Open AccessPlatelet‐Derived Mitochondria Display Embryonic Stem Cell Markers and Improve Pancreatic Islet β‐cell Function in Humans
Author(s) -
Zhao Yong,
Jiang Zhaoshun,
Delgado Elias,
Li Heng,
Zhou Huimin,
Hu Wei,
PerezBasterrechea Marcos,
Janostakova Anna,
Tan Qidong,
Wang Jing,
Mao Mao,
Yin Zhaohui,
Zhang Ye,
Li Ying,
Li Quanhai,
Zhou Jing,
Li Yunxiang,
Martinez Revuelta Eva,
Maria GarcíaGala Jose,
Wang Honglan,
PerezLopez Silvia,
AlvarezViejo Maria,
Menendez Edelmiro,
Moss Thomas,
Guindi Edward,
Otero Jesus
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
stem cells translational medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.781
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 2157-6580
pISSN - 2157-6564
DOI - 10.1002/sctm.17-0078
Subject(s) - stem cell , embryonic stem cell , cell therapy , stem cell therapy , immune system , pancreatic islets , islet , immunology , cancer research , biology , medicine , diabetes mellitus , endocrinology , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , biochemistry
Diabetes is a major global health issue and the number of individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) increases annually across multiple populations. Research to develop a cure must overcome multiple immune dysfunctions and the shortage of pancreatic islet β cells, but these challenges have proven intractable despite intensive research effort more than the past decades. Stem Cell Educator (SCE) therapy—which uses only autologous blood immune cells that are externally exposed to cord blood stem cells adhering to the SCE device, has previously been proven safe and effective in Chinese and Spanish subjects for the improvement of T1D, T2D, and other autoimmune diseases. Here, 4‐year follow‐up studies demonstrated the long‐term safety and clinical efficacy of SCE therapy for the treatment of T1D and T2D. Mechanistic studies found that the nature of platelets was modulated in diabetic subjects after receiving SCE therapy. Platelets and their released mitochondria display immune tolerance‐associated markers that can modulate the proliferation and function of immune cells. Notably, platelets also expressed embryonic stem cell‐ and pancreatic islet β‐cell‐associated markers that are encoded by mitochondrial DNA. Using freshly‐isolated human pancreatic islets, ex vivo studies established that platelet‐releasing mitochondria can migrate to pancreatic islets and be taken up by islet β cells, leading to the proliferation and enhancement of islet β‐cell functions. These findings reveal new mechanisms underlying SCE therapy and open up new avenues to improve the treatment of diabetes in clinics. S tem C ells T ranslational M edicine 2017;6:1684–1697