U.S. patent application number 14/465344 was filed with the patent office on 2014-12-11 for extracellular matrix from pluripotent cells.
The applicant listed for this patent is SanBio, Inc.. Invention is credited to Irina Aizman.
Application Number | 20140363408 14/465344 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40718039 |
Filed Date | 2014-12-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140363408 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Aizman; Irina |
December 11, 2014 |
EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX FROM PLURIPOTENT CELLS
Abstract
Isolated extracellular matrix from marrow adherent stromal cells
and their descendents, which stimulates the growth and survival of
a number of different neural cell types, is provided, along with
methods for preparation and uses.
Inventors: |
Aizman; Irina; (Mountain
View, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SanBio, Inc. |
Mountain View |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
40718039 |
Appl. No.: |
14/465344 |
Filed: |
August 21, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12734855 |
Aug 23, 2010 |
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PCT/US08/13297 |
Dec 3, 2008 |
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14465344 |
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61005125 |
Dec 3, 2007 |
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61197641 |
Oct 29, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/93.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C12N 2533/90 20130101;
A61K 35/12 20130101; A61K 35/28 20130101; C12N 2501/42 20130101;
A61P 25/00 20180101; C12N 5/0619 20130101; C12N 5/0622 20130101;
C12N 2510/00 20130101; A61K 2035/124 20130101; C12N 5/0663
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/93.21 |
International
Class: |
A61K 35/28 20060101
A61K035/28 |
Claims
1. A method for producing an exogenous extracellular matrix in a
subject, the method comprising transplanting a population of
differentiation-restricted descendants of marrow adherent stromal
cells (DRCs) to a site in the subject.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the DRCs are made by transfecting
marrow adherent stromal cells with a nucleic acid comprising
sequences encoding a Notch intracellular domain.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the exogenous extracellular
matrix stimulates growth of neurons in the subject.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the exogenous extracellular
matrix stimulates growth of astrocytes in the subject.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the exogenous extracellular
matrix stimulates growth of oligodendrocytes in the subject.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the exogenous extracellular
matrix is a source of matrix-bound growth factors.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the matrix-bound growth factors
serve as chemotactic and/or haplotactic stimuli for neurons and
glia.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the exogenous extracellular
matrix supports survival of neurons and/or glial cells in the
subject.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the exogenous extracellular
matrix supports proliferation of neurons and/or glial cells in the
subject.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the exogenous extracellular
matrix supports neurite outgrowth in the subject.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the site is in the central
nervous system.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the site is in the peripheral
nervous system.
13. The method of claim 1, further comprising transplanting marrow
adherent stromal cells to the site.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein an isolated extracellular matrix
is co-transplanted with the DRCs.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the isolated extracellular
matrix is produced by a DRC.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the isolated extracellular
matrix is produced by a marrow adherent stromal cell.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/734,855, filed Aug. 23, 2010, which is a 35
U.S.C. .sctn.371 filing of PCT/US2008/013297, filed Dec. 3, 2008.
PCT/US2008/013297 claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
application No. 61/005,125 (filed Dec. 3, 2007) and U.S.
provisional application No. 61/197,641 (filed Oct. 29, 2008). The
disclosures of all of the aforementioned applications are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERAL SUPPORT
[0002] Not applicable.
FIELD
[0003] The present disclosure is in the fields of neural growth and
development and neural regeneration.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Stem cell-based therapy is a novel approach to the treatment
of neurological disorders. Such therapies involve the
transplantation of neural stem cells, neural precursor cells,
embryonic stem cells or adult stem cells, sometimes modified or
pre-differentiated, into sites of neuronal injury or degeneration.
Although precise mechanisms of action of stem cells transplanted to
sites of injury are not known, the current view is that the
beneficial effect of grafted stem cells on injured neural tissue
derives either from replacement of endogenous cells, and/or
secretion of neurotrophic factors, by the transplanted stem
cells.
[0005] One concern associated with the use of embryonic stem cells
for cell therapy is the possibility of oncogenic transformation of
the grafted cells.
[0006] Another, universal problem associated with transplantation
of stem cells into the brain, is the limited survival of grafted
cells. For example, adult stem cells of mesenchymal origin (e.g.,
bone marrow, adipose tissue) have provided some promise for
treatment of indications such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, and
brain or spinal cord trauma; due to ease of their isolation, low
immunogenicity, and low tendency toward oncogenic transformation.
However, their typical engraftment rates are very low.
[0007] The poor long-term survival of bone marrow stem cells (BMSC)
injected into the brain may be explained in part by their inability
to adapt to microenvironments in the brain, which is atypical for
mesenchymal cells, and may be unfavorable for their long-term
growth and differentiation. Inflammation at a site of injury (due
either to the initial neural trauma or to the transplantation
procedure) could also be detrimental to the survival of engrafted
cells.
[0008] The degree to which long-term survival of engrafted cells is
important for repair of neural degeneration is unknown. However,
the fact that beneficial effects are observed in cases in which
survival of transplanted stem cells is very low implies the
possible participation, in the repair process, of cellular products
produced soon after transplantation, when injected cells are still
alive. If this is the case, low survival of transplanted stem cells
could result in decreased production of extracellular products that
stimulate neural regeneration.
[0009] Because of the risk of oncogenic transformation associated
with the use of embryonic stem cells, and the poor survival of
adult stem cells, methods for treatment of neural disorders that
take advantages of the unique properties of stem cells, and/or
utilized unique extracellular products elaborated by stem cells,
would have advantages over the use of stem cells themselves.
SUMMARY
[0010] The present disclosure provides isolated extracellular
matrix produced by various types of pluripotent cells, including
marrow adherent stromal cells (also known as mesenchymal stem
cells), differentiation-restricted descendents of marrow adherent
stromal cells and neural progenitor cells.
[0011] Also provided are methods for the production of the
aforementioned isolated extracellular matrices, and methods for the
use of the aforementioned isolated extracellular matrices in the
treatment of neural injury, neural trauma, neural disorders and
neural degeneration.
[0012] Accordingly, the following embodiments are provided.
[0013] A method for producing an isolated extracellular matrix, the
method comprising culturing MASCs on a culture surface and
isolating the extracellular matrix deposited on the culture
surface.
[0014] A method for producing an isolated extracellular matrix, the
method comprising culturing differentiation-restricted descendents
of MASCs (DRCs) on a culture surface and isolating the
extracellular matrix deposited on the culture surface.
[0015] A method for producing an isolated extracellular matrix, the
method comprising culturing differentiation-restricted descendents
of MASCs (DRCs) on a culture surface, wherein the DRCs result from
transfection of a culture of MASCs with a nucleic acid comprising
sequences encoding a notch intracellular domain.
[0016] An isolated extracellular matrix produced by a marrow
adherent stromal cell (MASC).
[0017] An isolated extracellular matrix produced by a
differentiation-restricted descendant of a marrow adherent stromal
cell (DRC).
[0018] A method for stimulating the growth of neurons, the method
comprising culturing MASCs on a culture surface; removing the MASCs
from the culture surface; transferring a population of cells onto
the culture surface; and incubating the cells on the culture
surface.
