胚胎干细胞的体外诱导分化模型

胚胎干细胞是具有全能性及无限制的自我更新与分化能力的一类特殊的细胞群体 ,它能通过祖细胞为中介 ,分化为各种类型的体细胞 ,可重演体内干细胞的分化过程。自 80年代从小鼠囊胚的内细胞团分离到胚胎干细胞并建系到现在已建立了神经细胞、肌肉细胞、上皮细胞、造血细胞等体外分化体系。将胚胎干细胞体外分化成为可利用的分化模型 ,无论从组织结构、细胞及分子水平都体现了体内分化过程的体外重演 ,再加上胚胎干细胞系具有体系简单 ,影响因子少 ,可控制 ,便于研究等特点 ,因此可用于研究早期胚胎发育和细胞分化调控 ;可成为器官移植和修复…     

神经干细胞的研究进展及基因芯片技术的应用

神经干细胞(NSC)在发育过程中及治疗神经退行性疾病方面所起作用已引起广泛关注。体外实验证明,多种因素可调控神经干细胞的增殖及分化,但由于缺少特异的分子标识,我们对于体内的神经干细胞特性知之甚少。基因芯片技术的应用使寻找体内神经干细胞的特异标识成为可能,并且我们通过一种有效的数据分析方法(component plane presentation integrated self-organizing map,CPP-SOM)对神经干细胞的基因表达及调控机制进行了深入的研究。     

干细胞3D支架的研究进展

干细胞是一类具有无限增殖潜能,可自我更新的细胞,不同的培养或诱导条件下能够分化成为不同的细胞类型。目前,随着医学治疗手段及干细胞研究的不断发展,发现干细胞可应用于很多疾病的治疗,干细胞临床应用日益广泛,逐渐成为科研工作者研究的热点。然而干细胞移植进入生物体后繁殖效率很低,无法达到需求的量,因此如何对干细胞在生物体外进行大量培养扩增、在生物体内如何更稳定地增殖分化成为迫切需要解决的难题。当前干细胞最主要的培养方法仍是2D培养,2D培养无法模拟体内的3D微环境,繁殖效率较低,正是由于2D培养局限性太多,促使国内外学者对3D培养技术和3D支架材料进行深入探索,并取得了大量成果。对3D培养技术在干细胞中的发展与应用进行概述和展望。     

应用小动物活体成像追踪观察EGFP标记的间充质干细胞

为探讨干细胞移植治疗过程中干细胞在体内的存活和迁移能力,利用非细胞损伤性的EGFP(enhanced green fl uorescence protein)标记间充质干细胞进行了实验研究。该研究用电穿孔方法将加强的绿色荧光蛋白表达质粒p CMV-EGFP(cytomegalovirus-EGFP plasmid)转染细胞产生具有EGFP标记的牙髓干细胞、皮肤成纤维细胞(skin fi broblast cells,SFCs)和脐带间充质干细胞。将EGFP标记的脐带间充质干细胞注射到裸鼠皮下,用小动物活体成像系统观察了EGFP标记细胞在体内移植后细胞存活能力和荧光强度随时间的变化情况。结果表明,电穿孔转染能够在体外产生高效表达EGFP的标记细胞,EGFP在牙髓干细胞、SFCs和脐带间充质干细胞中的表达率分别为80%、85%和80%。通过小动物活体成像系统检测表明,EGFP标记的脐带间充质干细胞注射到裸鼠皮下后EGFP荧光表达在7 d后逐渐下降,但免疫组化分析表明,移植细胞可存活6个月以上。该研究提示,EGFP标记的干细胞可用于体内追踪其存活、迁移及分化,为探讨干细胞移植治疗作用提供了实验证据。     

人体的更新之源——干细胞

干细胞是处于未分化或低分化状态的细胞．具有增殖和分化成为人体内各种类型细胞的能力。发育为人体的受精卵与成人体内更替各类细胞的细胞都属干细胞。成人体内干细胞数量较少且功能有限,已分化的细胞也不能转化为其他类型的细胞。干细胞技术可打破这种限制,提取和增殖现有干细胞,也可以采用基因诱导技术,利用已分化细胞来“制造”干细胞。如此可根据需要替换人体中受损的各类组织和器官,极大地造福人类。     

