US20140170116A9 - Method of treating ischemic disorders - Google Patents

Method of treating ischemic disorders Download PDF

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US20140170116A9
US20140170116A9 US12/594,026 US59402608A US2014170116A9 US 20140170116 A9 US20140170116 A9 US 20140170116A9 US 59402608 A US59402608 A US 59402608A US 2014170116 A9 US2014170116 A9 US 2014170116A9
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US20100166717A1 (en
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Marc S. Penn
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Cleveland Clinic Foundation
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K48/00—Medicinal preparations containing genetic material which is inserted into cells of the living body to treat genetic diseases; Gene therapy
    • A61K48/0075—Medicinal preparations containing genetic material which is inserted into cells of the living body to treat genetic diseases; Gene therapy characterised by an aspect of the delivery route, e.g. oral, subcutaneous
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K35/00—Medicinal preparations containing materials or reaction products thereof with undetermined constitution
    • A61K35/12—Materials from mammals; Compositions comprising non-specified tissues or cells; Compositions comprising non-embryonic stem cells; Genetically modified cells
    • A61K35/28—Bone marrow; Haematopoietic stem cells; Mesenchymal stem cells of any origin, e.g. adipose-derived stem cells
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K38/00—Medicinal preparations containing peptides
    • A61K38/16—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
    • A61K38/17—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from animals; from humans
    • A61K38/19—Cytokines; Lymphokines; Interferons
    • A61K38/195—Chemokines, e.g. RANTES
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P11/00—Drugs for disorders of the respiratory system
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P13/00—Drugs for disorders of the urinary system
    • A61P13/12—Drugs for disorders of the urinary system of the kidneys
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P43/00—Drugs for specific purposes, not provided for in groups A61P1/00-A61P41/00
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P7/00—Drugs for disorders of the blood or the extracellular fluid
    • A61P7/02—Antithrombotic agents; Anticoagulants; Platelet aggregation inhibitors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P9/00—Drugs for disorders of the cardiovascular system
    • A61P9/10—Drugs for disorders of the cardiovascular system for treating ischaemic or atherosclerotic diseases, e.g. antianginal drugs, coronary vasodilators, drugs for myocardial infarction, retinopathy, cerebrovascula insufficiency, renal arteriosclerosis

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to compositions and methods of treating disorders associated with ischemia and/or tissue injury.
  • Ischemia is a condition wherein the blood flow is completely obstructed or considerably reduced in localized parts of the body, resulting in anoxia, reduced supply of substrates and accumulation of metabolites.
  • ischemia depends on the acuteness of vascular obstruction, its duration, tissue sensitivity to it, and developmental extent of collateral vessels, dysfunction usually occurs in ischemic organs or tissues, and prolonged ischemia results in atrophy, denaturation, apoptosis, and necrosis of affected tissues.
  • Ischemic cerebrovascular injury development mechanisms are classified into three types, thrombotic, embolic, and hemodynamic.
  • the principal pathological condition for all three types is nevertheless cerebral ischemia, whose severeness and duration define the extent of cerebral tissue injuries.
  • nerve and endothelial cells rapidly suffer from irreversible injuries, forming typical infarction nidi due to necrosis.
  • the bloodstream moderately declines and functions of neurocytes are suspended in the ischemic penumbra, their survival capacity is not lost and the remaining cerebrovascular system can recover its functions when circulation is resumed via collateral vessels.
  • ischemic cardiopathy which are diseases that affect the coronary artery and cause myocardial ischemia
  • the extent of ischemic myocardial cell injury proceeds from reversible cell damage to irreversible cell damage with increasing time of the coronary artery obstruction.
  • the present invention relates to methods of mitigating cell apoptosis, treating ischemic disorders, and/or treating cell apoptosis associated with the ischemic disorders and/or tissue injury.
  • the ischemic disorder can include a peripheral vascular disorder, a pulmonary embolus, a venous thrombosis, a myocardial infarction, a transient ischemic attack, unstable angina, cerebral vascular ischemia, a reversible ischemic neurological deficit, ischemic kidney disease, or a stroke disorder.
  • the ischemic disorder can also comprise an iatrogenically induced ischemic disorder.
  • the methods can include locally administering SDF-1 to apoptotic cells that express or upregulate SDF-1 receptors.
  • the apoptotic cells can include cells to be transplanted to a subject being treated and/or apoptotic cells of ischemic tissue being treated.
  • the SDF-1 receptors can be expressed as a result of cell injury, an ischemic disorder, and/or tissue injury.
  • the SDF-1 receptor can comprise CXCR4 and/or CXCR7, and the SDF-1 can be administered at an amount effect to mitigate and/or inhibit apoptosis of the cells and/or to increase Akt-phosphorylation of the cells.
  • the SDF-1 can also be locally administered to ischemic tissue at an amount effective to promote angiogensis in the ischemic tissue and/or recruit stem cells expressing CXCR4 and/or CXCR7 to the ischemic tissue.
  • the SDF-1 can be locally administered by expressing the SDF-1 from an apoptotic cell, a biocompatible cell delivered to the apoptotic cells or ischemic tissue, or a cell of the ischemic or injured tissue being treated.
  • the SDF-1 can also be expressed from a cell about the periphery of the ischemic tissue.
  • the SDF-1 can be expressed by genetically modifying one of the forgoing cells using at least one of a vector, plasmid DNA, electroporation, and nano-particles to express SDF-1.
  • the SDF-1 can also be expressed from the foregoing cells by administering an agent to the cells that promotes upregulation of SDF-1 from the cells.
  • the SDF-1 can also be locally administered to apoptotic cell or ischemic tissue by providing the SDF-1 in a pharmaceutical composition and delivering the SDF-1 to the tissue being treated.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of treating ischemic disorders in a subject by administering stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) to ischemic tissue of the subject in an amount effective to inhibit apoptosis of cells of the tissue in conjunction with administering MCP-3 to the ischemic tissue at amount effective to recruit stem cells an/or progenitor cells to the ischemic tissue.
  • SDF-1 stromal cell derived factor-1
  • the SDF-1 can be administered by delivering a pharmaceutical composition comprising SDF-1 to the tissue being treated and/or expressing SDF-1 in the tissue being treated.
  • the SDF-1 can be expressed in the tissue being treated from a cell that is biocomaptible with the ischemic tissue being treated.
  • the SDF-1 can also expressed from a cell of the ischemic tissue or a cell about the periphery of the ischemic tissue.
  • the SDF-1 can be expressed from the cell of the tissue being treated by genetically modifying the cell by at least one of a vector, plasmid DNA, electroporation, and nano-particles to express SDF-1.
  • the MCP-3 can be administered by delivering a pharmaceutical composition comprising MCP-3 to the tissue being treated or expressing MCP-3 in the tissue being treated.
  • the MCP-3 can be expressed in the tissue being treated from a cell that is biocomaptible with the ischemic tissue being treated.
  • the MCP-3 can also be expressed from a cell of the ischemic tissue or a cell about the periphery of the ischemic tissue.
  • the MCP-3 can be expressed from the cell of the tissue being treated by genetically modifying the cell by at least one of a vector, plasmid DNA, electroporation, and nano-particles to express MCP-3.
  • the cell expressing the SDF-1 can also express MCP-3.
  • the cell expressing SDF-1 and MCP-3 can be transfected by a bicistronic expression construct expressing SDF-1 and MCP-3.
  • the present invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition for treating ischemic disorders.
  • the pharmaceutical composition includes a therapeutically effective amount of SDF-1 and MCP-3.
  • the pharmaceutical composition can include at least one expression vector to express SDF-1 and MCP-3 from a cell of the ischemic tissue.
  • the at least one vector can include a bicistronic vector comprising DNA for expressing SDF-1 and DNA for expressing MCP-3.
  • the pharmaceutical composition can include at least one cell biocompatible with the ischemic tissue that expresses SDF-1 and/or MCP-3 in the ischemic tissue when administered to the ischemic tissue.
  • a further aspect of the invention relates to a method of treating an ischemic disorder of a mammalian subject.
  • SDF-1 and MCP-3 can be locally administered to the ischemic tissue and/or areas proximate the ischemic tissue.
  • the concentration (or number) of stem cells in the peripheral blood of the ischemic tissue can be increased from the first concentration to a second concentration while SDF-1 and MCP-3 are provided in the ischemic tissue.
  • the number of stem cells and/or progenitor cells in the peripheral blood can be increased by injecting stem cells and/or progenitor cells into the peripheral blood and/or arterial or venous infusion of the stem cells into the mammalian subject being treated.
  • stem cells and/or progenitor cells are an autologous mesenchymal stem cell (MSC).
  • MSC autologous mesenchymal stem cell
  • a progenitor cell that can be potentially injected or infused is a autologous, syngeneic, or allogeneic bone marrow derived multipotent adult progenitor cell (MAPC).
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a.) Western blot in control and SDF-1 expressing MSC and b.) immunofluorescence staining for CXCR4 in control MSC.
  • c. Ten thousand control and SDF-1 expressing MSC were separately plated per well in a 12 well plate in serum free DMEM. A 100 mL of media obtained at 1, 6 and 24 h later. SDF-1 levels in the media were quantified using ELISA (R&D Systems). Equal cell number was verified by quantifying total protein per cell layer at the end of the experiment. Data is expressed as picograms of SDF-1 per ml of total media. Experiments were performed in triplicate. Data represent mean ⁇ SD. d.) Western blot analysis for Akt and phosphorylated Akt in control and SDF-1 expressing MSC. Western blots were performed with 50 ng of total cell protein separated on a 10% SDS-PAGE gel.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a.) Representative FACS analyses for Annexin V positive cells in cultures of MSC or SDF-1 expressing cells after 72 h of being cultured under hypoxic condition (0.1% oxygen) in serum deprived culture medium (1% FBS). b.) Representative immunofluorescent staining for BrdU (FITC, Green) in the infarct zone 96 h after LAD ligation from rats that received 2 million control (left) or SDF-1 expressing MSC (right) 24 h after LAD ligation. c.) Number of MSC per square millimeter within the infarct zone at 4 d and 5 w after LAD ligation. Animals received 2 million control or SDF-1 expressing MSC 24 h after LAD ligation.
  • FITC FITC, Green
  • MSC per square millimeter was quantified following immunofluorescent staining for BrdU.
  • Two independent observers blinded to treatment group quantified the number of BrdU positive nuclei in the infarct zone in 10 random fields from 5 different sections (total 50 fields) obtained from the mid left ventricle.
  • Data represent mean ⁇ SD. * represents p ⁇ 0.01 compared to Ctrl MSC infusion.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a.) Confocal image of representative immunofluorescent staining for CXCR4 (Alexa Fluor 488, Green) and Troponin I (Alexa Fluor 594, Red) in the infarct border zone 12-72 h after LAD ligation.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a.) Cardiac function and b.
  • Left ventricular size as quantified by the echocardiographic parameters shortening fraction and left ventricular end diastolic dimension (LVEDD), respectively.
  • For the animals that received saline and cardiac fibroblasts data represent mean ⁇ SD.
  • individual data points are presented and the mean for that group is represented by a horizontal line. & represents p ⁇ 0.01 and * represents p ⁇ 0.0001 compared to Saline infusion.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates representative images from tissue 5 weeks after AMI and infusion of 2 million of control or SDF-1 expressing MSC 1 day after AMI.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates representative images from tissue 5 weeks after AMI and infusion of 2 million of control or SDF-1 expressing GFP positive MSC 1 day after AMI. All animals received BrdU twice daily for 14 days beginning on the day after cell transplantation a. Confocal images of immunofluorescent staining in the infarct border zone for cardiac myosin (Red), BrdU (Green) and cell nuclei (DAPI, Blue) from animals that received PBS or control or SDF-1 expressing MSC. Column of images on the right are high power images of the delineated areas in the low power overlay images.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates MSC transiently home to the myocardium following acute MI.
  • Two million BrdU labeled MSC were infused via the tail vein 1 d or 14 d after LAD ligation.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates MCP-3 is a candidate MSC homing factor.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates MCP-3 expression leads to MSC homing to the myocardium in vivo.
