Osteogenic differentiation effects on rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells by lentivirus-mediated co-transfection of human BMP2 gene and VEGF165 gene

We proposed a novel combined gene therapy of human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 gene (hVEGF165) and human bone morphogenetic protein 2 gene (hBMP2) for bone regeneration by lentivirus-mediated co-transfection of both genes into rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). Both genes were successfully co-expressed in MSCs confirmed by real-time PCR and ELISA. And the alkaline phosphatase activity of MSCs was significantly augmented by the co-transfection with both genes than any single gene transfection (P < 0.01). These results demonstrated the feasibility of the combined gene therapy by using MSCs lentivirally co-transfected with hVEGF165 and hBMP2 for bone regeneration.     

Effects of recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors on angiopoiesis and osteogenesis in cultured rabbit bone marrow stem cells via co-expressing hVEGF and hBMP genes: A preliminary study in vitro

Objective

VEGF and BMP play important roles in angiogenesis and osteogenesis. Combining these two factors may be a promising therapeutic strategy for avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH).

Methods

Rabbit bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were isolated and purified by density gradient centrifugation combined with attachment culture methods. The purity and characteristics of the BMSCs were detected by cell surface antigen identification. The best MOI of BMSCs transfected with rAAV was detected by fluorescent cell counting, and cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Expression of the genes of interest was detected by GFP gene expression, RT-PCR assay, and ELISA assay. The biological activities of VEGF and BMP were detected by angiogenic and osteogenic assays.

Results

The best MOI of BMSCs transfected with rAAV was 5 × 10⁴ v.g./cell. Cell growth curves showed vigorous cell viability. Expressions of the GFP, VEGF165, and BMP₇ genes were detected 1 day post-transfection and peaked 14 days post-transfection. Expression of the genes of interest was sustained over 1 month. VEGF and BMP proteins secreted from BMSCs transfected with rAAV-hVEGF₁₆₅-IRES-hBMP₇ enhanced angiogenesis and osteogenesis in vitro.

Conclusion

Recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors co-expressing the hVEGF₁₆₅ and hBMP₇ genes showed efficient gene expression ability. The VEGF₁₆₅ and BMP₇ proteins expressed from the vector have efficient biological activity in vitro.     

Ad-Ang1-IRES-VEGF165腺病毒载体的构建及其促血管形成作用

目的:构建人血管生成素1(Ang1)和血管内皮生长因子VEGF165 (VEGF165)的共表达腺病毒载体Ad-Ang1-IRES-VEGF165(简称Ad-AV),为研究Ad-AV转基因细胞表达产物血管诱生活性提供实验依据。方法:采用IRES介导的Ang1和VEGF165双基因腺病毒共表达模式,通过常规的基因克隆和重组技术,构建Ad-AV双基因共表达腺病毒载体,经感染人胚肾QBI-293A细胞(293A)进行扩增和效价测定后,再感染WI-38人胚肺成纤维细胞,均用ELISA法检测VEGF、Ang1目的基因的表达,并采用鸡胚尿囊膜血管形成实验(CAM)法分析其对血管形成的影响。结果: 扩增的Ad-AV腺病毒效价可达4×10¹⁰pfu/ml;Ad-AV不仅能在293A细胞中成功表达目的基因Ang1、VEGF,而且在WI-38成纤维细胞也能成功表达,其表达产物具有显著的促进CAM上血管生成的活性。结论:成功构建并获得了Ad-Ang1-IRES-VEGF165重组病毒子, 目的基因均能在人胚肾和人胚肺成纤维细胞中表达,其表达产物具有诱导血管形成的功能。     

Enhancement of bone formation by genetically-engineered bone marrow stromal cells expressing BMP-2, VEGF and angiopoietin-1

To explore the potential of combined delivery of osteogenic and angiogenic factors to bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) for repair of critical-size bone defects, we followed the formation of bone and vessels in tissue-engineered constructs in nude mice and rabbit bone defects upon introducing different combinations of BMP-2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) to BMSCs with adenoviral vectors. Better osteogenesis and angiogenesis were found in co-delivery group of BMP-2, VEGF and angiopoietin-1 than any other combination of these factors in both animal models, indicating combined gene delivery of angiopoietin-1 and VEGF165 into a tissue-engineered construct produces an additive effect on BMP-2-induced osteogenesis.     

