β-catenin对骨形态发生蛋白9诱导间充质干细胞成骨分化的影响

目的探讨经典Wnt信号通路关键节点β-catenin对骨形态发生蛋白9(bone morphogenetic protein 9,BMP9)诱导间充质干细胞(mesenchymal stem cells,MSCs)成骨分化的影响。方法用重组腺病毒介导BMP9在C3H10T1/2细胞中过表达,联用β-catenin重组腺病毒上调β-catenin的表达,并通过RNA干扰抑制β-catenin的表达。分析C3H10T1/2细胞碱性磷酸酶(alkaline phosphatase,ALP)活性的变化;RT-PCR检测细胞成骨分化相关基因骨桥蛋白(osteopontin,OPN)和骨钙蛋白(osteocalcin,OC)基因mRNA的转录水平;茜素红S染色检测细胞的钙盐沉积。结果 BMP9单独作用能诱导C3H10T1/2细胞向成骨方向分化,并增强细胞ALP活性;单独的β-catenin无成骨诱导作用,但可剂量依赖性地增强BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞的ALP活性,并促进BMP9诱导的细胞OPN和OC基因mRNA的转录水平及钙盐沉积;抑制β-catenin表达可显著降低BMP9诱导的C3H1OT1/2细胞的ALP活性(P0.05),下调OPN和OC基因mRNA的转录水平,并抑制钙盐沉积。结论经典Wnt信号通路可能通过β-catenin协同BMP9诱导C3H10T1/2细胞成骨分化,且BMP9诱导的成骨分化可能需要通过Wnt/β-catenin途径来实现。     

大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞向成骨与成脂分化过程中相关基因的表达变化

目的探讨大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞(bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,BMSCs)向成骨与成脂分化过程中相关基因表达的变化。方法采用全贴壁法分离培养大鼠BMSCs,并观察其形态学特征的变化,MTT法检测其生长状况,并绘制生长曲线。分别采用成骨和成脂诱导剂对第4代BMSCs进行诱导分化,应用碱性磷酸酶试剂盒、茜素红和油红O染色液检测其ALP活性、成骨和成脂分化能力;RT-QPCR检测诱导0、7、14和21 d的成骨分化相关基因Runt相关转录因子2(Runx2)、骨钙素(osteocalcin,OCN)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)及成脂分化相关基因过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体γ(peroxidase proliferator activated receptor gamma,PPARγ)和脂肪酸结合蛋白(FABP4)的表达变化。结果全骨髓贴壁法能成功分离培养BMSCs,传代细胞生长增殖迅速,以长梭形细胞生长为主,细胞生长曲线呈S形。第4代BMSCs分别经成骨和成脂诱导剂诱导后,ALP、茜素红和油红O染色均呈阳性;诱导7、14和21 d后,Runx2、OCN、ALP、PPARγ和FABP4基因mRNA的表达量均显著高于0 d(P0.05);成骨分化过程中,Runx2和ALP在第7天时表达量最高,之后呈下降趋势,OCN的表达量呈稳定上升趋势;成脂分化过程中,PPARγ在第7天时表达量最高,FABP4始终高表达。结论 BMSCs具有易于体外分离培养、扩增和经诱导后具有多向分化潜能等特点,成骨和成脂分化相关基因的表达量随诱导时间延长而变化,呈明显的时序性表达差异,提示分别在成骨与成脂分化过程中起重要调控作用,为BMSCs在骨、细胞和基因等工程中的机制研究提供了实验依据。     

