Deer antler stem cell niche: An interesting perspective.

In recent years, there has been considerable exploration into methods aimed at enhancing the regenerative capacity of transplanted and/or tissue-resident cells. Biomaterials, in particular, have garnered significant interest for their potential to serve as natural scaffolds for cells. In this editorial, we provide commentary on the study by Wang et al, in a recently published issue of World J Stem Cells, which investigates the use of a decellularized xenogeneic extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from antler stem cells for repairing osteochondral defects in rat knee joints. Our focus lies specifically on the crucial role of biological scaffolds as a strategy for augmenting stem cell potential and regenerative capabilities, thanks to the establishment of a favorable microenvironment (niche). Stem cell differentiation heavily depends on exposure to intrinsic properties of the ECM, including its chemical and protein composition, as well as the mechanical forces it can generate. Collectively, these physicochemical cues contribute to a bio-instructive signaling environment that offers tissue-specific guidance for achieving effective repair and regeneration. The interest in mechanobiology, often conceptualized as a form of "structural memory", is steadily gaining more validation and momentum, especially in light of findings such as these.

BMP7 promotes cardiomyocyte regeneration in zebrafish and adult mice.

Zebrafish have a lifelong cardiac regenerative ability after damage, whereas mammals lose this capacity during early postnatal development. This study investigated whether the declining expression of growth factors during postnatal mammalian development contributes to the decrease of cardiomyocyte regenerative potential. Besides confirming the proliferative ability of neuregulin 1 (NRG1), interleukin (IL)1b, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL), insulin growth factor (IGF)2, and IL6, we identified other potential pro-regenerative factors, with BMP7 exhibiting the most pronounced efficacy. Bmp7 knockdown in neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes and loss-of-function in adult zebrafish during cardiac regeneration reduced cardiomyocyte proliferation, indicating that Bmp7 is crucial in the regenerative stages of mouse and zebrafish hearts. Conversely, bmp7 overexpression in regenerating zebrafish or administration at post-mitotic juvenile and adult mouse stages, in vitro and in vivo following myocardial infarction, enhanced cardiomyocyte cycling. Mechanistically, BMP7 stimulated proliferation through BMPR1A/ACVR1 and ACVR2A/BMPR2 receptors and downstream SMAD5, ERK, and AKT signaling. Overall, BMP7 administration is a promising strategy for heart regeneration.

Oxytocin Modulates Osteogenic Commitment in Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells.

Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) are commonly harvested in minimally invasive contexts with few ethical concerns, and exhibit self-renewal, multi-lineage differentiation, and trophic signaling that make them attractive candidates for cell therapy approaches. The identification of natural molecules that can modulate their biological properties is a challenge for many researchers. Oxytocin (OXT) is a neurohypophyseal hormone that plays a pivotal role in the regulation of mammalian behavior, and is involved in health and well-being processes. Here, we investigated the role of OXT on hASC proliferation, migratory ability, senescence, and autophagy after a treatment of 72 h; OXT did not affect hASC proliferation and migratory ability. Moreover, we observed an increase in SA-ß-galactosidase activity, probably related to the promotion of the autophagic process. In addition, the effects of OXT were evaluated on the hASC differentiation ability; OXT promoted osteogenic differentiation in a dose-dependent manner, as demonstrated by Alizarin red staining and gene/protein expression analysis, while it did not affect or reduce adipogenic differentiation. We also observed an increase in the expression of autophagy marker genes at the beginning of the osteogenic process in OXT-treated hASCs, leading us to hypothesize that OXT could promote osteogenesis in hASCs by modulating the autophagic process.

Cytochalasin B Influences Cytoskeletal Organization and Osteogenic Potential of Human Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Among perinatal stem cells of the umbilical cord, human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ-MSCs) are of great interest for cell-based therapy approaches in regenerative medicine, showing some advantages over other MSCs. In fact, hWJ-MSCs, placed between embryonic and adult MSCs, are not tumorigenic and are harvested with few ethical concerns. Furthermore, these cells can be easily cultured in vitro, maintaining both stem properties and a high proliferative rate for several passages, as well as trilineage capacity of differentiation. Recently, it has been demonstrated that cytoskeletal organization influences stem cell biology. Among molecules able to modulate its dynamics, Cytochalasin B (CB), a cyto-permeable mycotoxin, influences actin microfilament polymerization, thus affecting several cell properties, such as the ability of MSCs to differentiate towards a specific commitment. Here, we investigated for the first time the effects of a 24 h-treatment with CB at different concentrations (0.1-3 µM) on hWJ-MSCs. CB influenced the cytoskeletal organization in a dose-dependent manner, inducing changes in cell number, proliferation, shape, and nanomechanical properties, thus promoting the osteogenic commitment of hWJ-MSCs, as confirmed by the expression analysis of osteogenic/autophagy markers.