  • ⁇ control
  • ⁇ MCP-3 expressing
  • CF cardiac fibroblasts
  • FIG. 11 illustrates MCP-3 expression combined with MSC infusions results in improved cardiac function and remodeling.
  • LAD ligation cardiac function (Shortening Fraction (%), a, c) and left ventricular end diastolic dimension (LVEDD, b, d) were quantified by echocardiography ( ⁇ , ⁇ ).
  • ⁇ 1 million control
  • ⁇ MCP-3 expressing cardiac fibroblasts
  • ⁇ 1 million BrdU labeled MSC
  • saline c, d
  • FIG. 12 illustrates MCP-expression combined with MSC infusions causes ventricular remodeling and myofibroblasts recruitment.
  • Representative photomicrographs of 21 Schenk et al. MCP-3 and MSC homing SC-06-0293/R1 Masson tri-chrome stained cross sections of the mid-ventricular segments from animals the received (a) MCP-3 expressing or (b) control cardiac fibroblasts 4 weeks after LAD ligation followed by serial infusions of MSC. The (c) percent area the ventricle containing collagen fibriles or (d) the percent of the endocardial circumference in which there was collagen fibriles was quantified in 5 animals per group. Data represent mean ⁇ SD, n 5 per group *p ⁇ 0.05.
  • the present invention relates to methods of mitigating cell apoptosis, treating ischemic disorders, and/or treating cell apoptosis associated with the ischemic disorders and/or tissue injury.
  • the methods can include locally administering (or locally delivering) to apoptotic cells (e.g., endothelial cells, hematopoietic cells, etc.) expressing or upregulating SDF-1 receptors an amount of stromal-cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) that is effective to mitigate apoptosis of the apoptotic cells.
  • apoptotic cells e.g., endothelial cells, hematopoietic cells, etc.
  • SDF-1 stromal-cell derived factor-1
  • apoptotic cells cells that are undergoing apoptosis as a result of the injury or ischemia and/or cells that are at risk of undergoing apoptosis as a result of the injury or ischemia.
  • the SDF-1 receptors can be expressed prior to and/or as a result of cell injury, a ischemic disorder, and/or tissue injury and can include, for example, CXCR4 and/or CXCR7.
  • SDF-1 sustained localized administration of SDF-1 to cells expressing SDF-1 receptors or cells with SDF-1 receptors up-regulated as a result of ischemic disorders and/or tissue injury increases Akt phosphorylation in the cells, which can in turn mitigate apoptosis of the cells. Additionally, long-term localized administration of SDF-1 to ischemic tissue facilitates recruitment of stem cells and/or progenitor cells expressing CXCR4 and/or CXCR7 to the tissue being treated, which can facilitate revascularization of the ischemic tissue.
  • the cell apoptosis in accordance with the present invention can include cell apoptosis that is caused by or results from cell injury, ischemia, or tissue injury as well as cell apoptosis that results from medical procedures, such as cell transplantation, tissue transplantation, and/or cell therapy.
  • Ischemic disorders and/or tissue injuries that result in cell apoptosis and expression or upregulation of SDF-1 receptors and that can be treated by the methods of the present invention can include, for example, a peripheral vascular disorder, a pulmonary embolus, a venous thrombosis, a myocardial infarction, a transient ischemic attack, unstable angina, cerebral vascular ischemia, a reversible ischemic neurological deficit, ischemic kidney disease, or a stroke disorder.
  • the ischemic disorder can also include an iatrogenically induced ischemic disorder.
  • the iatrogenic ischemic disorder can result from a subject undergoing, for example, angioplasty, heart surgery, lung surgery, spinal surgery, brain surgery, vascular surgery, abdominal surgery, kidney surgery, or organ transplantation surgery.
  • the organ transplantation can comprise heart, lung, pancreas, kidney, or liver translation surgery.
  • the present application is not limited to the preceding ischemic disorders and that other ischemic disorders and tissue injuries, which result in cell apoptosis, can be treated by the compositions and methods of the present invention.
  • Mammalian subjects which will be treated by methods and compositions of the present invention, can include any mammal, such as human beings, rats, mice, cats, dogs, goats, sheep, horses, monkeys, apes, rabbits, cattle, etc.
  • the mammalian subject can be in any stage of development including adults, young animals, and neonates. Mammalian subjects can also include those in a fetal stage of development.
  • the SDF-1 can be administered to cells of a mammalian tissue undergoing apoptosis as a result of an ischemic disorder and/or tissue injury. It was found that immediately after onset of an ischemic disorder or tissue injury, cells in the ischemic tissue or about the periphery or the border of the ischemic tissue can up regulate expression of SDF-1. After about 24 hours, SDF-1 expression by the cells is reduced.
  • the SDF-1 of the present invention can be administered to the apoptotic cells after about onset of down-regulation of SDF-1 by the cells of the ischemic tissue following tissue injury to about days, weeks, or months after onset of down-regulation of SDF-1.
  • the period of time that the SDF-1 is administered to the cells can comprise from about immediately after onset of the ischemic disorder or tissue injury to about days, weeks, or months after the onset of the ischemic disorder or tissue injury.
  • the SDF-1 can be administered to cells or tissue prior to transplantation or administration of the cells or tissue to a subject being treated. Administration of SDF-1 to cells or tissue to be transplanted can potentially mitigate apoptosis of the transplanted cells or tissue and promote long term survival of the cells or tissue.
  • the SDF-1 can be administered to the cells or tissue to be transplanted by providing the SDF-1 in a culture medium with the cells or tissue.
  • hematopoietic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, neural stem cells, other stem cells, and/or other progenitor cells which express SDF-1 receptors, can be cultured in a medium with SDF-1 prior to transplantation for a therapeutic application.
  • the SDF-1 can promote survival of the cultured stem cells and/or progenitor cells so that the cells have enhanced survivability when administered or transplanted to a subject being treated.
  • the SDF-1 can be co-transplanted with the cells or tissue to be transplanted to mitigate potential apoptosis of the cells or tissue.
  • SDF-1 in accordance with the present invention can have an amino acid sequence that is substantially similar to a native mammalian SDF-1 amino acid sequence.
  • the amino acid sequence of a number of different mammalian SDF-1 protein are known including human, mouse, and rat.
  • the human and rat SDF-1 amino acid sequences are about 92% identical.
  • SDF-1 can comprise two isoform, SDF-1 alpha and SDF-1 beta, both of which are referred to herein as SDF-1 unless identified otherwise.
  • SDF-1 can have an amino acid sequence substantially identical to SEQ ID NO: 1.
  • the SDF-1 that is over-expressed can also have an amino acid sequence substantially similar to one of the foregoing mammalian SDF-1 proteins.
  • the SDF-1 that is over-expressed can have an amino acid sequence substantially similar to SEQ ID NO: 2.
  • SEQ ID NO: 2 which substantially comprises SEQ ID NO: 1, is the amino sequence for human SDF-1 and is identified by GenBank Accession No. NP954637.
  • the SDF-1 that is over-expressed can also have an amino acid sequence that is substantially identical to SEQ ID NO: 3.
  • SEQ ID NO: 3, which also substantially comprises SEQ ID NO: 2 includes the amino acid sequences for rat SDF and is identified by GenBank Accession No. AAF01066.
  • the SDF-1 in accordance with the present invention can also be a variant of mammalian SDF-1, such as a fragment, analog and derivative of mammalian SDF-1.
  • Such variants include, for example, a polypeptide encoded by a naturally occurring allelic variant of native SDF-1 gene (i.e., a naturally occurring nucleic acid that encodes a naturally occurring mammalian SDF-1 polypeptide), a polypeptide encoded by an alternative splice form of a native SDF-1 gene, a polypeptide encoded by a homolog or ortholog of a native SDF-1 gene, and a polypeptide encoded by a non-naturally occurring variant of a native SDF-1 gene.
  • a naturally occurring allelic variant of native SDF-1 gene i.e., a naturally occurring nucleic acid that encodes a naturally occurring mammalian SDF-1 polypeptide
  • a polypeptide encoded by an alternative splice form of a native SDF-1 gene a
  • SDF-1 variants have a peptide sequence that differs from a native SDF-1 polypeptide in one or more amino acids.
  • the peptide sequence of such variants can feature a deletion, addition, or substitution of one or more amino acids of a SDF-1 variant Amino acid insertions are preferably of about 1 to 4 contiguous amino acids, and deletions are preferably of about 1 to 10 contiguous amino acids.
  • Variant SDF-1 polypeptides substantially maintain a native SDF-1 functional activity. Examples of SDF-1 polypeptide variants can be made by expressing nucleic acid molecules within the invention that feature silent or conservative changes.
  • SDF-1 polypeptide fragments corresponding to one or more particular motifs and/or domains or to arbitrary sizes, are within the scope of the present invention.
  • Isolated peptidyl portions of SDF-1 can be obtained by screening peptides recombinantly produced from the corresponding fragment of the nucleic acid encoding such peptides.
  • a SDF-1 polypeptides of the present invention may be arbitrarily divided into fragments of desired length with no overlap of the fragments, or preferably divided into overlapping fragments of a desired length. The fragments can be produced recombinantly and tested to identify those peptidyl fragments which can function as agonists of native CXCR-4 polypeptides.
  • Variants of SDF-1 polypeptides can also include recombinant forms of the SDF-1 polypeptides.
  • Recombinant polypeptides preferred by the present invention are encoded by a nucleic acid that can have at least 70% sequence identity with the nucleic acid sequence of a gene encoding a mammalian SDF-1.
  • SDF-1 variants can include agonistic forms of the protein that constitutively express the functional activities of native SDF-1.
  • Other SDF-1 variants can include those that are resistant to proteolytic cleavage, as for example, due to mutations, which alter protease target sequences.
  • the SDF-1 can include SDF-1 resistant to MMP-2 clevage, such as S-SDF-1 (S4V), which is described in Circulation, 2007, 1006.
  • S-SDF-1 S4V
  • the SDF-1 nucleic acid that encodes the SDF-1 protein can be a native or non-native nucleic acid and be in the form of RNA or in the form of DNA (e.g., cDNA, genomic DNA, and synthetic DNA).
  • the DNA can be double-stranded or single-stranded, and if single-stranded may be the coding (sense) strand or non-coding (anti-sense) strand.
  • the nucleic acid coding sequence that encodes SDF-1 may be substantially similar to a nucleotide sequence of the SDF-1 gene, such as nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 4 and SEQ ID NO: 5.
  • SEQ ID NO: 4 and SEQ ID NO: 5 comprise, respectively, the nucleic acid sequences for human SDF-1 and rat SDF-1 and are substantially similar to the nucleic sequences of GenBank Accession No. NM199168 and GenBank Accession No. AF189724.
  • the nucleic acid coding sequence for SDF-1 can also be a different coding sequence which, as a result of the redundancy or degeneracy of the genetic code, encodes the same polypeptide as SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, and SEQ ID NO: 3.
  • nucleic acid molecules that encode SDF-1 within the invention are variants of a native SDF-1, such as those that encode fragments, analogs and derivatives of native SDF-1.
  • Such variants may be, for example, a naturally occurring allelic variant of a native SDF-1 gene, a homolog or ortholog of a native SDF-1 gene, or a non-naturally occurring variant of a native SDF-1 gene.
  • These variants have a nucleotide sequence that differs from a native SDF-1 gene in one or more bases.
  • the nucleotide sequence of such variants can feature a deletion, addition, or substitution of one or more nucleotides of a native SDF-1 gene.
  • Nucleic acid insertions are preferably of about 1 to 10 contiguous nucleotides, and deletions are preferably of about 1 to 10 contiguous nucleotides.
  • variant SDF-1 displaying substantial changes in structure can be generated by making nucleotide substitutions that cause less than conservative changes in the encoded polypeptide.
  • nucleotide substitutions are those that cause changes in (a) the structure of the polypeptide backbone; (b) the charge or hydrophobicity of the polypeptide; or (c) the bulk of an amino acid side chain.
  • Nucleotide substitutions generally expected to produce the greatest changes in protein properties are those that cause non-conservative changes in codons.
