Stem Cell Regulation by the Haemopoietic Stem Cell Niche

Both cellular as well as extracellular matrix components of the stem cell microenvironment, or niche, are critical in stem cell regulation. Recent data highlight a central role for osteoblasts and their by product osteopontin as a key part of the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche. Herein we describe a model for the yin and yang of HSC regulation mediated by osteoblasts. In this respect, osteoblasts synthesise proteins with opposing effects on HSC proliferation and differentiation highlighting their pivotal role in adult hematopoiesis. Although osteoblasts play a central role in HSC regulation other stromal and microenvironmental cell types and their extracellular matrix proteins also contribute to this biology. For example, the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronic acid as well as the membrane bound form of stem cell factor are also key regulators of HSC. Osteopontin and these “niche” molecules are not only involved in regulation of HSC quiescence but also effect HSC homing, trans-marrow migration and lodgement. Accordingly this leads us to expand upon Schofield’s niche hypothesis: we propose that the HSC niche is critical for attraction of primitive hematopoietic progenitors to the endosteal region and tightly tethering them within this location, and by doing so placing them into intimate contact with cells such as osteoblasts whose extracellular products are able to exquisitely regulate their fate.     

Changes In Stem Cell Compartments In Mice After Hydroxyurea

Hydroxyurea injection kills only approximately 10% of CFU, which are in the S phase of the cell cycle. In mice given a single injection of hydroxyurea CFU_s in the femur decreased only about 50% in 2–4 days after hydroxyurea, and then started to return to normal levels with an overshoot evident after the eighth day after hydroxyurea. CFU_s in spleens of mice given a single injection of hydroxyurea show an evident overshoot as early as 3 days after the drug, reaching levels which are about 300% of normal. CFU_s from blood disappear rapidly, but equally rapidly return to normal values followed by a significant overshoot. the radioresistance of mice increased up to 4 days after hydroxyurea.     

Pluripotent Haemopoietic Stem Cell Entry Into Dna Synthesis In Vitro After Stimulation By Ara-C Treatment In Vivo

Abstract. Non-cycling pluripotent bone marrow stem cells (CFU-S), taken 3 hrs after injection of 20 mg of Ara-C, have been shown to enter DNA synthesis at 1 to 3 hr after being cultured in α-medium. This phenomenon was observed when bone marrow was incubated as a plug, but not when incubated as a cell suspension in the present experimental conditions.
These results suggest that a medullary structure is necessary in order to observe this effect and/or that accessory cells are destroyed during the process of single cell preparation.     

The Haemopoietic Stem Cell: Between Apoptosis and Self Renewal

Self renewal and apoptosis of haemopoietic stem cells (HSC) represent major factors that determine the size of the haemopoietic cell mass. Changes in self renewal above or below the steady state value of 0.5 will result in either bone marrow expansion or aplasia, respectively. Despite the growing body of research that describes the potential role of HSC, there is still very little information on the mechanisms that govern HSC self renewal and apoptosis. Considerable insight into the role of HSC in many diseases has been gained in recent years. In light of their crucial importance, this article reviews recent developments in the understanding of the molecular, biological, and physiological characteristics of haemopoietic stem cells.     

Influence of Growth Hormone and Thyroxine On Cell Kinetics In the Proximal Tibial Growth Plate of Snell Dwarf Mice

