NFĸB Targeting in Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Mediated Support of Age-Linked Hematological Malignancies.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can become dysfunctional in patients with hematological disorders. An unanswered question is whether age-linked disruption of the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment is secondary to hematological dysfunction or vice versa. We therefore studied MSC function in patients with different hematological disorders and found decreased MHC-II except from one sample with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

IL-8 signaling plays a critical role in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of human carcinoma cells.

The switch of tumor cells from an epithelial to a mesenchymal-like phenotype [designated as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)] is known to induce tumor cell motility and invasiveness, therefore promoting metastasis of solid carcinomas. Although multiple studies have focused on elucidating the signaling events that initiate this phenotypic switch, there has been so far no characterization of the pattern of soluble mediators released by tumor cells undergoing EMT, and the potential impact that this phenotypic switch could have on the remodeling of the tumor microenvironment. Here we show that induction of EMT in human carcinoma cells via overexpression of the transcription factor Brachyury is associated with enhanced secretion of multiple cytokines, chemokines, and angiogenic factors and, in particular, with the induction of the IL-8/IL-8R axis.

Evidence of population-level lateralized behaviour in giant water bugs, Belostoma flumineum Say (Heteroptera: Belostomatidae): T-maze turning is left biased.

Lateralized behaviour occurs in diverse animals, but relatively few studies examine the phenomenon in invertebrates. Here we report a population-level left turn bias in the giant water bug Belostoma flumineum Say (Heteroptera: Belostomatidae) in an underwater T-maze. Individuals made significantly more left turns than right turns, including when they were naïve and first introduced to the maze.

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.

An in vitro method to study the effects of hematopoietic regulators during immune and blood cell development.

In adults, hematopoiesis occurs in bone marrow (BM) through a complex process with differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to immune and blood cells. Human HSCs and their progenitors express CD34. Methods on hematopoietic regulation are presented to show the effects of the chemokine, stromal-derived growth factor (SDF)-1I and the neuropeptide, substance P (SP).

Tachykinins and hematopoiesis.

Originally discovered in the 1930s, tachykinins have been a subject of renewed interest. Antagonists to the tachykinin receptors have shown potential in the treatment of a variety of maladies including neurodegenerative disorders, heart disease, pain perception and malignancies. Tachykinins have been the subject of intense studies due to their impact on hematopoiesis that has significant effects on endothelial tissue and vascular conditions.

The immune properties of mesenchymal stem cells.

The goal of this review is to summarize current knowledge on the immune properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and to discuss how these properties might affect clinical applications, in particular tissue regeneration. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are pluripotent cells with unique immune properties. They show immunoenhancing as well as immunosuppressive properties.