Platelet lysate suppresses the expression of lipocalin-type prostaglandin D2 synthase that positively controls adipogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been shown to display a considerable therapeutic potential in cellular therapies. However, harmful adipogenic maldifferentiation of transplanted MSCs may seriously threaten the success of this therapeutic approach. We have previously demonstrated that using platelet lysate (PL) instead of widely used fetal calf serum (FCS) diminished lipid accumulation in adipogenically stimulated human MSCs and identified, among others, lipocalin-type prostaglandin D2 synthase (L-PGDS) as a gene suppressed in PL-supplemented MSCs. Here, we investigated the role of PL and putatively pro-adipogenic L-PGDS in human MSC adipogenesis. Next to strongly reduced levels of L-PGDS we show that PL-supplemented MSCs display markedly decreased expression of adipogenic master regulators and differentiation markers, both before and after induction of adipocyte differentiation. The low adipogenic differentiation capability of PL-supplemented MSCs could be partially restored by exogenous addition of L-PGDS protein. Conversely, siRNA-mediated downregulation of L-PGDS in FCS-supplemented MSCs profoundly reduced adipocyte differentiation. In contrast, inhibiting endogenous prostaglandin synthesis by aspirin did not reduce differentiation, suggesting that a mechanism such as lipid shuttling but not the prostaglandin D2 synthase activity of L-PGDS is critical for adipogenesis. Our data demonstrate that L-PGDS is a novel pro-adipogenic factor in human MSCs which might be of relevance in adipocyte metabolism and disease. L-PGDS gene expression is a potential quality marker for human MSCs, as it might predict unwanted adipogenic differentiation after MSC transplantation.     

Effects of macrophages and CXCR2 on adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Macrophages and many chemokines are closely associated with the adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), but their roles in adipogenesis and the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we first investigated the influence of macrophages on the differentiation of MSCs in vitro. We found that RAW246.7 macrophages cocultured with MSCs strongly blocked the differentiation progress and inhibited the expression of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1) during adipogenesis. Coculture with MSCs mainly induced macrophages toward M2 polarization. In addition, the expression of CXCL1 and its receptor, C-X-C chemokine receptor type 2, CXCR2 are high during adipogenic differentiation of MSCs and not in mature adipocytes. Although CXCL1 had no effect on adipogenesis, treatment with a specific CXCR2 inhibitor, SB225002, hampered the adipogenic differentiation of MSCs. Blocking CXCR2 decreased p38 and Elk1 phosphorylation but increased the extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation at the initial stage of adipogenesis, which suppressed the phosphorylation of p38/ERK-Elk1 at the late stage. Inhibition of ERK had similar effects on adipogenesis and Elk1 phosphorylation. Our data suggest that MSCs interact with macrophages during adipogenic differentiation. CXCR2 regulates the adipogenic differentiation of MSCs by altering the activation of the p38/ERK-Elk1 signaling pathway.     

The critical role of myostatin in differentiation of sheep myoblasts

Myostatin [MSTN, also known as growth differentiation factor 8 (GDF8)], is an inhibitor of skeletal muscle growth. Blockade of MSTN function has been reported to result in increased muscle mass in mice. However, its role in myoblast differentiation in farm animals has not been determined. In the present study, we sought to determine the role of MSTN in the differentiation of primary sheep myoblasts. We found that ectopic overexpression of MSTN resulted in lower fusion index in sheep myoblasts, which indicated the repression of myoblast differentiation. This phenotypic change was reversed by shRNA knockdown of the ectopically expressed MSTN in the cells. In contrast, shRNA knockdown of the endogenous MSTN resulted in induction of myogenic differentiation. Additional studies revealed that the induction of differentiation by knocking down the ectopically or endogenously expressed MSTN was accompanied by up-regulation of MyoD and myogenin, and down-regulation of Smad3. Our results demonstrate that MSTN plays critical role in myoblast differentiation in sheep, analogous to that in mice. This study also suggests that shRNA knockdown of MSTN could be a potentially promising approach to improve sheep muscle growth, so as to increase meat productivity.     

