Title
DMSO-free methods of preserving mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that retain high levels of post thaw function
Conference Dates
January 15-19, 2017
Abstract
A novel, biologically-inspired strategy was developed to improve the preservation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs are being investigated for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, connective tissue disorders, acute lung injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, kidney diseases and more. To date, over 300 clinical trials involve the use of MSCs, with well over 2000 patients safely treated.Current methods of preserving MSCs are inadequate/ suboptimal. Concerns over poor post thaw function have become so pervasive that it is now common for MSCs to be cultured for 24-72 h prior to administration. These MSCs have a short shelf life (< 24 hours), require special FDA permission, and the process increases cost and reduces access.
The research described here utilizes an evolutionary algorithm to identify combinations of naturally occurring osmolytes that yield high cell recovery post thaw and optimize the composition of a DMSO-free, protein-free medium for cryopreservation of the cells. Additionally, we demonstrate that these novel solutions maintain MSC functionality when evaluated using surface markers, attachment, proliferation, actin alignment, RNA expression, and DNA hydroxymethlyation.
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Recommended Citation
Kathryn Pollock, Allison Hubel, David H. McKenna, Peter I. Dosa, and Andre J. van Wijnen, "DMSO-free methods of preserving mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that retain high levels of post thaw function" in "Scale-up and Manufacturing of Cell-based Therapies V", Tom Brieva, Celgene Cellular Therapeutics William Miller, Northwestern University Chris Mason, University College London Eds, ECI Symposium Series, (2017). https://dc.engconfintl.org/cellbasedtherapies_v/113