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Reprogramming Bone Marrow Stem Cells to Functional Endothelial Cells in a Mini Pig Animal Model
Franziska Schlegel1, Marco Appler2, Michelle Halling1
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Leipzig Heart Center, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
Medical Science Monitor Basic Research
|August 18, 2017
Summary
Bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) can be reprogrammed into functional venous endothelial cells (VECs) and arterial endothelial cells (AECs). This reprogramming involves nitric oxide (NO) release and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression, crucial for vascular regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Endothelial Cell Biology
- Stem Cell Reprogramming
Background:
- Comparing reprogrammed bone marrow stem cell (BMSC)-derived arterial endothelial cells (AECs) and venous endothelial cells (VECs) is crucial for understanding their functional differences.
- Investigating these differences after adenosine triphosphate (ATP) stimulation in a mini pig model provides valuable insights into endothelial cell behavior.
- The study focuses on morphological, biochemical, and functional properties of these reprogrammed cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the morphological, biochemical, and functional characteristics of reprogrammed BMSCs into AECs and VECs.
- To assess the nitric oxide (NO) release and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression in these cells following ATP stimulation.
- To evaluate the angiogenic potential of differentiated BMSC-derived endothelial cells.
Main Methods:
- Bone marrow mononuclear cells were isolated from mini pigs and cultured with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
- Reprogrammed cells were characterized using immunofluorescence for CD31, von Willebrandt factor (vWF), and eNOS expression.
- Nitric oxide release was measured via spectrophotometry after ATP stimulation, and angiogenesis was assessed using Matrigel assays.
Main Results:
- Reprogrammed BMSCs exhibited a cobblestone morphology and positive staining for CD31 and vWF.
- eNOS expression was similar between reprogrammed BMSCs and VECs.
- ATP stimulation revealed comparable nitric oxide release in reprogrammed BMSCs and VECs, but reduced release in AECs. Angiogenesis assays showed vascular tube formation in differentiated BMSC endothelial cells.
Conclusions:
- Bone marrow stem cells can be successfully reprogrammed into functional VECs and AECs.
- eNOS expression and NO release are key indicators of successful BMSC reprogramming into functional endothelial cells.
- These findings support the potential of BMSCs for vascular regeneration therapies.