Mechanobiology: A landscape for reinterpreting stem cell heterogeneity and regenerative potential in diseased tissues.

Mechanical forces play a fundamental role in cellular dynamics from the molecular level to the establishment of complex heterogeneity in somatic and stem cells. Here, we highlight the role of cytoskeletal mechanics and extracellular matrix in generating mechanical forces merging into oscillatory synchronized patterns. We discuss how cellular mechanosensing/-transduction can be modulated by mechanical forces to control tissue metabolism and set the basis for nonpharmacologic tissue rescue. Control of bone anabolic activity and repair, as well as obesity prevention, through a fine-tuning of the stem cell morphodynamics are highlighted. We also discuss the use of mechanical forces in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and heart failure through the fine modulation of stem cell metabolic activity and regenerative potential. We finally focus on the new landscape of delivering specific mechanical stimuli to reprogram tissue-resident stem cells and enhance our self-healing potential, without the need for stem cell or tissue transplantation.

Cytochalasin B Modulates Nanomechanical Patterning and Fate in Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells.

Cytoskeletal proteins provide architectural and signaling cues within cells. They are able to reorganize themselves in response to mechanical forces, converting the stimuli received into specific cellular responses. Thus, the cytoskeleton influences cell shape, proliferation, and even differentiation. In particular, the cytoskeleton affects the fate of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are highly attractive candidates for cell therapy approaches due to their capacity for self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation. Cytochalasin B (CB), a cyto-permeable mycotoxin, is able to inhibit the formation of actin microfilaments, resulting in direct effects on cell biological properties. Here, we investigated for the first time the effects of different concentrations of CB (0.1-10 µM) on human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) both after 24 h (h) of CB treatment and 24 h after CB wash-out. CB influenced the metabolism, proliferation, and morphology of hASCs in a dose-dependent manner, in association with progressive disorganization of actin microfilaments. Furthermore, the removal of CB highlighted the ability of cells to restore their cytoskeletal organization. Finally, atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that cytoskeletal changes induced by CB modulated the viscoelastic properties of hASCs, influencing their stiffness and viscosity, thereby affecting adipogenic fate.

NRG1/ERBB3/ERBB2 Axis Triggers Anchorage-Independent Growth of Basal-like/Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells.

ERBB3, also known as HER3, is a tyrosine kinase transmembrane receptor of the ERBB family. Upon binding to neuregulin 1 (NRG1), ERBB3 preferentially dimerizes with HER2 (ERBB2), in turn inducing aggressive features in several cancer types. The analysis of a dataset of breast cancer patients unveiled that higher ERBB3 mRNA expression correlates with shorter relapse-free survival in basal-like breast cancers, despite low ERBB3 expression in this breast cancer subtype. Administration of neuregulin 1 beta (NRG1ß) significantly affected neither cellular proliferation nor the basal migratory ability of basal-like/triple-negative quasi-normal MCF10A breast cells, cultured in mono-layer conditions. Furthermore, no significant regulation in cell morphology or in the expression of basal/myoepithelial and luminal markers was observed upon stimulation with NRG1ß. In non-adherent conditions, NRG1ß administration to MCF10A cells did not significantly influence cell survival; however, it robustly induced cell growth as spheroids (3D growth). Intriguingly, a remarkable upregulation of ERBB3 and ERBB2 protein abundance was observed in 3D compared to 2D cell cultures, and NRG1ß-induced 3D cell growth was efficiently prevented by the anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody pertuzumab. Similar results were obtained by the analysis of basal-like/triple-negative breast cancer cellular models, MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 cells, in which NRG1ß induced anchorage-independent cell growth that in turn was prevented or reduced by the simultaneous administration of anti-HER2 neutralizing antibodies. Finally, the ability of pertuzumab in suppressing NRG1ß-induced 3D growth was also evaluated and confirmed in MCF10A engineered with HER2-overexpression. We suggest that the NRG1/ERBB3/ERBB2 pathway promotes the anchorage-independent growth of basal-like breast cancer cells. Importantly, we provide evidence that ERBB2 neutralization, in particular by pertuzumab, robustly inhibits this process. Our results pave the way towards the development of novel anticancer strategies for basal-like breast cancer patients based on the interception of the NRG1/ERBB3/ERBB2 signaling axis.

