In order to investigate the levels of stem cell factor (SCF) and its receptor c-kit protein and mRNA in pediatric aplastic anemia (AA) and their relevance to the pathogenesis, immunocytochemical and in situ hybridization were utilized to detect the expression of SCF and its receptor c-kit gene protein and mRNA, respectively in 59 children with AA and 51 normal controls. The relationship between SCF and c-kit and the pathogenesis of AA was analyzed subsequently. The results showed that the positive rate of SCF protein and mRNA expression in children with AA was significantly lower than that in healthy controls (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the positive rate of c-kit protein and mRNA expression between children with AA and control group (P > 0.05). It was concluded that the expression of SCF is significantly decreased in children with AA, which may be closely associated with the pathogenesis of the AA. c-kit may be unrelated to the development of pediatric AA. Therefore, AA in children may have abnormalities at SCF/c-kit signal transduction levels.
Anemia, Aplastic/etiology ; Anemia, Aplastic/*metabolism ; RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis ; RNA, Messenger/genetics ; Receptors, Colony-Stimulating Factor/*biosynthesis ; Receptors, Colony-Stimulating Factor/genetics ; Stem Cell Factor/*biosynthesis ; Stem Cell Factor/genetics

Stem cell growth factor (SCGF) is an early-acting hematopoitic cytokine that has two isoforms including hSCGF with full length molecules and hSCGFbeta, 78 amino acids of which lost in the conserved calcium-dependent carbohydrate-recognition domain (CRD). It has been demonstrated that hSCGFbeta is strictly species-specific in regulating he-matopoiesis. This study was aimed to explore whether human SCGF can exert synergistic stimulatory effect on heterogenous murine CFU-GM progenitor. Firstly, hSCGF cDNA was amplified from human fetal liver cDNA library by using two-step PCR. The hSCGF mature peptide coding sequence was subsequently placed at downstream of glutathione S-transferase (GST) sequence in GST gene fusion expression vector. The results indicated that there existed an additional 60 kD protein compared with mock BL21 when the cells hosting recombinant plasmid were induced with IPTG at 37 degrees C. SDS-PAGE analysis demonstrated that the GST-hSCGF fusion protein mainly existed in insoluble form. When induced at low temperature (28 degrees C), the recombinant protein was mostly soluble. The GST-fusion recombinant protein was subsequently purified by using affinity chromatography. The clonogenic assay revealed that, unlike hSCGFbeta, hSCGF had the granulocyte/macrophage promoting activity (GPA) for murine bone marrow GM progenitor. It is concluded that, in contrast to human SCGFbeta, the intact molecular hSCGF may have no species specificity, implying that CRD domain in human SCGFbeta does not directly bind to corresponding SCGF receptor, but may have certain biological function.
Cloning, Molecular ; DNA, Complementary ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Hematopoiesis ; genetics ; Humans ; Species Specificity ; Stem Cell Factor ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; isolation & purification

We transfected human neural stem cells using lentiviral vectors encoding glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) to study its expression level in vitro and to get a stable cell line expressing GDNF. First, GDNF gene was sub-cloned into the lentiviral transfer vectors. Then, the recombinant lentiviral supernatants were packaged by 293T cells through three plasmids transient co-transfection method using standard lipofectamine reagent. The viral titers were tested by the transfection efficiency of 293T cells. At the same time, human neural stem cells (hNSC) were transfected under different multiplicity of infection. GDNF gene expression level and protein secretion level of hNSC were tested by real-time PCR and ELISA methods after transfection. Lentiviral vectors encoding GDNF were constructed. Using lentiviral vectors encoding GDNF we successfully transfected human neural stem cells, and got a stable neural stem cell lines over-expressing GDNF. Furthermore, the results indicated that GDNF expression was influenced by the multiplicity of infection. Human neural stem cells could over-express GDNF through lentivial vectors tranfection. Its gene expression level and protein expression level correlate with the multiplicity of infection.
Embryonic Stem Cells ; metabolism ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Humans ; Lentivirus ; genetics ; Nerve Tissue ; cytology ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Transfection

