Transplantation of SDF-1α-loaded liver extracellular matrix repopulated with autologous cells attenuated liver fibrosis in a rat model.

Cell-based therapy and tissue engineering are promising substitutes for liver transplantation to cure end-stage liver disorders. However, the limited sources for healthy and functional cells and poor engraftment rate are main challenges to the cell-based therapy approach. On the other hand, feasibility of production and size of bioengineered tissues are primary bottlenecks in tissue engineering.

Combination of SB431542, Chir9901, and Bpv as a novel supplement in the culture of umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cells.

Background: Small molecule compounds have been well recognized for their promising power in the generation, expansion, and maintenance of embryonic or adult stem cells. The aim of this study was to identify a novel combination of small molecules in order to optimize the ex vivo expansion of umbilical cord blood-derived CD34 cells.

Methods: Considering the most important signaling pathways involved in the self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells, CB-CD34 cells were expanded with cytokines in the presence of seven small molecules including SB, PD, Chir, Bpv, Pur, Pμ, and NAM.

Assessment of Short-Term Engraftment Potential of Ex Vivo Expanded Hematopoietic Stem Cells Using Normal Fetal Mouse in Utero Transplantation Model.

Objective: expansion is a promising strategy to overcome the low number of human umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cells (hUCB-HSCs). Although based on the obtained results in unnatural physiological condition of irradiated genetically immune-deficient mouse models, there has always been concern that the expanded cells have less engraftment potential. The purpose of this study was to investigate effect of common expansion method on engraftment potential of hUCB-mononuclear cells (MNCs), using normal fetal mouse, as a model with more similarity to human physiological conditions.