  • codon changes that are likely to cause major changes in protein structure are those that cause substitution of (a) a hydrophilic residue (e.g., serine or threonine), for (or by) a hydrophobic residue (e.g., leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, valine or alanine); (b) a cysteine or proline for (or by) any other residue; (c) a residue having an electropositive side chain (e.g., lysine, arginine, or histidine), for (or by) an electronegative residue (e.g., glutamine or aspartine); or (d) a residue having a bulky side chain (e.g., phenylalanine), for (or by) one not having a side chain, (e.g., glycine).
  • a hydrophilic residue e.g., serine or threonine
  • a hydrophobic residue e.g., leucine, isole
  • Naturally occurring allelic variants of a native SDF-1 gene within the invention are nucleic acids isolated from mammalian tissue that have at least 70% sequence identity with a native SDF-1 gene, and encode polypeptides having structural similarity to a native SDF-1 polypeptide.
  • Homologs of a native SDF-1 gene within the invention are nucleic acids isolated from other species that have at least 70% sequence identity with the native gene, and encode polypeptides having structural similarity to a native SDF-1 polypeptide.
  • Public and/or proprietary nucleic acid databases can be searched to identify other nucleic acid molecules having a high percent (e.g., 70% or more) sequence identity to a native SDF-1 gene.
  • Non-naturally occurring SDF-1 gene variants are nucleic acids that do not occur in nature (e.g., are made by the hand of man), have at least 70% sequence identity with a native SDF-1 gene, and encode polypeptides having structural similarity to a native SDF-1 polypeptide.
  • Examples of non-naturally occurring SDF-1 gene variants are those that encode a fragment of a native SDF-1 protein, those that hybridize to a native SDF-1 gene or a complement of to a native SDF-1 gene under stringent conditions, and those that share at least 65% sequence identity with a native SDF-1 gene or a complement of a native SDF-1 gene.
  • Nucleic acids encoding fragments of a native SDF-1 gene within the invention are those that encode, amino acid residues of native SDF-1. Shorter oligonucleotides that encode or hybridize with nucleic acids that encode fragments of native SDF-1 can be used as probes, primers, or antisense molecules. Longer polynucleotides that encode or hybridize with nucleic acids that encode fragments of a native SDF-1 can also be used in various aspects of the invention. Nucleic acids encoding fragments of a native SDF-1 can be made by enzymatic digestion (e.g., using a restriction enzyme) or chemical degradation of the full length native SDF-1 gene or variants thereof.
  • nucleic acids that hybridize under stringent conditions to one of the foregoing nucleic acids can also be used in the invention.
  • such nucleic acids can be those that hybridize to one of the foregoing nucleic acids under low stringency conditions, moderate stringency conditions, or high stringency conditions are within the invention.
  • Nucleic acid molecules encoding a SDF-1 fusion protein may also be used in the invention.
  • Such nucleic acids can be made by preparing a construct (e.g., an expression vector) that expresses a SDF-1 fusion protein when introduced into a suitable target cell.
  • a construct e.g., an expression vector
  • such a construct can be made by ligating a first polynucleotide encoding a SDF-1 protein fused in frame with a second polynucleotide encoding another protein such that expression of the construct in a suitable expression system yields a fusion protein.
  • the nucleic acids encoding SDF-1 can be modified at the base moiety, sugar moiety, or phosphate backbone, for example, to improve stability of the molecule, hybridization, etc.
  • the nucleic acids within the invention may additionally include other appended groups such as peptides (e.g., for targeting target cell receptors in vivo), or agents facilitating transport across the cell membrane, hybridization-triggered cleavage.
  • the nucleic acids may be conjugated to another molecule, (e.g., a peptide), hybridization triggered cross-linking agent, transport agent, hybridization-triggered cleavage agent, etc.
  • the SDF-1 can be administered directly to the apoptotic cells or ischemic tissue or about the periphery of apoptotic cells or ischemic tissue to mitigate apoptosis of the cells or tissue.
  • the SDF-1 can be locally delivered to the apoptotic cells or ischemic tissue neat or in a pharmaceutical composition.
  • the SDF-1 can be delivered to or about the periphery of the ischemic tissue by administering the SDF-1 neat or in a pharmaceutical composition to or about the ischemic tissue.
  • the pharmaceutical composition can provide localized release of the SDF-1 to the ischemic tissue or cells being treated.
  • compositions in accordance with the invention will generally include an amount of SDF-1 or variants thereof admixed with an acceptable pharmaceutical diluent or excipient, such as a sterile aqueous solution, to give a range of final concentrations, depending on the intended use.
  • an acceptable pharmaceutical diluent or excipient such as a sterile aqueous solution.
  • the techniques of preparation are generally well known in the art as exemplified by Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 16th Ed. Mack Publishing Company, 1980, incorporated herein by reference.
  • preparations should meet sterility, pyrogenicity, general safety and purity standards as required by FDA Office of Biological Standards.
  • the pharmaceutical composition can be in a unit dosage injectable form (e.g., solution, suspension, and/or emulsion).
  • a unit dosage injectable form e.g., solution, suspension, and/or emulsion.
  • pharmaceutical formulations suitable for injection include sterile aqueous solutions or dispersions and sterile powders for reconstitution into sterile injectable solutions or dispersions.
  • Th carrier can be a solvent or dispersing medium containing, for example, water, ethanol, polyol (e.g., glycerol, propylene glycol, liquid polyethylene glycol, and the like), suitable mixtures thereof and vegetable oils.
  • Proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating, such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion and by the use of surfactants.
  • a coating such as lecithin
  • surfactants such as surfactants, nonaqueous vehicles such as cottonseed oil, sesame oil, olive oil, soybean oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, or peanut oil and esters, such as isopropyl myristate, may also be used as solvent systems for compound compositions
  • various additives which enhance the stability, sterility, and isotonicity of the compositions including antimicrobial preservatives, antioxidants, chelating agents, and buffers, can be added.
  • Prevention of the action of microorganisms can be ensured by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid, and the like.
  • isotonic agents for example, sugars, sodium chloride, and the like.
  • Prolonged absorption of the injectable pharmaceutical form can be brought about by the use of agents delaying absorption, for example, aluminum monostearate and gelatin. According to the present invention, however, any vehicle, diluent, or additive used would have to be compatible with the compounds.
  • Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by incorporating the compounds utilized in practicing the present invention in the required amount of the appropriate solvent with various amounts of the other ingredients, as desired.
  • Slow release capsules or sustained release compositions or preparations may be used and are generally applicable.
  • Slow release formulations are generally designed to give a constant drug level over an extended period and may be used to deliver the SDF-1.
  • the slow release formulations are typically implanted in the vicinity of the ischemic tissue site, for example, at the site of cell expressing CXCR4 and/or CXCR7 in or about the ischemic tissue.
  • sustained-release preparations include semipermeable matrices of solid hydrophobic polymers containing the SDF-1, which matrices are in the form of shaped articles, e.g., films or microcapsule.
  • sustained-release matrices include polyesters; hydrogels, for example, poly(2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate) or poly(vinylalcohol); polylactides, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.
  • encapsulated SDF-1 remain in the body for a long time, and may denature or aggregate as a result of exposure to moisture at 37° C., thus reducing biological activity and/or changing immunogenicity.
  • Rational strategies are available for stabilization depending on the mechanism involved. For example, if the aggregation mechanism involves intermolecular S—S bond formation through thio-disulfide interchange, stabilization is achieved by modifying sulfhydryl residues, lyophilizing from acidic solutions, controlling moisture content, using appropriate additives, developing specific polymer matrix compositions, and the like.
  • liposomes and/or nanoparticles may also be employed with the SDF-1.
  • the formation and use of liposomes is generally known to those of skill in the art, as summarized below.
  • Liposomes are formed from phospholipids that are dispersed in an aqueous medium and spontaneously form multilamellar concentric bilayer vesicles (also termed multilamellar vesicles (MLVs).
  • MLVs generally have diameters of from 25 nm to 4 ⁇ m. Sonication of MLVs results in the formation of small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) with diameters in the range of 200 to 500 ⁇ , containing an aqueous solution in the core.
  • SUVs small unilamellar vesicles
  • Phospholipids can form a variety of structures other than liposomes when dispersed in water, depending on the molar ratio of lipid to water. At low ratios, the liposome is the preferred structure.
  • the physical characteristics of liposomes depend on pH, ionic strength and the presence of divalent cations. Liposomes can show low permeability to ionic and polar substances, but at elevated temperatures undergo a phase transition which markedly alters their permeability. The phase transition involves a change from a closely packed, ordered structure, known as the gel state, to a loosely packed, less-ordered structure, known as the fluid state. This occurs at a characteristic phase-transition temperature and results in an increase in permeability to ions, sugars and drugs.
  • Liposomes interact with cells via four different mechanisms: Endocytosis by phagocytic cells of the reticuloendothelial system such as macrophages and neutrophils; adsorption to the cell surface, either by nonspecific weak hydrophobic or electrostatic forces, or by specific interactions with cell-surface components; fusion with the plasma cell membrane by insertion of the lipid bilayer of the liposome into the plasma membrane, with simultaneous release of liposomal contents into the cytoplasm; and by transfer of liposomal lipids to cellular or subcellular membranes, or vice versa, without any association of the liposome contents. Varying the liposome formulation can alter which mechanism is operative, although more than one may operate at the same time.
  • Nanocapsules can generally entrap compounds in a stable and reproducible way. To avoid side effects due to intracellular polymeric overloading, such ultrafine particles (sized around 0.1 ⁇ m) should be designed using polymers able to be degraded in vivo. Biodegradable polyalkyl-cyanoacrylate nanoparticles that meet these requirements are contemplated for use in the present invention, and such particles may be are easily made.
  • the SDF-1 can be administered directly to or about the periphery of the ischemic tissue by introducing an agent into target cells that causes, increases, and/or upregulates expression of SDF-1 in or about the periphery of the ischemic tissue.
  • the SDF-1 protein is expressed in or about the periphery of the ischemic tissue can be an expression product of a genetically modified cell.
  • the target cells can include cells within or about the periphery of the ischemic tissue or ex vivo cells that are biocompatible with the ischemic tissue being treated.
  • the biocompatible cells can also include autologous cells that are harvested from the subject being treated and/or biocompatible allogeneic or syngeneic cells, such as autologous, allogeneic, or syngeneic stem cells (e.g., mesenchymal stem cells), progenitor cells (e.g., multipotent adult progenitor cells) and/or other cells that are further differentiated and are biocompatible with the ischemic tissue being treated.
  • autologous, allogeneic, or syngeneic stem cells e.g., mesenchymal stem cells
  • progenitor cells e.g., multipotent adult progenitor cells
  • other cells that are further differentiated and are biocompatible with the ischemic tissue being treated.
  • the agent can comprise natural or synthetic nucleic acids, according to present invention and described above, that are incorporated into recombinant nucleic acid constructs, typically DNA constructs, capable of introduction into and replication in the cell.
  • a construct preferably includes a replication system and sequences that are capable of transcription and translation of a polypeptide-encoding sequence in a given target cell.
  • agents can also be introduced into the cells to promote expression of SDF-1 from the stem cells.
  • agents can include, for example, human Sonic Hedghog (Shh), human Desert Hedgehog (Dhh), and human Indian Hedgehog (Ihh) proteins, which are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20060105950 and 20070173471, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
  • agents that increase the transcription of a gene encoding SDF-1 increase the translation of an mRNA encoding SDF-1, and/or those that decrease the degradation of an mRNA encoding SDF-1 could be used to increase SDF-1 protein levels.
  • Increasing the rate of transcription from a gene within a cell can be accomplished by introducing an exogenous promoter upstream of the gene encoding SDF-1.
  • Enhancer elements which facilitate expression of a heterologous gene, may also be employed.
  • Gene therapy refers to gene transfer to express a therapeutic product from a cell in vivo or in vitro.
  • Gene therapy in accordance with the present invention can be used to express SDF-1 protein from a target cell in vivo or in vitro.
  • the gene therapy can use naked DNA or a vector including a nucleotide sequence encoding an SDF-1 protein.
  • a “vector” (sometimes referred to as gene delivery or gene transfer “vehicle”) refers to a macromolecule or complex of molecules comprising a polynucleotide to be delivered to a target cell, either in vitro or in vivo.
  • the polynucleotide to be delivered may comprise a coding sequence of interest in gene therapy.