To investigate the influence of HIF-1alpha overexpression on the differentiation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) ex vivo, EPCs were isolated from human peripheral blood by density gradient centrifugation, overexpressed HIF-1alpha was transfected to EPCs by electroporation; HIF1alpha, HIF1beta, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA level were measured with RT-PCR; HIF-1alpha protein was detected with immunohistochemistry in a time course. CD31(+) cells were measured with flow cytometry. Cell morphology was observed after transfection. The results showed that the transfection efficiency of HIF-1alpha to EPCs was about 20%. HIF-1alpha and its controlled target gene VEGF were markedly induced by HIF-1alpha vector (P < 0.05). HIF1beta had its same level as it before interference (P > 0.05). HIF-1alpha protein was induced by HIF-1alpha transfection after 12 hours but was undetectable at 24 hours. After 7 - 14 days cultured in 21% oxygen pressure, fluorescence-trace experiments revealed that CD31 + EPCs/EC could be generated more efficiently from overexpressed HIF-1alpha than that from pEGFP transfected group (P > 0.05). EPC morphology was observed by light microscopy. HIF-1alpha-transfected cells under normoxia sprouted more rapidly from the EPC colonies than the untransfected cells or cells transfected with an GFP vector, which essentially maintained the original colony formation. HIF-1alpha transfected cells took on an array-like arrangement rather than random dispersal, suggesting that they were in an advanced state of differentiation. It is concluded that the utility of overexpression of HIF-1alpha can induce target genes which have influence on cell differentiation. HIF-1alpha transfection was found to give a prospected way to do the insight research on ischemic treatment in vivo.
Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; Humans ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Plasmids ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; Transfection ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; biosynthesis ; genetics

To explore the effects of proteasome inhibitor PS-341 on the cytokine expressions of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM), MSCs of 11 patients were cultured in medium of RPMI 1640 containing 10% FBS. When cells grew to 5 x 10(5) - 1 x 10(6), cells were exposed to 50 nmol/L PS-341 for 4 hours, then harvested. The expressions of IL-6, IL-1beta and SCF were detected by RT-PCR. The results indicated that after treatment with PS-341 the expressions of IL-6, IL-1beta and SCF of MSCs decreased markedly, especially that of IL-1beta, compared with control (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively). There were obviously differences of IL-1beta expression between refractory/relapsed group and complete remission (CR) group and IL-1beta expression was inhibited more seriously in CR group, whereas there were no significant differences of IL-6 and SCF expression between two groups; IL-1beta expression of patients treated with PS-341 was not detected; there were not effects of IL-1beta expression on expressions of IL-6 and SCF. It is concluded that proteasome inhibitor PS-341 downregulated the expressions of IL-6, IL-1beta and SCF of MSCs in patients with MM.
Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Bone Marrow Cells ; metabolism ; pathology ; Boronic Acids ; pharmacology ; Bortezomib ; Cytokines ; biosynthesis ; Humans ; Interleukin-1beta ; biosynthesis ; Interleukin-6 ; biosynthesis ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; metabolism ; Multiple Myeloma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Protease Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Pyrazines ; pharmacology ; Stem Cell Factor ; biosynthesis

To investigate the effect of hSCGF-alpha on human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hUCMSCs), we obtained hSCGF-alpha using genetic engineering, hSCGF-alpha gene was amplified from hUCMSCs cDNA using two-step PCR and was inserted into pET-28a(+) plasmid vector. Induced by IPTG at 20 degrees Celsius for 24 h, the fusion protein expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) was mainly existing in soluble form. The recombinant hSCGF-a was purified using NI-NTA affinity chromatography and the purity was up to 90%. The colony forming test revealed that combined use hSCGF-alpha and rmGM-CSF (recombinant murine GM-colony stimulating factor, rmGM-CSF) had granulocyte/macrophage (GM) promoting effects on murine bone marrow GM progenitor. In addition, the results indicated that hSCGF-alpha and rhGM-CSF had stimulatory effect on hUCMSCs and their synergetic effect was the strongest.
Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Cloning, Molecular ; Drug Synergism ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Stem Cell Factor ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Umbilical Cord ; cytology

We established methods to isolate human amniotic fluid-derived progenitor cells (hAFPCs), and analyze the ability of hAFPCs to secrete human coagulation factor IX (hFIX) after gene modification. The hAFPCs were manually isolated by selection for attachment to gelatin coated culture dish. hFIX cDNA was transfected into hAPFCs by using a lentiviral vector. The hFIX protein concentration and activity produced from hAFPCs were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and clotting assay. The isolated spindle-shaped cells showed fibroblastoid morphology after three culture passages. The doubling time in culture was 39.05 hours. Immunocytochemistry staining of the fibroblast-like cells from amniotic fluid detected expression of stem cell markers such as SSEA4 and TRA1-60. Quantitative PCR analysis demonstrated the expression of NANOG, OCT4 and SOX2 mRNAs. Transfected hAFPCs could produce and secrete hFIX into the culture medium. The observed concentration of secreted hFIX was 20.37% +/- 2.77% two days after passage, with clotting activity of 16.42% +/- 1.78%. The amount of hFIX:Ag reached a plateau of 50.35% +/- 5.42%, with clotting activity 45.34% +/- 4.67%. In conclusion, this study established method to isolate and culture amniotic fluid progenitor cells. Transfected hAFPCs can produce hFIX at stable levels in vitro, and clotting activity increases with higher hFIX concentration. Genetically engineered hAFPC are a potential method for prenatal treatment of hemophilia B.
Amniotic Fluid ; cytology ; Blood Coagulation ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Cell Separation ; methods ; DNA, Complementary ; Factor IX ; biosynthesis ; Genetic Engineering ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Transfection

