Wedelolactone inhibits adipogenesis through the ERK pathway in human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Wedelolactone is an herbal medicine that is used to treat septic shock, hepatitis and venom poisoning. Although in differentiated and cancer cells, wedelolactone has been identified as anti‐inflammatory, growth inhibitory, and pro‐apoptotic, the effects of wedelolactone on stem cell differentiation remain largely unknown. Here, we report that wedelolactone inhibits the adipogenic differentiation of human adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs). Wedelolactone reduced the formation of lipid droplets and the expression of adipogenesis‐related proteins, such as CCAAT enhancer‐binding protein‐α (C/EBP‐α), peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and adipocyte fatty acid‐binding protein aP2 (aP2). Wedelolactone mediated this process by sustaining ERK activity. In addition, inhibition of ERK activity with PD98059 resulted in reversion of the wedelolactone‐mediated inhibition of adipogenic differentiation. Taken together, these results indicate that wedelolactone inhibits adipogenic differentiation through ERK pathway and suggest a novel inhibitory effect of wedelolactone on adipogenic differentiation in hAMSCs. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3436–3445, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Oncostatin M induces proliferation of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) subfamily of cytokines, including oncostatin M (OSM), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and IL-6, has been implicated in a variety of physiological responses, such as cell growth, differentiation, and inflammation. In the present study, we demonstrated that both OSM and LIF stimulated the proliferation of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hATSCs), however, IL-6 had no effect on cell proliferation. OSM treatment induced phosphorylation of ERK, and pretreatment with U0126, a MEK inhibitor, prevented the OSM-stimulated proliferation of hATSCs, suggesting that the MEK/ERK pathway is involved in the OSM-induced proliferation. Treatment with OSM also induced phosphorylation of JAK2 and JAK3, and pretreatment of the cells with WHI-P131, a JAK3 inhibitor, but not with AG490, a JAK2 inhibitor, attenuated the OSM-induced proliferation of hATSCs. Furthermore, OSM treatment elicited phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT3, and pretreatment with WHI-P131 specifically prevented the OSM-induced phosphorylation of STAT1, without affecting the OSM-induced phosphorylation of ERK and STAT3. These results suggest that two separate signaling pathways, such as MEK/ERK and JAK3/STAT1, are independently involved in the OSM-stimulated proliferation of hATSCs.     

Role of MyD88 in TLR agonist-induced functional alterations of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells

In this study, we established an in vitro model of osteogenic-inductive differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to determine the mechanisms and relative gene function underlying BMSCs osteogenesis. Osteoplastic differentiation of the third generation BMSCs was induced with the α-minimal essential medium containing β-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, l-ascorbic acid, dexamethasone and 1,25–2(OH)₂ vitamin D₃ prior to applying gene chip technology (also called microarray technology) for global gene expression screening. Real-time quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR) was used to determine the temporal profile of mRNA expression of regulated genes during osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. A bioinformatic analysis was utilized to determine the functional significance of the identified osteogenic-related genes. Purkinje cell protein 4 (Pcp4) mRNA expression was identified by the gene chip screening as being up-regulated during osteoplastic differentiation of BMSCs. Real-time PCR analysis confirmed the increased expression of Pcp4 mRNA expression during osteoplastic differentiation of BMSCs with an upward trend that peaked at day 14. The bioinformatic analysis identified Pcp4 as a gene involved in the deposition of calcium and the modulation of CaM-dependent protein kinase. Thus, we hypothesize that Pcp4 osteoplastic differentiation of BMSCs is mediated in part via Pcp4-induced calcium deposition to form mineral nodules and modulation of certain signal transduction pathways of BMPs.     

Serum-free non-toxic freezing solution for cryopreservation of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Objective

To develop a cost-effective, non-toxic and xeno-free freezing solution for the preservation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hADSC) with a long shelf-life.

Results

The potential of various hydrocolloids and organic osmolytes as cryoprotectants and individual components of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) as carrier media were evaluated to formulate a freezing solution for the cryopreservation of hADSCs. Among the hydrocolloids, the highest viability, 55 %, was achieved with post-thawed (after 48 h storage at ?80 °C) hADSCs cryopreserved in 10 % (v/v) polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) using PBS as carrier media. 0.9 % NaCl was a superior carrier medium resulting an enhanced cell viability (70 %) when used in 10 % PVP than other components of PBS. A higher cell viability (81 %) was achieved when 10 % PVP/0.9 % NaCl was supplemented with 60 mM ectoin. The cryopreserved cells retained normal cytoskeletal distribution pattern and adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation ability during 14 and 21 days of incubation.