Abstract. In Snell dwarf mice, the influence of short-term treatment with human growth hormone (hGH) or thyroxine on the proliferative and sulphation activity of the proximal tibial growth plate was studied. By autoradiographic methods, the [³H]methylthymidine incorporation after a single injection was measured, after 2 hr incorporation time. the labelling index was calculated and the number of labelled mitoses was counted. In addition, the distribution of the labelled nuclei over the proliferating and degenerating zones was determined by continuous labelling for 25 and 73 hr.
In untreated dwarf mice after [³H]-methylthymidine administration, the number of labelled nuclei in the growth plate is low. Labelling occurs, as expected, mainly in the cells of the proliferative zones. the number of labelled nuclei in control dwarf mice was similar after 25 and 73 hr continuous labelling. This suggests that many cells are in a resting G_o or prolonged G₁ phase. Both hGH and T₄ treatment induce a significant increase of the number of labelled nuclei per growth plate and of the number of mitoses. Since hormonal treatment induces a small number of mitoses after 2 hr incorporation of the label, the minimal G₂ phase of the cell cycle is less than 2 hr. In addition, treatment with hGH and T₄ stimulates chondrocytes in the zone of proliferative and hypertrophic cells to actively incorporate [³⁵S]-sulphate.     

Self-Renewal Capacity and Clonal Succession of Haemopoietic Stem Cells In Long-Term Bone Marrow Culture

Abstract. The CFU-s proliferative potential varied greatly during long-term cultivation. Most of the CFU-s in the cultures were represented by cells with low renewal capacity. Pre-CFU-s cells capable of producing multipotential colonies in methylcellulose, which contained CFU-s with a high proliferative potential, were identified in the culture. In cultivation of a mixture of cells of different karyotype their ratio changed rapidly from week to week. the findings were consistent with the hypothesis that haemopoietic stem cells are maintained in the culture by the products of a small number of clones which arise and decline in succession, and that pre-CFU-s, but not the CFU-s themselves, are clonogenic progenitors.     

造血干细胞移植条件对小鼠造血重建的影响

通过同种基因型小鼠构建造血干细胞移植模型,将预处理的全骨髓单个核细胞或c-Kit⁺造血干细胞移植至致死剂量照射的受体小鼠体内,动态监测移植2～16周后受体小鼠体内供体来源细胞造血重建以及嵌合情况,以期揭示不同群体的供体细胞以及预处理等因素对小鼠造血干细胞移植后造血重建的影响。实验结果显示,移植后早期(2周)全骨髓单个核细胞组髓系比例要高于c-Kit⁺细胞移植组,但全骨髓移植组受体小鼠呈现出较大的移植后不良反应,出现脱毛、食欲不振以及体重减轻的症状。c-Kit⁺细胞移植组在淋系重建上要早于全骨髓移植组,供体细胞的嵌合植入也早于全骨髓移植组,但两组实验组最终均能完成造血重建过程。实验结果表明c-Kit⁺细胞移植组在移植后能够较快地实现供体细胞植入,进而开始造血重建,且c-Kit⁺细胞移植组的不良反应要低于全骨髓移植组。结果说明在整体造血重建效果上c-Kit⁺细胞移植组要优于全骨髓移植组。     

Stem Cell Transplantation Increases Antioxidant Effects in Diabetic Mice

Intra bone marrow-bone marrow transplantation (IBM- BMT) + thymus transplantation (TT) has been shown to reduce the incidence of graft versus host disease (GVHD) and restore donor-derived T cell function. In addition, an increase in insulin sensitivity occurred in db/db mice after IBM-BMT+TT treatment. Heme oxygenase (HO)-1 is a stress inducible enzyme which exert antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and immune-modulating properties. We examined whether IBM-BMT+TT could modulate the expression of HO-1 in the kidneys of db/db mice. Six-week-old db/db mice with blood glucose levels higher than 250 mg/dl were treated with IBM-BMT+TT. Six weeks later, the db/db mice showed decreased body weight, blood glucose levels and insulin, and increased plasma adiponectin levels. The upregulation of HO-1 was associated with significantly (p<0.05) increased levels of peNOS and pAKT, but decreased levels of iNOS in the kidneys of db/db mice. Plasma creatinine levels also decreased (p<0.05), and the expression of type IV collagen was improved. Thus IBM-BMT+TT unregulated the expression of HO-1, peNOS and pAKT, while decreasing iNOS levels in the kidney of db/db mice. This was associated with an improvement in renal function.     