  • Vectors include, for example, viral vectors (such as adenoviruses (‘Ad’), adeno-associated viruses (AAV), and retroviruses), liposomes and other lipid-containing complexes, and other macromolecular complexes capable of mediating delivery of a polynucleotide to a target cell.
  • viral vectors such as adenoviruses (‘Ad’), adeno-associated viruses (AAV), and retroviruses
  • liposomes and other lipid-containing complexes such as adeno-associated viruses (AAV), and retroviruses
  • liposomes and other lipid-containing complexes such as liposomes and other lipid-containing complexes, and other macromolecular complexes capable of mediating delivery of a polynucleotide to a target cell.
  • Vectors can also comprise other components or functionalities that further modulate gene delivery and/or gene expression, or that otherwise provide beneficial properties to the targeted cells.
  • Such other components include, for example, components that influence binding or targeting to cells (including components that mediate cell-type or tissue-specific binding); components that influence uptake of the vector nucleic acid by the cell; components that influence localization of the polynucleotide within the cell after uptake (such as agents mediating nuclear localization); and components that influence expression of the polynucleotide.
  • Such components also might include markers, such as detectable and/or selectable markers that can be used to detect or select for cells that have taken up and are expressing the nucleic acid delivered by the vector.
  • Such components can be provided as a natural feature of the vector (such as the use of certain viral vectors which have components or functionalities mediating binding and uptake), or vectors can be modified to provide such functionalities.
  • Selectable markers can be positive, negative or bifunctional. Positive selectable markers allow selection for cells carrying the marker, whereas negative selectable markers allow cells carrying the marker to be selectively eliminated.
  • a variety of such marker genes have been described, including bifunctional (i.e. positive/negative) markers (see, e.g., Lupton, S., WO 92/08796, published May 29, 1992; and Lupton, S., WO 94/28143, published Dec. 8, 1994).
  • Such marker genes can provide an added measure of control that can be advantageous in gene therapy contexts. A large variety of such vectors are known in the art and are generally available.
  • Vectors for use in the present invention include viral vectors, lipid based vectors and other non-viral vectors that are capable of delivering a nucleotide according to the present invention to the target cells.
  • the vector can be a targeted vector, especially a targeted vector that preferentially binds to cells of the ischemic tissue.
  • Viral vectors for use in the invention can include those that exhibit low toxicity to a target cell and induce production of therapeutically useful quantities of SDF-1 protein in a tissue-specific manner.
  • viral vectors are those derived from adenovirus (Ad) or adeno-associated virus (AAV). Both human and non-human viral vectors can be used and the recombinant viral vector can be replication-defective in humans.
  • Ad adenovirus
  • AAV adeno-associated virus
  • the vector can comprise a polynucleotide having a promoter operably linked to a gene encoding the SDF-1 protein and is replication-defective in humans.
  • HSV vectors deleted of one or more immediate early genes (IE) are advantageous because they are generally non-cytotoxic, persist in a state similar to latency in the target cell, and afford efficient target cell transduction.
  • Recombinant HSV vectors can incorporate approximately 30 kb of heterologous nucleic acid.
  • An example of a HSV vector is one that: (1) is engineered from HSV type I, (2) has its IE genes deleted, and (3) contains a tissue-specific promoter operably linked to a SDF-1 nucleic acid.
  • HSV amplicon vectors may also be useful in various methods of the invention. Typically, HSV amplicon vectors are approximately 15 kb in length, and possess a viral origin of replication and packaging sequences.
  • Retroviruses such as C-type retroviruses and lentiviruses, might also be used in the invention.
  • retroviral vectors may be based on murine leukemia virus (MLV). See, e.g., Hu and Pathak, Pharmacol. Rev. 52:493-511, 2000 and Fong et al., Crit. Rev. Ther. Drug Carrier Syst. 17:1-60, 2000.
  • MLV-based vectors may contain up to 8 kb of heterologous (therapeutic) DNA in place of the viral genes.
  • the heterologous DNA may include a tissue-specific promoter and an SDF-1 nucleic acid. In methods of delivery to ischemic tissue, it may also encode a ligand to a tissue specific receptor.
  • retroviral vectors that might be used are replication-defective lentivirus-based vectors, including human immunodeficiency (HIV)-based vectors. See, e.g., Vigna and Naldini, J. Gene Med. 5:308-316, 2000 and Miyoshi et al., J. Virol. 72:8150-8157, 1998.
  • Lentiviral vectors are advantageous in that they are capable of infecting both actively dividing and non-dividing cells. They are also highly efficient at transducing human epithelial cells.
  • Lentiviral vectors for use in the invention may be derived from human and non-human (including SIV) lentiviruses.
  • lentiviral vectors include nucleic acid sequences required for vector propagation as well as a tissue-specific promoter operably linked to a SDF-1 gene. These former may include the viral LTRs, a primer binding site, a polypurine tract, att sites, and an encapsidation site.
  • a lentiviral vector may be packaged into any suitable lentiviral capsid.
  • the substitution of one particle protein with another from a different virus is referred to as “pseudotyping”.
  • the vector capsid may contain viral envelope proteins from other viruses, including murine leukemia virus (MLV) or vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV).
  • MMV murine leukemia virus
  • VSV vesicular stomatitis virus
  • the use of the VSV G-protein yields a high vector titer and results in greater stability of the vector virus particles.
  • Alphavirus-based vectors such as those made from semliki forest virus (SFV) and Sindbis virus (SIN), might also be used in the invention.
  • Use of alphaviruses is described in Lundstrom, K., Intervirology 43:247-257, 2000 and Perri et al., Journal of Virology 74:9802-9807, 2000.
  • Alphavirus vectors typically are constructed in a format known as a replicon.
  • a replicon may contain (1) alphavirus genetic elements required for RNA replication, and (2) a heterologous nucleic acid such as one encoding a SDF-1 nucleic acid.
  • the heterologous nucleic acid may be operably linked to a tissue-specific (e.g., myocardium) promoter or enhancer.
  • Alphavirus replicons may be targeted to specific cell types by displaying on their virion surface a functional heterologous ligand or binding domain that would allow selective binding to target cells expressing a cognate binding partner. Alphavirus replicons may establish latency, and therefore long-term heterologous nucleic acid expression in a target cell. The replicons may also exhibit transient heterologous nucleic acid expression in the target cell.
  • more than one promoter can be included in the vector to allow more than one heterologous gene to be expressed by the vector.
  • the vector can comprise a sequence which encodes a signal peptide or other moiety which facilitates the secretion of a SDF-1 gene product from the target cell.
  • hybrid viral vectors may be used to deliver a SDF-1 nucleic acid to a target tissue.
  • Standard techniques for the construction of hybrid vectors are well-known to those skilled in the art. Such techniques can be found, for example, in Sambrook, et al., In Molecular Cloning: A laboratory manual. Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. or any number of laboratory manuals that discuss recombinant DNA technology.
  • Double-stranded AAV genomes in adenoviral capsids containing a combination of AAV and adenoviral ITRs may be used to transduce cells.
  • an AAV vector may be placed into a “gutless”, “helper-dependent” or “high-capacity” adenoviral vector.
  • Adenovirus/AAV hybrid vectors are discussed in Lieber et al., J. Virol. 73:9314-9324, 1999. Retrovirus/adenovirus hybrid vectors are discussed in Zheng et al., Nature Biotechnol. 18:176-186, 2000. Retroviral genomes contained within an adenovirus may integrate within the target cell genome and effect stable SDF-1 gene expression.
  • nucleotide sequence elements which facilitate expression of the SDF-1 gene and cloning of the vector are further contemplated.
  • the presence of enhancers upstream of the promoter or terminators downstream of the coding region can facilitate expression.
  • tissue-specific promoter can be fused to a SDF-1 gene.
  • tissue specific promoter By fusing such tissue specific promoter within the adenoviral construct, transgene expression is limited to a particular tissue.
  • the efficacy of gene expression and degree of specificity provided by tissue specific promoters can be determined, using the recombinant adenoviral system of the present invention.
  • tissue specific promoters such as tissue-specific transcriptional control sequences of left ventricular myosin light chain-2 (MLC 2v ) or myosin heavy chain (MHC)
  • MLC 2v left ventricular myosin light chain-2
  • MHC myosin heavy chain
  • cardiomyocytes alone (i.e., without concomitant expression in endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts within the heart) when delivering the SDF-1 gene in vivo provides adequate expression of the SDF-1 protein for therapeutic treatment.
  • Limiting expression to the cardiomyocytes also has advantages regarding the utility of gene transfer for the treatment of CHF.
  • cardiomyocytes would likely provide the longest transgene expression since the cells do not undergo rapid turnover; expression would not therefore be decreased by cell division and death as would occur with endothelial cells. Endothelial-specific promoters are already available for this purpose (Lee, et al., J. Biol. Chem., 265:10446-10450, 1990).
  • non-viral methods may also be used to introduce a SDF-1 nucleic acid into a target cell.
  • a review of non-viral methods of gene delivery is provided in Nishikawa and Huang, Human Gene Ther. 12:861-870, 2001.
  • An example of a non-viral gene delivery method according to the invention employs plasmid DNA to introduce a SDF-1 nucleic acid into a cell. Plasmid-based gene delivery methods are generally known in the art.
  • Synthetic gene transfer molecules can be designed to form multimolecular aggregates with plasmid DNA. These aggregates can be designed to bind to a target cell.
  • Cationic amphiphiles including lipopolyamines and cationic lipids, may be used to provide receptor-independent SDF-1 nucleic acid transfer into target cells (e.g., cardiomyocytes).
  • preformed cationic liposomes or cationic lipids may be mixed with plasmid DNA to generate cell-transfecting complexes. Methods involving cationic lipid formulations are reviewed in Feigner et al., Ann N.Y. Acad. Sci. 772:126-139, 1995 and Lasic and Templeton, Adv. Drug Delivery Rev. 20:221-266, 1996.
  • DNA may also be coupled to an amphipathic cationic peptide (Fominaya et al., J. Gene Med. 2:455-464, 2000).
  • EBV Epstein Barr virus
  • a method involving a DNA/ligand/polycationic adjunct coupled to an adenovirus is described in Curiel, D. T., Nat. Immun 13:141-164, 1994.
  • the SDF-1 nucleic acid can introduced into the target cell by transfecting the target cells using electroporation techniques. Electroporation techniques are well known and can be used to facilitate transfection of cells using plasmid DNA.
  • Vectors that encode the expression of SDF-1 can be delivered to the target cell in the form of an injectable preparation containing pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, such as saline, as necessary.
  • pharmaceutically acceptable carrier such as saline
  • Other pharmaceutical carriers, formulations and dosages can also be used in accordance with the present invention.
  • the vector can be delivered by direct injection, for example, using a tuberculin syringe under fluoroscopic guidance, at an amount sufficient for the SDF-1 protein to be expressed to a degree which allows for highly effective therapy.
  • the vector can be administered to the ischemic tissue by attaching a tissue specific cell targeting moiety to the vector and introducing systemically (e.g., intravenous infusion) the tissue specific targeted vector into the subject.
  • tissue specific targeted expression will localize to the targeted tissue and facilitate localized expression of the SDF-1 from the targeted tissue.
  • the vectors can be delivered by direct injection into the culture medium.
  • a SDF-1 nucleic acid transfected into cells may be operably linked to a regulatory sequence.
  • the transfected target cells can then be transplanted to a subject or to the ischemic tissue by well known transplantation techniques, such as by direct injection.
  • transplantation techniques such as by direct injection.
  • the transfected cells can be administered to the ischemic tissue by attaching a tissue specific cell targeting moiety to the transfected cells and introducing the cells systemically (e.g., intravenous infusion) into the subject.
  • the tissue specific targeted cells will localize to the targeted tissue and facilitate localized expression of the SDF-1 from the targeted tissue.
  • SDF-1 can be expressed for any suitable length of time within the target cell, including transient expression and stable, long-term expression.
  • the SDF-1 nucleic acid will be expressed in therapeutic amounts for a defined length of time effective to mitigate apoptosis of the apoptotic cells.
  • a therapeutic amount is an amount, which is capable of producing a medically desirable result in a treated animal or human.
