The dynamics of adult haematopoiesis in the bone and bone marrow environment.

This review explores the dynamic relationship between bone and bone marrow in the genesis and regulation of adult haematopoiesis and will provide an overview of the haematopoietic hierarchical system. This will include the haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) and its niches, as well as discuss emerging evidence of the reciprocal interplay between bone and bone marrow, and support of the pleiotropic role played by bone cells in the regulation of HSC proliferation, differentiation and function. In addition, this review will present demineralized bone matrix as a unique acellular matrix platform that permits the generation of ectopic de novo bone and bone marrow and provides a means of investigating the temporal sequence of bone and bone marrow regeneration. It is anticipated that the utilization of this matrix-based approach will help researchers in gaining deeper insights into the major events leading to adult haematopoiesis in the bone marrow. Furthermore, this model may potentially offer new avenues to manipulate the HSC niche and hence influence the functional output of the haematopoietic system.

Innovation and stem cell excellence power - Australia's drug potential.

Australia's excellence in medical research, the transparent regulatory regime and its track record in clinical trials are driving a maturing of the country's biomedicine-dominated biotech industry. At the same time, Australia is cementing its position as an international leader in stem cell research. In terms of preclinical drug leads, Australian institutes and universities continue to generate a stream of discoveries with commercial potential. Recent examples include the Gardasil cervical cancer vaccine, now licensed for sale in 80 countries; and the Nobel Prize-winning discovery of the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers. In stem cell science, Australia's place as a world leader can be attributed to its culture of innovation and discovery, clear legislative framework and long history in both adult and embryonic stem cell research.

Explant pathology study of decellularized carotid artery vascular grafts.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the morphologic findings in small-diameter freeze-dried decellularized carotid artery grafts implanted in goats as carotid artery interposition grafts for 6-7 months. Unimplanted decellularized carotid artery grafts did not contain intact cells; however, remnants of smooth muscle cells were present in the media. The extracellular matrix was well preserved. All decellularized grafts were patent at explant, without significant dimensional changes or aneurysm formation. Their luminal surfaces were lined by a thin neointima, consisting of myofibroblasts, collagen, and a discontinuous layer of endothelial cells. Histologic evidence of calcification within the explants was not observed; however, electron microscopy showed calcification of minute remnants of cell membranes. Inflammatory cells were not present in the graft wall. Host cell migration was greatest in the adventitia along the length of the graft. Migration of host cells into the media was more apparent close to the anastomoses, forming cellular nests rich in extracellular proteoglycans, whereas cell migration into areas subjacent to the lumen was minimal. Ingrowth of host blood vessels was not observed. These results demonstrate satisfactory structural and morphologic features of a decellularized carotid artery small-diameter graft implanted for up to 7 months.

The use of acellular dermal matrix as a scaffold for periosteum replacement.

Three preclinical models were used to evaluate GraftJacket Acellular Periosteum Replacement Scaffold (Wright Medical Technology, Inc, Arlington, Tenn). The studies assessed the ability of the acellular dermal matrix to repopulate with cells, revascularize, provide a protected environment for bone defect restoration, and minimize fibrous tissue infiltration. An athymic nude rat muscle implantation study demonstrated a steady increase in cellular repopulation through days 2-21. The formation of blood vessels occurred between days 7-14 in this study. Results from a porcine femoral drill hole study indicated that the scaffold material was intact and adherent to surrounding bone and allowed cellular repopulation and vascular infiltration at a 5-week time period. A preliminary porcine segmental bone defect model at a 6-week time period demonstrated the ability of the scaffold material to protect the bone defect site as revealed by new bone formation within the margins of the defect and adjacent to the scaffold. The segmental model also indicated minimal to no soft tissue invasion into the defect site. The combined studies provided preliminary evidence that the dermal membrane material may be used as a scaffold for periosteum regeneration by allowing for cellular repopulation, revascularization, and bone defect restoration.

Biochemical stabilization enhances red blood cell recovery and stability following cryopreservation.

Glycerolized red blood cells (RBC) are approved for long-term cryopreservation. However, the need to remove the glycerol cryoprotectant prior to transfusion has limited the usefulness of this cryopreservation method. This report describes using non-cryoprotectant biochemical stabilization techniques to substitute for the standard glycerol cryoprotectant. The glycerolized RBC method was compared to a newly developed LC-V method that combines transfusable cryoprotectants (hydroxyethyl starch and dextran) and specific non-cryoprotectant biochemical stabilizers (nicotinamide, nifedipine, and flurbiprofen). Results demonstrate that the biochemical stabilizers significantly reduce cryopreservation-induced hemolysis compared to cryopreservation in their absence and that thaw hemolysis levels approach those of standard 40% (w/v) glycerolized RBC (3.1+/-0.2% for 40% glycerol compared to 8.7+/-0.9% for the LC-V protocol). Furthermore, LC-V cryopreserved RBC exhibit a significantly enhanced post-thaw stability compared to glycerolized RBC as determined by osmotic fragility index (0.557+/-0.034 for 40% glycerol compared to 0.478+/-0.016 for the LC-V protocol). Analysis of biochemically stabilized RBC proteins revealed a transient translocation of carbonic anhydrase to the membrane fraction. However, the enhanced RBC recovery and stability could not be attributed to this event. Finally, DSC analysis demonstrated that the biochemical stabilizers of the LC-V process were not functioning as surrogate cryoprotectants in that they did not affect the quantity or quality of ice formed. Overall, this work demonstrates that cryopreservation-induced RBC damage may be corrected or prevented through specific biochemical stabilization and represents a significant step toward a directly transfusable cryopreserved RBC product.