Conclusion

A serum-free and non-toxic 10 % PVP/0.9 % NaCl/60 mM ectoin freezing solution was developed for cryopreservation of hADSC for application in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

     

Role of c-Jun N-terminal kinase in the PDGF-induced proliferation and migration of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a critical regulator of proliferation and migration for mesenchymal type cells. In this study, we examined the role of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases in the PDGF-BB-induced proliferation and migration of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hATSCs). The PDGF-induced proliferation was prevented by a pretreatment with the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor, SP600125. However, it was not prevented by a pretreatment with a p38 MAP kinase inhibitor, SB202190, and a specific inhibitor of the upstream kinase of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), U0126. Treatment with PDGF induced the activation of JNK and ERK in hATSCs, and pretreatment with SP600125 specifically inhibited the PDGF-induced activation of JNK. Treatment with PDGF induced the cell cycle transition from the G0/G1 phase to the S phase, the elevated expression of cyclin D1, and the phosphorylation of Rb, which were prevented by a pretreatment with SP600125. In addition, the PDGF-induced migration of hATSCs was completely blocked by a pretreatment with SP600125, but not with U0126 and SB202190. These results suggest that JNK protein kinase plays a key role in the PDGF-induced proliferation and migration of mesenchymal stem cells.     

Insulin-producing cells from human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells detected by atomic force microscope

We successfully differentiated human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (haMSCs) into insulin-producing cells (IPCs) in vitro and did not use any insulin which might be absorbed by cells during in vitro culture. Expression of insulin gene was massively increased by 28,000-fold at day 12 compared with haMSCs (P < 0.05). IPCs could secrete insulin after glucose was stimulated. The higher the concentration of glucose, the more production of insulin was noted. We reported AFM images of IPCs for the first time. AFM images showed that the sizes of cells were similar to each other, and all IPC surface had a porous structure in the cytoplasm area. In sugar-free group, the size of holes was similar (diameter, 1,086.98 ± 156.70 nm; depth, 185.22 ± 52.14 nm). In higher sugar-stimulated group, there were more holes with bigger diameter and smaller depth. (diameter, 3,183.65 ± 2,229.18 nm; depth 109.42 ± 56.26 nm, P < 0.05). We found that the hole diameter and depth could change with the concentration of glucose in media. Concurrently, laser scanning confocal microscopy images indicated that cortical actin network beneath plasma membrane in IPCs was dense and continuous. After glucose stimulation, we found the actin web depolymerized and became discontinuous in IPCs. We speculated that diameter augmentation of holes located in the cytoplasm area in IPCs was one manifestation of excytosis increase.     

Electrophysiological properties of human adipose tissue-derived stem cells

Human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hASCs) represent a potentially valuable cell source for clinical therapeutic applications. The present study was designed to investigate properties of ionic channel currents present in undifferentiated hASCs and their impact on hASCs proliferation. The functional ion channels in hASCs were analyzed by whole-cell patch-clamp recording and their mRNA expression levels detected by RT-PCR. Four types of ion channels were found to be present in hASCs: most of the hASCs (73%) showed a delayed rectifier-like K(+) current (I(KDR)); Ca(2+)-activated K(+) current (I(KCa)) was detected in examined cells; a transient outward K(+) current (I(to)) was recorded in 19% of the cells; a small percentage of cells (8%) displayed a TTX-sensitive transient inward sodium current (I(Na.TTX)). RT-PCR results confirmed the presence of ion channels at the mRNA level: Kv1.1, Kv2.1, Kv1.5, Kv7.3, Kv11.1, and hEAG1, possibly encoding I(KDR); MaxiK, KCNN3, and KCNN4 for I(KCa); Kv1.4, Kv4.1, Kv4.2, and Kv4.3 for I(to) and hNE-Na for I(Na.TTX). The I(KDR) was inhibited by tetraethyl ammonium (TEA) and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), which significantly reduced the proliferation of hASCs in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05), as suggested by bromodeoxyurindine (BrdU) incorporation. Other selective potassium channel blockers, including linopiridine, iberiotoxin, clotrimazole, and apamin also significantly inhibited I(KDR). TTX completely abolished I(Na.TTX). This study demonstrates for the first time that multiple functional ion channel currents such as I(KDR), I(KCa), I(to), and I(Na.TTX) are present in undifferentiated hASCs and their potential physiological function in these cells as a basic understanding for future in vitro experiments and in vivo clinical investigations.     