控释重组人骨形态发生蛋白-2和血管内皮生长因子的微囊支架对骨髓间充质干细胞向成骨细胞分化的影响

目的探讨控释重组人骨形态发生蛋白-2(recombinant huaman bone morphogenetic protein-2,rhBMP-2)及血管内皮生长因子(vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF)微囊支架对骨髓间充质干细胞(bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,b MSCs)向成骨细胞分化的影响。方法以聚乳酸-聚乙二醇-聚乳酸三嵌段共聚物[polylactide-poly(ethylene glycol)-polylactide,PELA]为囊材,采用复乳溶剂挥发法制备外黏附rhBMP-2内包封VEGF的微囊支架。经ELSIA法检测微囊支架在PBS中释放rhBMP-2和VEGF的浓度。将微囊支架加入bMSCs,于培养后第3、7、14天,MTT法检测微囊支架对bMSCs活性的影响,Western blot法检测微囊支架对bMSCs向成骨细胞分化过程中MAPK通路相关蛋白及碱性磷酸酶(alkaline phosphatase,ALP)表达水平的影响。结果微囊支架于PBS中培养第2天rhBMP-2释放约60%,VEGF释放约32%。随着培养时间的延长,微囊支架对bMSCs的细胞活性无明显影响(P0. 05);培养后第14天磷酸化ERK1/2及ALP表达水平均显著高于第3和7天(P 0. 05),培养后第7天显著高于第3天(P 0. 05);培养后第3、7、14天磷酸化JNK及磷酸化p38表达水平变化差异无统计学意义(P 0. 05)。结论控释rhBMP-2及VEGF的微囊支架可诱导bMSCs向成骨细胞分化,可能是通过激活MAPK通路发挥作用。     

细胞传代对骨髓间充质干细胞成软骨细胞分化的影响

目的 观察在成软骨诱导培养条件下,细胞传代对骨髓间充质干细胞(MSCs)体外成软骨能力的影响.方法 不同代MSCs成软骨诱导后,观察细胞生物学特性以及通过免疫荧光,RT-PCR测定特异性软骨细胞外基质aggrecan的表达情况.结果 经成软骨诱导后,第2、4代MSCs表达aggrecan明显较第6、8代细胞高.结论 MSCs很可能由多种形态功能接近,分化潜能有略有差异的细胞组成;在成软骨诱导培养条件下,对此传代后成软骨能力减弱.     

SF/COL/PLCL静电纺丝三维纳米纤维支架与人脐带血间充质干细胞的细胞相容性研究

目的研究SF/COL/PLCL静电纺丝三维纳米纤维支架与人脐带血(human umbilical cord blood,hUCB)间充质干细胞(mesenchymal stem cells,MSCs)的细胞相容性。方法分离、培养hUCBMSCs,并进行传代,取第3代hUCBMSCs,茜素红染色和Von Kossa染色检测其体外诱导成骨分化的能力;流式细胞术检测其表面相关抗原的表达。制备SF/COL/PLCL静电纺丝三维纳米纤维支架,扫描电镜观察其形貌表征,并检测其力学性能。将hUCBMSCs接种于静电纺丝三维纳米纤维支架上,观察细胞在支架上的生长及增殖情况。结果 hUCBMSCs具有成骨诱导分化能力,其表达CD44、CD29、CD90和CD105,不表达CD45和CD34。SF/COL/PLCL复合纳米纤维的纤维形貌良好,随着PLCL含量的增加,纤维的直径和力学性能均逐渐增加。hUCBMSCs能够在三维纳米纤维支架上很好地黏附,并相互连接向周围扩展,三维纳米纤维支架能很好地促进细胞黏附和增殖,与常规培养的细胞相比,差异有统计学意义(P0.05或P0.01),当SF/COL与PLCL的质量比为30∶70时,最有利于细胞的生长。结论 hUCBMSCs能够在SF/COL/PLCL静电纺丝纳米纤维支架上生长、增殖,这种支架材料具有良好的力学性能及细胞相容性,有望成为一种新型组织工程支架材料。     

体外诱导微环境对骨髓间充质干细胞成神经分化的影响及分化后的自发逆转现象

目的体外定向诱导大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞(Mesenchymal stem cells,MSCs)成神经分化,并探讨诱导微环境对其分化的影响及分化后的自发逆转现象。方法体外分离培养大鼠MSCs,流式细胞仪检测细胞表面标志。采用改良神经元诱导液[Modified neuronal induction media(MNM)]定向诱导MSCs,免疫荧光检测神经细胞表面标志。观察胎牛血清(FBS)浓度、细胞密度、MNM剂量、新鲜与使用过的MNM等不同诱导微环境对MSCs成神经分化的影响。结果 MSCs经MNM诱导后,6h即可见尼氏体,表达神经元特异性表面标志神经元特异性烯醇化酶(NSE)、巢蛋白(Nestin)和微管相关蛋白-2(MAP-2)。随着诱导微环境的改变,MSCs成神经分化率及神经元表面标志表达亦发生改变,且分化后的神经元样细胞可自发逆转。结论 MSCs能够在MNM微环境中定向成神经分化,但诱导微环境的改变可以从量和质两个层面影响MSCs定向分化。     