骨髓间充质干细胞在大鼠实验中的移植途径及比较

骨髓间充质干细胞是具有自我更新能力和分化潜能的一类成体干细胞,经过局部微环境的诱导,可在体内外进行扩展,到晚期可分化成为多种细胞系。当组织受损伤时,可迅速到达损伤部位,分化为特异的组织细胞,参与组织修复。骨髓间充质干细胞这种惊人的分化及组织修复能力,为治疗退行性疾病和器官损伤性疾病提供广阔前景,故成为科研热点。国内外相关实验研究多以大鼠为动物模型,而骨髓间充质干细胞如何进入大鼠体内并定植,是实验成功的重要前提。因此如何找到最合适、最安全的移植途径将骨髓间充质干细胞有效地移植进入大鼠疾病模型体内的受损区域,是研究者关心的重点。本文就目前骨髓间充质干细胞在大鼠实验中不同移植途径进行综述,并比较各种途径的优缺点,希望能对临床科研工作提供参考,并期待能有更成熟的移植手段来推动骨髓间充质干细胞实验研究的进展。     

胃肠黏膜G蛋白偶联受体5阳性细胞研究进展

干细胞和再生医学的研究已成为自然科学中最为引人注目的领,人类已在胚胎干细胞、部分成体干细胞如骨髓造血干细胞方面取得进展,但在其他成体干细胞研究,特别是胃肠黏膜干细胞研究领进展甚少.富含亮氨酸重复序列的 G 蛋白偶联受体5(LGR5)是 G 蛋白偶联受体超家族的成,在胃肠黏膜隐窝基底有少量表达,其阳性细胞可在体内分化为胃肠黏膜所有类型的细胞,被认为是可能的胃肠黏膜成体干细胞.LGR5阳性细胞的研究,对组织工程、消化道疾病发病机制研究、干细胞治疗、肿瘤治疗等方面有重要意义.     

微流控芯片在干细胞研究中的应用

干细胞以其多潜能性和自我更新能力成为人类早期胚胎研究、干细胞治疗和组织工程修复中的主要细胞来源和种子细胞。但传统细胞研究方法难以提供干细胞生长和分化所需的复杂多层次的微环境,使研究结果与体内真实情况相差甚远,尽可能模拟和精确调控干细胞培养微环境,进而控制干细胞自我更新或分化命运,成干细胞研究的难点。微流控芯片可以更真实地模拟干细胞小生境(niche);实时可控的对单个干细胞加载剪切力和生长因子;其透明的装置可对细胞行为进行跟踪观察等研究细胞微环境中占有优势,从而受到越来越多干细胞研究者的关注。结合对微流控技术研究经验,对干细胞微环境构建所需条件进行了综述,总结了微流控在干细胞研究中所取得的成果,并展望了微流控技术在干细胞研究中的应用前景。     

哺乳动物精原干细胞的研究进展

精原干细胞是雄性体内可以永久维持的成体干细胞,它具有自我更新和分化的能力,保证了雄性个体生命过程中精子发生的持续进行,从而实现将遗传信息传递给下一代。精原千细胞不仅可在体外实现长期培养或诱导分化为各级生精细胞,并且可在特定条件下将其诱导去分化成为多能性干细胞。同样,这种多能性干细胞如同胚胎干细胞,可被诱导形成造血细胞、神经元细胞、肌细胞等多种类型细胞。鉴于其独具的生物学特性,精原干细胞在揭示精子的发生机制、治疗雄性不育和转基因动物等研究中具有重要价值。该文对精原干细胞在生物学特性、纯化培养、移植、体外诱导分化及其相关调控方面的各项研究进行了小结,综述了近年来的研究历程和最新研究成果。     

