Placenta-derived cells Promote Vessel Network Maturation and Skeletal Muscle Differentiation

Tissue engineering is used to study and treat various diseases and injuries. Angiogenesis is critical for the integration and survival of engineered tissue in vivo. Graft vascularization remains one of the most substantial challenges facing experts in creating thick implantable tissue. Previously, our lab engineered a stable vascular network in three-dimensional (3D) constructs through a co-culture system of endothelial cells (ECs) and supporting cells (SCs), such as pericytes, fibroblasts, or Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). EC in the co-cultures spontaneously forms a microvascular network. Also, the fabrication of engineered muscle tissue has been reported.

The interplay between different types of cells or tissues encourages vascularization, myogenic differentiation, and biochemical secretions. In addition, it was previously shown that engineered constructs with a more mature vessel network integrated faster, and the vasculature became more functional.

Placenta-derived MSCs (PLX-PAD) secrete proangiogenic factors and stimulate the intrinsic regenerative system to create blood vessels and recover muscle tissue functionality after injury. This makes them suitable for regenerative medicine purposes.

Here we show in a composite vascularized human skeletal muscle tissue how PLX-PAD promotes vascular network maturation and skeletal muscle differentiation. This effect was significantly enhanced compared to adipose-derived MSCs. The discoveries herein may contribute to a novel concept of placenta-derived cells as a therapeutic approach in regenerative medicine.