Stem cell enrichment with selectin receptors: mimicking the pH environment of trauma

Sensors (Basel). 2013 Sep 17;13(9):12516-26. doi: 10.3390/s130912516.

Abstract

The isolation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) is critical for transplantation therapy and HSPC research, however current isolation techniques can be prohibitively expensive, time-consuming, and produce variable results. Selectin-coated microtubes have shown promise in rapidly isolating HSPCs from human bone marrow, but further purification of HSPCs remains a challenge. Herein, a biomimetic device for HSPC isolation is presented to mimic the acidic vascular microenvironment during trauma, which can enhance the binding frequency between L-selectin and its counter-receptor PSGL-1 and HSPCs. Under acidic pH conditions, L-selectin coated microtubes enhanced CD34+ HSPC adhesion, as evidenced by decreased cell rolling velocity and increased rolling flux. Dynamic light scattering was utilized as a novel sensor to confirm an L-selectin conformational change under acidic conditions, as previously predicted by molecular dynamics. These results suggest that mimicking the acidic conditions of trauma can induce a conformational extension of L-selectin, which can be utilized for flow-based, clinical isolation of HSPCs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Cell Separation / instrumentation*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / chemistry
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / immunology*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • L-Selectin / chemistry
  • L-Selectin / immunology*
  • Up-Regulation
  • Wounds and Injuries / immunology*
  • Wounds and Injuries / pathology*

Substances

  • L-Selectin