  • dosage for any one animal or human depends on many factors, including the subject's size, body surface area, age, the particular composition to be administered, sex, time and route of administration, general health, and other drugs being administered concurrently.
  • Specific dosages of proteins, nucleic acids, or small molecules) can be determined readily determined by one skilled in the art using the experimental methods described below.
  • SDF-1 expression is advantageous because it allows the concentration of stem cells to be increased in the ischemic tissue.
  • Chronic up-regulation in SDF-1 protein expression causes long term homing of stem cells into the ischemic tissue from the peripheral blood without the need of stem cell mobilization.
  • Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of treating ischemic disorders in a subject by administering monocyte chemotactic protein-3 (MCP-3) to the ischemic tissue at amount effective to recruit stem cells an/or progenitor cells to the ischemic tissue in conjunction with the administering SDF-1 to ischemic tissue described above to inhibit apoptosis of cells of the tissue.
  • MCP-3 monocyte chemotactic protein-3
  • the MCP-3 in accordance with the present invention can be administered to or about the ischemic tissue of a mammalian subject to induce mobilization of stem cells and/or progenitor cells of the subject to the tissue for therapeutic applications and/or cellular therapy.
  • the of stem cells and/or progenitor cells, which are induced, can differentiate into specialized and/or partially specialized cells that can repopulate (i.e., engraft), revascularize, and partially or wholly restore the normal function of the tissue being treated.
  • Stem cells in accordance with the present invention include unspecialized autologous, syngeneic, or allogeneic cells that can self-renew indefinitely and that can differentiate into more mature cells with specialized functions.
  • stem cells In humans, stem cells have been identified in the inner cell mass of the early embryo, in some tissues of the fetus, the umbilical cord and placenta, and in several adult organs. In some adult organs, stem cells can give rise to more than one specialized cell type within that organ. Stem cells, which are able to differentiate into cell types beyond those of which they normally reside exhibit plasticity. When a stem cell is found to give rise to multiple tissue types associated with different organs it is referred to as multipotent or pluripotent.
  • MSC mesenchymal stem cell
  • connective tissues i.e., the tissue of the body that support specialized elements, particularly including adipose, osseous, cartilaginous, elastic, muscular, and fibrous connective tissues depending on various in vivo or in vitro environmental influences.
  • connective tissues i.e., the tissue of the body that support specialized elements, particularly including adipose, osseous, cartilaginous, elastic, muscular, and fibrous connective tissues depending on various in vivo or in vitro environmental influences.
  • connective tissues i.e., the tissue of the body that support specialized elements, particularly including adipose, osseous, cartilaginous, elastic, muscular, and fibrous connective tissues depending on various in vivo or in vitro environmental influences.
  • connective tissues i.e., the tissue of the body that support specialized elements, particularly including adipose, osseous, cartilaginous, elastic, muscular, and fibrous connective tissues depending on various
  • MAPC multipotent adult progenitor cell
  • skeletal derived MAPC e.g., skeletal derived MAPC
  • MAPCs in accordance with the present invention comprise adult progenitor or stem cells that are capable of differentiating into cells types beyond those of the tissues in which they normally reside (i.e., exhibit plasticity).
  • Examples of MAPCs can include adult MSCs and hematopoietic progenitor cells.
  • Sources of MAPCs can include bone marrow, blood, ocular tissue, dermis, liver, and skeletal muscle.
  • MAPCs comprising hematopoietic progenitor cells can be isolated and purified using the methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,061,620, herein incorporated by reference, as well as other numerous literature sources.
  • Stems cells such as MSCs, MAPCs, and/or other stem cells, can naturally express various CXC and CC chemokine receptors, including CXCR5, CCR-1, Cmkbr1L2, CCR2, CCR3, CCR5, CCR7, CCR8, CCR9, CMKOR1, and CX3CR1. It was found that MCP-3 can function as chemoattractants for MSCs and/or MAPCs in a mammalian subject.
  • the MCP-3 in accordance with the present invention can have amino sequence substantially similar to native mammalian MCP-3.
  • the MCP-3 can have amino sequences substantially similar to, respectively, SEQ ID NO: 6, which is substantially similar to the nucleic sequences of, respectively, GenBank Accession No. CAA50407.
  • the MCP-3 of the present invention can also be a variant of native MCP-3, such as a fragment, analog and derivative of mammalian MCP-3.
  • Such variants can include, for example, a polypeptide encoded by a naturally occurring allelic variant of a native MCP-3 gene (i.e., a naturally occurring nucleic acid that encodes a naturally occurring mammalian MCP-3), a polypeptide encoded by an alternative splice form of a native MCP-3 gene, a polypeptide encoded by a homolog or ortholog of a native MCP-3 gene, and a polypeptide encoded by a non-naturally occurring variant of a native MCP-3 gene.
  • a naturally occurring allelic variant of a native MCP-3 gene i.e., a naturally occurring nucleic acid that encodes a naturally occurring mammalian MCP-3
  • a polypeptide encoded by an alternative splice form of a native MCP-3 gene a polypeptide encoded by
  • MCP-3 variants can have a peptide (or amino acid) sequence that differs from native MCP-3 in one or more amino acids.
  • the peptide sequence of such variants can feature a deletion, addition, or substitution of one or more amino acids of MCP-3 protein Amino acid insertions are preferably of about 1 to 4 contiguous amino acids, and deletions are preferably of about 1 to 10 contiguous amino acids.
  • Variant MCP-3 proteins substantially maintain a native MCP-3 protein functional activity. Examples of MCP-3 protein variants can be made by expressing nucleic acid molecules within the invention that feature silent or conservative changes.
  • MCP-3 protein fragments corresponding to one or more particular motifs and/or domains or to arbitrary sizes, are within the scope of the present invention.
  • Isolated peptidyl portions of MCP-3 proteins can be obtained by screening peptides recombinantly produced from the corresponding fragment of the nucleic acid encoding such peptides.
  • fragments can be chemically synthesized using techniques known in the art such as conventional Merrifield solid phase f-Moc or t-Boc chemistry.
  • a MCP-3 protein of the present invention may be arbitrarily divided into fragments of desired length with no overlap of the fragments, or preferably divided into overlapping fragments of a desired length. The fragments can be produced recombinantly and tested to identify those peptidyl fragments which can function as agonists of a native MCP-3 protein.
  • Variants of MCP-3 protein can also include recombinant forms of the proteins.
  • Recombinant polypeptides preferred by the present invention, in addition to a MCP-3 protein, are encoded by a nucleic acid that can have at least 85% sequence identity with the nucleic acid sequence of a gene encoding a mammalian protein.
  • MCP-3 protein variants can include agonistic forms of the protein that constitutively express the functional activities of a native MCP-3 protein.
  • Other protein variants can include those that are resistant to proteolytic cleavage, as for example, due to mutations, which alter protease target sequences. Whether a change in the amino acid sequence of a peptide results in a variant having one or more functional activities of a native MCP-3 protein can be readily determined by testing the variant for a native MCP-3 protein functional activity.
  • Nucleic acid molecules that encode the MCP-3 protein can be a native or non-native nucleic acid and be in the form of RNA or in the form of DNA (e.g., cDNA, genomic DNA, and synthetic DNA).
  • the DNA can be double-stranded or single-stranded, and if single-stranded may be the coding (sense) strand or non-coding (anti-sense) strand.
  • nucleic acid molecules that encode the MCP-3 can have sequences substantially similar to, respectively, SEQ ID NO: 7.
  • SEQ ID NO: 7 is substantially similar to the nucleic sequences of GenBank Accession No. NM006273.
  • nucleic acid molecules that encode MCP-3 protein within the invention can be variants of a native MCP-3 protein gene, such as those that encode fragments, analogs and derivatives of a native MCP-3 protein.
  • Such variants may be, for example, a naturally occurring allelic variant of a native MCP-3 gene, a homolog of a native MCP-3 gene, or a non-naturally occurring variant of a native MCP-3 gene.
  • These variants have a nucleotide sequence that differs from a native MCP-3 gene in one or more bases.
  • the nucleotide sequence of such variants can feature a deletion, addition, or substitution of one or more nucleotides of a native MCP-3gene.
  • Nucleic acid insertions are preferably of about 1 to 10 contiguous nucleotides, and deletions are preferably of about 1 to 10 contiguous nucleotides.
  • variant native MCP-3 proteins displaying substantial changes in structure can be generated by making nucleotide substitutions that cause less than conservative changes in the encoded polypeptide.
  • nucleotide substitutions are those that cause changes in (a) the structure of the polypeptide backbone; (b) the charge or hydrophobicity of the polypeptide; or (c) the bulk of an amino acid side chain.
  • Nucleotide substitutions generally expected to produce the greatest changes in protein properties are those that cause non-conservative changes in codons.
  • codon changes that are likely to cause major changes in protein structure are those that cause substitution of (a) a hydrophilic residue, e.g., serine or threonine, for (or by) a hydrophobic residue, e.g., leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, valine or alanine; (b) a cysteine or proline for (or by) any other residue; (c) a residue having an electropositive side chain, e.g., lysine, arginine, or histidine, for (or by) an electronegative residue, e.g., glutamine or aspartine; or (d) a residue having a bulky side chain, e.g., phenylalanine, for (or by) one not having a side chain, e.g., glycine.
  • a hydrophilic residue e.g., serine or threonine
  • a hydrophobic residue e.g., leu
  • Naturally occurring allelic variants of a native MCP-3 gene within the invention are nucleic acids isolated from mammalian tissue that have at least 75% sequence identity with a native MCP-3 gene, and encode polypeptides having structural similarity to a native MCP-3, protein.
  • Homologs or orthologs of a native MCP-3 gene within the invention are nucleic acids isolated from other species that have at least 75% sequence identity with the native gene, and encode polypeptides having structural similarity to a native MCP-3protein.
  • Public and/or proprietary nucleic acid databases can be searched to identify other nucleic acid molecules having a high percent (e.g., 70% or more) sequence identity to a native MCP-3gene.
  • Non-naturally occurring MCP-3 gene variants are nucleic acids that do not occur in nature (e.g., are made by the hand of man), have at least 75% sequence identity with a native MCP-3 gene, and encode polypeptides having structural similarity to a native MCP-3 protein.
  • Examples of non-naturally occurring MCP-3 gene variants are those that encode a fragment of a native MCP-3 protein, those that hybridize to a native MCP-3 gene or a complement of to a native MCP-3 gene under stringent conditions, those that share at least 65% sequence identity with a native MCP-3 gene or a complement of a native MCP-3 gene, and those that encode a MCP-3 fusion protein.
  • Nucleic acids encoding fragments of a native MCP-3protein within the invention are those that encode, amino acid residues of a native MCP-3protein. Shorter oligonucleotides that encode or hybridize with nucleic acids that encode fragments of a native MCP-3 protein can be used as probes, primers, or antisense molecules. Longer polynucleotides that encode or hybridize with nucleic acids that encode fragments of a native MCP-3 protein can also be used in various aspects of the invention. Nucleic acids encoding fragments of a MCP-3 can be made by enzymatic digestion (e.g., using a restriction enzyme) or chemical degradation of the full length native MCP-3gene or variants thereof.
  • nucleic acids that hybridize under stringent conditions to one of the foregoing nucleic acids can also be used in the invention.
  • such nucleic acids can be those that hybridize to one of the foregoing nucleic acids under low stringency conditions, moderate stringency conditions, or high stringency conditions are within the invention.
  • Nucleic acid molecules encoding an MCP-3 fusion protein may also be used in the invention.
  • Such nucleic acids can be made by preparing a construct (e.g., an expression vector) that expresses an MCP-3, fusion protein when introduced into a suitable target cell.
  • a construct e.g., an expression vector
  • such a construct can be made by ligating a first polynucleotide encoding a MCP-3 protein fused in frame with a second polynucleotide encoding another protein such that expression of the construct in a suitable expression system yields a fusion protein.