间充质干细胞在肝脏疾病应用的研究现况

间充质干细胞（MSC）属于成体干细胞的一种,是一类具有自我更新和多向分化能力的多能干细胞。其来源丰富,免疫原性低,目前体内外实验均发现MSC可促进损伤肝脏修复,改善症状,提高存活率。通过调节肝脏局部和全身炎症反应和免疫紊乱发挥治疗作用。本文就MSC治疗肝脏疾病的研究现况进行综述。     

Self-renewal and differentiation capacity of young and aged stem cells

Because of their ability to self-renew and differentiate, adult stem cells are the in vivo source for replacing cells lost on a daily basis in high turnover tissues during the life of an organism. Adult stem cells however, do suffer the effects of aging resulting in decreased ability to self-renew and properly differentiate. Aging is a complex process and identification of the mechanisms underlying the aging of (stem) cell population(s) requires that relatively homogenous and well characterized populations can be isolated. Evaluation of the effect of aging on one such adult stem cell population, namely the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC), which can be purified to near homogeneity, has demonstrate that they do suffer cell intrinsic age associated changes. The cells that support HSC, namely marrow stromal cells, or mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), may similarly be affected by aging, although the inability to purify these cells to homogeneity precludes definitive assessment. As HSC and MSC are being used in cell-based therapies clinically, improved insight in the effect of aging on these two stem cell populations will probably impact the selection of sources for these stem cells.     

Stem cell properties and the side population cells as a target for interferon-alpha in adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma

The cancer stem cell theory suggests that chemoresistance and recurrence of tumors are often due to the similarity of stem cell properties between normal and cancer cells. Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) has poor prognosis, suggesting that ATLL cells possess common stem cell properties. We analyzed side population (SP), a characteristic stem cell phenotype, and CD markers in ATLL cell lines. We found that several lines contained SP with expressions of some hematopoietic stem cell markers. On the other hand, treatment with interferon (IFN)-α is sometimes effective in ATLL, particularly combined with other drugs. We examined its effect on ATLL cells and found that IFN-α significantly reduced the SP proportion. Moreover, CD25-positive cells and phosphorylation of STAT1/5 and ERK were upregulated during this process. These data suggest that their stem cell properties render ATLL cells therapy-resistant, and IFN-α exerts its clinical effect through a reduction of the SP cell population.     

Multipotent adult germline stem cells and embryonic stem cells functional proteomics revealed an important role of eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (Eif5a) in stem cell differentiation

Multipotent adult germline stem cells (maGSCs) are pluripotent cells that can be differentiated into somatic cells of the three primary germ layers. To highlight the protein profile changes associated with stem cell differentiation, retinoic acid (RA) treated mouse stem cells (maGSCs and ESCs) were compared to nontreated stem cells. 2-DE and DIGE reference maps were created, and differentially expressed proteins were further processed for identification. In both stem cell types, the RA induced differentiation resulted in an alteration of 36 proteins of which 18 were down-regulated and might be potential pluripotency associated proteins, whereas the other 18 proteins were up-regulated. These might be correlated to stem cell differentiation. Surprisingly, eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (Eif5a), a protein which is essential for cell proliferation and differentiation, was significantly down-regulated under RA treatment. A time-dependent investigation of Eif5a showed that the RA treatment of stem cells resulted in a significant up-regulation of the Eif5a in the first 48 h followed by a progressive down-regulation thereafter. This effect could be blocked by the hypusination inhibitor ciclopirox olamine (CPX). The alteration of Eif5a hypusination, as confirmed by mass spectrometry, exerts an antiproliferative effect on ESCs and maGSCs in vitro, but does not affect the cell pluripotency. Our data highlights the important role of Eif5a and its hypusination for stem cell differentiation and proliferation.     