Sphingosylphosphorylcholine induces proliferation of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells via activation of JNK

Sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC) has been implicated in a variety of cellular responses, including proliferation and differentiation. In this study, we demonstrate that d-erythro-SPC, but not l-threo-SPC, stereoselectively stimulated the proliferation of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs), with a maximal increase at 5 microM, and increased the intracellular concentration of Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) in hADSCs, which do not express known SPC receptors (i.e., OGR1, GPR4, G2A, and GPR12). The SPC-induced proliferation and increase in [Ca(2+)](i) were sensitive to pertussis toxin (PTX) and the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U73122, suggesting that PTX-sensitive G proteins, Gi or Go, and PLC are involved in SPC-induced proliferation. In addition, SPC treatment induced the phosphorylation of c-Jun and extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and SPC-induced proliferation was completely prevented by pretreatment with the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-specific inhibitor SP600125 but not with the MEK-specific inhibitor U0126. Furthermore, the SPC-induced proliferation and JNK activation were completely attenuated by overexpression of a dominant negative mutant of JNK2, and the SPC-induced activation of JNK was inhibited by pretreatment with PTX or U73122. Treatment of hADSCs with lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor antagonist, Ki16425, had no impact on the SPC-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i). However, SPC-induced proliferation was partially, but significantly, attenuated by pretreatment of the cells with Ki16425.These results indicate that SPC stimulates the proliferation of hADSCs through the Gi/Go-PLC-JNK pathway and that LPA receptors may be responsible in part for the SPC-induced proliferation.     

Crossregulation of beta-catenin/Tcf pathway by NF-kappaB is mediated by lzts2 in human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells

beta-catenin/Tcf and NF-kappaB signaling pathways play an important role in biological functions and crosstalk between these pathways has been reported. We found that the modulation of NF-kappaB activity showed a direct correlation with beta-catein/Tcf pathway in human adipose tissue (hASCs) and bone marrow (hBMSCs)-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Expression of lzts2, which inhibits nuclear translocation of beta-catenin and its transactivation activity, was regulated by NF-kappaB activity. Downregulation of lzts2 by RNA interference increased the nuclear translocation of beta-catenin and NF-kappaB activity in hASCs. NF-kappaB activation by the downregulation of lzts2 was accompanied by the increase of beta-TrCP1 expression and the decrease of IkappaB level. Downregulation of lzts2 increased the proliferation of hASCs and hBMSC, and blocked the NF-kappaB inhibitor-induced inhibitory effect on their proliferation and Tcf promoter activation. These findings provide the first evidence that the reciprocal crosstalk between beta-catenin/Tcf pathway and NF-kappaB signaling in hMSCs is mediated through the regulation of lzts2 expression.     

Epithelial differentiation of human adipose tissue-derived adult stem cells

Adult human stem cells are employed in novel treatments and bio-artificial devices. Recent studies have identified an abundant source of stem cells termed adipose-derived adult stem (ADAS)-cells in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. Under appropriate culture conditions ADAS-cells differentiate to various cell types, including chondrocytes, adipocytes, and smooth muscle cells. Aiming at epithelial differentiation this study investigated the effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on human ADAS-cells. ATRA-induced cytokeratin 18 expression in ADAS-cells and nearly abolished vimentin expression as shown by Western blot. In immunofluorescence, the formation of keratin fibers in ATRA-treated ADAS-cells could be observed. The percentage of ADAS-cells being able to undergo epithelial differentiation as quantified by FACS-analysis was above 80%. Inhibition of cell growth by ATRA was shown using DAPI- and MTT-assays. ATRA can differentiate ADAS-cells toward the epithelial lineage. This finding, along with a previously described neural differentiation, shows that ADAS-cells have epithelial potential.     