Treatment of Aganglionic Megacolon Mice via Neural Stem Cell Transplantation

To explore a potential methodology for treating aganglionic megacolon, neural stem cells (NSCs) expressing engineered endothelin receptor type B (EDNRB) and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) genes were transplanted into the aganglionic megacolon mice. After transplantation, the regeneration of neurons in the colon tissue was observed, and expression levels of differentiation-related genes were determined. Primary culture of NSCs was obtained from the cortex of postnatal mouse brain and infected with recombinant adenovirus expressing EDNRB and GDNF genes. The mouse model of aganglionic megacolon was developed by treating the colon tissue with 0.5 % benzalkonium chloride (BAC) to selectively remove the myenteric nerve plexus that resembles the pathological changes in the human congenital megacolon. The NSCs stably expressing the EDNRB and GDNF genes were transplanted into the benzalkonium chloride-induced mouse aganglionic colon. Survival and differentiation of the implanted stem cells were assessed after transplantation. Results showed that the EDNRB and GDNF genes were able to be expressed in primary culture of NSCs by adenovirus infection. One week after implantation, grafted NSCs survived and differentiated into neurons. Compared to the controls, elevated expression of EDNRB and GDNF was determined in BAC-induced aganglionic megacolon mice with partially improved intestinal function. Those founding indicated that the genes transfected into NSCs were expressed in vivo after transplantation. Also, this study provided favorable support for the therapeutic potential of multiple gene-modified NSC transplantation to treat Hirschsprung’s disease, a congenital disorder of the colon in which ganglion cells are absent.     

不同年龄小鼠精原干细胞系的建立

精原干细胞（spennatogonial stem cells,SSCs）是雄性动物体内能进行终生自我更新并能将亲代基因遗传给予子代的一类细胞。不同年龄段的小鼠有不同的建系方法。6-7d幼鼠,可以用差异贴壁或直接贴壁法;5-6周成年鼠,一般采用差异贴壁法;31周老年鼠,最好种于饲养层细胞上。通过对精原干细胞系的甲基化和特异基因分析以及睾丸体内移植验证分析,成功建立了具有功能的不同年龄段的小鼠精原干细胞系。     

Haemopoietic Inductive Capacity of Irradiated Stromal Cell Layers In Human Micro Long-Term Bone Marrow Cultures

Abstract. In a micro long-term bone marrow culture (LTBMC) system the effects of irradiation on confluent stromal cell layers were studied. In order to individually analyse the number of granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming cells (GM-CFC) per LTBMC a miniaturized human GM-CFC assay was established. the normalized GM-CFC numbers in the micro-assay compared well with data by the conventional GM-CFC assay. Pre-formed stromal cell layers were irradiated with doses up to 20 Gy and subsequently recharged with allogeneic bone marrow cells (BMC). Immediately before recharge the BMC were stromal cell-depleted by nylon wool filtration. When stromal cell-depleted BMC were inoculated on empty culture dishes, in vitro haemopoiesis rapidly declined. Sustained GM-CFC production, however, was seen when these cells were used as a second inoculum. It is concluded that irradiation doses of up to 20 Gy do not cause alteration of the haemopoietic inductive capacity of confluent stromal cell layers.     

