Journal of Cell Science & Therapy
Open Access
ISSN: 2157-7013
ISSN: 2157-7013
Ornella Parolini
Keynote: J Cell Sci Ther
Stem cells act as progenitors for multiple other cell types and also contribute to tissue homeostasis, thus suggesting that these cells could be exploited for tissue regeneration and loss of organ function. This concept began to take shape with the discovery of cells such as embryonic stem cells and hematopoietic stem cells, which embody the classical features of stem cells, i.e. the ability to proliferate almost indefinitely and differentiate into multiple lineages. Combined with the ability to engraft, these features open the possibility to reconstitute tissues/organs by generating tissue-specific mature cells through differentiation. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) very likely possess the same characteristics as other stem cells, although with fundamental aspects of their biology yet to be determined due to the confounding aspect of their intrinsic heterogeneity as a cell population. Recent evidence suggests that the factors released from these cells, rather than their intrinsic differentiation capacity, are the key players underlying their actions in vivo, ultimately raising questions relating to the use of effector molecules for therapeutic purposes. Our studies have mostly been focused on mesenchymal stem/stromal cells isolated from a human term placenta tissues, such as the amniotic membrane (hAMSC). We have demonstrated a paracrine action of hAMSC by showing a significant disease attenuation through the application of cells or their conditioned medium, and even amniotic membrane patches, in animal models of several inflammatory-associated diseases, such as in animals with ischemic hearts, lung and liver fibrosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Altogether, these studies highlight the potential use of hAMSC and their derivatives (e.g. amniotic patches and conditioned medium), as a therapeutic tool in degenerative diseases based on altered immune reactions and inflammatory processes. In this presentation we will discuss evidence suggesting that a major role for paracrine actions of these cells, rather than their differentiation, underlies their therapeutic effects.
Ornella Parolini is the Director of E. Menni Research Center, Fondazione Poliambulanza, Brescia, Italy and the President of IPLASS - International Placenta Stem Cell Society. She has pioneered research on human placenta-derived stem cells. Her research is focused on the immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and anti- fibrotic properties of amniotic and chorionic membrane-derivatives as amnion patches, amniotic cell subpopulations and their conditioned medium, as products applicable in regenerative medicine. She is author of over 100 publications in peer-reviewed journals as well as several book chapters. She also has several patent applications.