[0019] A method for stimulating the growth of astrocytes, the
method comprising culturing MASCs on a culture surface; removing
the MASCs from the culture surface; transferring a population of
cells onto the culture surface; and incubating the cells on the
culture surface.
[0020] A method for stimulating the growth of oligodendrocytes, the
method comprising culturing MASCs on a culture surface; removing
the MASCs from the culture surface; transferring a population of
cells onto the culture surface; and incubating the cells on the
culture surface.
[0021] A method for stimulating the growth of neurons, the method
comprising culturing differentiation-restricted descendents of
MASCs (DRCs) on a culture surface; removing the DRCs from the
culture surface; transferring a population of cells onto the
culture surface; and incubating the cells on the culture
surface.
[0022] A method for stimulating the growth of astrocytes, the
method comprising culturing differentiation-restricted descendents
of MASCs (DRCs) on a culture surface; removing the DRCs from the
culture surface; transferring a population of cells onto the
culture surface; and incubating the cells on the culture
surface.
[0023] A method for stimulating the growth of oligodendrocytes, the
method comprising culturing differentiation-restricted descendents
of MASCs (DRCs) on a culture surface; removing the DRCs from the
culture surface; transferring a population of cells onto the
culture surface; and incubating the cells on the culture
surface.
[0024] A method for treating neural degeneration or disorder in a
subject, the method comprising transplanting an isolated
extracellular matrix to a site in a subject.
[0025] A method for treating neural degeneration or disorder in a
subject, the method comprising transplanting one or more
extracellular matrix components to a site in a subject.
[0026] A method for treating neural degeneration or disorder in a
subject, the method comprising transplanting an isolated
extracellular matrix to a site in a subject, wherein the
extracellular matrix is produced by a culture of MASCs.
[0027] A method for treating neural degeneration or disorder in a
subject, the method comprising transplanting an isolated
extracellular matrix to a site in a subject, wherein the
extracellular matrix is produced by a culture of
differentiation-restricted descendents of MASCs.
[0028] A method for treating neural degeneration or disorder in a
subject, the method comprising co-transplanting MASCs and an
isolated extracellular matrix to a site in a subject.
[0029] A method for treating neural degeneration or disorder in a
subject, the method comprising co-transplanting MASCS and one or
more extracellular matrix components to a site in a subject.
[0030] A method for treating neural degeneration or disorder in a
subject, the method comprising co-transplanting MASCs and an
isolated extracellular matrix to a site in a subject, wherein the
extracellular matrix is produced by a culture of MASCs.
[0031] A method for treating neural degeneration or disorder in a
subject, the method comprising co-transplanting MASCs and an
isolated extracellular matrix to a site in a subject, wherein the
extracellular matrix is produced by a culture of
differentiation-restricted descendents of MASCs.
[0032] A method for treating neural degeneration or disorder in a
subject, the method comprising co-transplanting DRCs and an
isolated extracellular matrix to a site in a subject.
[0033] A method for treating neural degeneration or disorder in a
subject, the method comprising co-transplanting DRCs and one or
more extracellular matrix components to a site in a subject.
[0034] A method for treating neural degeneration or disorder in a
subject, the method comprising co-transplanting DRCs and an
isolated extracellular matrix to a site in a subject, wherein the
extracellular matrix is produced by a culture of MASCs.
[0035] A method for treating neural degeneration or disorder in a
subject, the method comprising co-transplanting DRCs and an
isolated extracellular matrix to a site in a subject, wherein the
extracellular matrix is produced by a culture of
differentiation-restricted descendents of MASCs (DRCs).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] FIG. 1 shows micrographs (400.times.) of extracellular
matrix deposited by two concentrations of MASCs.
[0037] FIG. 2 shows micrographs (200.times.) of primary rat
cortical neurons grown for 9 days on plates coated with
MASC-deposited ECM (ECM, left-most and center panels) and
poly-D-lysine (PDL, right-most panel). Growth on plates coated with
ECM deposited by two different concentrations of MASCs is
shown.
[0038] FIG. 3 shows relative cell number (determined from
intracellular LDH levels) in cultures of primary brain cells grown
for two different time periods (5 and 13 days) on plates coated
with MASC-deposited ECM (MSC-ECM). Cell numbers are relative to the
number of cells surviving, after growth for the same time periods,
on plates coated with poly-D-lysine (PDL), which numbers were
arbitrarily set to 100 for both culture periods.
[0039] FIG. 4 shows relative cell number (determined from
intracellular LDH levels) in cultures of primary brain cells grown
for 13 days in wells coated with MASC-deposited ECM (MSC-ECM) and
in wells coated with ECM deposited by DRCs (SB623 ECM). Different
numbers of ECM-depositing cells were used in the preparation of the
ECM-coated wells, as shown along the abscissa. Also shown is the
relative cell number for primary brain cells grown under the same
conditions in poly-D-lysine-coated wells (PDL).
[0040] FIG. 5 shows relative numbers of rat primary cortical cells
(determined by analysis of intracellular LDH levels) remaining
attached to the culture surface after one hour of culture. Culture
vessels were coated either with MASC-deposited ECM (MSC-ECM) or
with poly-D-lysine (PDL). Different numbers of ECM-depositing cells
were used in the preparation of the ECM-coated wells, as shown
along the abscissa. Attachment assays were conducted using two
different media for cell culture: either
NeuroBasal/B27/GlutaMAX.TM. or .alpha.MEM, as indicated.
[0041] FIG. 6 shows relative cell number (determined from
intracellular LDH levels) in cultures of primary brain cells grown
in either NeuroBassal/B27 medium or .alpha.MEM (as indicated).
Cells were cultured for four days on plated coated with
poly-D-lysine (PDL) or MASC-deposited extracellular matrix
(MSC-ECM), as indicated. For the MSC-ECM-coated plates, the number
of MASCs used in the preparation of the plates is indicated along
the abscissa (No, 1.25, 2, 5, 5, 10, or 20.times.10.sup.6
MASCs).
[0042] FIG. 7 is a collection of photomicrographs showing results
of immunoassay for microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP2) and tau
protein in primary rat cortical cells grown on plates coated with
poly-D-lysine (PDL), with MASC-deposited extracellular matrix
(MSC-ECM) or with DRC-deposited extracellular matrix (SB623-ECM).
Cells were assayed for MAP2 expression after 3 days of culture,
separate cultures, grown under otherwise identical conditions, were
assayed for tau expression after 13 days of culture. Fluorescence
micrographs, and corresponding bright-field images, are shown.
Magnification 400.times..
[0043] FIG. 8 is a collection of photomicrographs showing results
of immunoassays for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and
microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP2). Rat cortical cells were
grown on plates coated with poly-D-lysine (PDL, bottom row),
MASC-deposited ECM (MSC-ECM, top row) or DRC-deposited ECM
(SB623-ECM, middle row), then stained with DAPI (left column), or
reacted with anti-MAP2 (middle column, indicated by Cy3
fluorescence of conjugated secondary antibody) and anti-GFAP (right
column, indicated by FITC fluorescence of conjugated secondary
antibody). Magnification 1,000.times..
