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Recent advances in understanding lung biology have shown evidence for the existence of resident lung stem cells. Independent studies in identifying and characterizing these somatic lung stem cells have shown the potential role of these cells in lung repair and regeneration. Understanding the functional characteristics of these tissue resident stem/progenitor cells has gained much importance with increasing evidence of cancer stem cells, cells in a tumor tissue with stem cell characteristics. Lung cancer is most commonly characterized by loss of p53 function which results in uncontrolled cell divisions. Incidence of p53 point mutations is highest in lung cancer, with a high percentage of missense mutations as a result of tobacco smoking. Certain point mutations in p53 gene results in its oncogenic gain of functions (GOF), with enhanced tumorigenic characteristics beyond the loss of p53 function. However, there are no available data on characterization of lung stem cells carrying GOF mutations and correlating them with those of normal stem cells, in this study, for the first time we show that percentage of Sca-1 expressing subpopulation is significantly higher in the lungs of mice carrying p53 GOF mutations than those in lungs isolated from p53+/+ wild type mice. Further, we successfully established lung cells differentially expressing two cell surface markers, Sca-1 and PDGFR-α, with results demonstrating existence of different subpopulations of cells in the lung. Results from our project demonstrate the importance of p53 GOF mutations as correlated with specific lung cell subpopulations.

The regenerative potential of tissue injury declines with age. Recently, a significant role for Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been shown in tissue specific stem cell aging, leading to increased tissue fibrosis. Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates the differentiation of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts during fracture repair. We investigated the potential role of dysregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in delayed fracture union and tissue fibrosis in the elderly. Old mice displayed increased total β-catenin protein levels at 4 and 7 days post-fracture and tissue fibrosis at 14 and 21 days post-fracture compared to young mice. Furthermore, treatment with a pharmalogical agent decreased total β-catenin protein levels in the fracture callus at 4 days post-fracture and prevented tissue fibrosis at 21 days post-fracture. Our data suggests that dysregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the elderly contributes to delayed fracture repair and tissue fibrosis and offers a potential therapeutic strategy to improve fracture outcome in the elderly.

The regenerative potential of tissue injury declines with age. Recently, a significant role for Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been shown in tissue specific stem cell aging, leading to increased tissue fibrosis. Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates the differentiation of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts during fracture repair. We investigated the potential role of dysregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in delayed fracture union and tissue fibrosis in the elderly. Old mice displayed increased total β-catenin protein levels at 4 and 7 days post-fracture and tissue fibrosis at 14 and 21 days post-fracture compared to young mice. Furthermore, treatment with a pharmalogical agent decreased total β-catenin protein levels in the fracture callus at 4 days post-fracture and prevented tissue fibrosis at 21 days post-fracture. Our data suggests that dysregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the elderly contributes to delayed fracture repair and tissue fibrosis and offers a potential therapeutic strategy to improve fracture outcome in the elderly.

During differentiation stem cells are exposed to a range of microenvironmental chemical and physical cues. In this study, human multipotent progenitor cells (hMLPCs) were differentiated from umbilical cord into oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. Chemical cues were represented by a novel defined differentiation medium containing the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE). In traditional 2 dimensional (2D) conditions, the hMLPCs differentiated into oligodendrocyte precursors, but did not progress further. However, in a constructed 3 dimensional (3D) environment, the hMLPCs differentiated into committed oligodendrocytes that expressed MBP. When co-cultured with rat embryonic hippocampal neurons (EHNs), hMLPCs developed in astrocytes or oligodendrocytes, based on presence of growth factors in the differentiation medium. In co-culture, physical cues provided by axons were essential for complete differentiation of both astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. This study presents a novel method of obtaining glia from human MLPCs that could eliminate many of the difficulties associated with their differentiation from embryonic stem cells. In addition, it reveals the complex interplay between physical cues and biomolecules on stem cell differentiation.

