Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known for their ability to repair liver damage. However, their therapeutic potential still needs to be enhanced. In the present study, we produced genome-edited MSCs that secrete interleukin 10 (IL-10) and evaluated their therapeutic potential in a liver fibrosis model. Multiple copies of the IL-10 gene were inserted into a safe harbor genomic locus in amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (AMMs) using transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs). The IL-10 gene-edited AMMs (AMM/I) were characterized by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), and microarray. The effects of AMM/I-conditioned cell medium (CM) on the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) were analyzed in vitro and in vivo therapeutic assays were performed on a mouse liver fibrosis model. The engineered AMM/I expressed high levels of IL-10. AMM/I-CM inhibited the activation of HSC (in vitro) and TNF-α expression of T cells/macrophage derived from fibrotic liver. In addition, human IL-10 was detected in the serum of the mice transplanted with AMM/I and transplantation of AMM/I significantly inhibited thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis and ameliorated abnormal liver function. Furthermore, a high number of human albumin-expressing AMM/I were successfully engrafted into the liver of recipient mice. Overall, genome-edited AMMs overexpressing anti-fibrotic IL-10 might be a promising alternative therapeutic option for the treatment of liver cirrhosis.

Although human amniotic epithelial cells (AMEs) are an attractive source of stem cells, their therapeutic potential in wound healing has not been fully investigated. We evaluated the therapeutic potential of AMEs for wound healing. Real-time PCR showed that the epithelialization growth factors epidermal growth factor (EGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B and chemotactic factors interleukin-8 (IL-8 or CXCL8) and neutrophil-activating protein-2 (NAP-2 or CXCL7) were upregulated in AMEs compared with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMs). In vitro scratch wound assays revealed that AME-derived conditioned medium substantially accelerated wound closure. Wounds in NOD/SCID mice were created by skin excision, followed by AME transplantation. AMEs implantation significantly accelerated wound healing and increased cellularity and re-epithelialization. Transplanted AMEs exhibited high engraftment rates and expressed keratinocyte-specific proteins and cytokeratin in the wound area, suggesting direct benefits for cutaneous closure. Taken together, these data indicate that AMEs possess therapeutic capability for wound healing through the secretion of epithelialization growth factors and enhanced engraftment properties. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Stem cells or progenitor cells have been demonstrated as a novel alternative for cell therapy; however, their sustained efficacy is still debated. This study aimed to evaluate whether interleukin 10 (IL-10) gene-edited amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (AMM/I) contribute to left ventricular (LV) function and remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The IL-10 gene was integrated into the genomic locus of AMM via transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN) and AMM/I were intramyocardially transplanted into AMI mice models. Cardiac function, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, histology, capillary density, and apoptosis assays were performed. AMM/I transplantation significantly suppressed infiltrated CD68 positive or F4/80 positive inflammatory cells and reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory factors in the infarcted myocardium. In addition, significantly improved LV function and reduced infarct size was noted in mice model with AMM/I transplantation than in those given AMM. Moreover, AMM/I highly inhibited cell apoptosis and increased capillary density in the infarcted myocardium. Our study demonstrated that AMM/I recruitment played favorable roles in the early restoration of LV function and remodeling by suppressing inflammation and enhancing cardiac protection and capillary density.

Although mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) provide effective therapy for liver fibrosis, there are conflicting data regarding their marginal therapeutic effects. This study aimed to enhance the potential of hepatocyte regeneration in human adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) and investigate whether they have robust therapeutic efficacy in experimental liver fibrosis. ASCs were cultured with four cytokines (ASC-C), the expression of hepatogenic factors was detected by microarray, and the effects of conditioned medium (CM) from ASC-C on the activation of hepatic stellate cells were analyzed. The therapeutic effects and mechanism of liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA) were determined after cell transplantation. ASC-C exhibited high levels of hepatogenic (HGF, G-CSF), anti-apoptotic (IGFBP-2), and chemokine (IL-8) genes and increased expression of hepatocyte specific proteins. ASC-C CM inhibited the activation of hepatic stellate cells in vitro, and injection of ASC-C significantly delayed TAA-induced liver fibrosis and improved liver function and regeneration in vivo. In addition, human albumin-expressing ASC-C were observed in the livers of recipient animals. High levels of expression of HGF and its downstream signaling molecules, including p-38, were detected in the ASC-C-injected livers. Transplantation of ASC-C exerts anti-fibrotic effects and accelerates liver regeneration. Thus, ASC-C may be a novel candidate for the enhanced treatment of liver cirrhosis in clinical settings.