PDX-1腺病毒载体构建及其在脂肪间充质干细胞中的表达

研究通过重组腺病毒表达系统包装重组腺病毒Ad—PDX-1,通过重组腺病毒将Pancreaticduodenalhomeoboxl（PDX-1）导入大鼠脂肪间充质干细胞（ratadiposemesenchymalstemcells,rASCs）中,评价PDX．1在rASCs中的表达情况,为进一步探讨ASCs．PDX-1在体内修复糖尿病的潜能提供了实验基础。研究通过构建pAdEasy-CMV—PDX-1腺病毒质粒,在重组腺病毒表达系统PadEasy-1中成功包装出重组腺病毒Ad-PDX-1。培养及鉴定大鼠脂肪间充质干细胞,将携带PDX-1的重组腺病毒感染rASCs,通过RT-PCR、免疫荧光及免疫印迹（Westernblotting）检测PDX-1在rASCs中的表达及产物定位。结果显示,构建的重组腺病毒包装成功,具有较高滴度,并能成功感染大鼠脂肪间充质干细胞。PDX．1蛋白定位于细胞核,并可稳定表达,为后续将大鼠脂肪间充质干细胞向胰岛B细胞诱导分化奠定了基础,为糖尿病的干细胞治疗提供依据。     

超声微泡介导hVEGF165 基因靶向转染糖尿病鼠缺血骨骼肌

目的：探讨超声介导微泡破裂法促进血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）基因在糖尿病鼠缺血骨骼肌内转染的作用,评估其转染效 率和安全性。方法：建立糖尿病鼠缺血骨骼肌动物模型,以绿色荧光蛋白基因为报告基因, 观察接受超声及微泡治疗组hVEGF165 基因在糖尿病鼠缺血骨骼肌内表达,并与对照组相比。同时取糖尿病鼠缺血骨骼肌进行HE染色行组织学检查。结果：在超声介导 微泡破裂组内,hVEGF165 基因表达明显增强(42.87± 5.12),与单纯接受质粒治疗组(5.02± 1.21)和接受质粒和超声治疗组（8.16± 2.43）相比,差异具有统计学意义（P<0.001）,HE 切片未发现肌组织结构的改变。结论：超声介导微泡破裂法能有效促进外源基因 在糖尿病鼠缺血骨骼肌中表达, 为糖尿病周围血管疾病的基因治疗提供了实验依据。     

斑马鱼VEGF基因的siRNA表达载体构建、有效序列筛选及其对基因表达的干预性研究

为探索小干扰RNA（small interfering RNA,siRNA）表达质粒在研究斑马鱼血管内皮生长因子（vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF）基因调控网络中的应用,构建了4个以斑马鱼VEGF基因为靶点的siRNA表达载体pSI—VEGF、pS2-VEGF、pS3-VEGF及pS4-VEGF。通过显微注射的方法将载体导入1-2细胞期斑马鱼体内,于胚胎发育的48h采用RT-PCR的方法检测VEGF基因的表达量,研究不同干扰序列对VEGF基因表达的干涉作用。结果显示,成功地构建了siRNA表达载体。针对不同位点的寡核苷酸序列抑制VEGF基因表达的效率有显著差异,其中注射了ps1-VEGF的胚胎出现了心包膜水肿、血流速度减慢、循环红细胞堆积等症状,同时肠下静脉、节间血管以及其它血管出现不同程度的发育缺陷。实验结果说明,pS1-VEGF可引起斑马鱼胚胎血管发育缺陷。     

