Human dental pulp stem cells expressing STRO‐1, c‐kit and CD34 markers in peripheral nerve regeneration

Abstract

Peripheral nerve injuries are a commonly encountered clinical problem and often result in long-term functional defects. The application of stem cells able to differentiate in Schwann cell-like cells in vitro and in vivo, could represent an attractive therapeutic approach for the treatment of nerve injuries. Further, stem cells sources sharing the same embryological origin as Schwann cells might be considered a suitable tool. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the ability of a neuroectodermal subpopulation of human STRO-1 /c-Kit /CD34 DPSCs, expressing P75 , nestin and SOX-10, to differentiate into Schwann cell-like cells in vitro and to promote axonal regeneration in vivo, which led to functional recovery as measured by sustained gait improvement, in animal rat model of peripheral nerve injury. Transplanted human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) engrafted into sciatic nerve defect, as revealed by the positive staining against human nuclei, showed the expression of typical Schwann cells markers, S100b and, noteworthy, a significant number of myelinated axons was detected. Moreover, hDPSCs promoted axonal regeneration from proximal to distal stumps 1 month after transplantation. This study demonstrates that STRO-1 /c-Kit /CD34 hDPSCs, associated with neural crest derivation, represent a promising source of stem cells for the treatment of demyelinating disorders and might provide a valid alternative tool for future clinical applications to achieve functional recovery after injury or peripheral neuropathies besides minimizing ethical issues. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Regenerative potential of human dental pulp stem cells in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence: In vitro and in vivo study

“…The myogenic commitment of hDPSCs in vitro was also investigated by Western Blot analysis. Whole cell lysates were obtained as previously described . Briefly, 30 µg of protein extract per sample was quantified by a Bradford Protein Assay (Bio‐Rad), underwent SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and was then transferred to PVDF membranes.…”

“…Samples were observed by a Nikon A1 confocal laser scanning microscope. The confocal serial sections were processed with ImageJ software to obtain three‐dimensional projections, and image rendering was performed using Adobe Photoshop Software …”

“…Whole cell lysates were obtained as previously described. 25 Briefly, 30 µg of protein extract per sample was quantified by a Bradford Protein Assay (Bio-Rad), underwent SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and was then transferred to PVDF membranes. The following antibodies were used: mouse anti-Pax7 (DSHB, Hybridoma Bank), mouse anti-myogenin and rabbit anti-desmin (Sigma-Aldrich), diluted 1:1000 in Tris-buffered saline Tween 20 plus 2% BSA and 3% non-fat milk.…”

Stem‐cell–based therapies to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration

“…When cocultured in vitro with DRG cells, DPSCs displayed increased survival, neuritogenesis, and myelination when compared with undifferentiated DPSC cultures . These cells also demonstrated myelinating capacity and improved functional recovery from rodent sciatic nerve transection . They have been shown to counterbalance peripheral nerve injury–induced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation .…”

“…92,104 These cells also demonstrated myelinating capacity and improved functional recovery from rodent sciatic nerve transection. 105 They have been shown to counterbalance peripheral nerve injury-induced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. 106 Interestingly, these cells may have their regenerative effects seen in crush injury enhanced by application of an external pulsed electromagnetic field.…”