A Pseudoartrose Congênita da Tíbia (PCT) é uma das doenças mais desafiantes da ortopedia pediátrica pela dificuldade em obter a união óssea e, quando esta ocorre, em mantê-la. É uma doença muito rara, difícil de tratar devido à sua falta de conhecimento sobre a patogênese. As Células estromais mesenquimais multipotentes (CMM) podem desempenhar um papel na patogênese do PCT, possivelmente devido à falha da diferenciação osteogênica. O estudo das CMM pode ajudar a compreender a patogênese da doença e desenvolver novas estratégias terapêuticas baseados no uso desta célula no futuro próximo. Frente ao exposto, este trabalho teve como objetivo a análise das características biológicas das CMM isoladas de diferentes regiões anatômicas de medula óssea de pacientes com PCT. Para isto, amostras de medula óssea foram coletas a partir de locais afetados e não afetadas pela doença: Crista ilíaca do membro não afetada (CINA), crista ilíaca do membro afetada (CIA), tíbia não afetada (TNA), e tíbia afetada (TA). O numero de pacientes incluídos no estudo foi três: PCT1, PCT2 e PCT3. Os resultados mostraram que todas as células isoladas de pacientes com PCT apresentavam características compatíveis com as CMM. A taxa de formação de unidades formadoras de colônias das células da TA tanto no PCT2 quanto no PCT3 foi significativamente menor em relação às células da TNA e CINA respectivamente (p<0.05). A quantidade de células positivas para o marcador CD146 foi menor nas células da TA do PCT1 e PCT2, A análise estatística mostrou que não há uma diferença significativa. Este marcador esta relacionado com a capacidade multipotente e formação óssea in vivo. No PCT1 observou-se que formação de matriz mineralizada das CMM isoladas da CIA foi significativamente maior em relação a TA. Além disso, as células da TA do PCT1 observou-se um uma secreção significativa de alguns citocinas envolvidas no processo de formação óssea, como CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, TNA-alfa, PDGF-BB, e GM-CSF. A alteração destas citocinas pode levar a situações complicadas como o caso de não consolidação óssea. Com os resultados obtidos, se há demonstrado que as CMM da tíbia afetada tenta formar osso, mas no local da lesão é insuficiente, por tal motivo é preciso realizar estudos focados no mecanismo molecular. / Congenital pseudoarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) is one of the most challenging orthopedic diseases because of the difficulty in obtaining bone union and, when it happens, in maintaining it. It is a rare disease, difficult-to-treat due to the lack of knowledge about to pathogenesis. Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) may play a role in the pathogenesis of PCT, possibly due to a failure in the osteogenic differentiation. Studying these cells can help to better understand the pathogenesis of the disease and develop new therapeutic strategies based on the use of MSC in the near future. In view of the above, this work had the objective of analyzing the biological characteristics of CMM isolated from different anatomic regions of bone marrow of patients with PCT. For this, bone marrow samples were collected from sites affected and unaffected by the disease: unaffected limb iliac crest (CINA), affected limb iliac crest (CIA), unaffected tibia (TNA), and affected tibia (TA). The number of patients included in the study was three: PCT1, PCT2 and PCT3. The results showed that all cells isolated from PCT patients had characteristics compatible with CMM. The rate of formation of colonyforming units of TA cells in both PCT2 and PCT3 was significantly lower in TNA and CINA cells respectively (p <0.05). The amount of cells positive for the CD146 marker was lower in the TA cells of PCT1 and PCT2. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference. This marker is related to the multipotent capacity and bone formation in vivo. In PCT1 it was observed that the formation of mineralized matrix of CMCs isolated from CIA was significantly higher in relation to AT. In addition, PCT1 TA cells showed a significant secretion of some cytokines involved in the bone formation process, such as CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, TNA-alpha, PDGF-BB, and GM-CSF. The alteration of these cytokines can lead to complicated situations such as the case of non-consolidation of bone. With the results obtained, if the CMM of the affected tibia has been shown to try to form bone, but at the site of the lesion is insufficient, it is necessary to carry out studies focused on the molecular mechanism.