  • the oligonucleotides of the invention can be DNA or RNA or chimeric mixtures or derivatives or modified versions thereof, single-stranded or double-stranded. Such oligonucleotides can be modified at the base moiety, sugar moiety, or phosphate backbone, for example, to improve stability of the molecule, hybridization, etc. Oligonucleotides within the invention may additionally include other appended groups such as peptides (e.g., for targeting target cell receptors in vivo), or agents facilitating transport across the cell membrane, hybridization-triggered cleavage. To this end, the oligonucleotides may be conjugated to another molecule, e.g., a peptide, hybridization triggered cross-linking agent, transport agent, hybridization-triggered cleavage agent, etc.
  • the MCP-3 can be provided into or about the ischemic tissue of the mammalian subject to be treated by administering the MCP-3 to the tissue neat or in a pharmaceutical composition.
  • the pharmaceutical composition can comprise the MCP-3 can be delivered by various methods depending on the tissue, which is to be treated. In one aspect, the pharmaceutical composition can be delivered by injection.
  • the MCP-3 When administering the MCP-3 parenterally, the MCP-3 will generally be formulated in a unit dosage injectable form (e.g., solution, suspension, and/or emulsion).
  • a unit dosage injectable form e.g., solution, suspension, and/or emulsion.
  • pharmaceutical formulations suitable for injection include sterile aqueous solutions or dispersions and sterile powders for reconstitution into sterile injectable solutions or dispersions.
  • Th carrier can be a solvent or dispersing medium containing, for example, water, ethanol, polyol (e.g., glycerol, propylene glycol, liquid polyethylene glycol, and the like), suitable mixtures thereof and vegetable oils.
  • Proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating, such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion and by the use of surfactants.
  • a coating such as lecithin
  • surfactants such as surfactants, nonaqueous vehicles such as cottonseed oil, sesame oil, olive oil, soybean oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, or peanut oil and esters, such as isopropyl myristate, may also be used as solvent systems for compound compositions
  • various additives which enhance the stability, sterility, and isotonicity of the compositions including antimicrobial preservatives, antioxidants, chelating agents, and buffers, can be added.
  • Prevention of the action of microorganisms can be ensured by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid, and the like.
  • isotonic agents for example, sugars, sodium chloride, and the like.
  • Prolonged absorption of the injectable pharmaceutical form can be brought about by the use of agents delaying absorption, for example, aluminum monostearate and gelatin. According to the present invention, however, any vehicle, diluent, or additive used would have to be compatible with the compounds.
  • Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by incorporating the MCP-3 utilized in practicing the present invention in the required amount of the appropriate solvent with various amounts of the other ingredients, as desired.
  • the MCP-3 can also be provided in pharmaceutical “slow release” capsules or “sustained release” compositions or preparations, as described above.
  • the slow release formulations are typically implanted in the vicinity of the ischemic tissue site, for example, in or about the ischemic tissue.
  • the MCP-3 can be provided in or about the ischemic tissue of the mammalian subject to be treated by introducing an agent into target cells that causes, increases, and/or upregulates expression of the MCP-3 from the target cells.
  • the target cells can include cells within or about the periphery of the ischemic tissue or ex vivo cells that are biocompatible with the ischemic tissue being treated.
  • the biocompatible cells can include autologous cells that are harvested from the subject being treated and/or biocompatible allogeneic or syngeneic cells, such as autologous, allogeneic, or syngeneic stem cells (e.g., mesenchymal stem cells), progenitor cells (e.g., multipotent adult progenitor cells) and/or other cells that are further differentiated and are biocompatible with the ischemic tissue being treated.
  • the target cells are cells that are transplanted into the tissue to be treated, the target cell can be same cell type as the cells of the tissue being treated or a different cell type.
  • the target cell can comprises the same cells that are genetically modified to express SDF-1.
  • the cells that are transplanted into the tissue to be treated can include cultured heart cells, skeletal myoblasts, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and bone marrow derived cells. These cells can be harvested from the subject to be treated (i.e., autologous cells) and cultured prior to transplantation. Autologous cells are preferred to allogeneic and syngeneic cells in order to increase the biocompatibily of the cells upon transplantation and minimize the likelihood of rejection.
  • the cultured cells can be transplanted in the ischemic tissue by, for example, injecting a suspension of the cultured cells using a tuberculin syringe into the ischemic tissue.
  • the agent that is introduced into the target cells can comprise natural or synthetic nucleic acids (e.g., MCP-3 nucleic acids) that are incorporated into recombinant nucleic acid constructs, typically DNA constructs, capable of introduction into and replication in the cell.
  • a construct preferably includes a replication system and sequences that are capable of transcription and translation of a polypeptide-encoding sequence in a given target cell.
  • agents can also be introduced into the target cells to cause expression of the chemokine ligands from the target cells.
  • agents that increase the transcription of a gene encoding MCP-3 increase the translation of an mRNA encoding MCP-3, and/or those that decrease the degradation of an mRNA encoding MCP-3 could be used to increase MCP-3 levels.
  • Increasing the rate of transcription from a gene within a cell can be accomplished by introducing an exogenous promoter upstream of the gene encoding MCP. Enhancer elements which facilitate expression of a heterologous gene may also be employed.
  • Gene therapy in accordance with the present invention can be used to express the MCP-3 from a target cell in vivo or in vitro.
  • Vectors can include, for example, viral vectors (such as adenoviruses (‘Ad’), adeno-associated viruses (AAV), and retroviruses), liposomes and other lipid-containing complexes, and other macromolecular complexes capable of mediating delivery of a polynucleotide to a target cell.
  • Ad adenoviruses
  • AAV adeno-associated viruses
  • retroviruses retroviruses
  • liposomes and other lipid-containing complexes and other macromolecular complexes capable of mediating delivery of a polynucleotide to a target cell.
  • Vectors can also comprise other components or functionalities that further modulate gene delivery and/or gene expression, or that otherwise provide beneficial properties to the targeted cells, such as described above with respect to SDF-1.
  • Vectors that encode the expression of the MCP-3 can be delivered to the target cell in the form of an injectable preparation containing pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, such as saline, as necessary.
  • pharmaceutically acceptable carrier such as saline
  • Other pharmaceutical carriers, formulations and dosages can also be used in accordance with the present invention.
  • the vector can be delivered by, for example, direct injection using a tuberculin syringe under fluoroscopic guidance, at an amount sufficient for the MCP-3 to be expressed to a degree which allows for highly effective therapy.
  • This type of injection enables local transfection of a desired number of cells, in the effected tissue, thereby maximizing therapeutic efficacy of gene transfer, and minimizing the possibility of an inflammatory response to viral proteins.
  • the vectors can be delivered by direct injection into the culture medium.
  • the MCP-3 nucleic acids transfected into cells may be operably linked to any suitable regulatory sequence, including a tissue specific promoter and enhancer.
  • the transfected target cells can then be transplanted to ischemic tissue by well known transplantation techniques, such as by direct injection.
  • transplantation techniques such as by direct injection.
  • the MCP-3 of the present invention may be expressed for any length of time within the target cell, including transient expression and stable, long-term expression.
  • Long term expression of the MCP-3 is advantageous because it allows the concentration of stem cells to be increased at a time remote from surgery or a procedure that transplants transfected target cells. Additionally, long term or chronic up-regulation of MCP-3 would allow multiple attempts at increasing the stem cell concentration in the peripheral blood. Further, chronic up-regulation in the chemokine ligand expression causes long term homing of stem cells into the tissue to be treated from the peripheral blood without the need of stem cell mobilization agent.
  • the MCP-3 can be administered to or about the periphery of the ischemic tissue before, after, or at the substantially the same time as the administration of the SDF-1.
  • the SDF-1 and MCP-3 can be provided in pharmaceutical composition, which can be administered to or about the periphery of the ischemic tissue.
  • the target cell can be transfected with a bicistronic expression construct that expresses the SDF-1 and MCP-3. Bicistronic expression constructs are known in the art and can be readily employed in the present therapeutic process.
  • the method can include a step of increasing the concentration (i.e., number) of stem cells and/or progenitor cells, such as MSCs, MAPCs, and/or other stem cells and/or progenitor cells, in the peripheral blood from a first concentration to a second concentration substantially greater than the first concentration.
  • the first concentration of stem cells and/or progenitor cells can be the concentration of stem cells typically found in the peripheral blood at a time remote from the onset of the ischemic disorder or tissue injury.
  • the concentration of stem cells and/or progenitor cells in the peripheral blood can be increased while the concentration of SDF-1 and/or MCP-3 protein in or about the periphery of the ischemic tissue is increased.
  • the concentration of stem cells and/or progenitor cells in the peripheral blood can be increased either before or after the SDF-1 and/or MCP-3 protein administration to the ischemic tissue.
  • the stem cells and/or progenitor cells can be provided in the peripheral blood of the tissue being treated by directly injecting the stem cells and/or progenitor cells into the tissue or tissue proximate the tissue being treated by using, for example, a tuberculin syringe.
  • the stem cells and/or progenitor cells can also be provided in the peripheral blood by venous or arterial infusion of the stem cells into the mammalian subject to be treated.
  • the infused stem cells and/or progenitor cells can then be induced to migrate to the tissue being treated by the SDF-1 and/or MCP-3 provided in or about the tissue.
  • the stem cells and/or progenitor cells can be injected or infused into the mammalian subject after providing the SDF-1 and/or MCP-3 in the tissue being treated.
  • the stem cells and/or progenitor cells can be administered before providing the SDF-1 and/or MCP-3 in the tissue being treated.
  • the stem cells and/or progenitor cells can be provided in the tissue to be treated by administering an agent to induce mobilization of stem cells, such as MSCs and/or MAPCs, to the peripheral blood of the subject.
  • the stem cells and/or progenitor cells can be mobilized to the peripheral blood of the subject to increase stem cells and/or progenitor cells concentration in peripheral subject using a number of agents.
  • an agent that causes a pluripotent stem cells and/or progenitor cells to mobilize from the bone marrow can be administered to the subject.
  • cytokines such as granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin (IL)-7, IL-3, IL-12, stem cell factor (SCF), and flt-3 ligand
  • chemokines such as IL-8, Mip-1 ⁇ , and Gro ⁇
  • the mobilizing agent can be administered by direct injection of the mobilizing agent into the subject.
  • the mobilizing agent is administered after the SDF-1 and/or MCP-3 is provided in the ischemic tissue being treated.
  • the mobilizing agent can be administered before the SDF-1 and/or MCP-3 is administered in the tissue being treated.
  • transplantation of multiple stem cell types at the time of myocardial infarction has been shown to improve left ventricular perfusion and/or function in preclinical and clinical studies. While this strategy holds great potential for the prevention and treatment of congestive heart failure, a condition that affects over 5 million Americans, the mechanisms behind the improvement remain unclear.
  • One possibility is that the transplanted stem cells regenerate myocardial tissue by differentiating into cardiac myocytes, endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells.
  • AMI acute myocardial infarction
  • stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1 or CXCL12) is expressed by the heart immediately post-MI and that re-establishment of SDF-1 expression at a time remote from MI can reestablish stem cell homing to damaged cardiac tissue.
  • CXCR4 is the cell surface receptor for SDF-1, and is expressed on early hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and endothelial progenitor cells.
  • SDF-1 results in homing of HSC and endothelial progenitor cells to the injured myocardium
  • SDF-1 has been shown to have growth and survival benefits in CXCR4 expressing MSC.
  • MSC normally express SDF-1; therefore, in an attempt to define the trophic effects of MSC stem cell infusion through SDF-1, we generated MSC that over-expressed SDF-1.
  • Our results demonstrate a significant role for non-stem cell homing trophic effects of SDF-1 on injured myocardium.
  • Rat bone marrow was isolated by flushing the femurs with 0.6 ml DMEM (GIBCO, Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.). Clumps of bone marrow were gently minced with a 20 gauge needle. Cells were separated by Percoll density gradient. The cells were centrifuged for 10 minutes at 260 g and washed with three changes of PBS with 100 U/ml penicillin 100 g/ml streptomycin (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.).
  • the washed cells were then re-suspended and plated in DMEM-LG (GIBCO, Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) with 10% FBS and 1% antibiotic and antimycotic (GIBCO, Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.). The cells were incubated at 37° C. Non-adherent cells were removed by replacing the medium after 3 days. Cultures were refed every 3-4 days. When cultures became 70% confluence, adherent cells were detached following incubation with 0.05% trypsin and 2 mM EDTA (INVITROGEN, Carlsbad, Calif.) for 5 minutes and subsequently passaged.