[0044] FIG. 9 is a collection of photomicrographs showing results
of immunoassays for CNPase. Rat cortical cells were grown for 21
days on plates coated with either MASC-deposited ECM or
DRC-deposited ECM, then stained with DAPI (first and third columns)
and tested for reactivity with anti-CNPase (second and fourth
columns). Two fields containing cells with CNPase immunoreactivity
are shown. Magnification 1,000.times..
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] The terms "bone marrow stromal cells," "marrow adherent
stromal cells," "marrow adherent stem cells," "marrow stem cells,"
"mesenchymal stem cells" and "MASCs" refer to mitotic, pluripotent
cells, obtained from bone marrow that, in the course of normal
development, are capable of giving rise to a number of
differentiated cell types such as, for example, osteocytes, and
cells normally found in connective tissue including, but not
limited to, chondrocytes and adipocytes. MASCs can be human cells
or cells from other mammals or vertebrates.
[0046] The terms "neural precursor cell," "neuronal precursor
cell," "neural progenitor cell," "neuronal progenitor cell," "NPC"
and bone marrow-derived neural progenitor cell" are used
interchangeably to refer to mitotic cells, descended from marrow
adherent stromal cells, that have the capability to differentiate
into neurons, glial cells, or their precursors. They are thus
distinct from primary neuronal precursor cells, such as can be
obtained from fetuses or adult tissues such as the hippocampus and
the periventricular subependymal zone. NPCs can be human cells or
cells from other mammals or vertebrates.
[0047] For the purposes of this disclosure, the terms
"differentiation-restricted cell" and "DRC" refer to a cell,
descended from a mesenchymal stem cell, whose normal lineage
specification (to mesenchymal lineages such as osteocytes,
chondrocytes and adipocytes) has been restricted. That is, the
ability of such a cell to enter a lineage resulting in terminal
differentiation into osteocytes, adipocytes and/or chondrocytes is
reduced. A differentiation restricted cell may optionally acquire
one or more new developmental potentials including but not limited
to the ability to enter a neural lineage and differentiate into
neurons and/or glial cells and the ability to enter a myogenic
lineage. Thus, certain differentiation-restricted cells may also be
neural precursor cells.
[0048] Marrow adherent stromal cells are easily extracted by bone
marrow aspiration on an outpatient basis, and due to their highly
proliferative nature they can be cultured in large amounts within a
relatively short period. Moreover, a further advantage of their use
as starting material for various types of cell therapy is that they
allow autologous transplantation to be carried out (e.g., new
muscular and/or neural tissue can be formed from cells derived from
the patient's own bone marrow stem cells). The consequent lack of
immunological rejection dispenses with the need for administering
immunosuppressants, thus enabling safer treatment. Furthermore,
since bone marrow stem cells can be obtained from a bone marrow
bank, this method is also advantageous from a supply
standpoint.
[0049] Marrow adherent stromal cells are obtained from bone marrow
aspirates by culturing for three days in .alpha.-MEM+10%
FBS+L-Glutamine, then aspirating away non-adherent cells. See
Example 1 below for an exemplary method for extraction and
expansion of marrow adherent stromal cells.
[0050] In certain embodiments, differentiation-restricted cells
and/or neural precursor cells are obtained by methods comprising
transfection of marrow adherent stromal cells with a polynucleotide
comprising a sequence encoding a Notch intracellular domain (NICD)
as described, for example, in US Patent Application Publication No.
2006-0166362 (Jul. 27, 2006), the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference, and Dezawa et al. (2004) J. Clin.
Invest. 113:1701-1710. In certain of these embodiments, the Notch
intracellular domain consists of amino acids 1703-2504 of the human
Notch-1 protein. Ellison et al. (1991) Cell 66:649-661. In
additional embodiments, differentiation-restricted cells are
obtained as described in US Patent Application Publication No.
2006-0251624 (Nov. 9, 2006), the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference. Alternatively, such cells can be
obtained as described in US Patent Application Publication No.
2003-0003090 (Jan. 2, 2003), the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference. Example 2 describes an exemplary method
for the preparation of DRCs.
[0051] Stem cells, of both embryonic and adult provenance, have
been used for the treatment of various neurological diseases and
disorders by transplantation of stem cells to sites of neural
injury or degeneration. Although precise mechanisms of action of
stem cells in sites of injury are not known, the common view is
that the beneficial effect of grafted stem cells on neural tissue
result from cell replacement and/or secretion of neurotrophic
factors by transplanted stem cells. However, another possible
mechanism involves the synthesis and/or secretion of extracellular
matrix (ECM) molecules by grafted cells. This mechanism may be
especially relevant to rescue of neural tissue by adult stem cells
of mesenchymal origin, since these cells make large amounts of ECM
as part of their normal developmental progression into the various
cells of connective tissue. ECM could serve as a source of
matrix-bound growth factors, i.e. a source of chemotactic and
haptotactic stimuli for neurons and glia.
[0052] The present disclosure shows that isolated extracellular
matrix, produced by mesenchymal stem cells or their descendents,
efficiently supports survival and growth of neurons, neurite
outgrowth and growth and proliferation of glial cells. Accordingly,
extracellular matrix produced by adult mesenchymal stem cells and
their descendents (such as, for example, differentiation-restricted
cells and neural precursor cells) can be used, instead of or in
addition to, stem cell therapy and/or other types of therapy to
repair injury or degeneration of neural tissue, in both the central
and peripheral nervous systems. These methods are to be
distinguished from conventional methods involving insertion of cell
suspensions into sites of neural injury, and from the use of
engineered (e.g., non-biological) materials as a scaffold or
implant for grafting stem cells to repair spinal cord injuries.
[0053] The extracellular matrix produced by MASCs and their
differentiation-restricted descendents can be produced in situ by
MASCs or DRCs following their transplantation to a site of
injury.
[0054] Alternatively, ECM derived from MASCs or DRCs can be
collected and transplanted (e.g., injected as liquid or gel) into
injured sites to provide a substrate for growth and/or repair of
neural tissue, and possibly to provide chemotactic and/or
haptotactic stimuli for neuronal outgrowth. ECM can be collected
from the surface of vessels in which MASCs or DRCs are growing by
lysing cells, optionally removing cell debris and optionally
solubilizing the matrix. Alternatively, nascent ECM molecules, such
as proteins, glycoproteins and proteoglycans can be collected
(prior to their deposition and incorporation into the matrix) from
spent or conditioned medium of MASC cultures, and optionally
concentrated and/or purified.
[0055] Exemplary ECM components that can be used, in the disclosed
embodiments, alone, in combination, or as part of an ECM include,
for example, ECM remodeling enzymes, collagens, laminins, matrix
metalloproteases and/or their inhibitors (e.g., tissue inhibitor of
matrix metalloprotease (TIMP)), tenascins, fibulins, syndecans,
perlecans, fibronectins, collagen, fibrins, heparans, decorins and
biglycans. See also Alovskaya et al., "Fibronectin, Collagen,
Fibrin--Components of Extracellular Matrix for Nerve Regeneration"
in Topics in Tissue Engineering, Vol. 3, Eds. N. Ashammakhi, R.