cAMP-PKA-CREB信号通路在骨形态发生蛋白9诱导小鼠间充质干细胞成骨分化中的作用

目的探讨cAMP-PKA-CREB信号通路在骨形态发生蛋白9(bone morphogenetic protein 9,BMP9)诱导小鼠间充质干细胞(mesenchymal stem cells,MSCs)C3H10T1/2成骨分化过程中的作用及其机制。方法将C3H10T1/2细胞分别加入不同浓度的cAMP-PKA-CREB信号通路抑制剂H89(1、2.5、5和10μmol/L),检测其对碱性磷酸酶(alkaline phosphatase,ALP)活性的影响;通过ALP定量和钙盐沉积试验分别检测H89对BMP9诱导C3H10T1/2细胞早期和晚期成骨分化的影响;经Western blot法检测H89对C3H10T1/2细胞中磷酸化CREB、骨钙素(Osteocalcin,OCN)和成骨关键转录因子Runx2表达水平的影响;通过Wentern blot及荧光素酶活性的检测,观察H89对经典信号通路BMPs-smad1/5/8的影响。结果随着H89浓度的增加,对BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞ALP的抑制作用明显增强(P0.05),且呈剂量依赖性;ALP定量和钙盐沉积试验结果表明,H89可明显抑制BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞早期及晚期成骨分化;H89可显著抑制BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞中磷酸化CREB、OCN及Runx2蛋白的表达(P0.05),与AdBMP9组比较,H89对经典BMPs-smad1/5/8信号通路无明显影响(P0.05)。结论阻断cAMP-PKA-CREB信号通路可抑制BMP9诱导的MSCs C3H10T1/2的成骨分化,为BMP9的临床应用奠定了理论基础。     

气升式环流中空纤维膜生物反应器内骨髓间充质千细胞的培养与扩增

骨髓间充质干细胞（MSCs）具有多向分化的潜能,是重要的组织工程“种子细胞”和理想的基因治疗靶细胞,但在骨髓中的含量非常少,需体外扩增才能满足临床需求。今将第四代MSCs与Ⅰ型胶原溶液混合后接种于中空纤维膜（HFMs）内,置37℃、5％CO2、饱和湿度的培养箱内1h后形成凝胶,然后将此HFMs接种至气升式环流生物反应器（ALB）内,进行MSCs的三维动态培养与扩增。实验过程中每24h取样测吸光度、计细胞数、绘制细胞生长曲线,测定细胞代谢参数,并对扩增的细胞进行流式细胞仪分析及多向诱导分化检测。结果表明;在气升式环流中空纤维膜生物反应器（ALHFMB）内,O2含量基本保持恒定;细胞代谢旺盛,MSCs扩增倍数明显增加,7d后扩增近16倍;扩增的细胞仍保持MSCs表型并具有较强的成骨、成软骨及成脂肪的多向分化能力。     

大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞的体外分离培养与鉴定

目的建立大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞(Mesenchymal stem cells,MSCs)体外分离培养及鉴定的方法 ,为MSCs的系列研究奠定基础。方法采用全骨髓直接贴壁筛选法分离培养MSCs并传代,倒置相差显微镜下观察细胞形态,以MTT法检测细胞增殖水平并绘制生长曲线。取第3代MSCs,流式细胞术检测细胞周期和细胞表型,应用成骨细胞诱导液和脂肪样细胞诱导液诱导MSCs定向分化,鉴定其分化能力。结果全骨髓细胞培养5d,镜下可见贴壁细胞增殖明显,细胞形态较均一,大部分呈梭形,7d左右可传代,经2～3次传代后细胞呈单一梭形的成纤维样细胞,即MSCs;细胞生长曲线呈S形;经流式细胞仪检测,MSCs细胞76.01%处于G0/G1期,7.13%处于G2/M期,16.86%处于S期;MSCs表面不表达CD34;在特定诱导液作用下,MSCs可分别向成骨样细胞及脂肪样细胞分化。结论已成功建立了分离培养及鉴定MSCs的方法 ,可用来评价体外培养的MSCs。     

