Dopaminergic neuronal differentiation protocol for human mesenchymal stem cells.

The generation of dopamine (DA) neurons from stem cells holds great promise for future biomedical research and in the clinical treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the adult human bone marrow (BM) can be easily isolated and expanded in culture while maintaining their immense plasticity. Here, we describe a protocol to generate DA-producing cells from adult human MSCs using a cocktail that includes sonic hedgehog (SHH), fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF).

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor facilitates maturation of mesenchymal stem cell-derived dopamine progenitors to functional neurons.

The generation of dopamine (DA) neurons from stem cells holds great promise in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and other neural disease associated with dysfunction of DA neurons. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the adult bone marrow show plasticity with regards to generating cells of other germ layers. In addition to reduced ethical concerns, MSCs could be transplanted across allogeneic barriers, making them desirable stem cells for clinical applications.

RE-1-silencing transcription factor shows tumor-suppressor functions and negatively regulates the oncogenic TAC1 in breast cancer cells.

Breast cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among women in the United States. Substance P, a peptide derived from the TAC1 gene, mediates oncogenic properties in breast and other cancers. TAC1 expression facilitates the entry of breast cancer cells into bone marrow.

Neurokinin-A inhibits cell cycle activators in K562 cells and activates Smad 4 through a non-canonical pathway: a novel method in neural-hematopoietic axis.

Hematopoiesis is a complexprocess in which blood and immune cells are developed. Among the regulators of hematopoiesis are two members of the G-protein coupled receptor family, neurokinin-1 (NK1) and NK2, which partly encompass the communication between the neural and hematopoietic systems. This communication also involves a complex network of cytokines, and crosstalk between NK1 and NK2.

Loss of RE-1 silencing factor in mesenchymal stem cell-derived dopamine progenitors induces functional maturity.

Stem cell-derived dopamine (DA) neurons hold great promise for Parkinson's disease (PD). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have great potential for clinical applications. The generation of DA cells from MSCs using sonic hedgehog (SHH) and fibroblast growth factors (FGF8 and bFGF) has been reported.

Mesenchymal stem cells in early entry of breast cancer into bone marrow.

Background: An understanding of BC cell (BCC) entry into bone marrow (BM) at low tumor burden is limited when compared to highly metastatic events during heavy tumor burden. BCCs can achieve quiescence, without interfering with hematopoiesis. This occurs partly through the generation of gap junctions with BM stroma, located close to the endosteum.

Neurokinin receptors as potential targets in breast cancer treatment.

Despite recent advances in the diagnoses and treatment of breast cancer, this disease continues to be a major cause of death. One of the biggest challenges in breast cancer treatment is bone metastasis. Breast cancer cells (BCCs) are capable of migrating to the bone marrow and utilizing the marrow microenvironment to remain quiescent.

Adult mesenchymal stem cells in neural regeneration and repair: Current advances and future prospects (Review).

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an attractive cell source for regenerative medicine as they can be easily isolated from bone marrow (BM) aspirates and expanded in culture while maintaining their 'stemness'. In addition to differentiating into mesodermal cells, MSCs have shown considerable plasticity and generate ectodermal neurons and glia, which can be used to replace cells damaged by neurological diseases and injuries. These unique stem cells also exhibit immunomodulatory functions and secrete a variety of trophic factors which support regeneration and repair.

Immunostimulatory effects of mesenchymal stem cell-derived neurons: implications for stem cell therapy in allogeneic transplantations.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiate along various lineages to specialized mesodermal cells and also transdifferentiate into cells such as ectodermal neurons. MSCs are among the leading adult stem cells for application in regenerative medicine. Advantages include their immune-suppressive properties and reduced ethical concerns.

Down-regulation of MHC II in mesenchymal stem cells at high IFN-gamma can be partly explained by cytoplasmic retention of CIITA.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are located in postnatal bone marrow, show plasticity, are linked to various bone marrow disorders, exhibit phagocytosis, exert Ag-presenting properties (APC), and are immune suppressive. Unlike professional APCs, MSCs respond bimodally to IFN-gamma in MHC-II expression, with expression at 10 U/ml and baseline, and down-regulation at 100 U/ml. The effects at high IFN-gamma could not be explained by down-regulation of its receptor, IFN-gammaRI.

Specification of a dopaminergic phenotype from adult human mesenchymal stem cells.

Dopamine (DA) neurons derived from stem cells are a valuable source for cell replacement therapy in Parkinson disease, to study the molecular mechanisms of DA neuron development, and for screening pharmaceutical compounds that target DA disorders. Compared with other stem cells, MSCs derived from the adult human bone marrow (BM) have significant advantages and greater potential for immediate clinical application. We report the identification of in vitro conditions for inducing adult human MSCs into DA cells.

Current advances in the treatment of Parkinson's disease with stem cells.

Stem cell replacement has emerged as the novel therapeutic strategy for Parkinson's disease (PD). Control of motor behavior is lost in PD due to the selective degeneration of mesencephalic dopamine neurons (DA) in the substantia nigra. This progressive loss of DA neurons results in devastating symptoms for which there is no cure.

Neurons derived from human mesenchymal stem cells show synaptic transmission and can be induced to produce the neurotransmitter substance P by interleukin-1 alpha.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit immune-suppressive properties, follow a pattern of multilineage differentiation, and exhibit transdifferentiation potential. Ease in expansion from adult bone marrow, as well as its separation from ethical issues, makes MSCs appealing for clinical application. MSCs treated with retinoic acid resulted in synaptic transmission, based on immunostaining of synaptophysin and electrophysiological studies.

Neurokinin receptors: relevance to the emerging immune system.

The adult bone marrow (BM )is the major site of the emerging immune system. Hematopoiesis is the process whereby immune cells are generated from a finite number of hematopoietic stem cells. Hematopoiesis is regulated by soluble mediators and inter cellular interactions.