Quantitative iTRAQ proteomics reveal the proteome profiles of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells after cocultures with Schwann cells in vitro

Ann Transl Med, 2022 · DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-3073 · Published: September 1, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Bioinformatics

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the effects of coculturing bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) with Schwann cells (SCs) on the protein expression of BMSCs. The researchers used iTRAQ proteomics to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in BMSCs after coculture with SCs for 3 or 7 days, compared to BMSCs cultured alone. Bioinformatics analyses, including GO and KEGG pathway analyses, were performed to understand the biological processes and pathways associated with these DEPs, providing insights into the potential mechanisms of SCI repair.

Study Duration

7 days

Participants

20 adult female Wistar rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
A total of 6,760 types of proteins were detected, with 5,181 having quantitative information. Among these, 243 DEPs were identified.
2
GO analysis revealed that DEPs in the SC3d vs. SC0d comparison were enriched in terms related to cell adhesion and integrin signaling.
3
KEGG pathway analysis indicated that pathways such as ECM-receptor interaction, lysosome function, PI3K-Akt signaling, CAMs, leukocyte transendothelial migration, and PPAR signaling pathway may be crucial in SCI repair.

Research Summary

This study used iTRAQ proteomics to analyze the proteome profiles of BMSCs cocultured with SCs, identifying 243 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Bioinformatics analyses (GO and KEGG) indicated that these DEPs are involved in biological processes and signaling pathways related to cell adhesion, immune response, and neuroprotection, potentially contributing to spinal cord injury (SCI) repair. The study suggests that molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways, such as ICAM-1, integrin, lysosome function, PI3K-Akt signaling, CAMs, leukocyte transendothelial migration, and PPAR signaling, play important roles in the BMSC and SC coculture process, offering potential targets for SCI treatment.

Practical Implications

Target Identification

The identified DEPs and related pathways provide potential targets for further investigation in SCI treatment strategies.

Cellular Mechanisms Elucidation

Understanding the molecular interactions between BMSCs and SCs can lead to more effective cell transplantation therapies for SCI.

Therapeutic Directions

The study suggests novel therapeutic directions by targeting specific signaling pathways involved in the inflammatory response, angiogenesis, and neuroprotection.

Study Limitations

1
Further verification is required to confirm our hypothesis.
2
These results still need to be verified by further experimental work.
3
The efficacy and repair mechanism of co-transplantation SCs and BMSCs at different periods after the injury will be further investigated and defined.

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