determined the optimized dose and time of RG108 treatment in hBM-MSCs to be 5 µM for 48 H, respectively. Under these conditions, the anti-senescence genes TERT, bFGF, VEGF, and ANG were increased, whereas the senescence-related genes ATM, p21, and p53 were decreased. The number of ß-galactosidase-positive cells was significantly decreased in RG108-treated MSCs, whereas the rates of MSC migration and cellular protection were increased. We have shown that RG108 significantly induces the expression of TERT by blocking methylation at the TERT promoter region. Thus, these data indicate that an optimized dose of RG108 may improve the cell migration, protection, cellular senescence, which may provide a better efficacy of these cells in stem cell therapy.

Endogenous ROS levels are increased in replicative senescence in human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells.

Cellular senescence is characterized by functional decline induced by cumulative damage to DNA, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. Previous studies have reported that replicative senescence is caused by excessive amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced as a result of aerobic energy metabolism. In this study, we established human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (hBM-MSCs) in replicative senescence after culture over a long term to investigate the relationship between ROS levels and stem cell potential and to determine whether differentiation potential can be restored by antioxidant treatment. Intracellular ROS levels were increased in hBM-MSCs; this was accompanied by a decrease in the expression of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD)1 and 2 and of phosphorylated forkhead box O1 (p-FOXO1) as well as an increase in the expression of p53 and p16, along with a reduction in differentiation potential. When the antioxidant ascorbic acid was used to eliminate excess ROS, the levels of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, SOD1 and 2, p-FOXO1, and p53) were partly restored. Moreover, differentiation into adipocytes and osteocytes was higher in hBM-MSCs treated with ascorbic acid than in the untreated control cells. These results suggest that the decline in differentiation potential caused by increased endogenous ROS production during in vitro expansion can be reversed by treatment with antioxidants such as ascorbic acid.

Resveratrol-induced SIRT1 activation promotes neuronal differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.

Resveratrol-3,4',5-trihydroxy-trans-stillbene (resveratrol; RSV), a natural non-flavonoid polyphenol compound, provides protection against stress injury, excessive sunlight, ultraviolet radiation, infections, and invading fungi. There is increasing evidence that resveratrol, a sirtuin1 activator, plays a pivotal role in neuroprotection and neuronal differentiation. In this study, we investigated whether resveratrol induces neuronal differentiation of human bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs). Quantitative PCR results showed that resveratrol-treated MSCs (RSV-MSCs) had significantly increased expression of the neuroprogenitor markers Nestin, Musashi, CD133, and GFAP. When RSV-MSCs were differentiated with neuronal induction media (RSV-dMSCs), they exhibited a cell body and dendritic morphology similar to neurons. The number and neurite length of these RSV-dMSCs were significantly increased compared to differentiated MSCs (dMSCs). The RSV-dMSCs and dMSCs had significantly increased expression of the neuronal-specific marker genes Nestin, Musashi, CD133, GFAP, NF-M, MAP-2, and KCNH1. The RSV-dMSCs also showed a higher expression of the neuronal marker proteins, Nestin and NF-M, based on immunocytochemical staining and immunoblot analysis. This effect was abolished by the treatment of sirtuin1 inhibitor EX527. Therefore, we have shown that resveratrol treatment, along with the use of neuronal induction media, effectively stimulates neuronal cell differentiation of hBM-MSCs.

Proteomic analysis reveals KRIT1 as a modulator for the antioxidant effects of valproic acid in human bone-marrow mesenchymal stromal cells.

Valproic acid (VPA) protects human bone marrow-mesenchymal stromal cells (hBM-MSCs) against oxidative stress and improves their migratory ability through increasing the secretion of trophic factors. This suggests that VPA may be an excellent candidate for improving stem cell function. However, the molecular mechanisms of VPA in BM-MSCs are not known. In this study, we used a proteomic approach to investigate VPA-associated targets under oxidative stress conditions. Krev/Rap1 interaction Trapped-1 (KRIT1), a modulator for the homeostasis of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), was identified as a target protein by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) analyses. The up-regulation of KRIT1 and its target proteins (SOD2 and FoxO1) with VPA treatment of hBM-MSCs was revealed by qPCR and immunoblot analysis. Damage from oxidative stress was reduced in VPA-pretreated BM-MSCs, which was also confirmed by qPCR and immunoblot analysis. In addition, increased in intracellular ROS by H2O2 were also reduced by VPA pretreatment in BM-MSCs. This suggests that VPA reduces intracellular ROS level by the modulation of KRIT1 and its correlated proteins, FoxO1, SOD2, and cyclin D1. Thus, this study is the first to provide evidence that VPA modulates KRIT1 and intracellular ROS in BM-MSCs.

Trichostatin A modulates intracellular reactive oxygen species through SOD2 and FOXO1 in human bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells.