气升式环流中空纤维膜生物反应器内骨髓间充质干细胞的培养与扩增

骨髓间充质干细胞(MSCs)具有多向分化的潜能,是重要的组织工程"种子细胞"和理想的基因治疗靶细胞,但在骨髓中的含量非常少,需体外扩增才能满足临床需求.今将第四代MSCs与Ⅰ型胶原溶液混合后接种于中空纤维膜(HFMs)内,置37℃、5% CO2、饱和湿度的培养箱内1 h后形成凝胶,然后将此HFMs接种至气升式环流生物反应器(ALB)内,进行MSCs的三维动态培养与扩增.实验过程中每24 h取样测吸光度、计细胞数、绘制细胞生长曲线,测定细胞代谢参数,并对扩增的细胞进行流式细胞仪分析及多向诱导分化检测.结果表明:在气升式环流中空纤维膜生物反应器(ALHFMB)内,O2含量基本保持恒定;细胞代谢旺盛,MSCs扩增倍数明显增加,7 d后扩增近16倍;扩增的细胞仍保持MSCs表型并具有较强的成骨、成软骨及成脂肪的多向分化能力.     

Osteogenic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Adipose Tissue,Bone Marrow and Hair Follicle Outer Root Sheath in a 3D Crosslinked Gelatin-Based Hydrogel

Bone transplantation is regarded as the preferred therapy to treat a variety of bone defects. Autologous bone tissue is often lacking at the source, and the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) responsible for bone repair mechanisms are extracted by invasive procedures. This study explores the potential of autologous mesenchymal stem cells derived from the hair follicle outer root sheath (MSCORS). We demonstrated that MSCORS have a remarkable capacity to differentiate in vitro towards the osteogenic lineage. Indeed, when combined with a novel gelatin-based hydrogel called Osteogel, they provided additional osteoinductive cues in vitro that may pave the way for future application in bone regeneration. MSCORS were also compared to MSCs from adipose tissue (ADMSC) and bone marrow (BMMSC) in a 3D Osteogel model. We analyzed gel plasticity, cell phenotype, cell viability, and differentiation capacity towards the osteogenic lineage by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium deposition, and specific gene expression. The novel injectable hydrogel filled an irregularly shaped lesion in a porcine wound model displaying high plasticity. MSCORS in Osteogel showed a higher osteo-commitment in terms of calcium deposition and expression dynamics of OCN, BMP2, and PPARG when compared to ADMSC and BMMSC, whilst displaying comparable cell viability and ALP activity. In conclusion, autologous MSCORS combined with our novel gelatin-based hydrogel displayed a high capacity for differentiation towards the osteogenic lineage and are acquired by non-invasive procedures, therefore qualifying as a suitable and expandable novel approach in the field of bone regeneration therapy.     

Effect of Inducible BMP-7 Expression on the Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells

BMP-7 has shown inductive potential for in vitro osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, which are an ideal resource for regenerative medicine. Externally applied, recombinant BMP-7 was able to induce the osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs but based on our previous results with BMP-2, we aimed to study the effect of the tetracyclin-inducible BMP-7 expression on these cells. DPSC, mock, and DPSC-BMP-7 cell lines were cultured in the presence or absence of doxycycline, then alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralization, and mRNA levels of different osteogenic marker genes were measured. In the DPSC-BMP-7 cell line, the level of BMP-7 mRNA significantly increased in the media supplemented with doxycycline, however, the expression of Runx2 and noggin genes was upregulated only after 21 days of incubation in the osteogenic medium with doxycycline. Moreover, while the examination of ALP activity showed reduced activity in the control medium containing doxycycline, the accumulation of minerals remained unchanged in the cultures. We have found that the induced BMP-7 expression failed to induce osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs. We propose three different mechanisms that may worth investigating for the engineering of expression systems that can be used for the induction of differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.     

The Effect of RADA16-I and CDNF on Neurogenesis and Neuroprotection in Brain Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Scaffold materials, neurotrophic factors, and seed cells are three elements of neural tissue engineering. As well-known self-assembling peptide-based hydrogels, RADA16-I and modified peptides are attractive matrices for neural tissue engineering. In addition to its neuroprotective effects, cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) has been reported to promote the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs). However, the role of RADA16-I combined with CDNF on NSCs remains unknown. First, the effect of RADA16-I hydrogel and CDNF on the proliferation and differentiation of cultured NSCs was investigated. Next, RADA16-I hydrogel and CDNF were microinjected into the lateral ventricle (LV) of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats to activate endogenous NSCs. CDNF promoted the proliferation of NSCs, while RADA16-I induced the neural differentiation of NSCs in vitro. Importantly, both RADA16-I and CDNF promoted the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of endogenous NSCs by activating the ERK1/2 and STAT3 pathways, and CDNF exerted an obvious neuroprotective effect on brain ischemia-reperfusion injury. These findings provide new information regarding the application of the scaffold material RADA16-I hydrogel and the neurotrophic factor CDNF in neural tissue engineering and suggest that RADA16-I hydrogel and CDNF microinjection may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of stroke.     

