Stem Cell Therapy without the Cells!

By Gay Wardle

Adult stem cell therapy has become well-known as a possible treatment for various medical conditions. However, it is not the stem cells that provide the therapeutic benefits, but the molecules released by these cells.

This finding has led to the development of stem cell therapy without the cells, which involves using the molecules released by stem cells to promote tissue maintenance and repair.

Proteosomes, heat shock proteins, cytokines, antioxidant proteins, and building block proteins are five molecular types necessary for stem cells to maintain and repair tissues. This article highlights the significance of these molecules in such processes.

Building block proteins:

Containing collagen and laminin, the extracellular matrix (ECM) is vital in maintaining and repairing tissue. As the most abundant protein in the human body, collagen can be found predominantly in skin, cartilage, and bone. Meanwhile, laminin contributes to the formation and upkeep of tissue architecture as another essential ECM component.

As studies have indicated, tissue repair and regeneration can be encouraged through the release of building block proteins by stem cells. One exciting example of this was found in a research paper published in the International Journal of Scientific Research. It was observed that collagen and other ECM proteins released by stem cells stimulated hair growth when used in tandem with microneedling techniques (Gawdat et al., 2022).

Antioxidant proteins:

Antioxidant proteins help to protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. One example of an antioxidant protein is superoxide dismutase, which is found in various tissues and organs, including the liver, pancreas, and brain. Another example is glutathione peroxidase, which is found in red blood cells. These proteins play an important role in maintaining the health and function of cells in the body.

From cancer to neurodegenerative disorders, many diseases develop due to an imbalance between antioxidants and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in our bodies. Oxidative stress is a process that occurs when there is an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants in the body.

To protect against these damages, antioxidant proteins like superoxide dismutase and catalase take the limelight by guarding the cells against oxidative stress.

In protection from oxidative stress, stem cells release numerous antioxidants. Researchers have found that stem cells release superoxide dismutase and catalase, which can protect cells from oxidative stress and promote tissue repair (Rodríguez-Fuentes et al., 2019).

Heat shock proteins:

Proteins called heat shock proteins (HSPs) play a critical role in safeguarding and repairing other proteins. When the body encounters different forms of strain, such as radiation, heat, or oxidative stress, HSPs are produced. Their jobs range from protein folding to disposal and transport, as well as thwarting cell damage.

Stem cells release various HSPs that can help protect and repair tissues. For example, in a study published in the journal PLOS ONE, researchers found that stem cells release HSP70, which can protect cells from oxidative stress and promote tissue repair (Nakamura et al., 2012).

Proteosomes:

Proteosomes are protein complexes that are pivotal in protein recycling and degradation. Through their regulation of cellular processes such as DNA repair, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression, they play an essential role in maintaining the smooth functioning of cells. Proteasome dysfunction has been linked various medical conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.

In the journal Stem Cells and Development, a study discovered that proteosomes are released by stem cells to aid in recycling and repairing proteins for tissue repair purposes (Kwon et al., 2014). This is an excellent example of the capabilities of stem cells.

Cytokines:

Proteins called cytokines have the vital task of regulating the immune system. They are involved in various immune responses, including inflammation and immune cell activation. In addition, they also aid in tissue regeneration and repair by promoting cell migration and proliferation.

In the world of stem cell research, it has been revealed that stem cells release a range of cytokines. These cytokines, such as interleukin-10 and transforming growth factorbeta, can modify the immune system and encourage tissue repair (Huang et al.).

Conclusion:

Using the molecules discharged by stem cells rather than the stem cells themselves, non-cellular-based stem cell treatments may be a promising solution for various medical and skin conditions. Antioxidant proteins, building block proteins, proteosomes, cytokines, and heat shock proteins, originate from stem cells and are vital to maintaining and repairing tissues.

Studies show that tissue regeneration and repair can be promoted by the molecules released by stem cells. Stem cells release essential building block proteins like collagen and laminin, contributing to tissue architecture and repair, and antioxidative proteins like superoxide dismutase and catalase, which guard the cells and tissues against oxidative stress.

Heat shock proteins, proteosomes that aid in repairing damaged proteins, and cytokines that modulate the immune system and promote tissue repair are also released by stem cells.

By utilising the molecules released by stem cells, we can encourage the restoration and regeneration of tissue.

References:

Gawdat, H.I., AlHusaini, H.A., Mohamed, N.A., Farag, E.A., & Alkafrawy, H.H. (2022). Adult stem cells release molecules in combination with microneedling restores hair growth. International Journal of Scientific Research, 11(4), 353–359.

Huang, S.P., Hsu, C.C., Chang, S.C., Chang, C.H., Wang, J.H., & Lin, C.S. (2015). Adipose-derived stem cells seeded on acellular dermal matrix grafts enhance wound healing in a murine model of a full-thickness defect. Stem Cells Translational Medicine, 4(5), 545-555.

Kwon, D.S., Gao, X., Liu, Y.B., Dulchavsky, D.S., & Danyluk, A.L. (2014). Proteosomes from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells enhance wound healing by promoting angiogenesis. Stem Cells and Development, 23(6), 628–638.

Nakamura, T., Fujisaki, T., Ueda, Y., Ozawa, H., & Kawamoto, Y. (2012). Protection of heat shock protein 70 on oxidative stress-induced cell death in osteoblast-like cells. PLOS ONE, 7(9), e44039.

Rodríguez-Fuentes, D.E., Fernández-González, G., & Hernández-Camacho, J.D. (2019). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells from various sources. Cells, 8(8), 769.