Engraft cells are often exposed to oxidative stress and inflammation; therefore, any factor that can provide the stem cells resistance to these stresses may yield better efficacy in stem cell therapy. Studies indicate that histone deacetylase (HDACs) inhibitors alleviate damage induced by oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated whether regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) occurs through the HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) in human bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs). Intracellular ROS levels increased following exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), and were suppressed by TSA treatment. Levels of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) increased following treatment with 200 nM TSA and to a lesser level at 1-5 µM TSA. Cell protective effects against oxidative stress were significantly increased in TSA-MSCs after treatment with low doses of TSA (50-500 nM) and decreased with high doses of TSA (5-10 µM). Consistent results were obtained with immunoblot analysis for caspase3. Investigation of Forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), and p53 levels to determine intracellular signaling by TSA in oxidative stress-induced MSCs demonstrated that expression of phosphorylated-FOXO1 and phosphorylated-SOD2 decreased in H2 O2 -treated MSCs while levels of p53 increased. These effects were reversed by the treatment of 200 nM TSA. These results suggest that the main function of ROS modulation by TSA is activated through SOD2 and FOXO1. Thus, optimal treatment with TSA may protect hBM-MSCs against oxidative stress.

Valproic acid promotes neuronal differentiation by induction of neuroprogenitors in human bone-marrow mesenchymal stromal cells.

Recent studies have shown that the inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs) induces the differentiation of diverse cancer and stem cells, which suggests HDAC inhibitors may be good candidates for the induction of stem cell differentiation. In this study, we investigated the effects of a HDAC inhibitor, valproic acid (VPA), for the neuronal differentiation of human bone marrow-mesenchymal stromal cells (hBM-MSCs). VPA-treated MSCs had significant increases in their expression of the neuro-progenitor marker Nestin, Musashi, CD133, and GFAP, as measured by real-time PCR and immunoblot analysis. When VPA-pretreated MSCs were differentiated with neuronal induction media (VPA-dMSCs), they exhibited a cell body and dendritic morphology similar to neurons. The number and neurite length of these VPA-dMSCs significantly increased compared to differentiated MSCs (dMSCs). The VPA-dMSCs and dMSCs had significantly increased transcripts of neuronal-specific marker genes, including Nestin, Musashi, CD133, GFAP, NeuN, MAP-2, NF-M, KCNH1, and KCNH5. The cells also showed a higher expression of the neuronal marker proteins Nestin and NF-M from immunocytochemical staining and immunoblot analysis. This study has shown that VPA pretreatment of hBM-MSCs, following their incubation with neuronal induction media, effectively stimulates neuronal cell differentiation to BM-MSCs.

Synthesis and evaluation of 8-amino-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridin-3(2H)-one derivatives as glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) inhibitors.

New potent glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) inhibitors, 8-amino-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridin-3(2H)-one derivatives, were designed by modeling, synthesized and evaluated in vitro. Compound 17c showed good potency in enzyme and cell-based assays (IC50=111 nM, EC50=1.78 µM). Moreover, it has demonstrated desirable water solubility, PK profile, and moderate brain penetration.

Effects of valproic acid on the expression of trophic factors in human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells.

The potential of human bone marrow-mesenchymal stromal cells (hBM-MSCs) to differentiate into diverse cell types and secrete a variety of trophic factors makes them an excellent cell therapy tool for intractable diseases. However, their therapeutic efficacy has not yet been satisfied in preclinical and/or clinical trials with autologous or allogenic stem cells. To improve the efficacy of stem cell therapy, optimized conditions for stem cells need to be defined. In this study, we evaluated the effects of valproic acid (VPA), an HDAC inhibitor, in human BM-MSCs and assessed the expression of trophic factors (ANG, BDNF, ECGF1, bFGF-2, GDNF, HGF, IGF-1, PIGF, TGF-ß1, and ß-Pix) in MSCs treated with 200µg/ml VPA for 12h. Under these conditions the features of MSCs were not changed. The VPA-treated MSCs also showed an increased cell protective effect against oxidative injuries in MTT assays and improved migratory ability when examined by the Boyden chamber assay. This suggests that MSCs may be improved by treatment with an optimal VPA dose and incubation time, which may increase the efficacy of stem cell therapy.

ß-PIX is critical for transplanted mesenchymal stromal cell migration.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been used successfully as a source of stem cells for treating neurodegenerative diseases. However, for reasons that are not clear, autologous MSC transplants have not yielded successful results in human trials. To test one possible reason, we compared the migratory ability of MSCs from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with those of healthy controls. We found that MSCs derived from ALS patients (ALS-MSCs) had a reduced ability to migrate, which may explain why autologous transplantation is not successful. We also found that expression of one of the intracellular factors implicated in migration, ß-PIX, was significantly reduced in ALS-MSCs compared with healthy stem cells. Restoration of ß-PIX expression by genetic manipulation restored the migratory ability of ALS-MSCs, and inhibition of ß-PIX expression with shRNA reduced the migration of healthy MSCs. We suggest that transplantation of allogeneic or genetically modified autologous stem cells might be a more promising strategy for ALS patients than transplantation of autologous stem cells.