Reis & E. Chiellini, 2007.
[0056] In additional embodiments, isolated ECM can be
co-transplanted with cells (e.g., either MASCs or DRCs), e.g., to
enhance engraftment and/or prolong survival of the transplanted
cells. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is possible that
transplanted ECM provides a substrate for growth of transplanted
cells, leading to enhanced survival at the transplant site, and
possibly facilitating migration of transplanted cells from the
transplant site to one or more sites of injury.
[0057] In further embodiments, isolated ECM can be used as a
coating on artificial surfaces, that can optionally be implanted
and used to provide direction or support for growth of injured
neural cells. Isolated ECM can also be collected as a chemically
unmodified layer, or "rug," of needed size, and implanted into a
site of injury using a micromanipulator.
[0058] In other embodiments, ECM can be used as coating on plates
for studying neural cell behavior.
[0059] For all of the aforementioned embodiments, the concentration
of cells used to elaborate an ECM can vary according to the
particular embodiment. For example, in certain embodiments, MASCs
or DRCs can be plated at densities of 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 15,
30, 60, or 100.times.10.sup.3 or more cells/cm.sup.2, and cultured
for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 13, 15, 17 or 20 days or more. Any value
within these ranges is also contemplated.
[0060] The examples below show that the extracellular matrix (ECM)
elaborated by MASCs and their descendents (e.g., DRCs) supports
growth of various neural cells including neurons, astrocytes and
oligodendrocytes. The efficiency of this support is dose-dependent,
with respect to the number of cells used to produce the matrix.
Thus, isolated ECM can be used to generate neurosupport, and to
stimulate and direct the growth of various neural cells, both in
vivo and in vitro.
[0061] The methods and compositions disclosed herein involve the
use of art-recognized procedures in molecular biology, cell biology
and cell culture. Such methods are known to those of skill in the
art and have been disclosed, e.g., in Sambrook et al. "Molecular
Cloning: A Laboratory Manual," Third Edition, Cold Spring Harbor
Laboratory Press, 2001; Ausubel et al., "Current Protocols in
Molecular Biology," John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1987 and
periodic updates; R. I. Freshney "Culture of Animal Cells: A Manual
of Basic Technique," Fifth Edition, Wiley, New York, 2005; and
Kandel E R, Schwartz J H, Jessell T M, Principles of Neural
Science, 4th ed. McGraw-Hill, New York, 2000.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Preparation of Marrow Adherent Stromal Cells (MASCs)
[0062] Bone marrow aspirates, obtained from human donors, were
divided into 12.5 ml aliquots in 50 ml tubes, and 12.5 ml of growth
medium (10% FBS in .alpha.MEM, supplemented with
penicillin/streptomycin and 2 mM L-glutamine) was added to each
tube. The contents of the tubes were mixed by inversion and the
tubes were centrifuged at 200.times.g for 8 minutes. The upper,
clear phase was discarded, the volume of the lower phase was
adjusted to 25 ml with fresh growth medium, and the tubes were
again mixed and centrifuged. The upper layer was again removed. The
volume of the lower phase in each tube was again adjusted to 25 ml
and the contents of all tubes was pooled in a 250 ml tube. After
determination of cell concentration by Trypan Blue exclusion and
determination of nucleated cell count, cells were plated in T225
flasks, in 40 ml per flask of growth medium at a density of
100.times.10.sup.6 total nucleated cells per flask. The flasks were
incubated at 37.degree. C. for 3 days in a CO.sub.2 incubator,
during which time the MASCs attached to the flask.
[0063] After 3 days, unattached cells were removed by rocking the
flasks and withdrawing the culture medium. Each flask was washed
three times with 40 ml of .alpha.MEM supplemented with
penicillin/streptomycin; then 40 ml of prewarmed (37.degree. C.)
growth medium was added to each flask and the cells were cultured
at 37.degree. C. in a CO.sub.2 incubator. During this time, the
medium was replaced with 40 ml of fresh growth medium every 3-4
days, and cells were monitored for growth of colonies and cell
density.
[0064] When the cultures achieved 25-30% confluence (usually
10,000-20,000 cells per colony and within 10-14 days), the MASCs
(passage M0) were harvested for further passage. MASCs were
harvested from up to 10 T-225 flasks at a time. Medium was removed
from the flasks and the adherent cells were rinsed with 20 ml of
DPBS w/o Ca/Mg (DPBS -/-, HyClone) 2 times. Ten ml of 0.25%
Trypsin/EDTA (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) was added to each flask
and flasks were incubated for approximately 5 min at room
temperature. When cells had detached and the colonies had dispersed
into single cells, the trypsin was inactivated by addition of 10 ml
of growth medium followed by gentle mixing. The cell suspensions
were withdrawn from the flasks, and pooled in 250 ml tubes. The
tubes were subjected to centrifugation at 200.times.g for 8
minutes. The supernatants were carefully removed and the wet cell
pellets were resuspended in growth medium to an estimated cell
concentration of approximately 1.times.10.sup.6 cells/ml. Viable
cell count was determined and cells were plated in T225 flasks at a
concentration of 2.times.10.sup.6 cells per flask in growth medium
(passage M1). Cells were grown for 3-5 days, or until 85-90%
confluent, changing medium every 2 to 3 days. At 85-90% confluence,
passage M1 cells were harvested by trypsinization and replated at
2.times.10.sup.6 cells per T225 flask as described above, to
generate passage M2 cultures. M2 cultures were fed fresh medium
every three days, if necessary. When passage M2 cultures reached
85-90% confluence (usually within 3-5 days), they were either
harvested for transfection to generate DRCs (Example 2 below) or
frozen for future use (Example 3 below).
[0065] MASCs prepared in this fashion were positive (>95%) for
CD29, CD90 and CD105, and negative (<5%) for CD31, CD34 and
CD45.
Example 2
Preparation of Differentiation-Restricted Cells (DRCs)
[0066] DRCs were made either directly from MASCs harvested from
passage M2 cultures, or from passage M2 MASCs that had been frozen
as described in Example 3, and thawed and revived as described in
Example 4.
[0067] A. Preparation of Transfection Mixture
[0068] Differentiation-restricted cells were made by transfection
of passage M2 MASCs with a plasmid encoding the Notch intracellular
domain. The plasmid (pCI-Notch) comprised a pCI-neo backbone
(Promega, Madison, Wis.) in which sequences encoding amino acids
1703-2504 of the human Notch-1 protein, which encode the
intracellular domain, were introduced into the multiple cloning
site. For each flask of MASCs, 5 ml of transfection mixture,
containing 40 .mu.g of plasmid and 0.2 ml of Fugene 6.RTM.
solution, was used. To make the transfection mixture, the
appropriate amount of Fugene.RTM. solution (depending on the number
of flasks of cells to be transfected) was added to .alpha.MEM in a
sterile 250 ml tube, using a glass pipette. The solution was mixed
gently and incubated for 5 min at room temperature. The appropriate
amount of plasmid DNA was then added dropwise to the
Fugene.RTM./.alpha.MEM mixture, gently mixed, and incubated for 30
min at room temperature.