A cicatrização de feridas crônicas e de defeitos complexos representam desafios para a cirurgia plástica reconstrutiva. Novos tratamentos emergiram com a utilização de células tronco mesenquimais, com especial interesse para as derivadas de tecido adiposo (CTMs-TA), por possuir algumas vantagens em relação às derivadas da medula óssea. Algumas doenças poderiam se beneficiar com o uso das CTMs-TA, em particular, as feridas de pacientes portadores de anemia falciforme que ainda representam um desafio terapêutico. Neste estudo, investigou-se a existência de possíveis áreas doadoras preferenciais de CTMs-TA no tecido adiposo (TA) por meio da comparação de aspectos qualitativos e quantitativos das CTMs-TA derivadas de cinco diferentes áreas corporais. Posteriormente, analisou-se a influência do sobrenadante dessas células, rico em citocinas e fatores de crescimento, sobre a migração de fibroblastos de indivíduos normais e de portadores de anemia falciforme in vitro. Não foram observadas diferenças qualitativas entre as CTMs-TA das cinco áreas analisadas. A região do dorso apresentou número maior de CTMs, com diferença significativa em relação à região das coxas. A adição de sobrenadante produzido por CTMs-TA demonstrou aumento da velocidade de migração dos fibroblastos de forma similar para os normais e os falciformes. O microambiente desfavorável presente nas feridas falciformes parece exercer importante influência sobre esses fibroblastos, pois uma vez corrigido o microambiente com os meios de cultivo apropriados, as células apresentaram taxa de duplicação e velocidade de migração semelhante à dos fibroblastos normais in vitro. / The healing of chronic wounds and complex defects represents challenges for reconstructive plastic surgery. New treatments have emerged with the use of multipotent mesenchymal cells, with special interest for the adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) as it has some advantages over the bone marrow-derived. Some diseases could benefit from the use of ADSCs, in particular, the wounds of patients with sickle cell anemia that still represent a therapeutic challenge. In this study, we investigated the existence of possible preferential donor areas of ADSCs in adipose tissue by comparing qualitative and quantitative aspects of ADSCs derived from five different body areas. Later, we analyzed the influence of the supernatant of these cells, rich in cytokines and growth factors, on the migration of fibroblasts from healthy individuals and from patients with sickle cell anemia in vitro. No qualitative differences were observed among the ADSCs of the five areas analyzed. The dorsum presented a higher number of ADSCs, with a significant difference in relation to the thigh. Addition of supernatant produced by ADSCs has been shown to increase the rate of migration of fibroblasts in a similar way to healthy and sickle cells. The unfavorable microenvironment present in sickle wounds seems to exert a significant influence on these fibroblasts because once the microenvironment was corrected with the appropriate culture media, the cells had a doubling rate and migration rate similar to normal fibroblasts in vitro.