Methylmercury Effects On Cell Cycle Kinetics

Abstract. Methylmercury (MeHg) effects on cell cycle kinetics were investigated to help identify its mechanisms of action. Flow cytometric analysis of normal human fibroblasts grown in vitro in the presence of BrdU allowed quantitation of the proportion of cells in G₁, S, G₂ and the next G₁ phase. This technique provides a rapid and easily performed method of characterizing phase lengths and transition rates for the complete cell cycle. After first exposure to MeHg the cell cycle time was lengthened due to a prolonged G₁. At 3, μm MeHg the G₁ phase length was 25% longer than the control. the G₁/S transition rate was also decreased in a dose-related manner. Confluent cells exposed to MeHg and replated with MeHg respond in the same way as cells which have not been exposed to MeHg before replating. Cells exposed for long times to MeHg lost a detectable G₁ effect, and instead showed an increase in the G₂ percentage, which was directly related to MeHg concentration and length of exposure. After 8 days at 5 μM MeHg, 45% of the population was in G₂. the G₂ accumulation was reversible up to 3 days, but at 6 days the cells remained in G₂ when the MeHg was removed. Cell counts and viability indicated that there was not a selective loss of cells from the MeHg. MeHg has multiple effects on the cell cycle which include a lengthened G₁ and decreased transition probability after short term exposure of cycling cells, and a G₂ accumulation after a longer term exposure. There were no detectable S phase effects. It appears that mitosis (the G₂ accumulation) and probably synthesis of some macromolecules in G₁ (the lengthened G₁ and lowered transition probability) are particularly susceptible to MeHg.     

Changes In Cell Population Kinetics During Epidermal Carcinogenesis

The changes in cell population kinetics in response to a mechanical stimulation by wounding were studied in a hyperplastic epidermis, papilloma and a squamous cell carcinoma of the mouse dorsal skin induced by repeated treatments with 20-methylcholanthrene. The G_o cell population, which consists of about 66% of the basal cells in the dorsal epidermis of the normal mouse, disappeared in hyperplastic epidermis, papilloma and carcinoma. the zone of proliferating cells enlarged in the papilloma, including several supra-basal layers, in contrast to its strict localization in the basal layer in hyperplastic epidermis. Proliferating cells were distributed in almost all areas in the carcinoma without localization. the normal responses to wounding were preserved in the hyperplastic epidermis, except for the absence of G_o cells, while the papilloma and carcinoma showed no increase in proliferating cells or shortening of the cell cycle time. From the view-point of cell population kinetics, papilloma and carcinoma are regarded as the tissues in which the flexible control mechanisms of irreversible cell differentiation to mature cells and of the length of cell cycle time are lacking.     

Exonuclease-1缺失延缓端粒酶缺失小鼠造血微环境的衰老

目的研究Exo-1对端粒酶缺失小鼠造血微环境衰老的影响。方法以端粒酶基因敲除小鼠（Terc-/-）和Exo-1基因敲除小鼠（Exo-1-/-）杂交,并进一步互交产生第三代端粒酶基因敲除小鼠（G3Terc-/-）以及第三代Terc和Exo-1双基因敲除小鼠（G3Terc-/-Exo-1-/-）。以CD45.1野生型小鼠的骨髓细胞为供体,以2月龄G3Terc-/-或G3Terc-/-Exo-1-/-小鼠为受体,进行骨髓移植。在受体小鼠9月龄时,取骨髓、脾脏、胸腺、外周血等组织器官的细胞进行流式分析,研究G3Terc-/-和G3Terc-/-Exo-1-/-受体小鼠中的野生型供体来源的造血干细胞的发育分化。结果同G3Terc-/-小鼠相比,G3Terc-/-Exo-1-/-双基因敲除受体小鼠骨髓中野生型供体来源的B220＋细胞比例升高,前体B细胞的比例也明显升高;脾脏B220＋细胞的比例明显升高;胸腺发育正常;外周血中B220＋细胞比例升高。结论 Exo-1缺失延缓了端粒酶基因敲除小鼠造血系统微环境的衰老,从而逆转了端粒功能障碍引起的骨髓造血干细胞发育分化异常。     

Estimating Dormant and Active Hematopoietic Stem Cell Kinetics through Extensive Modeling of Bromodeoxyuridine Label-Retaining Cell Dynamics

Bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are responsible for both lifelong daily maintenance of all blood cells and for repair after cell loss. Until recently the cellular mechanisms by which HSCs accomplish these two very different tasks remained an open question. Biological evidence has now been found for the existence of two related mouse HSC populations. First, a dormant HSC (d-HSC) population which harbors the highest self-renewal potential of all blood cells but is only induced into active self-renewal in response to hematopoietic stress. And second, an active HSC (a-HSC) subset that by and large produces the progenitors and mature cells required for maintenance of day-to-day hematopoiesis. Here we present computational analyses further supporting the d-HSC concept through extensive modeling of experimental DNA label-retaining cell (LRC) data. Our conclusion that the presence of a slowly dividing subpopulation of HSCs is the most likely explanation (amongst the various possible causes including stochastic cellular variation) of the observed long term Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) retention, is confirmed by the deterministic and stochastic models presented here. Moreover, modeling both HSC BrdU uptake and dilution in three stages and careful treatment of the BrdU detection sensitivity permitted improved estimates of HSC turnover rates. This analysis predicts that d-HSCs cycle about once every 149–193 days and a-HSCs about once every 28–36 days. We further predict that, using LRC assays, a 75%–92.5% purification of d-HSCs can be achieved after 59–130 days of chase. Interestingly, the d-HSC proportion is now estimated to be around 30–45% of total HSCs - more than twice that of our previous estimate.     

Therapeutic Use of Stem Cell Transplantation for Cell Replacement or Cytoprotective Effect of Microvesicle Released from Mesenchymal Stem Cell

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common and severe type of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIP), and which is currently no method was developed to restore normal structure and function. There are several reports on therapeutic effects of adult stem cell transplantations in animal models of pulmonary fibrosis. However, little is known about how mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) can repair the IPF. In this study, we try to provide the evidence to show that transplanted mesenchymal stem cells directly replace fibrosis with normal lung cells using IPF model mice. As results, transplanted MSC successfully integrated and differentiated into type II lung cell which express surfactant protein. In the other hand, we examine the therapeutic effects of microvesicle treatment, which were released from mesenchymal stem cells. Though the therapeutic effects of MV treatment is less than that of MSC treatment, MV treat-ment meaningfully reduced the symptom of IPF, such as collagen deposition and inflammation. These data suggest that stem cell transplantation may be an effective strategy for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis via replacement and cytoprotective effect of microvesicle released from MSCs.     

Cell Kinetics and the Control of Growth In Long Bones

The cell kinetics of the cartilage growth plate are outlined and discussed in terms of the probable levels of control on the system. Possible mechanisms of growth control at the cellular level are examined for (i) the rate of cell division in the proliferation zone, (ii) the command to differentiate that limits the size of the proliferation zone and (iii) the ageing process in the cartilage plate. the evidence of cell kinetics does not point unequivocally to any particular mechanism.     

A Novel Assay to Trace Proliferation History In Vivo Reveals that Enhanced Divisional Kinetics Accompany Loss of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Self-Renewal

Background

The maintenance of lifelong blood cell production ultimately rests on rare hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that reside in the bone marrow microenvironment. HSCs are traditionally viewed as mitotically quiescent relative to their committed progeny. However, traditional techniques for assessing proliferation activity in vivo, such as measurement of BrdU uptake, are incompatible with preservation of cellular viability. Previous studies of HSC proliferation kinetics in vivo have therefore precluded direct functional evaluation of multi-potency and self-renewal, the hallmark properties of HSCs.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We developed a non-invasive labeling technique that allowed us to identify and isolate candidate HSCs and early hematopoietic progenitor cells based on their differential in vivo proliferation kinetics. Such cells were functionally evaluated for their abilities to multi-lineage reconstitute myeloablated hosts.

Conclusions

Although at least a few HSC divisions per se did not influence HSC function, enhanced kinetics of divisional activity in steady state preceded the phenotypic changes that accompanied loss of HSC self-renewal. Therefore, mitotic quiescence of HSCs, relative to their committed progeny, is key to maintain the unique functional and molecular properties of HSCs.