Microfluidic Separation of Canine Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells.

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are potential treatments for a variety of veterinary medical conditions. However, clinical trials have often fallen short of expectations, due in part to heterogeneity and lack of characterization of the MSCs. Identification and characterization of subpopulations within MSC cultures may improve those outcomes.

Lipocalin 24p3 Induction in Colitis Adversely Affects Inflammation and Contributes to Mortality.

Recognition of microorganism associated molecular patterns by epithelial cells elicits signaling cascades resulting in the production of host defense proteins. Lipocalin 24p3 is purported to be one such protein. 24p3 binds prokaryotic and eukaryotic siderophores and by sequestering iron laden bacterial siderophores it was believed to restrict bacterial replication.

A serum-free medium formulation efficiently supports isolation and propagation of canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells.

Medium containing Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) provides a supportive environment for isolation and expansion of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs); however, the inherent variability of FBS may contribute to inconsistencies in cell growth and yield between batches of stem cell products. For this reason, we set out to develop a serum-free medium capable of supporting the in vitro expansion of MSCs. First a naïve serum-free medium was formulated by Sato's approach.

Characterization of Canine Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells in Serum-Free Medium.

In this article, we report on the development of a defined serum-free medium capable of supporting the culture expansion of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) from canine adipose tissue (canine Ad-MSCs). The potential benefits of serum-free media can only be utilized if cells cultured in serum-free media maintain the same functional characteristics as cells cultured in serum-containing media. Therefore, we analyze the characteristics of canine Ad-MSCs cultured in this serum-free medium or in serum-containing medium through evaluation of growth kinetics, clonogenic capacity, senescence, and differentiation capacity.

Questions and Challenges in the Development of Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cell-Based Therapies in Veterinary Medicine.

The therapeutic potential of stem cells has fascinated those interested in treating diseases in both human and animal subjects. Although the exact mechanism of action and the definitive effectiveness of stem cell therapies remain unclear, animal owner perceptions and a desire for improved treatment options have fueled the interest of clinicians and stakeholders. Standards do not yet exist to define the critical attributes of mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC)-based products derived from veterinary species such as the dog, cat, and horse.