  • MSC Cultures were depleted of CD45+, CD34+ cells by negative selection using 10 ⁇ l each of primary PE-conjugated mouse anti-rat CD45 (BD Biosciences, San Diego, Calif.) and CD34 antibodies (Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc., Santa Cruz, Calif.) per 106 cells.
  • PE-positive cells were negatively selected using the EasySep PE selection kit according to the manufacturer's instruction (Stem Cell technologies) to prevent non-specific selection of monocytes and macrophages.
  • Confluent cells were passaged and plated out at 1:2 to 1:3 dilutions until passage 11. Cells were assayed for their ability to be induced into the adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic lineages, as described in the.
  • Cells were maintained in differentiation media for 2 to 3 weeks. Differentiation was validated by staining the cells with Oil Red (adipogenic lineage), alcian blue (chondrogenic lineage), or alkaline phosphatase (osteogenic lineage). Two million labeled cells (cardiac fibroblasts, MSC or SDF-1 expressing MSC) harvested in 200 ml of PBS or 200 ml of PBS alone were infused via tail vein 24 hours after myocardial infarction.
  • Oil Red adipogenic lineage
  • alcian blue chondrogenic lineage
  • alkaline phosphatase alkaline phosphatase
  • MSC in vitro prior to cell transplantation: MSC (passage 6) were stably transfected with rat SDF-1 expression vector or pcDNA3.1 (control vector). Two days before infusion, the cells were freshly plated out at 1:3 ratio and incubated in complete medium with 10 ⁇ M BrdU (5-bromo 2-deoxyuridine) to label those cells in the S phase of the cell cycle during the 48 h period prior to harvest for cell transplantation.
  • BrdU 5-bromo 2-deoxyuridine
  • BrdU 50 mg/kg
  • VSV-G pseudotyped lentivirus expressing EGFP or SDF-1 was made using four plasmid vector system by the Viral Core at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
  • the MSC were be transduced twice for 8 h with purified lentivirus in the presence of 8 ⁇ g/ml of polybrene at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 30.
  • MOI multiplicity of infection
  • the media was changed 72 h post transfection and replaced with regular media containing zeocin (EGFP) or zeocin and blasticidin (hSDF1 and EGFP).
  • EGFP zeocin
  • hSDF1 and EGFP zeocin and blasticidin
  • Optimal antibody concentration was determined by titration. Slides were then washed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and then incubated for 45 minutes with FITC-conjugated secondary antibody (Santa Cruz Biotechnology Inc., Santa Cruz, Calif.) diluted to 1.5 ug/ml in PBS with serum and incubated in a dark chamber. After washing extensively with PBS, coverslips were mounted with aqueous mounting medium (Vectashield Mounting Medium with DAPI, H-1200; Vector Laboratories, Burlingame, Calif.).
  • aqueous mounting medium Vectashield Mounting Medium with DAPI, H-1200; Vector Laboratories, Burlingame, Calif.
  • Tissue were analyzed using a upright spectral laser scanning confocal microscope (Model TCS-SP; Leica Microsystems, Heidelberg, Germany) equipped with blue argon (for DAPI), green argon (for Alexa Fluor 488) and red krypton (for Alexa Fluor 594) laser. Data was collected by sequential excitation to minimize “bleed-through”. Image processing, analysis and the extent of colocalization was evaluated using the Leica Confocal software. Optical sectioning was averaged over four frames and the image size was set at 1024 ⁇ 1024 pixels. There were no digital adjustments made to the images.
  • MSC cultures were prepared by Trypsin/EDTA digest. Wash cells twice with cold (1 ⁇ ) D-PBS and then resuspend cells in 1 ⁇ binding buffer (10 mM HEPES, 140 mM NaCl, 2.5 mM CaCl 2 , pH 7.4) at a concentration of 1 ⁇ 106 cells/ml. Transfer 100 ⁇ L (1 ⁇ 105) cells to a 5 ml tube. Single-cell suspensions were then incubated with either 1 ⁇ L of Annexin V-PE-Cy5 (abcam, Cambridge, Mass.) or 5 ⁇ L Propidium Iodide (PI) (BD Biosciences, San Diego, Calif.) or isotype-matched control antibody.
  • 1 ⁇ binding buffer (10 mM HEPES, 140 mM NaCl, 2.5 mM CaCl 2 , pH 7.4
  • 1 ⁇ binding buffer 10 mM HEPES, 140 mM NaCl, 2.5 mM CaCl 2 , pH 7.4
  • the cells were vortex gently and incubate at room temperature for 15 minutes in the dark. Then 400 mL of 1 ⁇ binding buffer were added to each tube and the samples data were acquired by a Guava EasyCyte flowcytometer (Guava Technologies Hayward, Calif.) and analyzed with FlowJo (Tree Star, Inc., Ashland, Oreg.) flowcytometric analysis programs within one hour.
  • Guava EasyCyte flowcytometer Guava Technologies Hayward, Calif.
  • FlowJo Te Star, Inc., Ashland, Oreg.
  • TUNEL for detection of apoptotic nuclei was performed using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated in situ fluorescein conjugated-dUTP nick end-labeling technique according to the manufacturer's protocol (Roche, Indianapolis, Ind.). The sections were incubated again with mouse monoclonal antibody (Chemicon International, Inc.) recognizing cardiac Ventricular myosin heavy chain ⁇ / ⁇ to specifically recognize apoptotic cardiomyocytes. The fluorescence staining was viewed with a confocal laser scanning microscope. The number of apoptotic cells was counted and expressed as percentage of total myocyte population.
  • Cell extracts were prepared in 4 ⁇ reducing Lamellae Buffer (200 mM Tris HCl (pH 6.8), 8% SDS, 0.1% Bromophenol Blue, 40% Glycerol).
  • Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) gels were prepared according to established protocols. Proteins were separated in a 10% SDS polyacrylamide gel.
  • the blotting membrane was placed in 5% milk in 1 ⁇ TBST (Tris Base-2.42 g, NaCl-8g, 1M HCl-3.8 mL with pH to 7.5, Water-1L, Tween 20-2 mL) for one hour and then probed with primary antibody (1:1000 in 5% Milk in 1 ⁇ TBST) against phosphorylated Akt (Santa Cruz Biotechnology Inc., Santa Cruz, Calif.) followed by incubation with the peroxidase-conjugated anti-mouse secondary antibody (1:5000 in 1 ⁇ TBST). Chemiluminescence (Amersham Biosciences UK Limited, Buckinghamshire, England) was used for visualization.
  • 1 ⁇ TBST Tris Base-2.42 g, NaCl-8g, 1M HCl-3.8 mL with pH to 7.5, Water-1L, Tween 20-2 mL
  • Mouse anti-Myosin-Ventricular Heavy Chain alpha/beta Monoclonal antibody (Chemicon International, Inc.); Mouse monoclonal anti-alpha-sarcomeric actin IgM (Sigma); Mouse anti-troponin I monoclonal IgG2b antibody (Chemicon International, Inc.); Rabbit anti-GATA 4 polyclonal IgG antibody (Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc.); Goat polyclonal anti-Nkx-2.5 IgG antibody (Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc.); Rabbit polyclonal anti-MEF-2 IgG antibody (Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc.); mouse Monoclonal anti-alpha-smooth muscle actin-Cy3 conjugated antibody (Sigma); Rabbit polyclonal anti-human von willebrand factor; Rabbit anticonnexin-43 polyclonal IgG antibody (Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc.); Rabbit anticonnexin 45 polyclonal IgG antibody (Sant
  • Goat anti-mouse IgG Alexa Fluor 488 (Molecular Probes); Goat anti-mouse IgG Alexa Fluor 594 (Molecular Probes); Donkey anti-rabbit IgG Alexa Fluor 488 (Molecular Probes); Donkey anti-rabbit IgG Alexa Fluor 594(Molecular Probes); Goat polyclonal IgG anti-Fluorescein antibody (Molecular Probes); Donkey anti-goat IgG Alexa Fluor 488 antibody (Molecular Probes); Donkey anti-goat IgG antibody Alexa Fluor 594 (Molecular Probes); Goat anti-mouse IgM Alexa Fluor 488 (Molecular Probes).
  • 2D-echocardiography was performed at 2 and 5 weeks following LAD ligation and MSC transplantation using a 15 MHz linear array transducer interfaced with a Sequoia C256 and GE Vision 7 as previously described (9;11).
  • LV dimensions and wall thickness were quantified by digitally recorded 2D clips and M-mode images in a short axis view from the mid-LV just below the papillary muscles to allow for consistent measurements from the same anatomical location in different rats.
  • the ultrasonographer was blinded to treatment group. Measurements were made by two independent blinded observers off-line using ProSolv echocardiography software. Measurements in each animal were made 6 times from 3 out of 5 randomly chosen M-mode clips recorded by an observer blinded to the treatment arm.
  • Acute anterior wall myocardial infarction was induced by direct LAD ligation, twenty-four hours later, 2 million syngeneic cardiac fibroblasts stably transfected with empty plasmid, or 2 million syngeneic MSC stably transfected with empty plasmid or plasmid encoding SDF-1 were infused by tail vein injection. BrdU was added to the culture medium of the cells for 2 days prior to harvesting in order to label the cellular DNA. Control rats received an intravenous infusion of saline. Seventy-two hours and 5 weeks following treatment with cardiac fibroblasts (CF), control or SDF-1 expressing MSC or saline infusion, the animals were sacrificed and the hearts were harvested.
  • CF cardiac fibroblasts
  • the presence of infused CF and MSC in the heart was quantified as the number of BrdU positive cells per area.
  • the number of MSC in the heart was significantly increased by the over-expression of SDF-1 ( FIG. 2 b ) at both time points, although the increase was significantly less at 5 weeks compared to 72 h after treatment ( FIG. 2 c ).
  • FIG. 3 a shows that there is an increase in CXCR4 expression in the infarct zone as early as 24 h after AMI. These cells are not cardiac myocytes; rather, these CXCR4 positive cells are leukocytes and endothelial cells.
  • FIG. 3 a (24-48 h) demonstrates that cardiac myocytes in the infarct border zone begin to express CXCR4 as early as 48 h after AMI, and that the level of cardiac myocyte CXCR4 expression at the infarct border zone increases through 96 h after AMI.
  • Immunofluorescence using antibody for vWF was used to identify and quantify the vascular density within the infarct zone following each treatment.
  • the data in FIG. 3 demonstrates that MSC and to a greater extent SDF-1 expressing MSC increase the area and number of cardiac myocytes within the infarct zone. While the data in FIGS. 1-3 support the concept that this increase is due to cardiac preservation, we wanted to determine the extent to which either the injected MSC or the endogenous cardiac stem cells participated in cardiac myocyte regeneration. To determine the fate of the engrafted MSC, we stained sections of myocardial tissue for markers of cardiac myocytes (Cardiac Myosin, Troponin I, GATA4 and Connexin 43), smooth muscle cells (SMC ⁇ -actin and Connexin 45) and endothelial cells (vWF and Connexin 40).
  • BrdU or GFP labeled cells engrafted into the myocardium were ⁇ -actin positive ( FIG. 5 a ).
  • BrdU or GFP positive cells were never vWF and rarely ( ⁇ 2%) cardiac myosin positive suggesting that with or without SDF-1 transfection, MSC appear to either not differentiate (MSC are SMC ⁇ -actin in culture, data not shown) or differentiate into smooth muscle cells.
  • the data in FIG. 6 show representative images from saline, MSC and SDF-1:MSC treated animals double stained for BrdU and cardiac myosin.
  • many of these BrdU positive cells in the SDF-1:MSC treated animals are cardiac myosin positive suggesting that they could be of cardiac stem cell origin; however, these BrdU and cardiac myosin positive cells are not mature cardiac myocytes.
  • the goal of stem cell based therapies following AMI is to (i) minimize myocardial cell death, (ii) optimize LV remodeling and (iii) regenerate myocardial structures, including blood vessels and cardiac myocytes.
  • stem cell engraftment into recently infarcted myocardium can lead to improved cardiac function. Whether this is guided by a cache of resident cardiac stem cells that replace damaged myocardium, bone marrow-derived stem cells that home to damaged myocardium, or exogenous cells infused intravenously following MI is not fully understood.
