Lineage reprogramming of human adipose mesenchymal stem cells to immune modulatory i-Heps.

Pluripotent stem cell derived-hepatocytes depict fetal -hepatocyte characteristics/maturity and are immunogenic limiting their applications. Attempts have been made to derive hepatocytes from mesenchymal stem cells using developmental cocktails, epigenetic modulators and small molecules. However, achieving a stable terminally differentiated functional state had been a challenge.

Preclinical safety & toxicity evaluation of pooled, allogeneic human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells.

Background & Objectives: Administration of ex vivo-expanded human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hBMMSC) obtained from single donors has shown therapeutic benefits in both preclinical and clinical studies. In this study, the safety, toxicity and biodistribution profiles of a pooled hBMMSC population, produced from three healthy donors were assessed in rodent and non-rodents.

Methods: The pooled hBMMSC population was characterized by their expression of various cell surface markers, differentiation potential and immunomodulatory activity.

Development of a System and Method for Automated Isolation of Stromal Vascular Fraction from Adipose Tissue Lipoaspirate.

Autologous fat grafting for soft tissue reconstruction is challenged by unpredictable long-term graft survival. Fat derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is gaining popularity in tissue reconstruction as SVF-enriched fat grafts demonstrate improved engraftment. SVF also has potential in regenerative medicine for remodeling of ischemic tissues by promoting angiogenesis.

Large-scale expansion of pre-isolated bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells in serum-free conditions.

The regenerative potential of mesenchymal stromal or stem cells (MSCs) has generated tremendous interest for treating various degenerative diseases. Regulatory preference is to use a culture medium that is devoid of bovine components for stem cell expansion intended for therapeutic applications. However, a clear choice an alternative to fetal bovine serum (FBS) has not yet emerged.

Explant culture: a simple, reproducible, efficient and economic technique for isolation of mesenchymal stromal cells from human adipose tissue and lipoaspirate.

Adipose tissue has emerged as a preferred source of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC), due to its easy accessibility and high MSC content. The conventional method of isolation of adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ASC) involves enzymatic digestion and centrifugation, which is a costly and time-consuming process. Mechanical stress during isolation, use of bacterial-derived products and potential contamination with endotoxins and xenoantigens are other disadvantages of this method.

Glycodelin A triggers T cell apoptosis through a novel calcium-independent galactose-binding lectin activity.

Glycodelin A (GdA) is one of the progesterone inducible endometrial factors that protect the fetal semi-allograft from maternal immune rejection. The immunoregulatory effects of GdA are varied, with diverse effects on the fate and function of most immune cell types. Its effects on T cells are particularly relevant as it is capable of regulating T cell activation, differentiation, as well as apoptosis.

Glycodelin A triggers mitochondrial stress and apoptosis in T cells by a mechanism distinct and independent of TCR signaling.

Glycodelin A is one of the progesterone inducible endometrial factors that protect the fetal semiallograft from maternal immune rejection. Our previous studies demonstrate that glycodelin A induces apoptosis in activated T lymphocytes. Here, we report that glycodelin A initiates the intrinsic apoptotic program in T cells.

Glycodelin A, not glycodelin S, is apoptotically active. Relevance of sialic acid modification.

Glycodelin, previously known as PP14 (placental protein-14), is a kernel lipocalin secreted by the glandular epithelium of the endometrium upon progesterone stimulation and by the seminal vesicles. The isoform of the protein present in female reproductive tissue, glycodelin A (GdA), and the male counterpart, glycodelin S (GdS), have identical amino acid sequences, but strikingly different N-linked glycans. It is well documented in literature that GdA is an immunosuppressive protein, and we have shown that this activity is due to its ability to induce apoptosis in activated T cells.