Apelin and stem cells: the role played in the cardiovascular system and energy metabolism

Apelin, a member of the adipokine family, is widely distributed in the body and exerts cytoprotective effects on many organs. Apelin isoforms are involved in different physiological processes, including regulation of the cardiovascular system, cardiac contractility, angiogenesis, and energy metabolism. Several investigations have been performed to study the effect of apelin on stem cell therapy. This review aims to summarize the literature representing the effects of apelin on stem cell properties. Furthermore, this review discusses the therapeutic potential of apelin‐treated stem cells for cardiovascular diseases and demonstrates the effect of stem cells overexpressing apelin on energy metabolism. Stem cells with their unique characteristics play a crucial role in the maintenance of tissue integrity. These cells participate in tissue regeneration via multiple mechanisms. Although preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of stem cells in various diseases, their application in regenerative medicine has not been efficient. A number of strategies such as genetic modification or treatment of stem cells with different factors have been used to improve the efficacy of cell therapy and to increase their survival after transplantation. This article reviews the effect of apelin treatment on the efficacy of cell therapy.     

Opportunities and challenges for mesenchymal stem cell-mediated heart repair

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Mesenchymal stem cells (or multipotent stromal cells) are emerging as a potent cell type for cardiac cell therapy. This review describes the potential of cardiac mesenchymal stem cell therapy, but also highlights some recently discovered less favorable mesenchymal stem cell characteristics. RECENT FINDINGS: Mesenchymal stem cells exert a beneficial effect on cardiac function upon administration to the ischemic myocardium. The mode of action does not seem to involve differentiation into cardiomyocytes and vascular cells. A robust effect on revascularization and remodeling is observed, however, most likely mediated by paracrine factors. Recently identified drawbacks associated with cardiac mesenchymal stem cell therapy include differentiation into unwanted mesenchymal cell types such as osteocytes and adipocytes, the occurrence of cytogenetic instability upon prolonged expansion, and immunization when used in an allogeneic setting. SUMMARY: The application of mesenchymal stem cells is a novel strategy with therapeutic potential for cardiac repair. Strategies are needed, however, to optimize their therapeutic potential while minimizing their potential clinical risks.     

Quantum dots do not affect the behaviour of mouse embryonic stem cells and kidney stem cells and are suitable for short-term tracking

Quantum dots (QDs) are small nanocrystals widely used for labelling cells in order to enable cell tracking in complex environments in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. They present many advantages over traditional fluorescent markers as they are resistant to photobleaching and have narrow emission spectra. Although QDs have been used effectively in cell tracking applications, their suitability has been questioned by reports showing they can affect stem cell behaviour and can be transferred to neighbouring cells. Using a variety of cellular and molecular biology techniques, we have investigated the effect of QDs on the proliferation and differentiation potential of two stem cell types: mouse embryonic stem cells and tissue-specific stem cells derived from mouse kidney. We have also tested if QDs released from living or dead cells can be taken up by neighbouring cells, and we have determined if QDs affect the degree of cell-cell fusion; this information is critical in order to assess the suitability of QDs for stem cell tracking. We show here that QDs have no effect on the viability, proliferation or differentiation potential of the two stem cell types. Furthermore, we show that the extent of transfer of QDs to neighbouring cells is <4%, and that QDs do not increase the degree of cell-cell fusion. However, although the QDs have a high labelling efficiency (>85%), they are rapidly depleted from both stem cell populations. Taken together, our results suggest that QDs are effective cell labelling probes that are suitable for short-term stem cell tracking.     

Cell cycle length, cell size, and proliferation rate in hydra stem cells

We have analyzed the cell cycle parameters of interstitial cells in Hydra oligactis. Three subpopulations of cells with short, medium, and long cell cycles were identified. Short-cycle cells are stem cells; medium-cycle cells are precursors to nematocyte differentiation; long-cycle cells are precursors to gamete differentiation. We have also determined the effect of different cell densities on the population doubling time, cell cycle length, and cell size of interstitial cells. Our results indicate that decreasing the interstitial cell density from 0.35 to 0.1 interstitial cells/epithelial cell (1) shortens the population doubling time from 4 to 1.8 days, (2) increases the [3H]thymidine labeling index from 0.5 to 0.75 and shifts the nuclear DNA distribution from G2 to S phase cells, and (3) decreases the length of G2 in stem cells from 6 to 3 hr. The shortened cell cycle is correlated with a significant decrease in the size of interstitial stem cells. Coincident with the shortened cell cycle and increased growth rate there is an increase in stem cell self-renewal and a decrease in stem cell differentiation.     