Isolation and Multiple Differentiation Potential Assessment of Human Gingival Mesenchymal Stem Cells

The aim of this study was to isolate human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from the gingiva (GMSCs) and confirm their multiple differentiation potentials, including the odontogenic lineage. GMSCs, periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and dermal stem cells (DSCs) cultures were analyzed for cell shape, cell cycle, colony-forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) and stem cell markers. Cells were then induced for osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation and analyzed for differentiation markers (alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralization nodule formation and Runx2, ALP, osteocalcin (OCN) and collagen I expressions for the osteogenic differentiation, and lipid vacuole formation and PPARγ-2 expression for the adipogenic differentiation). Besides, the odontogenic differentiation potential of GMSCs induced with embryonic tooth germ cell-conditioned medium (ETGC-CM) was observed. GMSCs, PDLSCs and DSCs were all stromal origin. PDLSCs showed much higher osteogenic differentiation ability but lower adipogenic differentiation potential than DSCs. GMSCs showed the medial osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potentials between those of PDLSCs and DSCs. GMSCs were capable of expressing the odontogenic genes after ETGC-CM induction. This study provides evidence that GMSCs can be used in tissue engineering/regeneration protocols as an approachable stem cell source.     

Polyvinyl alcohol associated with carbon nanotube scaffolds for osteogenic differentiation of rat bone mesenchymal stem cells

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVAl) hydrogel, alone and reinforced with two types of carbon nanoparticles, was studied in cultured cells to assess its potential use in treating osteochondral defects. The carbon nanoparticles were produced by hot-filament chemical vapour deposition. The carbon material was characterised with a Renishaw Invia Raman microscope system and the morphological particles were characterised with field emission scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by measuring the Vero fibroblast-type cells’ metabolic activity and studying their morphology. The osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells obtained from rat bone marrow was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red S (ARS) staining. Cell viability and morphology were assessed with thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The materials did not interfere with the viability, metabolic activity, morphology and spreading of either of the cell types analysed. Nodules of mineralised organic matrix were identified with ARS and ALP, confirming osteogenic differentiation. These results indicated higher concentration of ALP and mineralised matrix for PVAl with carbon nanoparticles. The results of this study indicate the potential use of carbon nanoparticles with PVAl hydrogels as orthopaedic biomaterials to treat osteochondral defects, but further in vivo investigations are still necessary.     

Comparing the Osteogenic Potential and Bone Regeneration Capacities of Dedifferentiated Fat Cells and Adipose-Derived Stem Cells In Vitro and In Vivo: Application of DFAT Cells Isolated by a Mesh Method

Background: We investigated and compared the osteogenic potential and bone regeneration capacities of dedifferentiated fat cells (DFAT cells) and adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). Method: We isolated DFAT cells and ASCs from GFP mice. DFAT cells were established by a new culture method using a mesh culture instead of a ceiling culture. The isolated DFAT cells and ASCs were incubated in osteogenic medium, then alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assays, and RT-PCR (for RUNX2, osteopontin, DLX5, osterix, and osteocalcin) were performed to evaluate the osteoblastic differentiation ability of both cell types in vitro. In vivo, the DFAT cells and ASCs were incubated in osteogenic medium for four weeks and seeded on collagen composite scaffolds, then implanted subcutaneously into the backs of mice. We then performed hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunostaining for GFP and osteocalcin. Results: The alizarin red-stained areas in DFAT cells showed weak calcification ability at two weeks, but high calcification ability at three weeks, similar to ASCs. The ALP levels of ASCs increased earlier than in DFAT cells and showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) at 6 and 9 days. The ALP levels of DFATs were higher than those of ASCs after 12 days. The expression levels of osteoblast marker genes (osterix and osteocalcin) of DFAT cells and ASCs were higher after osteogenic differentiation culture. Conclusion: DFAT cells are easily isolated from a small amount of adipose tissue and are readily expanded with high purity; thus, DFAT cells are applicable to many tissue-engineering strategies and cell-based therapies.     