Oncostatin M promotes osteogenesis and suppresses adipogenic differentiation of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Oncostatin M (OSM) is a multifunctional cytokine of the interleukin-6 family and has been implicated in embryonic development, differentiation, inflammation, and regeneration of liver and bone. In the present study, we demonstrated that treatment of human adipose mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) with OSM-attenuated adipogenic differentiation, as indicated by decreased accumulation of intracellular lipid droplets and down-regulated expression of adipocytic markers, such as lipoprotein lipase and PPARgamma. However, OSM treatment stimulated osteogenic differentiation, as demonstrated by the increase in matrix mineralization and expression levels of osteogenic differentiation markers, including alkaline phosphatase, Runx2, and osteocalcin. OSM treatment induced activation of JAK2, JAK3, and ERK in hADSCs, and pre-treatment of hADSCs with the JAK2 inhibitor, AG490, significantly restored the OSM-induced inhibition of adipogenic differentiation. Whereas, the JAK3 inhibitor, WHI-P131, and the MEK inhibitor, U0126, had no effects on the anti-adipogenic activity of OSM. On the other hand, the pro-osteogenic activity of OSM was prevented by treatment of the cells with WHI-P131 or U0126, but not with AG490. These results indicate that distinct signaling pathways, including JAK2, JAK3, and MEK-ERK, play specific roles in the OSM-induced anti-adipogenic and pro-osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs.     

Involvement of tazarotene-induced gene 1 in proliferation and differentiation of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Objective:  Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have both self-renewal and multilineage differentiation potential, and bone marrow-derived MSC have been applied for tissue regeneration and repair. Although adipose tissue-derived MSC (ASC) have emerged as an alternative cell source, little information is available regarding the biologic difference between ASC derived from visceral and subcutaneous fat. Therefore, we aimed to compare the proliferation and gene expression profile of cultured human visceral ASC (VASC) and subcutaneous ASC (SASC), and to identify a novel gene involved in proliferation and differentiation of ASC.
Materials and methods:  We performed microarray analysis of cultured VASC and SASC, and investigated the role of tazarotene-induced gene 1 (TIG1), a most differentially expressed gene, in the proliferation and differentiation of ASC.
Results:  SASC proliferated faster than VASC for over 10 passages, and TIG1 expression was consistently up-regulated in VASC of humans, rats and mice. Overexpression of the TIG1 gene in human SASC inhibited cell proliferation, whereas knockdown of TIG1 expression by siRNA promoted cell proliferation. In addition, overexpression of the TIG1 gene in SASC enhanced their differentiation into adipocytes, and promoted up-regulation of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α. On the other hand, TIG1 overexpression in SASC inhibited their differentiation into osteocytes and the expression of osteocalcin.
Conclusion:  TIG1 plays an important role in regulating proliferation and differentiation of ASC.     

Angiotensin II-induced differentiation of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells to smooth muscle-like cells

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is involved in the development of cardiovascular disease and vascular remodeling. In this study, we demonstrate that treatment of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) with Ang II increased the expression of smooth muscle-specific genes, including alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), calponin, h-caldesmon, and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SM-MHC), and also elicited the secretion of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and delayed phosphorylation of Smad2. The Ang II-induced expression of alpha-SMA and delayed phosphorylation of Smad2 were blocked by pretreatment of the cells with a TGF-beta type I receptor kinase inhibitor, SB-431542, small interference RNA-mediated depletion of endogenous Smad2, and adenoviral expression of Smad7. Furthermore, the Ang II-induced TGF-beta1 secretion, alpha-SMA expression, and delayed phosphorylation of Smad2 in hADSCs were abrogated by the MEK inhibitor U0126, suggesting a pivotal role of MEK/ERK pathway in the Ang II-induced activation of TGF-beta1-Smad2 signaling pathway. The smooth muscle-like cells which were differentiated from hADSCs by Ang II treatment exhibited contraction in response to 60mM KCl. These results suggest that Ang II induces differentiation of hADSCs to contractile smooth muscle-like cells through ERK-dependent activation of the autocrine TGF-beta1-Smad2 crosstalk pathway.     

