Cytokine Selection of MSC Clones with Different Functionality

Publication date: Available online 11 July 2019Source: Stem Cell ReportsAuthor(s): Anton Selich, Teng-Cheong Ha, Michael Morgan, Christine S. Falk, Constantin von Kaisenberg, Axel Schambach, Michael RotheSummaryMesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are used in many clinical applications. However, ex vivo expansion is required to reach clinically relevant cell numbers, which might lead to selection of clones with different characteristics. To follow clonal selection, we transduced MSC progenitors in umbilical cord pieces (UCPs) with vectors encoding fluorescent proteins and genetic barcodes. After marked MSC cultures grew out from UCPs, we investigated the influence of cytokines on MSC functionality. Specific cytokine conditions selected for clones from common progenitors. MSC secretome analyses revealed differences dependent on the culture conditions used. Clones expanded in human serum containing culture medium secreted a plethora of growth factors. When expanded in the same medium containing TGF-β, MSCs secreted negligible amounts of cytokines but at the same time led to an increased human chimerism after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation into immunodeficient mice. Our results suggest a major influence of cytokine additives on MSC functionality.Graphical Abstract
Source: Stem Cell Reports - Category: Stem Cells Source Type: research