Expression regulation and function of Pref-1 during adipogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)

Preadipocyte Factor 1 (Pref-1), also known as Delta-like Protein 1 (DLK-1) is an epidermal growth factor-like domain-containing trans-membrane protein that is involved in adipogenesis and cell fate decision. Its function in adipogenesis is reported inconsistently based on different cellular model systems. Here, by using human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), we show that Pref-1 is modulated by both dexamethasone and 3-isobutyl-1methylxanthine (IBMX), two components of the adipogenic induction mixture during the adipogenesis in vitro. IBMX induces the expression of Pref-1 in a time- and dose-dependent manner through cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP independent pathway and attenuates adipocyte differentiation by down-regulating PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma) expression. Dexamethasone, on the other hand, is capable of subduing the inhibitory effect of IBMX-induced Pref-1 and initiating the adipogenesis by up-regulating PPARγ expression. Moreover, the treatment of IBMX or dexamethasone alone fails to develop MSCs into mature adipocytes, however, treating cells with both IBMX and dexamethasone leads to a complete adipocyte differentiation as evaluated by lipid-droplet formation. Taken together, our study demonstrates that IBMX accelerates accumulation of lipid in MSCs only under the circumstance that the negative effect of Pref-1 induced by IBMX on the adipogenesis is overcome by dexamethasone.     

The effects of mechanical stretch on the biological characteristics of human adipose‐derived stem cells

Adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) are a subset of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which have promised a vast therapeutic potential in tissue regeneration. Recent studies have demonstrated that combining stem cells with mechanical stretch may strengthen the efficacy of regenerative therapies. However, the exact influences of mechanical stretch on MSCs still remain inconclusive. In this study, human ADSCs (hADSCs) were applied cyclic stretch stimulation under an in vitro stretching model for designated duration. We found that mechanical stretch significantly promoted the proliferation, adhesion and migration of hADSCs, suppressing cellular apoptosis and increasing the production of pro‐healing cytokines. For differentiation of hADSCs, mechanical stretch inhibited adipogenesis, but enhanced osteogenesis. Long‐term stretch could promote ageing of hADSCs, but did not alter the cell size and typical immunophenotypic characteristics. Furthermore, we revealed that PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways might participate in the effects of mechanical stretch on the biological characteristics of hADSCs. Taken together, mechanical stretch is an effective strategy for enhancing stem cell behaviour and regulating stem cell fate. The synergy between hADSCs and mechanical stretch would most likely facilitate tissue regeneration and promote the development of stem cell therapy.     

Co-culture with neurotrophic factor secreting cells induced from adipose-derived stem cells: Promotes neurogenic differentiation

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) can be equally proper in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. However, ADSCs have practical benefits. In this study, we attempted to induce the secretion of neurotrophic factors (NTF) in human ADSCs. We then evaluated the effects of co-culture with NTF secreting cells in neural differentiation of human ADSCs. Isolated human ADSCs were induced to neurotrophic factors secreting cells. To evaluate the in vitro effects of NTF-secreting ADSCs on neurogenic differentiation of ADSCs, we used neurogenic induction medium (control group), the combination of neurogenic medium and conditioned medium, or co-cultured NTF-secreting ADSCs which were encapsulated in alginate beads (co-culture) for 7 days. ELISA showed increased (by about 5 times) release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in NTF-secreting ADSCs compared to human ADSCs. Real time RT-PCR analysis revealed that NTF-secreting ADSCs highly expressed NGF and BDNF. In addition, co-culture with NTF-secreting ADSCs could also promote neuronal differentiation relative to gliogenesis. Overall, NTF-secreting ADSCs secrete a range of growth factors whose levels in culture could promote neuronal differentiation and could support the survival and regeneration in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases.     

AMPK activation by AICAR inhibits myogenic differentiation and myostatin expression in Cattle

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates metabolism in skeletal muscle, and myostatin (MSTN) negatively regulates skeletal muscle development and growth. In the present study, AMPK activation and the relationship between AMPK and MSTN during myogenic differentiation were investigated in cultures derived from bovine skeletal muscle. Myoblasts capable of forming myotubes were obtained from bovine skeletal muscle and treated with AICAR to activate AMPK, resulting in suppressed myotube formation. AICAR treatment significantly reduced the expression of MSTN mRNA during myogenic differentiation. Combined treatment with AICAR and MSTN suppressed myotube formation to a greater extent than AICAR alone. SB431542, an inhibitor of MSTN signaling, promoted myotube formation during myogenic differentiation. However, simultaneous treatment with AICAR blocked this effect of SB431542. Therefore, AMPK activation inhibits myogenic differentiation but may suppress MSTN expression to balance muscle development.     

