Dimethylsulfoxide Inhibits Oligodendrocyte Fate Choice of Adult Neural Stem and Progenitor Cells

Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2019 · DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01242 · Published: November 26, 2019

Regenerative Medicine Neurology Genetics

Simple Explanation

Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is commonly used in medicine as a solvent or cryoprotectant for cells during transplantation. However, recent studies suggest that DMSO might have toxic side effects. This study found that DMSO can inhibit the formation of oligodendrocytes, which are important for myelinating nerve cells in the brain, and instead promote the formation of astrocytes. The presence of DMSO also diminished the positive effect that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have on oligodendrocyte production. Therefore, the researchers recommend considering the anti-oligodendrogenic effects of DMSO when designing clinical trials.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

6–8 weeks old female Fischer-344 rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
A concentration of 1% DMSO robustly suppressed oligodendrogenesis and drove the fate of differentiating NSPCs toward astrogenesis.
2
The pro-oligodendrogenic effect of MSC-conditioned medium (MSCCM) was also nearly completely abolished by the presence of 1% DMSO.
3
DMSO elevated the expression of Id2 in differentiating NSPCs cultivated either in aMEM, or in MSCCM, resulting in a shift of NSPCs fate decision away from oligodendrocytes and toward astrocytes.

Research Summary

This study investigates the impact of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) on oligodendrogenesis using adult rat neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs). The key finding is that DMSO inhibits oligodendrogenesis and promotes astrogenesis, even negating the pro-oligodendrogenic effects of mesenchymal stromal cell-conditioned medium (MSCCM). The study concludes that the anti-oligodendrogenic activity of DMSO should be carefully considered when designing future clinical trial protocols involving cell transplantation.

Practical Implications

Clinical Trial Design

When designing clinical trials involving cell transplantation for demyelinating diseases, researchers should carefully consider the impact of DMSO and implement appropriate controls or removal strategies.

Understanding Mechanisms of Remyelination

Further research is needed to understand the detailed mode of action of DMSO on cell fate and its potential effects on oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) differentiation.

Optimization of Cell Culture

When evaluating the differentiation of NSPCs, oligodendrogenesis, or remyelination, the impact of DMSO should be carefully considered in cell culture experiments, and appropriate controls should be used.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted in vitro using rat neural stem and progenitor cells, which may not fully represent the complexity of in vivo conditions or human biology.
2
The study primarily focused on a 1% concentration of DMSO, and further investigation is needed to determine the effects of lower concentrations under various conditions.
3
The detailed mode of action of DMSO on cell fate remains elusive, and further research is required to fully understand the mechanisms involved.

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