Regulation of migration characteristics of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) by encapsulation in collagen matrix

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Regenerative medicine aims to create functional tissues in order to repair and replace damaged body parts. Stem cell based therapies are therapeutic approaches with promising potentials in regenerative medicine. However, the success of cell therapy is greatly limited by rate of cell retention and engraftment to the target tissue. In this study, we have selected human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) with better in vitro migratory properties using Type I collagen barrier. METHODS AND RESULTS: hMSCs were subjected to a self selection process via microencapsulation in collagen barrier where they were induced to migrate out from this barrier. Flow cytometry showed that the immunophenotypes of these selected hMSCs were unaltered compared with hMSCs derived from monolayer cultures. The cells also preserved their multi-potent differentiating potential and self renewing capacity after the selection. The selected hMSCs also processed significantly higher in vitro migratory ability by in vitro migration assay. The phenomenon also applied when adipose derived stem cells were used. To further investigate the engraftment potential of this selected hMSCs, transplantation into NOD/SCID mice underwent partial hepatectomy were performed. Expression of human cells was determined by human markers using flow cytometry after 48 hours, 1 week and 1 month. The engraftment of selected hMSCs was higher than that of hMSCs derived from monolayer culture. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the selection through microencapsulation in collagen gel may be a possible method to enhance the therapeutic potential of MSCs.