A interação entre células tumorais e células estromais tem um papel central na progressão neoplásica. As células estromais mesenquimais multipotentes (MSCs) podem se integrar ao microambiente tumoral onde modulam o crescimento dos tumores por meio de distintos mecanismos. Entretanto, pouco se sabe sobre o papel das MSCs na metástase, a principal causa de morte em pacientes com câncer. Utilizando um modelo de melanoma murino ortotópico, nós demonstramos que MSCs obtidas da medula óssea de camundongos (MO-MSCs) ocupam o nicho perivascular nos tumores primários e aumentam 2,5 vezes a incidência de micrometástases pulmonares quando co-infundidas com células de melanoma B16. Observamos ainda que o meio condicionado das MO-MSCs não altera o potencial de colonização pulmonar das células B16 infundidas sistemicamente. Isto indica que as MO-MSCs modulam as fases iniciais da cascata metastática, durante a qual ocorrem os processos de invasão e intravasão nos vasos sangüíneos. Em correlação com estes efeitos pró-metastáticos, o secretoma das MO-MSCs induziu a transição epitélio-mesenquimal (EMT) nas células de melanoma in vitro. Após cultivo em meio condicionado das MO-MSCs, as células B16 adquiriram uma morfologia evidentemente fibroblástica. Ao mesmo tempo, houve o rearranjo dos filamentos de actina e o aumento da expressão de marcadores mesenquimais como fibronectina, vimentina, FSP1, N-caderina e ZEB2, acompanhado da repressão transcricional de E-caderina. A ativação da EMT pelo secretoma das MO-MSCs resultou na aquisição de propriedades metastáticas nas células de melanoma. Após cultivo em meio condicionado de MO-MSCs, as células B16 tiveram seu potencial de ancoragem à fibronectina reduzido, ao passo que houve o aumento na mobilidade e no potencial de invasão em matrizes tridimensionais. Utilizando inibidores competitivos de ATP contra o receptor tirosina-cinase Met, demonstramos que a aquisição de todas as propriedades metastáticas avaliadas e a ativação da EMT nas células de melanoma é mediada pela ativação da via HGF/Met. Estes dados destacam o papel das MOMSCs no microambiente tumoral como fonte perivascular de moléculas indutoras da EMT, cuja ativação leva a aquisição de traços metastáticos nas células de melanoma. Além disso, a inibição da via HGF/Met pode neutralizar os efeitos das MO-MSCs sobre as células tumorais, contribuindo para a repressão de propriedades fundamentais que sustentam a progressão e a disseminação neoplásica. Estas informações são importantes para o desenvolvimento seguro das MO-MSCs como ferramenta terapêutica e demonstram a importância da sinalização entre MSCs e células tumorais na disseminação metastática. Mais especificamente, estas observações reforçam a inibição da via HGF/Met como uma abordagem promissora para o tratamento da metástase. / The crosstalk between tumor cells and stromal cells can profoundly impact tumor progression. Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been reported to integrate the tumor microenvironment where they are described to modulate tumor growth by distinct mechanisms. However, little is known about the impact of MSCs on metastasis, the main cause of death in patients with cancer. Using an orthotopic mouse melanoma model, we showed that mouse bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMMSCs) occupy the perivascular niche within primary tumors and increased by 2.5-fold the incidence of lung micrometastases after co-infusion with B16 melanoma cells. Also, MO-MSCs conditioned medium did not affect the lung colonization ability of systemically infused B16 cells. This indicates that MO-MSCs induces the initial steps of the metastatic cascade, during which the invasion and intravasion occurs. Correlating with these metastatic effects, the BM-MSCs\' secretome activated the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in B16 cells in vitro. After culture in BMMSCs\' conditioned medium, B16 cells acquired an evident fibroblastic morphology. Simultaneously, we observed the rearrangement of actin filaments and the upregulation of mesenchymal markers such as fibronectin, vimentin, FSP1, Ncadherin and ZEB2. In agreement with the loss of epithelial phenotype, BM-MSCs\' secretome also suppressed E-cadherin expression in B16 cells. The activation of EMT by BM-MSCs leaded to the acquisition of metastatic traits in melanoma cells. After culture in BM-MSCs\' conditioned medium, B16 cells displayed reduced anchorage to fibronectin and increased motility and invasiveness in threedimensional matrix plugs. Inhibition of Met receptor with competitive ATP inhibitors demonstrated that the induction of EMT and the resultant acquisition of metastatic traits are driven by activation of HGF/Met signaling pathway. Taken together, these evidences highlight the role of BM-MSCs as a perivascular source of EMT-inductive signals, whose activation leads to acquisition of metastatic traits in melanoma cells. Furthermore, inhibition of HGF/Met signaling pathway can neutralize the effects of BM-MSCs on tumor cells, thereby allowing the repression of fundamental properties which support tumor progression and metastasis. This information is useful to safely develop BM-MSCs as therapeutic tool and demonstrate the relevance of the signaling between MSCs and tumor cells during metastasis. More specifically, it reinforces that inhibition of Met signaling can be a promissory approach for the treatment of metastasis.