AMPK promotes survival and adipogenesis of ischemia-challenged ADSCs in an autophagy-dependent manner

Some studies have shown that transplanted fat tissues usually cannot survive for long if adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are removed from the tissues in advance. It is more meaningful to explore the mechanism mediating survival and differentiation of ADSCs in the transplanted microenvironment. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been shown to be one of the energy receptors that regulate many aspects of cellular metabolism. AMPK activation has been implicated in models of adult ischemic injury, but the mechanism and the regulating effects of AMPK on survival and adipogenesis of transplanted ADSCs are still little known. In this study, we simulated the transplanted microenvironment using oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) to test the survival and adipogenesis of ADSCs. We found that OGD treatment triggered significant apoptosis and promoted autophagy. Simultaneously, OGD hindered the differentiation of ADSCs into mature adipocytes. After inhibiting AMPK, the OGD-induced apoptosis rate increased but autophagy was inhibited. The adipogenesis level also decreased. To show that the effects of AMPK on apoptosis and adipogenesis were autophagy-dependent, we pre-inhibited or pre-promoted autophagy with siATG7 or rapamycin while blocking AMPK. We found that inhibiting or improving autophagy exacerbated or alleviated the role of AMPK prohibition in apoptosis and adipogenesis. Furthermore, we showed that AMPK inhibition significantly lowered ULK1 activity but promoted mTOR activity, so that to inhibit autophagy. Our study shows that AMPK plays a protective role in maintaining survival and adipogenesis of OGD-challenged ADSCs partly by positively regulating autophagy. AMPK positively regulates autophagy by inhibiting mTOR but promoting ULK1 activity in OGD condition.     

Serum regulates adipogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells via MEK/ERK‐dependent PPARγ expression and phosphorylation

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) provide us an excellent cellular model to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying adipogenic differentiation of adult stem cells. PPARγ had been considered as an important molecular marker of cells undergoing adipogenic differentiation. Here, we demonstrated that expression and phosphorylation of PPARγ could be found in bone marrow–derived MSCs cultured in expansion medium without any adipogenic additives (dexamethasone, IBMX, insulin or indomethacin). Then, PPARγ was dephosphorylated in MSCs during the process of adipogenic differentiation. We then found that inhibition of MEK activation by specific inhibitor (PD98059) counteracted the PPARγ expression and phosphorylation. However, expression and phosphorylation of PPARγ did not present in MSCs cultured in medium with lower serum concentration. When these MSCs differentiated into adipocytes, no phosphorylation could be detected to accompany the expression of PPARγ. Moreover, exposure of MSCs to higher concentration of serum induced stronger PPARγ expression, and subsequently enhanced their adipogenesis. These data suggested that activation of the MEK/ERK signalling pathway by high serum concentration promoted PPARγ expression and phosphorylation, and subsequently enhanced adipogenic differentiation of MSCs.     

Dicer has a crucial role in the early stage of adipocyte differentiation, but not in lipid synthesis, in 3T3-L1 cells

Dicer is a rate-limiting enzyme for microRNA (miRNA) synthesis. To determine the effects of Dicer on adipogenesis, we performed stage-specific knockdown of Dicer using adenovirus encoding short-hairpin RNAi against Dicer in 3T3-L1 cells. When cells were infected with the adenovirus before induction of adipocyte differentiation, Dicer RNAi suppressed the gene expression of inducers of adipocyte differentiation such as PPARγ, C/EBPα, and FAS in 3T3-L1 cells during adipocyte differentiation. Concurrently, both adipocyte differentiation and cellular lipid accumulation were cancelled by Dicer RNAi when compared with control RNAi. Meanwhile, we addressed the roles of Dicer in lipid synthesis and accumulation in the final stages of differentiation. When the differentiated cells at day 4 after induction of differentiation were infected with adenovirus Dicer RNAi, cellular lipid accumulation was unchanged. Consistent with this, Dicer RNAi had no effects on the expression of genes related to cellular lipid accumulation, including PPARγ and FAS. Thus, Dicer controls proadipogenic genes such as C/EBPα and PPARγ in the early, but not in the late, stage of adipogenesis via regulation of miRNA synthesis.     