Mesenchymal stem cells support expansion of in vitro irradiated CD34(+) cells in the presence of SCF, FLT3 ligand, TPO and IL3: potential application to autologous cell therapy in accidentally irradiated victims

Ex vivo expansion of residual autologous hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells collected from victims soon after accidental irradiation (autologous cell therapy) may represent an additional or alternative approach to cytokine therapy or allogeneic transplantation. Peripheral blood CD34+ cells could be a useful source of cells for this process provided that collection and ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells could be optimized. Here we investigated whether mesenchymal stem cells could sustain culture of irradiated peripheral blood CD34+ cells. In vitro irradiated (4 Gy 60Co gamma rays) or nonirradiated mobilized peripheral blood CD34+ cells from baboons were cultured for 7 days in a serum-free medium supplemented with stem cell factor+thrombopoietin+interleukin 3+FLT3 ligand (50 ng/ml each) in the presence or absence of mesenchymal stem cells. In contrast to cultures without mesenchymal stem cells, irradiated CD34+ cells cultured with mesenchymal stem cells displayed cell amplification, i.e. CD34+ (4.9-fold), CD34++ (3.8-fold), CD34++/Thy-1+ (8.1-fold), CD41+ (12.4-fold) and MPO+ (50.6-fold), although at lower levels than in nonirradiated CD34+ cells. Fourteen times more clonogenic cells, especially BFU-E, were preserved when irradiated cells were cultured on mesenchymal stem cells. Moreover, we showed that the effect of mesenchymal stem cells is related mainly to the reduction of apoptosis and involves cell-cell contact rather than production of soluble factor(s). This experimental model suggests that mesenchymal stem cells could provide a crucial tool for autologous cell therapy applied to accidentally irradiated victims.     

Understanding of stem cells in bone biology and translation into clinical applications

Developments of stem cell biology provide new approaches for understanding the mechanisms of a number of diseases, including osteoporosis. In this minireview, we highlight two areas that related to stem cells in bone biology. Recent discovery of the role of osteoclast and their stem cells leads to developing a new approach for treatment of osteoporosis with the initial stimulation of cells in osteoclast lineage and followed by sequentially enhanced bone formation. Stimulation on both sides in bone remodeling is expected to achieve a long term effect on bone formation. For bone regeneration, multiple disciplinary collaborations among bone biologists, stem cell biologists and biomaterial scientists are necessary to successfully develop an integrated stem cell therapy that should include stem cells, suitable scaffolds and bioactive factors/small molecular compounds.     

模拟微重力条件下对WB-F344肝干细胞表征分子表达的影响

研究大鼠WB-F344肝干细胞在旋转式细胞培养系统（RCCS）中培养进行细胞大规模扩增并保持干细胞的特性的可能性,为干细胞治疗疾病及肝组织工程提供理想的细胞来源。以WB-F344肝干细胞在RCCS中培养,以平面单层培养为对照,在培养后不同时间分别进行形态观察、流式细胞仪测细胞周期、逆转录-聚合酶链反应（RT-PCR）检测肝干细胞特异性基因甲胎蛋白（AFP）和白蛋白（ALB）的表达, 免疫荧光染色检测 AFP、ALB蛋白的表达。结果表明,RCCS培养的WB-F344细胞粘附在Cytodex-3微载体上状态生长良好,细胞增殖较平面培养有明显增加;RT-PCR和免疫荧光染色检测结果一致：模拟微重力培养组AFP的mRNA表达强度及AFP阳性细胞均显著高于平面培养组,而ALB mRNA表达强度和ALB阳性细胞均低于对照组。说明模拟微重力 培养条件下,能较好的维持肝干细胞特性,进一步证明我们建立的这种培养体系是成功的,是一种理想的肝干细胞培养模式。