INTRODUÇÃO: As células-tronco mesenquimais (CTM) são células adultas multipotentes capazes de se diferenciarem em várias linhagens celulares. Estudos com CTM derivadas do cordão umbilical humano (CUh), mais especificamente da Geleia de Wharton (GW), tem demonstrado um grande potencial para a terapia de reposição celular e regeneração tecidual. O papel dos genes de resistência a múltiplas (MDR) drogas, tais como ABCB1 e LRP é bem conhecido nos processos de regulação, fisiologia e defesa. Entretanto, nenhum estudo demonstrou ainda a presença desses genes nas CTM da GW do CUh. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a expressão de Pg-p e LRP em CTM derivadas da GW. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: CTMs da GW isoladas de CUh (n = 20) foram caracterizadas quanto ao seu estado indiferenciado por: citometria de fluxo; expressão de genes Oct-4 e Nanog por RT-PCR e capacidade de diferenciação adipogênica e osteogênica in vitro. Foi analisado ainda a expressão dos genes ABCB1 e LRP por RT-PCR em tempo real de células indiferenciadas. A resistência a doxorrubicina (DOX) foi determinada através do ensaio de MTT nessas mesmas amostras. RESULTADOS: As CTM da GW do CUh apresentaram positividade para marcadores de superfície presentes nas CTM, tais como, CD29, CD44, CD90 e CD105. Os genes de indiferenciação celular Oct-4 e Nanog foram expressos em todas as amostras, que também foram capazes de se diferenciar em adipócitos e osteócitos, comprovando assim que essas células são CTM. Com relação à Pg-p, o gene ABCB1 não amplificou em 18 amostras sendo que somente 2 apresentaram baixa expressão gênica. O gene LRP amplificou de forma intensa em todas as amostras analisadas. CONCLUSÃO: Concluímos que as CTM derivadas da GW do CUh apresentam um elevado nível de expressão de LRP, sugerindo que este gene pode estar envolvido no processo de regulação das células-tronco mesenquimais, bem como na fisiologia e defesa celular / INTRODUCTION: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent adult cells that can differentiate into various cell lineages. Studies with MSC derived from human umbilical cord (hUC), more specifically from Wharton jelly (WJ), have shown great potential for cellular replacement therapy and tissue regeneration. The role of multidrug resistance genes, such as ABCB1 and LRP is well known in the regulation, physiology and cellular defense. However, the presence of these genes in the MSC of the WJ from hUC was not demonstrated yet. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of Pg-p and LRP in MSCs derived from WJ. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MSC from WJ were isolated from hUC (n = 20) and were characterized by: flow cytometry; Oct-4 and Nanog gene expression by RT-PCR and adipogenic and osteogenic in vitro differentiation capability of these cells. It was also analyzed gene expression of ABCB1 and LRP by real time RT-PCR of undifferentiated cells. Doxorubicin (DOX) resistance was determined by MTT assay in all the samples. RESULTS: MSC WJ from hUC was positive for MSC surface markers, such as CD29, CD44, CD90 and CD105. The undifferentiated cell genes Oct-4 and Nanog were expressed in all samples, which were also capable to differentiate into adipocytes and osteocytes, proving that these cells are MSC. Concerning to Pgp, the ABCB1 gene, 18 samples didn\'t show any amplification product (no expression) while 2 showed little gene expression. The LRP gene amplified intensely in all samples. CONCLUSION: We conclude that MSC derived from the WJ hUC have a high level of LRP expression, suggesting that this gene may be involved in the regulation of mesenchymal stem cells as well as in physiology and cellular defense

