The Role of Pref-1 during Adipogenic Differentiation: An Overview of Suggested Mechanisms.

Obesity contributes significantly to the global health burden. A better understanding of adipogenesis, the process of fat formation, may lead to the discovery of novel treatment strategies. However, it is of concern that the regulation of adipocyte differentiation has predominantly been studied using the murine 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cell line and murine experimental animal models.

Fate of systemically and locally administered adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells and their effect on wound healing.

There is increasing interest in the use of adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ASCs) for wound repair. As the fate of administered cells is still poorly defined, we aimed to establish the location, survival, and effect of ASCs when administered either systemically or locally during wound repair under physiological conditions. To determine the behavior of ASCs, a rat model with wounds on the dorsal aspect of the hind paws was used and two treatment modes were assessed: ASCs administered systemically into the tail vein or locally around the wound.

An in vitro and in vivo study on the properties of hollow polycaprolactone cell-delivery particles.

The field of dermal fillers is evolving rapidly and numerous products are currently on the market. Biodegradable polymers such as polycaprolactone (PCL) have been found to be compatible with several body tissues, and this makes them an ideal material for dermal filling purposes. Hollow PCL spheres were developed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to serve both as an anchor point and a "tissue harbour" for cells.

The Role of Tumor Microenvironment in Chemoresistance: To Survive, Keep Your Enemies Closer.

Chemoresistance is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer and it continues to be a challenge in cancer treatment. Chemoresistance is influenced by genetic and epigenetic alterations which affect drug uptake, metabolism and export of drugs at the cellular levels. While most research has focused on tumor cell autonomous mechanisms of chemoresistance, the tumor microenvironment has emerged as a key player in the development of chemoresistance and in malignant progression, thereby influencing the development of novel therapies in clinical oncology.

Fibroblast-Derived Extracellular Matrix Induces Chondrogenic Differentiation in Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells in Vitro.

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) represent an area being intensively researched for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. MSCs may provide the opportunity to treat diseases and injuries that currently have limited therapeutic options, as well as enhance present strategies for tissue repair. The cellular environment has a significant role in cellular development and differentiation through cell-matrix interactions.

Wharton's Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Fibroblast-Derived Extracellular Matrix Synergistically Activate Apoptosis in a p21-Dependent Mechanism in WHCO1 and MDA MB 231 Cancer Cells In Vitro.

The tumour microenvironment plays a crucial role in tumour progression and comprises tumour stroma which is made up of different cell types and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are part of the tumour stroma and may have conflicting effects on tumour growth. In this study we investigated the effect of Wharton's Jelly-derived MSCs (WJ-MSCs) and a fibroblast-derived ECM (fd-ECM) on esophageal (WHCO1) and breast (MDA MB 231) cancer cells in vitro.

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.

Homing properties of mesenchymal stromal cells.

A large number of clinical trials are underway to assess the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stromal cells. This is based on preclinical observations that point to the probable efficacy of these cells. Very little is known however about the homing mechanisms of these cells to sites of injury and inflammation.

Biocompatibility and biodegradation of protein microparticle and film scaffolds made from kafirin (sorghum prolamin protein) subcutaneously implanted in rodent models.

Kafirin, the sorghum prolamin protein, like its maize homologue zein, can be made into microparticles and films and potentially used as a biomaterial. Zein has good bio- and cyto-compatibility. Kafirin could be advantageous as it is more hydrophobic, more crosslinked, more slowly digested by mammalian proteases than zein and is non-allergenic.