hVEGF165 和嵌合水蛭肽融合基因的构建、表达和活性检测

根据抗 PTCA 或支架后再狭窄的基因治疗需要多基因治疗的特点,用基因重组技术构建了 hVEGF165 和嵌合水蛭肽 (fused hirudin , FH) 融合基因,并克隆到真核表达载体 pcDNA3.0 中,通过脂质体介导将 pcDNA3.0/hVEGF165 - FH 转染到人内皮细胞株 (ECV304) 中, RT-PCR 及蛋白质印迹证明融合基因 hVEGF165 - FH 在 ECV304 细胞中得到表达 ( 分子质量为 24 ku 左右 ). 通过体外活性检测——— MTT 法检测 hVEGF165 - FH 对 ECV304 细胞增殖的影响,通过体外血管生成分析 hVEGF165 - FH 对内皮细胞株 ECV304 增殖的影响 . 通过体外抗栓活性检测,表明表达产物具有促进内皮细胞株增殖及加快血管生成的作用,同时显著抑制了 ADP 诱导的血小板聚集率 (P < 0.05) 并显著延长 APTT 和 TT (P < 0.05) . 实验结果表明,融合基因在内皮细胞株中得到表达,表达的融合蛋白具有 hVEGF165 和嵌合水蛭肽 (FH) 的双重活性,这为以后的融合基因治疗再狭窄的动物实验打下了良好基础 .     

Enhancement of angiogenic effect of co-transfection human NGF and VEGF genes in rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

The current study explored the feasibility and efficacy of co-transfection of the human nerve growth factor (NGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) genes in rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). The obtained hNGF and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) cDNAs were cloned into the pEGFP-C1 expression vector to construct the recombinant vectors. Co-transfection in rat BMSCs was performed and the expressions of both genes were detected by RT-PCR, Western blot, and enzyme-linked immunospecific assay. The biological activity of recombinant NGF and VEGF proteins was confirmed using the Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) assay. NGF and VEGF genes could be expressed successfully in rat BMSCs. The recombinant NGF and VEGF from the rat BMSCs showed a more significant synergetic biological activity compared with single recombinant NGF or VEGF. These findings demonstrate that the co-transfection of hNGF + VEGF genes can enhance the angiogenic effect in vivo.     

Immunolocalization of vascular endothelial growth factor on intramuscular ectopic osteoinduction by bone morphogenetic protein-2

When recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) is implanted in soft tissues, bony tissue is induced during the course of endochondral ossification. The relationship between endochondral ossification and vascularization is important in bone formation, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is considered to play an important role in this process. In this study, the immunohistological localization of VEGF was investigated in rhBMP-2-induced ectopic endochondral ossification in the calf muscle of rats. In addition, the characteristics of anti-VEGF antibody-reactive cells were histologically investigated using electron microscopy to examine the cause of endochondral ossification induced by recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2. The role of VEGF in rhBMP-2-induced osteoinduction and vascular induction was studied by observing the relationship between the localizations of anti-VEGF antibody-reactive cells and vascularization. During the process of rhBMP-2-induced ectopic endochondral ossification, fibroblast-like cells, which were located at the margin of the implant and reactive to BMP-2 at 5 days, were positive for VEGF immunostaining. Hypertrophic chondrocytes appeared 9 days and osteoblasts appeared 14 to 21 days after implantation, and all these cells were reactive with anti-VEGF antibody. Bony trabeculae subsequently appeared in the muscle, and new blood vessels were formed alongside the trabeculae. When VEGF was added to rhBMP, more new blood vessels and bone were formed in the induced bone. These findings suggested that rhBMP-2 induced the differentiation of undifferentiated mesenchymal cells to chondrocytes and osteoblasts, and these differentiated cells expressed VEGF, creating an advantageous environment for vascularization in bony tissue.     

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 enhances bone regeneration mediated by transplantation of osteogenically undifferentiated bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells

We have hypothesized that human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs), that are not osteogenically differentiated prior to implantation, would regenerate bone extensively in vivo once exogenous bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) was delivered to the implantation site. BMP-2 released from heparin-conjugated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (HCPLGA) scaffolds stimulates osteogenic differentiation of cultured BMMSCs. Upon implantation, undifferentiated BMMSCs on BMP-2-loaded HCPLGA scaffolds induce far more extensive bone formation than either undifferentiated BMMSCs or osteogenically differentiated BMMSCs on HCPLGA scaffolds. These BMP-2-loaded HCPLGA scaffolds could prove invaluable for in vivo regeneration of bone from undifferentiated human BMMSCs.     

