Stem Cell Research (Mar 2020)

Non-invasively enhanced intracranial transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells using focused ultrasound mediated by overexpression of cell-adhesion molecules

  • Jihyeon Lee,
  • Won Seok Chang,
  • Jaewoo Shin,
  • Younghee Seo,
  • Chanho Kong,
  • Byeong-Wook Song,
  • Young Cheol Na,
  • Bong Soo Kim,
  • Jin Woo Chang

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 43

Abstract

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Although there have been reports of promising results regarding the transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for neurodegenerative diseases through the use of neuronal differentiation or control of the microenvironment, traditional surgical transplantation methods like parenchymal or intravenous injection have limitations such as secondary injuries in the brain, infection, and low survival rate of stem cells in the target site. Focused ultrasound (FUS) treatment is an emerging modality for the treatment of brain diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. The various biological effects of FUS treatment have been investigated; therefore, the goal is now to improve the delivery efficiency and function of MSCs by capitalizing on the advantages of FUS. In this study, we demonstrated that FUS increases MSC transplantation into brain tissue by >2-fold, and that this finding might be related to the activation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in endothelial and subendothelial cells and vascular adhesion molecule-1 in endothelial cells. Keywords: Stem cell transplantation, Mesenchymal stem cells, Cell adhesion molecules, Cell migration, Cytokines, Stem cell-microenvironment interactions