Use of Self-Assembling Peptides to Enhance Stem Cell Function for Therapeutic Angiogenesis

Abstract

The use of nanomaterials for biomedical applications has become a promising field in regenerative medicine. Self-assembling peptides (SAPs) have been proposed as a good candidate because they are able to self-assemble into stable hydrogels and interact with cells or molecules when combined together. This in turn can lead to the improved survival or action of cells or molecules to obtain the desired effects. In this study, we investigated whether the combination of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with SAPs could improve angiogenesis in ischemic hindlimbs of rats compared to MSC or SAP treatment alone. The combination of MSCs and SAPs showed an overall higher expression of angiogenesis markers on fluorescent immunohistochemical analysis and a lower degree of fibrosis and cell apoptosis, which in turn led to an overall tendency for improved perfusion of the ischemic hindlimbs. Finally, SAPs also showed the ability to recruit endogenous host MSCs into the site of action, especially when modified to incorporate substance P as a functional motif, which when injected with exogenous MSCs, allowed for the dual presence of MSCs at the site of action. Overall, these results suggest that SAPs can be applied with stem cells to potentiate angiogenesis, with potential therapeutic application in vascular diseases.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of bone marrow-derived cell therapies on hind limb perfusion

“…For studies in which the dose was unclear, the number of cells reported was presumed to be the total dose given ( Yao et al, 2020 ; Huang et al, 2014 ; Park et al, 2018 ; Sun et al, 2017 ; Tanaka et al, 2010 ). For one study mentioning animals being divided into groups without giving exact numbers ( Li et al, 2021 ), an equal distribution was assumed.…”

microRNAs‐based diagnostic and therapeutic applications in liver fibrosis

“…New technologies are needed. A three-dimensional microenvironment in the form of ECM protects the MSCs from apoptosis, thereby prolonging their effects in vivo (Park et al, 2018) and chitosan hydrogel significantly increases the stability of proteins and miRNAs in miRNAs and augmented the retention of miRNAs in vivo (K. Zhang et al, 2018). Hence, serving as new candidates for the cell-free treatment of various diseases.…”

Composition and Mechanism of Three-Dimensional Hydrogel System in Regulating Stem Cell Fate

“…189 To boost bioactivity for regulating stem cell fate, many other bio-inspired motifs have been exploited to engineer hydrogels. The RADA-16II peptide, 190 IKVAV peptide, 191 N-cadherin-mimetic peptide, 192 and Foxy5 peptide 193…”