[0069] Prior to the addition of pCI-Notch DNA to the
Fugene.RTM./MEM mixture, 5 ml was removed and placed into a 15 ml
tube to which was added 40 ug of pEGFP plasmid. This solution was
used to transfect one flask of cells, as a control for transfection
efficiency.
[0070] B. Transfection
[0071] For transfection, passage M2 MASCs were harvested by
trypsinization (as described in Example 1) and plated at a density
of 2.5.times.10.sup.6 cells in 40 ml of growth medium per T225
flask. When the cells reached 50-70% confluence (usually within
18-24 hours) they were prepared for transfection, by replacing
their growth medium with 35 ml per flask of transfection medium
(.alpha.MEM+10% FBS without penicillin/streptomycin).
[0072] Three hours after introduction of transfection medium, 5 ml
of the transfection mixture (Section A above) was added to each
T-225 flask by pipetting directly into the medium, without
contacting the growth surface, followed by gentle mixing. A control
T-225 flask was transfected with 40 .mu.g of pEGFP plasmid, for
determination of transfection efficiency.
[0073] After incubating cultures at 37.degree. C. in transfection
medium for 24 hours, the transfection medium was replaced with
.alpha.MEM+10% FBS+penicillin/streptomycin.
[0074] C. Selection of Transfected Cells
[0075] Cells that had incorporated plasmid DNA were selected 48 hrs
after transfection by replacing the medium with 40 ml per flask of
selection medium (growth medium containing 100 .mu.g/ml G-418).
Fresh selection medium was provided 3 days, and again 5 days after
selection was begun. After 7 days, selection medium was removed and
the cells were fed with 40 ml of growth medium. The cultures were
then grown for about 3 weeks (range 18 to 21 days), being re-fed
with fresh growth medium every 2-3 days.
[0076] Approximately 3 weeks after selection was begun, when
surviving cells began to form colonies, cells were harvested.
Medium was removed from the flasks using an aspirating pipette and
20 ml of DPBS without Ca.sup.2+/Mg.sup.2+, at room temperature, was
added to each flask. The culture surface was gently rinsed, the
wash solution was removed by aspiration and the rinse step was
repeated. Then 10 ml of prewarmed (37.degree. C.) 0.25%
Trypsin/EDTA was added to each flask, rinsed over the growth
surface, and the flasks were incubated for 5-10 min. at room
temperature. Cultures were monitored with a microscope to ensure
complete detachment of cells. When detachment was complete, trypsin
was inactivated by addition of 10 ml of growth medium per flask.
The mixture was rinsed over the culture surface, mixed by pipetting
4-5 times with a 10 ml pipette, and the suspension was transferred
into a sterile 50 ml conical centrifuge tube. Cells harvested from
several flasks could be pooled in a single tube. If any clumps were
present, they were allowed to settle and the suspension was removed
to a fresh tube.
[0077] The cell suspensions were centrifuged at 800 rpm
(200.times.g) for 8 min at room temperature. Supernatants were
removed by aspiration. Cell pellets were loosened by tapping the
tube, about 10 ml of DPBS without Ca.sup.2+/Mg.sup.2+ was added to
each tube and cells were resuspended by gently pipetting 4-5 times
with a 10 ml pipette to obtain a uniform suspension.
[0078] D. Expansion of Transfected Cells
[0079] Cell number was determined for the suspension of
transformed, selected cells and the cells were plated in T-225
flasks at 2.times.10.sup.6 cells per flask (providing approximately
30% seeding of viable cells). This culture is denoted M2P1 (passage
#1). M2P1 cultures were fed with fresh medium every 2-3 days, and
when cells reached 90-95% confluence (usually 4-7 days after
passage), they were harvested and replated at 2.times.10.sup.6
cells per flask to generate passage M2P2. When M2P2 cultures
reached 90-95% confluence, they were harvested for cryopreservation
(Example 3) or for further assay.
[0080] DRCs prepared in this fashion were positive (>95%) for
CD29, CD90 and CD105, and negative (<5%) for CD31, CD34 and
CD45.
Example 3
Cryopreservation
[0081] MASCs and DRCs were frozen for storage according to the
following procedure. MASCs were typically frozen after passage M2,
and DRCs were typically frozen after passage M2P2. Processing 4-5
flasks at a time, medium was aspirated from the culture flasks, 10
ml of 0.25% Trypsin/EDTA (at room temperature) was added to each
flask, gently rinsed over the culture surface for no longer than 30
sec, and removed by aspirating. Then 10 ml of warmed (37.degree.
C.) 0.25% Trypsin/EDTA was added to each flask, rinsed over the
growth surface, and the flasks were incubated for 5-10 min. at room
temperature. Cultures were monitored by microscopic examination to
ensure complete detachment of cells.
[0082] When detachment was complete, 10 ml of .alpha.MEM growth
medium was added to each flask, rinsed over the culture surface,
and detached cells were mixed by pipetting 4-5 times with a 10 ml
pipette. The cell suspension was transferred into a sterile 250 ml
conical centrifuge tube, and any large clumps of cells were
removed. Cells harvested from 15-20 flasks were pooled into one 250
ml tube.
[0083] The tube was subjected to centrifugation at 800 rpm
(200.times.g) for 8 min at room temperature. The supernatant was
removed by aspirating. The pellet was loosened by tapping the tube,
and about 25 ml of DPBS (-/-) was added to each tube. Cells were
resuspended by gently pipetting 4-5 times with a 10 ml pipette to
obtain a uniform suspension. Any clumps in the suspension were
removed by pipetting each sample through a sterile 70 .mu.m sieve
placed in the neck of a 50 ml tube.
[0084] Cell suspensions were pooled in a 250 ml centrifuge tube and
any remaining clumps were removed. The final volume was adjusted to
200 ml with DPBS (-/-) and the sample was subjected to
centrifugation at 800 rpm (200.times.g) for 8 min at room
temperature. The supernatant was removed by aspiration. The cell
pellet was loosened by tapping, 20 ml of DPBS (-/-) was added to
the tube and cells were resuspended by mixing well and gently
pipetting with a 10 ml pipette. The final volume was adjusted with
DPBS (-/-) to give an estimated concentration of approximately
0.5-1.0.times.10.sup.6 cells/ml, usually about 4-5 ml per T225
flask harvested, or about 200 ml for a 40-flask harvest.
[0085] A viable cell count was conducted on the suspension, which
was then subjected to centrifugation at 800 rpm (200.times.g) for 8
minutes. The supernatant was aspirated, and the cell pellet was
resuspended in cold Cryo Stor solution (BioLife Solutions, Bothell,
Wash.) to a concentration of 12.times.10.sup.6 cells/ml. One ml
aliquots were dispensed into vials, which were sealed and placed at
4.degree. C. in a Cryo Cooler. Vials were transferred into a
CryoMed (Thermo Forma) freezer rack and frozen.