This study was purposed to explore the effect of different cytokine combinations on the expansion of the mononuclear cells drived from umbilical cord blood (CB) ex vivo and expression of CXCR4 and CD49d on CD34+ cells after expansion. Human fresh CB mononuclear cells were cultured in serum-free and stroma-free medium containing different combinations of cytokine for 7 days. At day o and 7, the total cells were counted, CD34+ cells and CD34+CXCR4+, CD34+CD49d+ cells were assayed by flow cytometry, and CFU were determined. According to the different combinations of cytokine, experiments were divided into four groups: control, SF group (SCF + FL), SFT group (SCF + FL + TPO) and SFT6 group (SCF + FL + TPO + IL-6). The results showed that the SF (SF group) combination supported only low expansion of total cells, CD34+ cells and CFU. The addition of TPO in SF group restored UCB stem/progenitors expansion to a higher level than that in SF group, while there was no difference between groups SFT and SFT6 (P > 0.05). The cytokine combinations in groups SF, SFT and SFT6 all could upregulate the expression levels of CD49d and CXCR4 on expanded cord blood CD34+ cells, but there were no significant differences between groups SF, SFT and SFT6 (P > 0.05). It is concluded that SCF + FL has no strong synergistic effects on primitive hematopoietic cells. TPO plays an important role in enhancing expansion of umbilical cord blood hematopoietic cells, while IL-6 only shows a neutral effect on it. SCF + FL + TPO combination not only promotes progenitor cells expansion but also upregulates the expression of CD49d and CXCR4 on CD34+ cells from cord blood.
Antigens, CD34 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Cytokines ; pharmacology ; Drug Synergism ; Fetal Blood ; cytology ; Humans ; Integrin alpha4 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; cytology ; Membrane Proteins ; pharmacology ; Receptors, CXCR4 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Stem Cell Factor ; pharmacology ; Thrombopoietin ; pharmacology

This study was aimed to analyze the mRNA expression of cytokines (TGF-beta, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, FAS-L) in five rhesus treated with haploidentical peripheral blood stem cell transplantation after nonmyeloablative preparative regimens and to explore the role of these cytokines in the development and pathology of acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD). Five rhesus monkeys received nonmyeloablative haploidentical peripheral blood stem cells transplantation. Semi-quantitative reversed transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to analyze the kinetics of cytokine mRNA expression in the transplantation and aGVHD. The results showed that five rhesus monkeys acquired hematopoietic reconstitution successfully. The graft was rejected in one monkey which survived without disease, the other four achieved mixed chimerism and full donor chimerism. Chimerism of low centigrade in one monkey achieved high centigrade at 35 days after donor stem cell infusion. Intestinal aGVHD grade III developed in one monkey. Cytokines of Th1 and Th2 changed after transplantation. In period of aGVHD, expression of TGF-beta decreased but all others increased in various levels. When donor chimerism decreased, the cytokines decreased accordingly. It is concluded that the decrease of TGF-beta mRNA may be an indicator to predict aGVHD, and can be used as a differential diagnostic indicator for intestinal GVHD.
Animals ; Cytokines ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Graft vs Host Disease ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; Haploidy ; Macaca mulatta ; Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation ; adverse effects ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo establish the method for isolation, culture, and differentiation induction of nestin-positive cells in fetal rat hepatic cells.

METHODSHepatic cells were obtained from fetal rats by means of mechanical separation and hanging-drop culture, and after two days of primary culture, the medium was changed for further cell culture in the presence of 20% fetal bovine serum (containing glucose 25 ml/L, mycillin 100 U/ml, pH 7.6), 10 mmol/L nicotinamide, 1 mg/L insulin, affix N2, basic fibroblast growth factor, stem cell factor, epidermal growth factor and leukemia inhibitory factor.

RESULT AND CONCLUSIONNestin-positive cells were obtained from fetal rat liver, which can differentiate into islet beta cells after culture and expansion in vitro.

Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; physiology ; Cell Separation ; methods ; Cell Transdifferentiation ; drug effects ; physiology ; Cells, Cultured ; Epidermal Growth Factor ; pharmacology ; Female ; Fetus ; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 ; pharmacology ; Hepatocytes ; cytology ; metabolism ; Insulin ; pharmacology ; Intermediate Filament Proteins ; biosynthesis ; Islets of Langerhans ; cytology ; drug effects ; Leukemia Inhibitory Factor ; pharmacology ; Liver ; Male ; Nerve Tissue Proteins ; biosynthesis ; Nestin ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Stem Cell Factor ; pharmacology