VEGF165 expressing bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into hepatocytes under HGF and EGF induction in vitro

A short half-life and low levels of growth factors in an injured microenvironment necessitates the sustainable delivery of growth factors and stem cells to augment the regeneration of injured tissues. Our aim was to investigate the ability of VEGF₁₆₅ expressing bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) to differentiate into hepatocytes when cultured with hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in vitro. We isolated, cultured and identified rabbit BMMSCs, then electroporated the BMMSCs with VEGF₁₆₅-pCMV6-AC-GFP plasmid. G418 was used to select transfected cells and the efficiency was up to 70%. The groups were then divided as follows: Group A was electroporated with pCMV6-AC-GFP plasmid + HGF + EGF and Group B was electroporated with VEGF₁₆₅-pCMV6-AC-GFP plasmid +HGF + EGF. After 14 days, BMMSCs were induced into short spindle and polygonal cells. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was positive and albumin (ALB) was negative in Group A, while both AFP and ALB were positive in group B on day 10. AFP and ALB in both groups were positive on day 20, but the quantity of AFP in group B decreased with prolonged time and was about 43.5% less than group A. The quantity of the ALB gene was increased with prolonged time in both groups. However, there was no significant difference between group A and B on day 10 and 20. Our results demonstrated that VEGF₁₆₅-pCMV6-AC-GFP plasmid modified BMMSCs still had the ability to differentiate into hepatocytes. The VEGF₁₆₅ gene promoted BMMSCs to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells under the induction of HGF and EGF, and reduced the differentiation time. These results have implications for cell therapies.     

Protease-activated receptor-2 regulates vascular endothelial growth factor expression in MDA-MB-231 cells via MAPK pathways

Protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) is a G-protein coupled receptor that is cleaved and activated by serine proteases including the coagulation protease factor VIIa (FVIIa). There is evidence that PAR2 function contributes to angiogenesis, but the mechanisms involved are poorly defined. Here we show that PAR2 activation in human breast cancer cells leads to the upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Activation of PAR2 with agonist peptide (AP), trypsin or FVIIa results in a robust increase of VEGF message and protein. Incubation of cells with PAR1-AP, PAR3-AP, PAR4-AP, or thrombin has only a modest effect on VEGF production. Cleavage blocking antibodies show that FVIIa-mediated VEGF production is PAR2 mediated. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway inhibitors U0126 and SB203580 inhibit PAR2-mediated VEGF production. Incubation of cells with PAR2-AP leads to significant extracellular regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 MAPK phosphorylation and activation. Collectively, these data suggest that PAR2 signaling through MAPK pathways leads to the production of proangiogenic VEGF in breast cancer cells.     

New insights into stability of recombinant adenovirus vector genomes in mammalian cells

Recombinant adenoviruses are widely used in basic virology research, therapeutic applications, vaccination studies or simply as a tool for genetic manipulation of eukaryotic cells. Dependent on the application, transient or stable maintenance of the adenoviral genome and transgene expression are required. The newest generation of recombinant adenoviral vectors is represented by high-capacity adenoviral vectors (HC-AdVs) which lack all viral coding sequences. HC-AdVs were shown to result in long-term persistence of transgene expression and phenotypic correction in small and large animal models with negligible toxicity.Although there is evidence that adenoviral vectors predominantly persist as episomal DNA molecules with a low integration frequency into the host genome, detailed information about the nuclear fate and the molecular status of the HC-AdV genome once inside the nucleus is lacking. In recent years we have focused on analyzing and modifying the nuclear fate of HC-AdVs after infection of mammalian cells. We have focused on investigating the molecular DNA forms of HC-AdV genomes and we have designed strategies to excise and stably integrate a transgene from an episomal adenovirus vector genome into the host chromosomes by recombinases. This review article provides a state-of-the art overview of the current knowledge of episomal HC-AdV persistence and it discusses strategies for changing the nuclear fate of a transgene inserted into the HC-AdV genome by somatic integration into host chromosomes.     

