Transcription regulators differentiate mesenchymal stem cells into chondroprogenitors, and their in vivo implantation regenerated the intervertebral disc degeneration

Shumaila Khalid; Sobia Ekram; Asmat Salim; G Rasul Chaudhry; Irfan Khan

doi:10.4252/wjsc.v14.i2.163

Transcription regulators differentiate mesenchymal stem cells into chondroprogenitors, and their in vivo implantation regenerated the intervertebral disc degeneration

World J Stem Cells. 2022 Feb 26;14(2):163-182. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v14.i2.163.

Authors

Shumaila Khalid¹, Sobia Ekram¹, Asmat Salim¹, G Rasul Chaudhry², Irfan Khan³

Affiliations

¹ Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Sindh, Pakistan.
² Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, United States.
³ Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Sindh, Pakistan. khan@iccs.edu.

Abstract

Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the leading cause of lower back pain. Disc degeneration is characterized by reduced cellularity and decreased production of extracellular matrix (ECM). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been envisioned as a promising treatment for degenerative illnesses. Cell-based therapy using ECM-producing chondrogenic derivatives of MSCs has the potential to restore the functionality of the intervertebral disc (IVD).

Aim: To investigate the potential of chondrogenic transcription factors to promote differentiation of human umbilical cord MSCs into chondrocytes, and to assess their therapeutic potential in IVD regeneration.

Methods: MSCs were isolated and characterized morphologically and immunologically by the expression of specific markers. MSCs were then transfected with Sox-9 and Six-1 transcription factors to direct differentiation and were assessed for chondrogenic lineage based on the expression of specific markers. These differentiated MSCs were implanted in the rat model of IVDD. The regenerative potential of transplanted cells was investigated using histochemical and molecular analyses of IVDs.

Results: Isolated cells showed fibroblast-like morphology and expressed CD105, CD90, CD73, CD29, and Vimentin but not CD45 antigens. Overexpression of Sox-9 and Six-1 greatly enhanced the gene expression of transforming growth factor beta-1 gene, BMP, Sox-9, Six-1, and Aggrecan, and protein expression of Sox-9 and Six-1. The implanted cells integrated, survived, and homed in the degenerated intervertebral disc. Histological grading showed that the transfected MSCs regenerated the IVD and restored normal architecture.

Conclusion: Genetically modified MSCs accelerate cartilage regeneration, providing a unique opportunity and impetus for stem cell-based therapeutic approach for degenerative disc diseases.

Keywords: Gene expression; Human umbilical cord; Intervertebral disc degeneration; Mesenchymal stem cells; Regeneration; Transcription factors.