Generation of myogenic progenitor cell-derived smooth muscle cells for sphincter regeneration

Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-020-01749-w · Published: June 8, 2020

Simple Explanation

This research explores a new way to treat diseases caused by damaged sphincter muscles, which control the movement of solids and liquids in the body. The study focuses on using cells from skeletal muscle, called myogenic progenitor cells (MPCs), to create smooth muscle cells that can potentially repair damaged sphincters. The researchers successfully transformed MPCs into smooth muscle cells (MPC-SMCs) in the lab. These lab-grown MPC-SMCs showed characteristics of normal smooth muscle cells, including the ability to contract and express specific proteins. When the MPC-SMCs were transplanted into the pyloric sphincter of mice, they integrated into the surrounding muscle tissue. This suggests that MPC-SMCs could be a potential treatment for sphincter-related diseases like fecal incontinence.

Study Duration

12 weeks in vivo

Participants

Human skeletal muscle tissue and immunodeficient mice

Evidence Level

In vitro and in vivo study

Key Findings

1
MPC derived from human skeletal muscle can be differentiated into smooth muscle cells (MPC-SMC) in vitro.
2
MPC-SMC exhibit increased expression of smooth muscle-related genes and proteins, including αSMA and smoothelin.
3
Transplantation of murine MPC-SMC into the mouse pyloric sphincter resulted in engraftment and aSMA protein expression within the host smooth muscle tissue.

Research Summary

This study demonstrates the ability of skeletal muscle-derived MPCs to differentiate into smooth muscle cells (MPC-SMCs) with a stable phenotype in vitro. The engraftment of in vitro-differentiated murine MPC-SMCs into the pyloric sphincter in vivo suggests their potential as a novel cell therapy for smooth muscle regeneration of sphincters. The research confirms the ability of MPC to give rise to smooth muscle cells (MPC-SMC) with a well-defined and stable phenotype.

Practical Implications

Novel Cell Therapeutic Treatment

MPC-SMC could be a promising cell therapeutic treatment for smooth muscle regeneration of sphincters.

Treatment for Fecal Incontinence

The study suggests a potential treatment for passive fecal incontinence using MPC-derived smooth muscle cells.

Dual Regenerative Potential

Skeletal muscle-derived CD56+ MPC have both skeletal and smooth muscle regenerative potential.

Study Limitations

1
Further studies are required to address the safety and efficacy of MPC-SMC in smooth muscle sphincter regeneration.
2
Faithful small and large animal disease models for sphincter regeneration will be pivotal for gathering new insight.
3
Mode of action of MPC-SMC is yet to be elucidated.

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