Cell Responsiveness to Physical Energies: Paving the Way to Decipher a Morphogenetic Code.

We discuss emerging views on the complexity of signals controlling the onset of biological shapes and functions, from the nanoarchitectonics arising from supramolecular interactions, to the cellular/multicellular tissue level, and up to the unfolding of complex anatomy. We highlight the fundamental role of physical forces in cellular decisions, stressing the intriguing similarities in early morphogenesis, tissue regeneration, and oncogenic drift. Compelling evidence is presented, showing that biological patterns are strongly embedded in the vibrational nature of the physical energies that permeate the entire universe. We describe biological dynamics as informational processes at which physics and chemistry converge, with nanomechanical motions, and electromagnetic waves, including light, forming an ensemble of vibrations, acting as a sort of control software for molecular patterning. Biomolecular recognition is approached within the establishment of coherent synchronizations among signaling players, whose physical nature can be equated to oscillators tending to the coherent synchronization of their vibrational modes. Cytoskeletal elements are now emerging as senders and receivers of physical signals, "shaping" biological identity from the cellular to the tissue/organ levels. We finally discuss the perspective of exploiting the diffusive features of physical energies to afford in situ stem/somatic cell reprogramming, and tissue regeneration, without stem cell transplantation.

Chemical characterization of non-psychoactive Cannabis sativa L. extracts, in vitro antiproliferative activity and induction of apoptosis in chronic myelogenous leukaemia cancer cells.

In this study, extracts from non-psychoactive Cannabis sativa L. varieties were characterized by means of ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) and their antiproliferative activity was assessed in vitro. The human chronic myelogenous leukaemia cell line K562 was chosen to investigate the mechanism of cell death. The effect on the cell cycle and cell death was analysed by flow cytometry. Proteins related to apoptosis were studied by western blotting. Mechanical properties of cells were assessed using the Micropipette Aspiration Technique (MAT). The results indicated that the cannabidiol (CBD)-rich extract inhibited cell proliferation of K562 cell line in a dose-dependent manner and induced apoptosis via caspase 3 and 7 activation. A significant decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential was detected, together with the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol. The main apoptotic markers were not involved in the mechanism of cell death. The extract was also able to modify the mechanical properties of cells. Thus, this hemp extract and its pure component CBD deserve further investigation for a possible application against myeloproliferative diseases, also in association with other anticancer drugs.

Protective effects of exosomes derived from lyophilized porcine liver against acetaminophen damage on HepG2 cells.

BACKGROUND: Recently, extracellular vesicles have come to the fore following their emerging role in cell communication, thanks to their ability to reach cells into the human body without dissipating their cargo, transferring biological active molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, etc. They appear as a promising tool in medicine, because of their capability to modulate cellular response in recipient cells. Moreover, a considerable number of publications suggests that exosome uptake is selective but not specific, and it can cross species and cell-type boundaries. This study aims to explore the potential role of porcine liver derived extracellular vesicles, exosomes in particular, to protect human cells from acute damage induced by acetaminophen. METHODS: Extracellular vesicles were isolated from porcine lyophilized liver using polymer-based precipitation and a further enrichment was performed using affinity beads. The effects of obtained fractions, total extracellular vesicles and enriched extracellular vesicles, were assessed on human liver derived HepG2 cells. Cell growth and survival were tested, with MTT and area coverage analysis designed by us, as well as protein expression, with immunofluorescence and Western blot. Oxidative stress in live cells was also measured with fluorogenic probes. RESULTS: After proving that porcine extracellular vesicles did not have a toxic effect on HepG2, quite the contrary total extracellular vesicle fraction improved cell growth, we investigated their protective capability with a preconditioning strategy in APAP-induced damage. EVs displayed not only the ability to strongly modulate cell survival responses, but they also were able to boost cell cycle progression. CONCLUSIONS: Extracellular vesicles derived from farm animal food derivatives are able to modulate human hepatic cell metabolism, also improving cell survival in a damaged context.

Unveiling the morphogenetic code: A new path at the intersection of physical energies and chemical signaling.

In this editorial, we discuss the remarkable role of physical energies in the control of cell signaling networks and in the specification of the architectural plan of both somatic and stem cells. In particular, we focus on the biological relevance of bioelectricity in the pattern control that orchestrates both developmental and regenerative pathways. To this end, the narrative starts from the dawn of the first studies on animal electricity, reconsidering the pioneer work of Harold Saxton Burr in the light of the current achievements. We finally discuss the most recent evidence showing that bioelectric signaling is an essential component of the informational processes that control pattern specification during embryogenesis, regeneration, or even malignant transformation. We conclude that there is now mounting evidence for the existence of a Morphogenetic Code, and that deciphering this code may lead to unprecedented opportunities for the development of novel paradigms of cure in regenerative and precision medicine.

