Analytical validation of a prognostic prostate cancer gene expression assay using formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue.

Background: There is a clear need for assays that can predict the risk of metastatic prostate cancer following curative procedures. Importantly these assays must be analytically robust in order to provide quality data for important clinical decisions. DNA microarray based gene expression assays measure several analytes simultaneously and can present specific challenges to analytical validation.

CD105 is regulated by hsa-miR-1287 and its expression is inversely correlated with osteopotential in SHED.

A more accurate understanding of the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways underpinning human mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) plasticity and differentiation properties is pivotal for accomplishing solid and diligent translation of MSC-based experimental therapeutics and clinical trials to broad clinical practice. In addition, this knowledge enables selection of MSC subpopulations with increased differentiation potential and/or use of exogenous factors to boost this potential. Here, we report that CD105 (ENG) is a predictive biomarker of osteogenic potential in two types of MSCs: stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) and human adipose-derived stem cells (hASC).

EIF4A3 deficient human iPSCs and mouse models demonstrate neural crest defects that underlie Richieri-Costa-Pereira syndrome.

Biallelic loss-of-function mutations in the RNA-binding protein EIF4A3 cause Richieri-Costa-Pereira syndrome (RCPS), an autosomal recessive condition mainly characterized by craniofacial and limb malformations. However, the pathogenic cellular mechanisms responsible for this syndrome are entirely unknown. Here, we used two complementary approaches, patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and conditional Eif4a3 mouse models, to demonstrate that defective neural crest cell (NCC) development explains RCPS craniofacial abnormalities.

Cnbp ameliorates Treacher Collins Syndrome craniofacial anomalies through a pathway that involves redox-responsive genes.

Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS) is a rare congenital disease (1:50 000 live births) characterized by craniofacial defects, including hypoplasia of facial bones, cleft palate and palpebral fissures. Over 90% of the cases are due to mutations in the TCOF1 gene, which codifies the nucleolar protein Treacle. Here we report a novel TCS-like zebrafish model displaying features that fully recapitulate the spectrum of craniofacial abnormalities observed in patients.

Cell Type-Dependent Nonspecific Fibroblast Growth Factor Signaling in Apert Syndrome.

Apert Syndrome (AS) is one of the most severe forms of craniosynostosis. It is caused by gain-of-function mutations in the receptor fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), which leads to ligand-receptor promiscuity. Here, we aimed to better understand the behavior of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and of fibroblastoid cells, cellular populations that are part of the suture complex, when stimulated with different fibroblast growth factors (FGFs).

Increased In Vitro Osteopotential in SHED Associated with Higher IGF2 Expression When Compared with hASCs.

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) osteogenic differentiation potential varies according to factors such as tissue source and cell population heterogeneity. Pre-selection of cell subpopulations harboring higher osteopotential is a promising strategy to achieve a thorough translation of MSC-based therapies to the clinic. Here, we searched for novel molecular markers predictive of osteopotential by comparing MSC populations from two sources harboring different osteogenic potentials.

Improvement of In Vitro Osteogenic Potential through Differentiation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Dental Tissue towards Mesenchymal-Like Stem Cells.

Constraints for the application of MSCs for bone reconstruction include restricted self-renewal and limited cell amounts. iPSC technology presents advantages over MSCs, providing homogeneous cellular populations with prolonged self-renewal and higher plasticity. However, it is unknown if the osteogenic potential of iPSCs differs from that of MSCs and if it depends on the iPSCs originating cellular source.

Optimization of parameters for a more efficient use of adipose-derived stem cells in regenerative medicine therapies.

Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) association to fat in autologous lipotransfer is promising for a more effective soft tissue reconstruction, and optimization of protocols to isolate ASCs from lipoaspirate fat is much needed. We demonstrated that an increase in adipocyte differentiation is dependent on the number of ASCs. In a sample of 10 donors, we found a higher concentration of nucleated cells in the lower abdomen compared to flank (P = 0.

FGFR2 mutation confers a less drastic gain of function in mesenchymal stem cells than in fibroblasts.

Gain-of-function mutations in FGFR2 cause Apert syndrome (AS), a disease characterized by craniosynostosis and limb bone defects both due to abnormalities in bone differentiation and remodeling. Although the periosteum is an important cell source for bone remodeling, its role in craniosynostosis remains poorly characterized. We hypothesized that periosteal mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and fibroblasts from AS patients have abnormal cell phenotypes that contribute to the recurrent fusion of the coronal sutures.