Efficient in vitro myogenic reprogramming of human primary mesenchymal stem cells and endothelial cells by Myf5

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Neuraminidase enhances in vitro expansion of human erythroid progenitors

International audienceIn spite of recent key improvements, in vitro mass production of erythrocytes from human stem cells is still limited by difficulties in obtaining sufficient numbers of erythroid progenitors. In fact, such progenitors are as scarce in the bone marrow as in peripheral blood. We used a two-step culture model of human cord blood-derived erythroid progenitors in the presence or absence of high-purity neuraminidase, in a serum-free, defined culture medium. Granulocytic and megakaryocytic progenitor cell expansions were also studied. We show that significant enhancement of erythroid cell generation is obtained when CD34(+) human hematopoietic progenitors are cultured in the presence of neuraminidase. Interestingly, in so doing, expanded red cell progenitors remained erythropoietin-dependent for further expansion and survival, and cells thus generated displayed a normal phenotype. Moreover, the activity of neuraminidase on these cells can be reversed by simple cell washing. Finally, growth of cells of the other myeloid lineages (granulocytes and megakaryocytes) is either decreased or unchanged in the presence of neuraminidase. This specific feature of neuraminidase, that of stimulation of human red cell progenitor proliferation, provides a safe technique for producing greater numbers of in vitro-generated red blood cells for both basic research and transfusion use

HOXC4 homeoprotein efficiently expands human hematopoietic stem cells and triggers similar molecular alterations as HOXB4

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Platelets Facilitate the Wound-Healing Capability of Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Mitochondrial Transfer and Metabolic Reprogramming

International audiencePlatelets are known to enhance the wound-healing activity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, the mechanism by which platelets improve the therapeutic potential of MSCs has not been elucidated. Here, we provide evidence that, upon their activation, platelets transfer respiratory-competent mitochondria to MSCs primarily via dynamin-dependent clathrin-mediated endocytosis. We found that this process enhances the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs following their engraftment in several mouse models of tissue injury, including full-thickness cutaneous wound and dystrophic skeletal muscle. By combining in vitro and in vivo experiments, we demonstrate that platelet-derived mitochondria promote the pro-angiogenic activity of MSCs via their metabolic remodeling. Notably, we show that activation of the de novo fatty acid synthesis pathway is required for increased secretion of pro-angiogenic factors by platelet-preconditioned MSCs. These results reveal a new mechanism by which platelets potentiate MSC properties and underline the importance of testing platelet mitochondria quality prior to their clinical use