Kojyl cinnamate ester derivatives promote adiponectin production during adipogenesis in human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells

The subcutaneous fat tissue mass gradually decreases with age, and its regulation is a strategy to develop anti-aging compounds to ameliorate the photo-aging of human skin. The adipogenesis of human adipose tissue-mesenchymal stem cells (hAT-MSCs) can be used as a model to discover novel anti-aging compounds. Cinnamomum cassia methanol extracts were identified as adipogenesis-promoting agents by natural product library screening. Cinnamates, the major chemical components of Cinnamomum cassia extracts, promoted adipogenesis in hAT-MSCs. We synthesized kojyl cinnamate ester derivatives to improve the pharmacological activity of cinnamates. Structure–activity studies of kojyl cinnamate derivatives showed that both the α,β-unsaturated carbonyl ester group and the kojic acid moiety play core roles in promoting adiponectin production during adipogenesis in hAT-MSCs. We conclude that kojyl cinnamate ester derivatives provide novel pharmacophores that can regulate adipogenesis in hAT-MSCs.     

Changes in the proteomic profile of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells during passages

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) have recently attracted the attention because of their therapeutic potential in the novel context of regenerative medicine. The safety of these new and promising cellular products should be carefully defined before they can be used in the clinical setting. The protein expression profile of these cells might reveal potential hazards associated with senescence and tumoral transformation which may occur during culture. Proteomic is a valuable tool for hMSC characterization and identification of possible changes during expansion. RESULTS: We used SELDI-ToF-MS (Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time Of Flight-Mass Spectrometry) to evaluate the presence of stable molecular markers in adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSC) produced under conditions of good manufacturing practices (GMP). Proteomic patterns of cells prepared were consistent, with 4 up-regulated peaks (mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) 8950, 10087, 10345, and 13058 respectively) through subculture steps (P0-P7) with similar trend in all of the three donors. Among the differentially expressed proteins found in the cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions, a cytoplasmic 10.1 kDa protein was upregulated during culture passages and was identified as S100A6 (Calcyclin). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests for the first time that common variation could occur in ADMSC from different donors, with the identification of S100A6, protein prevalently related to cell proliferation and cell culture condition. These results support the hypothesis of common proteomic changes during MSCs expansion and could give important insight in the knowledge of molecular mechanisms intervening during MSC expansion.     

NOS inhibition synchronizes calcium oscillations in human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells by increasing gap-junctional coupling

Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) are a promising stem cell source for cell transplantation. We demonstrate that undifferentiated ASCs display robust oscillations of intracellular calcium [Ca(2+) ](i) which may be associated with stem cell maintenance since oscillations were absent in endothelial cell differentiation medium supplemented with FGF-2. [Ca(2+) ](i) oscillations were dependent on extracellular Ca(2+) and Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores since they were abolished in Ca(2+) -free medium and in the presence of the store-depleting agent thapsigargin. They were inhibited by the phospholipase C antagonist U73,122, the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP(3) ) receptor antagonist 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) as well as by the gap-junction uncouplers 1-heptanol and carbenoxolone, indicating regulation by the InsP(3) pathway and dependence on gap-junctional coupling. Cells endogenously generated nitric oxide (NO), expressed NO synthase 1 (NOS 1) and connexin 43 (Cx 43). The nitric oxide NOS inhibitors NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), 2-ethyl-2-thiopseudourea, and diphenylene iodonium as well as si-RNA-mediated down-regulation of NOS 1 synchronized [Ca(2+) ](i) oscillations between individual cells, whereas the NO-donors S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) as well as the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) were without effects. The synchronization of [Ca(2+) ](i) oscillations was due to an improvement of intracellular coupling since fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) revealed increased reflow of fluorescent calcein into the bleached area in the presence of the NOS inhibitors DPI and L-NAME. In summary our data demonstrate that intracellular NO levels regulate synchronization of [Ca(2+) ](i) oscillations in undifferentiated ASCs by controlling gap-junctional coupling.     

Efficiently differentiating vascular endothelial cells from adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells in serum-free culture

Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) have been reported to be multipotent and to differentiate into various cell types, including osteocytes, adipocytes, chondrocytes, and neural cells. Recently, many authors have reported that ASCs are also able to differentiate into vascular endothelial cells (VECs) in vitro. However, these reports included the use of medium containing fetal bovine serum for endothelial differentiation. In the present study, we have developed a novel method for differentiating mouse ASCs into VECs under serum-free conditions. After the differentiation culture, over 80% of the cells expressed vascular endothelial-specific marker proteins and could take up low-density lipoprotein in vitro. This protocol should be helpful in clarifying the mechanisms of ASC differentiation into the VSC lineage.