Intracrine Endorphinergic Systems in Modulation of Myocardial Differentiation.

A wide variety of peptides not only interact with the cell surface, but govern complex signaling from inside the cell. This has been referred to as an "intracrine" action, and the orchestrating molecules as "intracrines". Here, we review the intracrine action of dynorphin B, a bioactive end-product of the prodynorphin gene, on nuclear opioid receptors and nuclear protein kinase C signaling to stimulate the transcription of a gene program of cardiogenesis. The ability of intracrine dynorphin B to prime the transcription of its own coding gene in isolated nuclei is discussed as a feed-forward loop of gene expression amplification and synchronization. We describe the role of hyaluronan mixed esters of butyric and retinoic acids as synthetic intracrines, controlling prodynorphin gene expression, cardiogenesis, and cardiac repair. We also discuss the increase in prodynorphin gene transcription and intracellular dynorphin B afforded by electromagnetic fields in stem cells, as a mechanism of cardiogenic signaling and enhancement in the yield of stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. We underline the possibility of using the diffusive features of physical energies to modulate intracrinergic systems without the needs of viral vector-mediated gene transfer technologies, and prompt the exploration of this hypothesis in the near future.

Physical energies to the rescue of damaged tissues.

Rhythmic oscillatory patterns sustain cellular dynamics, driving the concerted action of regulatory molecules, microtubules, and molecular motors. We describe cellular microtubules as oscillators capable of synchronization and swarming, generating mechanical and electric patterns that impact biomolecular recognition. We consider the biological relevance of seeing the inside of cells populated by a network of molecules that behave as bioelectronic circuits and chromophores. We discuss the novel perspectives disclosed by mechanobiology, bioelectromagnetism, and photobiomodulation, both in term of fundamental basic science and in light of the biomedical implication of using physical energies to govern (stem) cell fate. We focus on the feasibility of exploiting atomic force microscopy and hyperspectral imaging to detect signatures of nanomotions and electromagnetic radiation (light), respectively, generated by the stem cells across the specification of their multilineage repertoire. The chance is reported of using these signatures and the diffusive features of physical waves to direct specifically the differentiation program of stem cells in situ, where they already are resident in all the tissues of the human body. We discuss how this strategy may pave the way to a regenerative and precision medicine without the needs for (stem) cell or tissue transplantation. We describe a novel paradigm based upon boosting our inherent ability for self-healing.

Restoring In Vivo-Like Membrane Lipidomics Promotes Exosome Trophic Behavior from Human Placental Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells.

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are an effective tool in regenerative medicine notably for their intrinsic plentiful paracrine activity rather than differentiating properties. The hMSC secretome includes a wide spectrum of regulatory and trophic factors, encompassing several naked molecules as well as different kinds of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Among EVs, exosomes represent an intriguing population, able to shuttle proteins, transcription factors, and genetic materials, with a relevant role in cell-to-cell communication, modulating biological responses in recipient cells. In this context, the extracellular milieu can greatly impact the paracrine activity of stem cells, modifying their metabolism, and the dynamics of vesicle secretion. In the present study, we investigated the effects elicited on exosome patterning by tailored, ad hoc formulated lipid supplementation (Refeed®) in MSCs derived from human fetal membranes (hFM-MSCs). Wound healing experiments revealed that stem cell exposure to exosomes obtained from Refeed®-supplemented hFM-MSCs increased their migratory capability, although the amount of exosomes released after Refeed® supplementation was lower than that yielded from non-supplemented cells. We found that such a decrease was mainly due to a different rate of exosomal exocytosis rather than to an effect of the lipid supplement on the endocytic pathway. Endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis was modified by supplementation, through the upregulation of PKR-like ER kinase (PERK) and inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α). Increased expression of these proteins did not lead to stress-induced, unfolded protein response (UPR)-mediated apoptosis, nor did it affect phosphorylation of p38 kinase, suggesting that PERK and IRE1α overexpression was due to augmented metabolic activities mediated by optimization of a cellular feeding network afforded through lipid supplementation. In summary, these results demonstrate how tailored lipid supplementation can successfully modify the paracrine features in hFM-MSCs, impacting both intracellular vesicle trafficking and secreted exosome number and function.