A Pseudoartrose Congênita da Tíbia (PCT) é uma das doenças mais desafiantes da ortopedia pediátrica pela dificuldade em obter a união óssea e, quando esta ocorre, em mantê-la. É uma doença muito rara, difícil de tratar devido à sua falta de conhecimento sobre a patogênese. As Células estromais mesenquimais multipotentes (CMM) podem desempenhar um papel na patogênese do PCT, possivelmente devido à falha da diferenciação osteogênica. O estudo das CMM pode ajudar a compreender a patogênese da doença e desenvolver novas estratégias terapêuticas baseados no uso desta célula no futuro próximo. Frente ao exposto, este trabalho teve como objetivo a análise das características biológicas das CMM isoladas de diferentes regiões anatômicas de medula óssea de pacientes com PCT. Para isto, amostras de medula óssea foram coletas a partir de locais afetados e não afetadas pela doença: Crista ilíaca do membro não afetada (CINA), crista ilíaca do membro afetada (CIA), tíbia não afetada (TNA), e tíbia afetada (TA). O numero de pacientes incluídos no estudo foi três: PCT1, PCT2 e PCT3. Os resultados mostraram que todas as células isoladas de pacientes com PCT apresentavam características compatíveis com as CMM. A taxa de formação de unidades formadoras de colônias das células da TA tanto no PCT2 quanto no PCT3 foi significativamente menor em relação às células da TNA e CINA respectivamente (p<0.05). A quantidade de células positivas para o marcador CD146 foi menor nas células da TA do PCT1 e PCT2, A análise estatística mostrou que não há uma diferença significativa. Este marcador esta relacionado com a capacidade multipotente e formação óssea in vivo. No PCT1 observou-se que formação de matriz mineralizada das CMM isoladas da CIA foi significativamente maior em relação a TA. Além disso, as células da TA do PCT1 observou-se um uma secreção significativa de alguns citocinas envolvidas no processo de formação óssea, como CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, TNA-alfa, PDGF-BB, e GM-CSF. A alteração destas citocinas pode levar a situações complicadas como o caso de não consolidação óssea. Com os resultados obtidos, se há demonstrado que as CMM da tíbia afetada tenta formar osso, mas no local da lesão é insuficiente, por tal motivo é preciso realizar estudos focados no mecanismo molecular. / Congenital pseudoarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) is one of the most challenging orthopedic diseases because of the difficulty in obtaining bone union and, when it happens, in maintaining it. It is a rare disease, difficult-to-treat due to the lack of knowledge about to pathogenesis. Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) may play a role in the pathogenesis of PCT, possibly due to a failure in the osteogenic differentiation. Studying these cells can help to better understand the pathogenesis of the disease and develop new therapeutic strategies based on the use of MSC in the near future. In view of the above, this work had the objective of analyzing the biological characteristics of CMM isolated from different anatomic regions of bone marrow of patients with PCT. For this, bone marrow samples were collected from sites affected and unaffected by the disease: unaffected limb iliac crest (CINA), affected limb iliac crest (CIA), unaffected tibia (TNA), and affected tibia (TA). The number of patients included in the study was three: PCT1, PCT2 and PCT3. The results showed that all cells isolated from PCT patients had characteristics compatible with CMM. The rate of formation of colonyforming units of TA cells in both PCT2 and PCT3 was significantly lower in TNA and CINA cells respectively (p <0.05). The amount of cells positive for the CD146 marker was lower in the TA cells of PCT1 and PCT2. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference. This marker is related to the multipotent capacity and bone formation in vivo. In PCT1 it was observed that the formation of mineralized matrix of CMCs isolated from CIA was significantly higher in relation to AT. In addition, PCT1 TA cells showed a significant secretion of some cytokines involved in the bone formation process, such as CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, TNA-alpha, PDGF-BB, and GM-CSF. The alteration of these cytokines can lead to complicated situations such as the case of non-consolidation of bone. With the results obtained, if the CMM of the affected tibia has been shown to try to form bone, but at the site of the lesion is insufficient, it is necessary to carry out studies focused on the molecular mechanism.