Example 4
Thawing and Recovery
[0086] Frozen cells (MASCs or DRCs) were stored in liquid nitrogen.
When needed for experiments, they were quick-thawed and cultured as
follows. A tube of frozen cells was placed in a 37.degree. C. bath
until thawed. The thawed cell suspension (1 ml) was immediately
placed into 10 ml of growth medium and gently resuspended. The
suspension was centrifuged at 200.times.g, the supernatant was
removed, and cells were resuspended in growth medium to an
estimated concentration of 10.sup.6 cells/ml. Live cells were
counted by Trypan Blue exclusion and cells were plated at a density
of 2.times.10.sup.6 cells per T225 flask. Cells were cultured at
37.degree. C. in a CO.sub.2 incubator for 3-4 days until cell
growth resumed.
Example 5
Preparation of Primary Rat Brain Cells
[0087] Rat brain cortex cells were isolated from commercially
available cortexes of E18 rat embryos (BrainBits, Springfield,
Ill.). Storage medium was carefully removed from the tube in which
the cortex was supplied, and 2 ml of 0.25% (w/v) trypsin/1 mM EDTA
(Invitrogen, Gibco) was added. The tube was placed into a
37.degree. C. water bath for 5-7 minutes with occasional shaking.
The trypsin was carefully removed and the tissue was washed briefly
with .alpha.MEM/10% FBS. DNase (MP Biomedicals, Solon, Ohio) in PBS
was added to a final concentration of 0.25 mg/ml, the tube was
vortexed for 30 sec and the contents pipetted 10 times in a 1 ml
micropipette tip. The suspension was transferred into a fresh tube
and centrifuged at 1,000 rpm (200.times.g) for 1 min. The pellet
was then resuspended in NeuroBasal/B27 medium containing 0.5 mM
GlutaMAX.TM. and a portion of the resuspended cells was removed for
determination of cell number using a hemocytometer. This procedure
usually results in a cell viability of 92-98%. Isolated cells were
then plated into pre-warmed (37.degree. C.) plates coated with
either ECM or PDL, at density no greater than 1.5.times.10.sup.4
cells/cm.sup.2 (see examples below). Unless indicated otherwise,
culture medium for rat cortical cells was NeuroBasal/B27 plus 0.5
mM GlutaMax. The cells were allowed to grow for the times specified
in the examples below, without medium change.
Example 6
Preparation of Plates Coated with MASC-Deposited Extracellular
Matrix (ECM)
[0088] MASCs were plated in 12-well plates at densities of
1.times.10.sup.5 cells/well and 2.times.10.sup.5 cells/well (2.5
and 5.times.10.sup.4 cells/cm.sup.2), and grown for 4 days at
37.degree. C./5% CO.sub.2 in complete medium (.alpha.MEM/10%
FBS/penicillin/streptomycin). Control wells contained medium, but
no cells. Medium was then changed to serum-free .alpha.MEM and
culture was continued at 37.degree. C./5% CO.sub.2. After 2 days,
medium was aspirated from the wells, and replaced with 1 ml of 0.5%
(v/v) sterile Triton X-100 (Sigma-Aldrich, St Louis, Mo.).
(Subsequent experiments showed that similar results can be obtained
using 0.1% Triton.) After 30 min at room temperature (RT), the
Triton solution was removed and replaced with 1 ml of 0.3% (w/w)
aqueous NH.sub.4OH (Sigma-Aldrich, St Louis, Mo.), and incubation
at room temperature was continued for 3-5 min. The NH.sub.4OH
solution was removed, and the wells were washed twice with PBS,
then filled with either PBS or NeuroBasal/B27 plus 0.5 mM
GlutaMAX.TM. and stored at 4.degree. C. until use.
[0089] FIG. 1 shows a micrograph of ECM deposited by two
concentrations of MASCs.
Example 7
Growth of Rat Brain Cells on Plates Coated with ECM Produced by
MASCs
[0090] ECM-coated plates, prepared and stored as described in
Example 6 above, were either warmed at 37.degree. C. for 30 min (if
stored with NeuroBasal/B27/GlutaMAX.TM. in the wells) or PBS was
removed and replaced with NeuroBasal/B27/GlutaMAX.TM. (if the
plates had been stored with PBS in the wells). Rat cortical cells,
prepared as described in Example 5 above, were added to the warmed
ECM-coated plates, at density of 1.5.times.10.sup.4 cells/cm.sup.2
in 1 ml per well of NeuroBasal/B27/GlutaMAX.TM. medium and cultured
at 37.degree. C./5% CO.sub.2 for 9 days. Cortical cells were also
added, at the same density, to pre-warmed control plates coated
with poly-D-lysine (PDL) and cultured under the same conditions for
the same amount of time. PDL-coated plates were prepared by adding
a solution of 10 .mu.g/ml poly-D-Lysine (PDL, Sigma-Aldrich, St
Louis, Mo.) to wells and incubating for 1 hr at room temperature.
The liquid was aspirated, wells dried, washed with PBS, filled with
NeuroBasal/B27/GlutaMAX.TM. or PBS and wells were stored at
4.degree. C. until use.
[0091] Neural cells attached to both MASC-ECM and PDL within an
hour after plating. However, at later times (e.g., 16 hours after
plating), it was observed that neurites grew more rapidly on
ECM-coated plates and they tended to align with the fibrils present
in the matrix. By contrast, on PDL, neurite outgrowth was slower
and more randomly directed. By six days after plating, more cells,
having denser neurite networks, were present on ECM than on
PDL.
[0092] The appearance of rat cortical cells, grown in
NeuroBasal/B27/GlutaMAX.TM. medium on plates coated with
MASC-deposited ECM, was compared to that of rat cortical cells
growth in the same medium on plates coated with PDL, and the
results are shown in FIG. 2. After six days' growth on PDL-coated
plates (right-most panel) few neurons, with moderate processes,
were observed. On plates coated with MASC-deposited ECM, by
contrast, numerous neurons, having extended processes, were
observed (left-most and center panels). Accordingly, the
extracellular matrix deposited by MASCs facilitates neuronal
survival and growth.
Example 8
Neural Cells do not Bind to Components of the Medium
[0093] Fibronectin-coated wells were prepared by incubating wells
with fibronectin at 5 .mu.g/ml in PBS for 1 hour at room
temperature. The solution was then aspirated and wells dried and
washed once with PBS.
[0094] Coating of wells with laminin was achieved by incubating
wells with laminin at 2 .mu.g/ml in PBS for 2 hours at 37.degree.
C., and then washing 3 times with PBS.
[0095] Wells were coated with Matrigel.RTM. (BD Biosciences,
Bedford, Mass.) according to the manufacturer's protocol.
[0096] To ensure that the cortical cells were attaching to the ECM,
and not to components of the MASC growth medium that may have
adsorbed to the wells during elaboration of the matrix, cell growth
was tested in wells coated with growth medium, fibronectin and
laminin. In these experiments, it was observed that, up to six days
after plating, neural cells failed to grow in wells coated with
FBS, fibronectin or laminin, by which time cells had attached and
begun to extend neurites on plates coated with ECM or PDL. These
results support the idea that the neural cells are attaching to the
ECM, rather than to adsorbed components of the growth medium.