Sodium butyrate inhibits platelet-derived growth factor-induced proliferation and migration in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells through Akt inhibition.

Sodium butyrate (BU) is a molecule that acts as a histone deacetylase inhibitor. As compared with its well-known antineoplastic/antiproliferative effects, little is known about BU action on vascular cell dynamics. An imbalance of proliferation and migration in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) is essential in the onset and progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a disease that is characterized by vascular lung derangement and that frequently has an unfavorable outcome. Here, we show that, in PASMCs of PAH rats, BU counteracted platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced Ki67 expression, and arrested the cell cycle, mainly at G0 /G1 . BU decreased proliferating cell nuclear antigen, c-Myc and cyclin D1 transcription and protein expression, while increasing p21 expression. BU reduced the transcription of PDGF receptor-ß, and that of Ednra and Ednrb, two major receptors in PAH progression. Wound healing, migration and pulmonary artery ring assays indicated that BU inhibited PDGF-induced PASMC migration. BU strongly inhibited PDGF-induced Akt phosphorylation, an effect reversed by the phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A. BU-treated cells showed a remarkable increase in acetylated Akt, indicating an inverse relationship between the levels of acetylated Akt and phospho-Akt. These findings may provide novel perspectives on the use of histone deacetylase inhibitors in PAH.

Rosuvastatin elicits KDR-dependent vasculogenic response of human placental stem cells through PI3K/AKT pathway.

The growth and plasticity of engrafted human mesenchymal stem cells is regulated by external stimuli. Rosuvastatin (RSV) promotes myocardial neovascularization and limits myocardial remodeling in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). While these non-lipid benefits may in part depend on the activation of stem cells, experimental evidence that RSV directly elicits vasculogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells is still lacking. We assessed whether RSV may drive a gene program of vascular commitment and the secretion of trophic mediators with antiapoptotic, angiogenic and antifibrotic activities in human mesenchymal stem cells from full-term placentas (FMhMSCs). With real-time RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, chemiluminescence, Western blot analysis, and in vitro vasculogenesis assays, we show that RSV enhanced expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), kinase insert domain receptor (KDR), encoding a major VEGF receptor, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. GATA-4 and Nkx-2.5 transcription was not affected. RSV enhanced capillary-like formation in vitro, but capillary-embedded FMhMSCs lacked endothelial marker expression, suggesting a role of pericyte-like elements in tube formation. In HUVEC/FMhMSC cocultures, RSV increases PDGFRß expression in FMhMSCs, and enhanced capillary density and organizational efficiency, promoting a long-lasting survival of tubular networks. RSV also activated PI3K-Akt pathway; the vasculogenic effects of the statin were abrogated following PI3K inhibition by LY294002. In conclusion, RSV-induced increase in capillary formation was dependent on VEGF and KDR. RSV promotes the activation of paracrine signals for vascular commitment of FMhMSCs through PI3K-Akt pathway. This observation may pave the way to the use of RSV as a pharmacological enhancer of stem cell potential for cardiovascular cell therapy.

Hyaluronan mixed esters of butyric and retinoic acid affording myocardial survival and repair without stem cell transplantation.

Possible cardiac repair by adult stem cell transplantation is currently hampered by poor cell viability and delivery efficiency, uncertain differentiating fate in vivo, the needs of ex vivo cell expansion, and consequent delay in transplantation after the onset of heart attack. By the aid of magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and immunohistochemistry, we show that injection of a hyaluronan mixed ester of butyric and retinoic acid (HBR) into infarcted rat hearts afforded substantial cardiovascular repair and recovery of myocardial performance. HBR restored cardiac [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose uptake and increased capillary density and led to the recruitment of endogenous Stro-1-positive stem cells. A terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay demonstrated that HBR-treated hearts exhibited a decrease in the number of apoptotic cardiomyocytes. In isolated rat cardiomyocytes and Stro-1 stem cells, HBR enhanced the transcription of vascular endothelial growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, kdr, akt, and pim-1. HBR also increased the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor, suggesting that the mixed ester may have recruited both myocardial and Stro-1 cells also. An increase in capillarogenesis was induced in vitro with medium obtained from HBR-exposed cells. In the infarcted myocardium, HBR injection increased histone H4 acetylation significantly. Acetyl-H4 immunoreactivity increased in rat cardiomyocytes and Stro-1 cells exposed to HBR, compared with untreated cells. In conclusion, efficient cardiac regenerative therapy can be afforded by HBR without the need of stem cell transplantation or vector-mediated gene delivery.