Angiotensin II induces vascular endothelial growth factor synthesis in mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation has been proposed as a promising means for ischemic heart disease. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been demonstrated to play an important role in MSCs transplantation. Angiotensin II (AngII), the most important effector peptide of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), is also an angiogenesis factor. However, the effects of AngII on VEGF expression in MSCs and the related signaling cascades were unknown. In this experiment, we first demonstrated that incubation of MSCs with AngII-induced a rapid increase in VEGF mRNA expression and protein synthesis. However, these effects were abolished by prior treatment with AngII type 1 (AT₁) receptor antagonist losartan while not AngII type 2 (AT₂) receptor antagonist PD123319. The addition of either the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) inhibitor U0126 or Akt inhibitor LY294002 also led to a marked inhibition of the AngII-induced VEGF mRNA and protein production. Taken together, these results suggested that AngII stimulated the synthesis of VEGF in MSCs through ERK1/2 and Akt pathway via AT₁ receptor.     

pcDNA3.1(+)-VEGF165载体的构建及表达蛋白特性分析

构建含人VEGF165基因的重组真核表达质粒,并对其表达蛋白特性进行初步分析。将合成的VEGF165基因序列克隆至pCR2.1-TOPO载体,测序鉴定证实基因碱基序列无误后,再克隆至真核表达载体pcDNA3.1(+),构建成pcD-NA3.1(+)-VEGF165重组质粒。利用DNAstar软件分析基因序列并翻译成氨基酸序列,再用ExPASy protscale和Protean软件分析其疏水特性、蛋白二级结构。经基因测序、酶切鉴定和PCR鉴定证实pcDNA3.1(+)-VEGF165重组质粒构建成功。Ex-PASy protscale和Protean软件分析表明VEGF165蛋白具有较好的水溶性。本研究为VEGF165的基因治疗应用和VEGF165蛋白直接治疗勃起功能障碍奠定了基础。     

Transforming growth factor-beta1 enhanced vascular endothelial growth factor synthesis in mesenchymal stem cells

Angiogenesis is essential for transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most potent angiogenic factors identified to date. Elevated VEGF levels in MSCs correlate with the potential of MSCs transplantation. As an indirect angiogenic agent, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) plays a pivotal role in the regulation of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. However, the effect of TGF-β1 on VEGF synthesis in MSCs is still unknown. Besides, the intracellular signaling mechanism by which TGF-β1 stimulates this process remains poorly understood. In this article, we demonstrated that exposure of MSCs to TGF-β1 stimulated the synthesis of VEGF. Meanwhile, TGF-β1 stimulated the phosphorylation of Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Moreover, Ly 294002, a specific inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt significantly attenuated the VEGF synthesis stimulated by TGF-β1. Additionally, U0126, a specific inhibitor of ERK1/2, also significantly attenuated the TGF-β1-stimulated VEGF synthesis. These results indicated that TGF-β1 enhanced VEGF synthesis in MSCs, and the Akt and ERK1/2 activation were involved in this process.     

Cilomilast enhances osteoblast differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and bone formation induced by bone morphogenetic protein 2

A rapid and efficient method to stimulate bone regeneration would be useful in orthopaedic stem cell therapies. Rolipram is an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), which mediates cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) degradation. Systemic injection of rolipram enhances osteogenesis induced by bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) in mice. However, there is little data on the precise mechanism, by which the PDE4 inhibitor regulates osteoblast gene expression. In this study, we investigated the combined ability of BMP-2 and cilomilast, a second-generation PDE4 inhibitor, to enhance the osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of MSCs treated with PDE4 inhibitor (cilomilast or rolipram), BMP-2, and/or H89 was compared with the ALP activity of MSCs differentiated only by osteogenic medium (OM). Moreover, expression of Runx2, osterix, and osteocalcin was quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). It was found that cilomilast enhances the osteoblastic differentiation of MSCs equally well as rolipram in primary cultured MSCs. Moreover, according to the H89 inhibition experiments, Smad pathway was found to be an important signal transduction pathway in mediating the osteogenic effect of BMP-2, and this effect is intensified by an increase in cAMP levels induced by PDE4 inhibitor.