[0097] Growth of cortical cells on Matrigel.RTM., a reconstituted
basement membrane, was also assessed. Although cells were able to
attach to surfaces coated with Matrigel.RTM., they aggregated and
formed neurospheres, leading to focal growth of the cells; in
contrast to cells grown on ECM or PDL, in which the cells were more
evenly distributed across the surface.
Example 9
Dose Response
[0098] A series of 96-well plates coated with MASC-deposited ECM
was prepared essentially as described in Example 6, using different
concentrations of MASCs, to determine whether the growth of brain
cells was dependent on the number of MASCs used to deposit the ECM.
Rat primary cortical cells were prepared as described in Example 5
and cultured on the coated plates as described in Example 7.
[0099] After either 5 or 13 days of culture on the coated plates,
cell growth and survival was assayed by lysing the cells and
measuring released intracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), using
a Roche LDH assay kit (Mannheim, Germany), as follows. Culture
medium was removed from the well and 0.1 ml of 2% (v/v) Triton
X-100 was added. A mixture of reagents A and B from the LDH kit was
prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions, and 0.1 ml
was added to each well. Approximately 20-30 min later, color was
measured on a SpectraMax.RTM. Plus photometer (Molecular Devices,
Sunnyvale, Calif.), reading at a wavelength of 490 nm, with a
reference wavelength of 650 nm. Serial dilutions of frozen rat
cortical cells, obtained as described in Example 5, above, were
used to construct a standard curve. Alternatively, serial dilutions
of purified bovine LDH were used as standards. The cells were
thawed, lysed in Triton and serially diluted. Typically, color was
allowed to develop until the standard sample containing the highest
cell (or LDH) concentration provided a reading of approximately 1
OD unit. Measurements were analyzed using Soft Max Pro software
(Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, Calif.) and a standard curve was
constructed by quadratic fit.
[0100] The results, shown in FIG. 3, indicate that brain cell
growth is positively correlated with the number of MASCs that were
used to produce the ECM coating the well in which the cells were
grown. When higher doses of MASCs were used, the number of cells
present on ECM-coated plates significantly exceeded the number of
cells present on PDL-coated plates. This effect became more
pronounced with longer culture: for example, after 5 days of
culture, the number of cells growing on plates coated with ECM
elaborated by MASCS that were initially plated at a density of
2.times.10.sup.4 cells/well was approximately twice the number
growing on PDL-coated plates; while, after 13 days of culture, the
ratio of surviving cells increased to almost four-fold.
Example 10
Growth of Rat Brain Cells on Plates Coated with ECM Produced by
Differentiation-Restricted Descendents of MASCs
[0101] MASCs can be subjected to treatments that alter their
developmental capacity. See United States provisional patent
application, filed even date herewith, inventor Irina Aizman,
attorney docket number 8910-0007P, client reference number SB7-PR1;
see also Example 2 above. The ability of such
"differentiation-restricted cells (DRCs)" to elaborate a matrix
that supports and enhances survival of brain cells was tested and
compared to that of the parent MASCs.
[0102] MASCs and DRCs from the same donor were plated at several
different concentrations (1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20.times.10.sup.3
cells per well; corresponding to 4, 8, 15, 30 and 60.times.10.sup.3
cells/cm.sup.2), then cultured (as described in Examples 7 and 9)
for 6 days. At that point, cells were lysed with Triton (as
described in Example 6), the cell lysates were removed from the
wells and a portion of each lysate was used to determine relative
cell numbers, based on released intracellular LDH. This measurement
was used to confirm that the numbers of MASCs and/or DRCs per well
was as expected, based on the initial number of cells plated. The
wells were then treated with NH.sub.4OH and washed as described in
Example 6, and rat brain cortex cells (prepared as described in
Example 5) were plated in the wells as described in Example 7.
Cells were cultured, as described in Example 7, for 13 days. At 5
days and 13 days of culture, the relative cell number in each well
was determined by LDH assay, as described in Example 9. The
results, shown in FIG. 4, indicate that DRC-deposited ECM had an
even greater supportive effect on neural cells than did
MASC-deposited ECM. In particular, ECM elaborated by either MASCs
or DRCs plated at or greater than a density of 1.5.times.10.sup.4
cells/cm.sup.2 (at which the cells were approximately 80% confluent
at the time of ECM preparation) consistently supported better
neural cell growth than did PDL; and ECM elaborated by DRCs plated
at cell densities of 3.times.10.sup.4 cells/cm.sup.2 or greater
supported more extensive cell growth that did that elaborated by
MASCs plated at the same density.
[0103] Thus DRCs, in addition to having an altered differentiation
capacity compared to their parent MASCs, also have a greater
ability to elaborate a matrix conducive to the growth of neural
cells. This could result from DRCs having an ability to produce
more of the same type of matrix as that produced by MASCs, or may
result from the ability of DRCs to elaborate a matrix that is
qualitatively different from the matrix elaborated by MASCs.
Example 11
Test for Effects of ECM on Initial Adhesion of Cortical Cells
[0104] Since one of the functions of the extracellular matrix is to
provide a surface to which cells adhere, it is possible that the
beneficial effects of MASC- and DRC-deposited extracellular matrix
on brain cell survival and growth is due to improved adhesion of
the cells to the matrix and/or the culture surface. To test the
effect of MASC-deposited ECM on cell adhesion, primary rat cortical
cells, prepared as described in Example 5, were cultured in either
MASC-deposited ECM-coated wells (prepared using different
concentrations of MASCs, as in Example 8) or PDL-coated wells
(prepared as described in Example 7). Two sets of wells (containing
one PDL-coated well and a series of wells containing ECM from
different numbers of MASCs) were analyzed: in one set, the cortical
cells were grown in NeuroBasal/B27/GlutaMAX.TM. medium (as used in
previous examples 7, 9 and 10); in the other set, the cortical
cells were cultured in .alpha.MEM. All determinations were carried
out in duplicate.
[0105] Neural cells as described in Example 5 were plated at a
density of 1.5.times.10.sup.4 cells/cm.sup.2 in 96-well plates,
coated either with MASC ECM or with PDL. The cells were cultured
for one hour (37.degree. C., 5% CO.sub.2); then the medium was
removed and the wells were washed with PBS (containing Ca.sup.2+
and Mg.sup.2+). Cells remaining attached to the wells were lysed
and analyzed for intracellular LDH as described in Example 9.
[0106] The results are shown in FIG. 5. When cells were cultured
for one hour and non-adherent cells were then washed off the
culture surface, no difference in the number of cells adhering to
PDL-coated wells and the number of cells adhering to wells coated
with ECM deposited by higher doses of MASCs (the same doses that
provided enhanced growth of the cells) was observed. Thus, the
beneficial effects of ECM are not due to facilitation of initial
adherence of the primary cortical cells, but become apparent only
during later stages of culture. FIG. 5 also shows that there is no
differences in adhesion whether the cortical cells are grown in a
poor medium (.alpha.MEM) or a rich medium
(NeuroBasal/B27/GlutaMAX.TM.).
