Created method of getting labeled mesenchymal stem cells

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, USA have developed a new method for obtaining mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). New technology allows to obtain cells that have properties of not only natural MSC, but also bear a label in the form of iron oxide nanoparticles – Ferumoxytol, allowing them to monitor in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in preclinical and clinical trials. The results were published May 18, 2016 in Scientific Reports.

Stem cells (SC) have the ability to differentiate into many different cell types, which offers great promise for treating a range of diseases and injuries. Autologous stem cells derived from the patient’s own, are of particular interest due to the absence of rejection reactions. These cells usually obtained from bone marrow, which contains two types of SC – hematopoietic and mesenchymal.

Hematopoietic stem cells can be used to create various types of blood cells and are used to treat multiple myeloma and leukemia.

From mesenchymal stem cells obtained bone, cartilage, and adipose tissue, they are used to treat fractures, cardiac tissue regeneration, the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

In more than 360 conducted clinical trials with MSCs were received controversial results. Part of the patients respond positively to treatment with stem cells, the other – positive changes did not show.

In order to understand the cause of the variability of the results, the researchers should be able to track the migration of stem cells after transplantation, to make sure that they reach the desired destination. For this purpose scientists could use superparamagnetic iron-oxide (SPIO) as a marker of stem cells for further research using MRI.

Ferumoxytol – the only from the SPIO nanoparticles, the use of which is approved by Food and Drug Administration, FDA, USA. Scientists hitherto could not label MSCs via ferumoxytol in cell culture without transfection agent.

However, the use of transfection agents is undesirable, as they may change the biology of cells and their development. Also, researchers have difficulties when culturing a large number of cells required for clinical dose.
Furthermore, the use of modern techniques results in getting cells of different size with different features. Preparation of smaller and round cells preferable because they exhibit a high ability to proliferate and differentiate.

To solve these problems, a group of scientists led by Chien Ho Doctor of Biological Sciences took advantage of the natural ability of cells to absorb and assimilation ferumoxytol in vivo. Ho team developed a method of “bio-mimicry” to create an environment in a petri dish-like environment in the body that surrounds the cells.

Researchers have began experiment with the extraction of bone marrow cells, mesenchymal stem cells release and increase their numbers in the laboratory. They have developed a new method for culturing MSCs by introducing other bone marrow cells, mimicking the cellular environment in vivo.

Obtained mesenchymal stem cells retain the optimal size and functional features, and are able to absorb and assimilate ferumoxytol for tracking.

The new technique will allow to obtain multipotent MSCs with the properties of natural cells for use in cell therapy and regenerative medicine.