牛脂肪间充质干细胞的分离、培养与鉴定

为了给组织工程提供种子细胞,对牛间充质干细胞(Adipose-derived stem cells,ADSCs)进行体外分离培养。首先应用胶原酶消化法分离牛ADSCs,进行体外培养、连续传代,并观察细胞的形态变化,通过细胞计数绘制生长曲线,细胞压片进行染色体分析,采用细胞免疫荧光化学方法检测细胞表面标记,利用成骨分化和成脂分化检测其分化能力。结果显示牛ADSCs体外培养时细胞形态呈成纤维细胞样,增殖稳定;Vimentin、CD49d、CD13表达呈阳性,CD34表达呈阴性;成骨诱导条件下的细胞碱性磷酸酶活性高,茜素红染色呈阳性;成脂诱导条件下细胞周围脂滴明显,油红-O染色呈阳性。结果证明牛ADSCs体外生长稳定、增殖速度快、定向分化能力强,简易的体外分离培养及诱导方法为其在组织工程中的应用奠定了基础。     

Dissimilar differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, and adipose tissue

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been investigated as promising candidates for use in new cell-based therapeutic strategies such as mesenchyme-derived tissue repair. MSCs are easily isolated from adult tissues and are not ethically restricted. MSC-related literature, however, is conflicting in relation to MSC differentiation potential and molecular markers. Here we compared MSCs isolated from bone marrow (BM), umbilical cord blood (UCB), and adipose tissue (AT). The isolation efficiency for both BM and AT was 100%, but that from UCB was only 30%. MSCs from these tissues are morphologically and immunophenotypically similar although their differentiation diverges. Differentiation to osteoblasts and chondroblasts was similar among MSCs from all sources, as analyzed by cytochemistry. Adipogenic differentiation showed that UCB-derived MSCs produced few and small lipid vacuoles in contrast to those of BM-derived MSCs and AT-derived stem cells (ADSCs) (arbitrary differentiation values of 245.57 +/- 943 and 243.89 +/- 145.52 mum(2) per nucleus, respectively). The mean area occupied by individual lipid droplets was 7.37 mum(2) for BM-derived MSCs and 2.36 mum(2) for ADSCs, a finding indicating more mature adipocytes in BM-derived MSCs than in treated cultures of ADSCs. We analyzed FAPB4, ALP, and type II collagen gene expression by quantitative polymerase chain reaction to confirm adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation, respectively. Results showed that all three sources presented a similar capacity for chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation and they differed in their adipogenic potential. Therefore, it may be crucial to predetermine the most appropriate MSC source for future clinical applications.     

Novel flow cytometric approach for the detection of adipocyte subpopulations during adipogenesis

The ability of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to differentiate into adipocytes provides a cellular model of human origin to study adipogenesis in vitro. One of the major challenges in studying adipogenesis is the lack of tools to identify and monitor the differentiation of various subpopulations within the heterogeneous pool of MSCs. Cluster of differentiation (CD)36 plays an important role in the formation of intracellular lipid droplets, a key characteristic of adipocyte differentiation/maturation. The objective of this study was to develop a reproducible quantitative method to study adipocyte differentiation by comparing two lipophilic dyes [Nile Red (NR) and Bodipy 493/503] in combination with CD36 surface marker staining. We identified a subpopulation of adipose-derived stromal cells that express CD36 at intermediate/high levels and show that combining CD36 cell surface staining with neutral lipid-specific staining allows us to monitor differentiation of adipose-derived stromal cells that express CD36^{intermediate/high} during adipocyte differentiation in vitro. The gradual increase of CD36^{intermediate/high/}NR^positive cells during the 21 day adipogenesis induction period correlated with upregulation of adipogenesis-associated gene expression.     

MicroRNA 140 Promotes Expression of Long Noncoding RNA NEAT1 in Adipogenesis

More than 40% of the U.S. population are clinically obese and suffer from metabolic syndrome with an increased risk of postmenopausal estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Adipocytes are the primary component of adipose tissue and are formed through adipogenesis from precursor mesenchymal stem cells. While the major molecular pathways of adipogenesis are understood, little is known about the noncoding RNA signaling networks involved in adipogenesis. Using adipocyte-derived stem cells (ADSCs) isolated from wild-type and microRNA 140 (miR-140) knockout mice, we identify a novel miR-140/long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) NEAT1 signaling network necessary for adipogenesis. miR-140 knockout ADSCs have dramatically decreased adipogenic capabilities associated with downregulation of NEAT1 expression. We identified a miR-140 binding site in NEAT1 and found that mature miR-140 in the nucleus can physically interact with NEAT1, leading to increased NEAT1 expression. We demonstrated that reexpression of NEAT1 in miR-140 knockout ADSCs is sufficient to restore their ability to undergo differentiation. Our results reveal an exciting new noncoding RNA signaling network that regulates adipogenesis and that is a potential new target in the prevention or treatment of obesity.