Example 12
Enhancement of Brain Cell Growth in Poor Medium by ECM
[0107] Rat primary cortical cells grew poorly in .alpha.MEM,
compared to their growth in NeuroBasal/B27/GlutaMAX.TM. medium.
Four-day survival of neural cells grown on PDL-coated plates in
.alpha.MEM was approximately 25% of that in
Neurobasal/B27/GlutaMAX.TM. medium on PDL-coated plates, as
determined by intracellular LDH assay (FIG. 6, compare rightmost
two bars). However, cortical cells grown in .alpha.MEM on wells
coated with ECM deposited by higher doses of MASCs survived as
well, after four days' growth, as those grown in the richer
Neurobasal/B27/GlutaMAX.TM. medium on PDL-coated plates (FIG. 6).
Thus, the ECM can overcome the deficiency that led to poorer growth
of rat cortical cells in .alpha.MEM.
[0108] A similar effect was observed with ECM elaborated by
DRCs.
Example 13
Expression of Neuronal Markers by Rat Cortical Cells Grown on
ECM
[0109] The visual results shown above in FIG. 2, indicating
enhanced neuronal growth when rat primary cortical cells were
cultured on ECM, were confirmed by conducting immunohistochemical
analyses for neuronal markers. For these experiments, rat cortical
cells grown on poly-D-lysine, MASC-deposited ECM or DRC-deposited
ECM were tested for the expression of the neuronal markers MAP2 and
tau.
[0110] Rat primary cortical cells were grown on ECM- or PDL-coated
plates for 3 days for the MAP2 assay, or for 13 days for the tau
assay. At the conclusion of the growth period, cells were washed
with PBS, fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde (Electron Microscopy
Sciences, Fort Washington, Pa.) for 20 min, washed with PBS, and
blocked with 0.3% Triton X-100, 5% normal donkey serum (NDS)
(Jackson Immunoresearch Laboratories, West Grove, Pa.) for one
hour. Primary antibodies to either MAP2 (monoclonal, Sigma-Aldrich,
St Louis, Mo.) or tau (monoclonal, Chemicon, Temecula, Calif.) were
used at dilutions of 1:1000 and 1:200, respectively. Isotype
control was used as negative control for staining After incubation
for 1-1.5 hr with the primary antibody, cells were washed and
incubated with Cy3-conjugated AffiPure F(ab').sub.2 fragments of
Donkey anti-Mouse IgG (minimal crossreaction) at 1:1000 (Jackson
Immunoresearch Laboratories). After incubation for 1 hr with
secondary antibody, wells or coverslips were washed with PBS and
coverslips were mounted using ProLong Gold antifade reagent with
DAPI (Invitrogen, Molecular Probes, Eugene, Oreg.). Cells were
examined on either a Zeiss Axioskop or a Zeiss Axiovert 40CFL
microscope, and photographs were taken with a Zeiss AxioCam
MRm.
[0111] The results, shown in FIG. 7, demonstrate that neurons
growing on ECM (either MASC- or DRC-derived) possessed both a
greater number of processes, and more fully-developed (i.e.,
longer) processes, than neurons growing on PDL. These cells also
expressed significant levels of the neuronal markers MAP2 and
Tau.
Example 14
Expression of Glial Markers by Rat Cortical Cells Grown on ECM
[0112] Rat primary cortical cells cultured on ECM were also tested
for the expression of the astrocyte marker GFAP (glial fibrillary
acidic protein, FIG. 8) and for the oligodendrocyte marker CNPase
(FIG. 9). In testing for the expression of GFAP, the cultures were
also tested for MAP2 reactivity, and were stained with DAPI to
provide an estimate of cell number.
[0113] To test for GFAP and MAP2 expression, rat primary cortical
cells were grown on ECM- or PDL-coated cover slips for 12 days. At
the conclusion of the growth period, cells were fixed in 4%
paraformaldehyde (Electron Microscopy Sciences, Fort Washington,
Pa.) for 20 min and blocked with 0.3% Triton X-100, 5% normal
donkey serum (NDS) (Jackson Immunoresearch Laboratories, West
Grove, Pa.). Primary antibodies to either MAP2 (monoclonal,
Sigma-Aldrich, St Louis, Mo.), or GFAP (rabbit polyclonal,
DakoCytomation) were used at dilutions of 1:1000 and 1:1500,
respectively. In some experiments, simultaneous assay for MAP2 and
GFAP was conducted (i.e., MAP2 and GFAP antibodies were used in the
same well). Isotype-matched antibody (for anti-MAP2) or normal
rabbit serum IgG (for anti-GFAP) were used as negative controls for
staining After incubation for 1 hr with the primary antibody, cells
were washed and incubated with secondary antibodies. For MAP2, the
secondary antibody was Cy3-conjugated AffiPure F(ab').sub.2
fragments of Donkey anti-Mouse IgG (minimal crossreaction) at
1:1000. For GFAP, the secondary antibody was FITC-conjugated
AffiPure F(ab').sub.2 fragments of Donkey anti-Rabbit IgG (minimal
crossreaction) at 1:4000 (both obtained from Jackson Immunoresearch
Laboratories). After incubation for 1 hr with secondary antibody,
wells or coverslips were washed with PBS and coverslips were
mounted using ProLong Gold antifade reagent with DAPI (Invitrogen,
Molecular Probes, Eugene, Oreg.). Cells were examined on either a
Zeiss Axioskop or a Zeiss Axiovert 40CFL microscope, and
photographs were taken with a Zeiss AxioCam MRm.
[0114] The results, shown in FIG. 8, confirmed that ECM supported
the growth of more total cells (see nuclear staining by DAPI
staining in left panels). In addition, cultures grown on ECM, but
not on PDL, exhibited extensive GFAP staining, indicating the
presence of large numbers of astrocytes (right panels). Among these
astrocytes, MAP2-positive neurons were located in ECM cultures
(center panels). By contrast, PDL supported only neuronal growth
(i.e., MAP.sup.2+ cells). Thus, ECM supported the growth of both
neurons and astrocytes, and the neurons growing on ECM extended
longer and more prominent neurites that did those growing on
PDL.
[0115] CNPase (2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase, or
-phosphohydrolase) is a 47K protein found in myelin, that is
expressed by oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells. To test for
expression of CNPase, conditions were as described above for the
GFAP assays, except that rat cells were grown for 21 days on
ECM-coated plates, the primary antibody was an anti-CNPase
monoclonal (Chemicon, Temecula, Calif.) used at 1:200 dilution, and
the secondary antibody was Cy3-conjugated AffiPure F(ab').sub.2
fragments of Donkey anti-Mouse IgG (minimal crossreaction) at
1:1000 (Jackson Immunoresearch Laboratories). Results are shown in
FIG. 9 and indicate that both MASC- and DRC-deposited ECMs
supported the growth of oligodendrocytes. No cells showing
immunoreactivity to CNPase were detected when rat neural cells were
cultured on PDL-coated plates.
* * * * *