Nutraceuticals Synergistically Promote Osteogenesis in Cultured 7F2 Osteoblasts and Mitigate Inhibition of Differentiation and Maturation in Simulated Microgravity

Microgravity is known to impact bone health, similar to mechanical unloading on Earth. In the absence of countermeasures, bone formation and mineral deposition are strongly inhibited in Space. There is an unmet need to identify nutritional countermeasures. Curcumin and carnosic acid are phytonutrients with anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative effects and may exhibit osteogenic properties. Zinc is a trace element essential for bone formation. We hypothesized that these nutraceuticals could counteract the microgravity-induced inhibition of osteogenic differentiation and function. To test this hypothesis, we cultured 7F2 murine osteoblasts in simulated microgravity (SMG) in a Random Positioning Machine in the presence and absence of curcumin, carnosic acid, and zinc and evaluated cell proliferation, function, and differentiation. SMG enhanced cell proliferation in osteogenic medium. The nutraceuticals partially reversed the inhibitory effects of SMG on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and did not alter the SMG-induced reduction in the expression of osteogenic marker genes in osteogenic medium, while they promoted osteoblast proliferation and ALP activity in the absence of traditional osteogenic media. We further observed a synergistic effect of the intermix of the phytonutrients on ALP activity. Intermixes of phytonutrients may serve as convenient and effective nutritional countermeasures against bone loss in space.     

Concurrent Expression of Oct4 and Nanog Maintains Mesenchymal Stem-Like Property of Human Dental Pulp Cells

Human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), unique mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) type, exhibit the characteristics of self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation capacity. Oct4 and Nanog are pluripotent genes. The aim of this study was to determine the physiological functions of Oct4 and Nanog expression in DPSCs. Herein, we determined the critical role of an Oct4/Nanog axis modulating MSCs properties of DPSCs by lentiviral-mediated co-overexpression or co-knockdown of Oct4/Nanog in DPSCs. MSCs properties including osteogenic/chondrogenic/adipogenic induction differentiation was assayed for expression of osteogenic/chondrogenic/adipogenic markers by quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis. Initially, we observed that the expression profile of Oct4 and Nanog in dental pulp cells, which exerted properties of MSCs, was significantly up-regulated compared to that of STRO-1⁻CD146⁻ dental pulp cells. Down-regulation of Oct4 and Nanog co-expression significantly reduced the cell proliferation, osteogenic differentiation capability, STRO-1, CD146, and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of DPSCs. In contrast, co-overexpression of Oct4 and Nanog enhanced the expression level of STRO-1 and CD146, proliferation rate and osteogenic/chondrogenic/adipogenic induction differentiation capability, and expression of osteogenic/chondrogenic/adipogenic induction differentiation markers. Our results suggest that Oct4-Nanog signaling is a regulatory switch to maintain properties in DPSCs.     

Amylopectin Multiple Aldehyde Crosslinked Hydrogel as an Injectable and Self‐Healing Cell Carrier for Bone Tissue Engineering

Despite excellent processing and biological properties of gelatin for use as a cell carrier, none of the gelatin‐based hydrogel cell carriers reported to date offer all characteristics including quick formation, injectability, self‐healing, and durability, which are simultaneously required for an ideal system. Here, a gelatin‐based hydrogel with dynamic Schiff base linkages, so‐called “dynamic hydrogel,” as an injectable cell carrier consisting of gelatin and amylopectin multiple aldehyde (AMPA), with all the required characteristics is reported. Biocompatibility and osteoinductivity of the hydrogel are verified through the culture of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). As live/dead results show, hBMSCs are alive and highly viable ≈85–90% within the hydrogel after 5 days. According to bromodeoxyuridine cell proliferation assay, a significant increase in the number of the cells seeded in the hydrogel confirms its clinical significance for cell therapy. Most importantly, histological visualization using Mason's Trichrome staining indicates secretion of extracellular matrix around the cells loaded in the hydrogel and also expression level evaluation of the crucial osteogenic markers, confirms that the hydrogel can provide osteoinductive support for osteocyte differentiation of hBMSCs after 14 days. Therefore, this hydrogel provides more progress on the path toward bone tissue engineering and further treatment of bone diseases.