2011 - CTS-IXA


This page contains exclusive content for the member of the following sections: TTS, CTS, IXA. Log in to view.

Parallel Session 2- Stem Cells (Cell Track)

4.116 - Human amnion epithelial (hAE) stem cell transplant significantly improves phenotype and survival in a murine model of intermediate maple syrup urine disease (iMSUD)

Presenter: Kristen, Skvorak, Pittsburgh, United States
Authors: Kristen Skvorak1, Kenneth Dorko1, Fabio Marongiu1, Veysel Tahan1, Marc Hansel1, Roberto Gramignoli1, Erland Arning2, Teodoro Bottiglieri2, Qin Sun3, K. Michael Gibson4, Stephen Strom1

116

Human amnion epithelial (hAE) stem cell transplant significantly improves phenotype and survival in a murine model of intermediate maple syrup urine disease (iMSUD) 

Kristen Skvorak1, Kenneth Dorko1, Fabio Marongiu1, Veysel Tahan1, Marc Hansel1, Roberto Gramignoli1, Erland Arning2, Teodoro Bottiglieri2, Qin Sun3, K. Michael Gibson4, Stephen Strom1

1Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; 2Institute of Metabolic Disease, Baylor Research Institute, Dallas, TX; 3Human & Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; 4Biological Sciences, Michigan Tech University, Houghton, MI, United States

MSUD (OMIM 248600) is a rare disorder of branched chain amino acid (BCAA; leucine, isoleucine, valine) catabolism caused by mutation of the branched-chain keto-acid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) enzyme complex. Treatment requires lifelong dietary restriction and compliance is variable, often resulting in catabolic crisis. Liver transplantation has greatly improved patient outcome. Previous studies verified that hepatocyte transplantation partially corrects a transgenic murine model of iMSUD, establishing that a small number of proficient cells transplanted into the liver significantly improves disease phenotype and survival (Mol. Ther. 2009, 17(7):126; Biochim Biophys Acta 2009, 1792(10):1004). Applying this rationale, human placental amnion-derived stem cells, which share many characteristics with pluripotent embryonic stem cells, were explored as an alternative to hepatocytes for use in cell transplant. During the first 10 days of life (DOL), neonates were given two direct hepatic injections of 1x10 6cells. After 21 DOL, bi-weekly injections (2x10^6 cells) were administered until 35 DOL. Growth of transplanted iMSUD mice mimicked wildtype, and survival was significantly lengthened compared to untreated iMSUD. BCKDH enzyme activity was significantly improved, as well as serum and brain amino acids, at 35 and 100 DOL. A ratio of BCAA to alanine, a more representative indicator of disease status than BCAAs alone, was decreased >50% at both time points while alloisoleucine was not statistically different from unaffected controls. Neurotransmitter alterations and brain injury is characteristic of MSUD resulting from toxic accumulation of BCAAs. Importantly, brain monoamines showed improvements in hAE transplanted animals at both time points, and dopamine and serotonin turnover was normalized at 100 days. Similar to mouse hepatocytes, transplants of human AE stem cells partially corrected this mouse model of iMSUD. We propose that these placental stem cells may be an alternate to hepatocytes as therapy for MSUD, and possibly other liver-based inborn errors of metabolism.


Important Disclaimer

By viewing the material on this site you understand and accept that:

  1. The opinions and statements expressed on this site reflect the views of the author or authors and do not necessarily reflect those of The Transplantation Society and/or its Sections.
  2. The hosting of material on The Transplantation Society site does not signify endorsement of this material by The Transplantation Society and/or its Sections.
  3. The material is solely for educational purposes for qualified health care professionals.
  4. The Transplantation Society and/or its Sections are not liable for any decision made or action taken based on the information contained in the material on this site.
  5. The information cannot be used as a substitute for professional care.
  6. The information does not represent a standard of care.
  7. No physician-patient relationship is being established.

Social

Contact

Staff Directory
+1-514-874-1717
info@tts.org

Address

The Transplantation Society
International Headquarters
740 Notre-Dame Ouest
Suite 1245
Montréal, QC, H3C 3X6
Canada