  • the ability of hematopoietic stem cells to transdifferentiate into cardiac myocytes remains a matter of ongoing debate, however, appears unlikely given recent results. Despite this uncertainty, it is clear that the introduction of a variety of stem cell types from varied sources can lead to improved cardiac function.
  • SDF-1 in the myocardium led to recruitment and proliferation of a cardiac myosin positive cell population consistent with cardiac stem cells. While these cells did not appear to differentiate into mature cardiac myocytes within the time frame of our studies, the presence of these cells may suggest a potential for long-term benefit.
  • the route of cell delivery in our study was tail vein infusion.
  • Other studies have sought to define the ideal route of cell delivery, including mobilization from bone marrow, catheter-based intra-coronary infusion, and intra-myocardial injection.
  • Catheter based intra-coronary delivery of MSC in the left circumflex artery of dogs led to microinfarction, which may not be well tolerated in patients with little cardiac reserve.
  • Our results highlight the fact that a simple intravenous infusion may be highly effective; while at the same time minimize mechanical risk to the freshly injured myocardium.
  • MSC delivered during the peri-infarct period can differentiate into cardiac myosin expressing cells.
  • MSC whether labeled with BrdU or GFP did not demonstrate significant regeneration of cells with a cardiac myocyte phenotype.
  • a small population of the engrafted MSC may have differentiated to a cardiac myocyte phenotype, our data are consistent with the hypothesis that the overall benefit of MSC therapy is not due to regeneration, but rather preservation of cardiac tissue and that at least one factor mediating this effect is SDF-1.
  • MCP-3 is a Myocardial Mesenchymal Stem Cell Homing Factor
  • HSC hematopoietic stem cells
  • MI myocardial infarction
  • Rat bone marrow was isolated by flushing the femurs with 0.6 ml DMEM (GIBCO, Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.). Clumps of bone marrow were gently minced with a 20-gauge needle. Cells were separated by Percoll density gradient. The cells were centrifuged for 10 minutes at 260 g and washed with three changes of PBS containing 100 U/ml penicillin/100 g/ml and streptomycin (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.).
  • the washed cells were then re-suspended and plated in DMEM-LG (GIBCO, Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) with 10% FBS and 1% antibiotic and antimycotic (GIBCO, Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.). The cells were incubated at 37° C. Non-adherent cells were removed by replacing the medium after 3 days. Fourteen days later (passage 4) cells were harvested by incubation 0.05% trypsin and 2 mM EDTA (INVITROGEN, Carlsbad, Calif.) for 5 minutes.
  • MSC Cultures were depleted of CD45+ cells by negative selection using 10 ⁇ l each of primary PE-conjugated mouse anti-rat CD45 antibodies per 106 cells (Vendor: BD Biosciences; Cat Number: 554878). PE-positive cells were negatively selected using the EasySep PE selection kit according to the manufacturer's instruction (Stem Cell technologies). The resulting MSC (passage 6-12) were used for our studies. Three days before infusion, the cells were freshly plated out at 1:3 ratio and incubated in complete medium with 10 ⁇ M BrdU (5-bromo 2-deoxyuridine) to label those cells in the S phase of the cell cycle. BrdU labeled MSC were harvested at 106 cells/100 ⁇ l of PBS.
  • BrdU labeled MSC were harvested at 106 cells/100 ⁇ l of PBS.
  • the status of our MSC phenotype was validated by staining the cells with Oil Red (adipogenic lineage), alcian blue (chondrogenic lineage), or alkaline phosphatase (osteogenic lineage) following culture under specific differentiation conditions.
  • Oil Red adipogenic lineage
  • alcian blue chondrogenic lineage
  • alkaline phosphatase osteogenic lineage
  • Syngeneic rat cardiac fibroblasts were obtained from a donor Lewis rat heart stably transfected with rat MCP-3 expression vector or pcDNA3.1 (control vector) as described previously. The expression of MCP-3 was confirmed by real-time PCR. Confluent cells were passaged and plated out at 1:2 to 1:3 dilutions until passage 11.
  • chemokine/chemokine receptor array nylon membrane array system that contained 67 distinct targets (SuperArray Bioscience Corp).
  • One microgram of total RNA was used to make cDNA by reverse transcription using random primers.
  • cRNA was generated and hybridization performed using company supplied protocols.
  • Chemiluminescent signals were measured using a cooled CCD camera with a 20 sec exposure time. Each filter was used once.
  • Three individual animals were studied at each time point. Time points studied were 1 hour and 1, 3, 7 and 10 d after LAD ligation. Control groups included no surgery and 1 hour and 7 days after sham LAD ligation in which a suture was placed but not tightened over the LAD.
  • a positive result for a specific chemokine in myocardial tissue was a 3 fold increase in expression of one experimental animal compared to all controls (Sham and no surgery) that is also at least 2 fold increased in the remaining experimental animals compared to each of the controls at that time point. Furthermore, all other time points had to be increased or no change from controls.
  • RT-PCR was performed following isolation of RNA from 6 million cells by using a Rneasy Mini Kit (Qiagen Inc., Valencia, Calif.) according to manufacturer instructions. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed using the ABI Prism 7700 sequence detector (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.). The reaction mixture contained SYBR Green PCR master mix (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.), each primer at 300 nM, and 10 ul of cDNA. After activation of the AmpliTaq Gold (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.) for 10 minutes at 95° C., we carried out 45 cycles with each cycle consisting of 15 seconds at 95° C. followed by 1 minute at 60° C. The dissociation curve for each amplification was analyzed to confirm that there were no nonspecific PCR products.
  • Optimal antibody concentration was determined by titration. Slides were then washed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and then incubated for 45 minutes with FITC-conjugated secondary antibody (Santa Cruz Biotechnology Inc., Santa Cruz, Calif.) diluted to 1.5 ug/ml in PBS with 1% serum and incubated in a dark chamber. After washing extensively with PBS, coverslips were mounted with aqueous mounting medium (Vectashield Mounting Medium with DAPI, H-1200; Vector Laboratories, Burlingame, Calif.).
  • Tissue were analyzed using a upright spectral laser scanning confocal microscope (Model TCS-SP; Leica Microsystems, Heidelberg, Germany) equipped with blue argon (for DAPI), green argon (for Alexa Fluor 488) and red krypton (for Alexa Fluor 594) laser. Data was collected by sequential excitation to minimize “bleed-through”. Image processing, analysis and the extent of co-localization were evaluated using the Leica Confocal software. Optical sectioning was averaged over four frames and the image size was set at 1024 ⁇ 1024 pixels. There were no digital adjustments made to the images.
  • Engrafted MSC were quantified as the number of BrdU positive cells per high power field.
  • the number of vessels was quantified as the number of vWF positive vessels per high power field.
  • At least 8 high power fields across the infarct zone were randomly counted by two observers blinded to the treatment of the animals.
  • the number of cells or vessels per high power field were averaged and normalized by the calibrated area per high power field.
  • 2D-echocardiography was performed at 2 and 5 weeks following LAD ligation and MSC transplantation using a 15 MHz linear array transducer interfaced with a Sequoia C256 and GE Vision 7 as previously described.
  • LV dimensions and wall thickness were quantified by digitally recorded 2D clips and M-mode images in a short axis view from the mid-LV just below the papillary muscles to allow for consistent measurements from the same anatomical location in different rats.
  • the ultrasonographer was blinded to treatment group. Measurements were made by two independent blinded observers off-line using ProSolv echocardiography software. Measurements in each animal were made 6 times from 3 out of 5 randomly chosen M-mode clips recorded by an observer blinded to the treatment arm.
  • Paraffin sections (5 ⁇ m) of the heart tissue were prepared. Sections were stained with collagen-specific Masson-Trichrome stain and observed by light microscopy. Quantitative estimation of collagen content was performed to assess fibrillar collagen accumulation (stained blue) using Image-Pro Plus version 5.1, image analysis software. Fibrosis size was quantified by % LV area containing collagen tissue (blue). Because the hearts were 8 weeks after MI and the anterior wall had significantly thinned, was also quantified the % of the LV cavity circumference that had collagen tissue as a measure of infarct size following remodeling.
  • MSCs were detached with trypsin-EDTA, counted, and resuspended in complete media.
  • Cells (1 ⁇ 105 in 400 mL) were then plated onto Millicell culture inserts (8-nm pore size; Millipore, Bedford, Mass.) in a 24 well plate and allowed to adhere for overnight at 37° C.
  • Millicell culture inserts 8-nm pore size; Millipore, Bedford, Mass.
  • DMEM containing 1% FBS 600 mL
  • the chemoattractant factor MCP-3 R&D Systems, Minneapolis, Minn.
  • the inserts were then washed with PBS and the non-migrating cells remaining on the upper surface of the insert were removed with a cotton swab.
  • Migrating cells were fixed with 4% PFA, stained with 0.25% crystal violet and counted using a microscope (10 ⁇ ). The mean number of cells ( ⁇ SEM) of four randomly chosen fields was calculated for each treatment.
  • FIG. 8 a depicts the strategy we implemented to identify candidate MSC homing factors.
  • the chemokine and chemokine receptor array was used to identify two distinct lists: the first list was the population of chemokines that were expressed as early as 1 h after LAD ligation, and whose expression was gone by 10 d after LAD ligation, with a peak expression at least 3 fold over that of sham operated animals (Light Grey Grouping on Left, FIG. 8 a ).
  • the second list represented chemokine receptors that were expressed at least 10 fold greater on MSC compared to cardiac fibroblasts (Dark Grey Grouping on Right, FIG. 8 a ).
  • the intersection of the candidate MSC homing factors were those chemokines that were contained in the Circle on the left (Light Grey) (transiently expressed by myocardial tissue after LAD ligation) that bound receptors that were contained in the Circle on the right (Dark Grey) (expressed by MSC and not cardiac fibroblasts) are presented in the open non-shaded area.
  • Light Grey transiently expressed by myocardial tissue after LAD ligation
  • Dark Grey expressed by MSC and not cardiac fibroblasts
  • FIG. 8 b shows PCR products from passages 6 and 20 MSC, CF and rat Spleen (positive control).
  • the engrafted MSC did not differentiate into cardiac myocytes. Co-staining for BrdU and cardiac myosin, troponin I or connexin 43 revealed that none of the engrafted MSC expressed cardiac markers in vivo (data not shown). We hypothesized that MSC engraftment resulted in remodeling of the infarct zone leading to improvement in cardiac function. Mason's trichrome staining revealed a significant difference in collagen content in the infarct/infarct border zone between animals that were treated with control and MCP-3 expressing cardiac fibroblast prior to serial MSC infusion ( FIGS. 12 a and b , respectively).
  • MSC are under active investigation as a stem cell source for tissue repair. MSC are known to home to injured tissue of multiple organs; however, the biological signals responsible for MSC homing have not been previously described. In this study we identified MCP-3 as a homing factor for MSC.
  • MCP-3 belongs to the family of CC chemokines with potent chemotactic activities for several cell types, including monocytes, leukocytes, and dendritic cells. These chemokines exert their effects through interaction with the chemokine receptors CCR1, CCR2, CCR3, and CCR5. MCP-3 has been shown to be expressed at multiple sites of inflammation, although its role in wound healing has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we show that MCP-3 is transiently expressed by myocardial tissue following acute myocardial infarction. Since MSC are not known to be mobilized in response to myocardial infarction, the utility of MCP-3 expression as a MSC homing factor for the intrinsic repair of the heart at the time of MI is unclear. However, as shown by our study exploiting the MSC homing effects of MCP-3 may have therapeutic potential.
  • MSC Mesothelial growth factor
  • MCP-3 is an MSC homing factor
  • the effects of recruiting MSC via the over-expression of MCP-3 appears distinct from that observed following over-expression of an HSC homing factor or injection of HSC themselves.
  • This observation suggests that the mechanism of benefit following re-establishment of MSC homing and engraftment of MSC at a time remote from myocardial infarction for MSC transplantation at a time remote from acute myocardial infarction is related to improved cardiac remodeling, and perhaps trophic effects on surviving myocardium; rather than improved tissue perfusion.

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