Secretome Analysis of Human and Rat Pancreatic Islets Co-Cultured with Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells Reveals a Signature with Enhanced Regenerative Capacities

Pancreatic islet transplantation (PIT) is a promising treatment for type 1 diabetes (T1D) but faces challenges pre- and post-transplantation. Co-transplantation with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), known for their regenerative properties, has shown potential in improving PIT outcomes. This study e...

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Main Authors: Erika Pinheiro-Machado, Bart J. de Haan, Marten A. Engelse, Alexandra M. Smink
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Cells
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/14/4/302
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author Erika Pinheiro-Machado
Bart J. de Haan
Marten A. Engelse
Alexandra M. Smink
author_facet Erika Pinheiro-Machado
Bart J. de Haan
Marten A. Engelse
Alexandra M. Smink
author_sort Erika Pinheiro-Machado
collection DOAJ
description Pancreatic islet transplantation (PIT) is a promising treatment for type 1 diabetes (T1D) but faces challenges pre- and post-transplantation. Co-transplantation with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), known for their regenerative properties, has shown potential in improving PIT outcomes. This study examined the secretome of islets cultured alone compared to the secretomes of islets co-cultured with adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs), a subtype of MSCs, under transplantation-relevant stressors: normoxia, cytokines, high glucose, hypoxia, and combined hypoxia and high glucose. Islet co-culture with ASCs significantly altered the proteome, affecting pathways related to energy metabolism, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix organization, and immune modulation. Key signaling molecules (e.g., VEGF, PDGF, bFGF, Collagen I alpha 1, IL-1α, and IL-10) were differentially regulated depending on culture conditions and ASC presence. Functional assays demonstrated that the co-culture secretome could enhance angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and immune modulation, depending on the stress conditions. These findings highlight possible mechanisms through which ASCs may support islet survival and function, offering insights into overcoming PIT challenges. Moreover, this work contributes to identifying biomarkers of the post-transplantation microenvironment, advancing therapeutic strategies for T1D and regenerative medicine.
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spelling doaj-art-53c28809ce344d0a90e4128e8bae38d22025-08-20T03:12:14ZengMDPI AGCells2073-44092025-02-0114430210.3390/cells14040302Secretome Analysis of Human and Rat Pancreatic Islets Co-Cultured with Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells Reveals a Signature with Enhanced Regenerative CapacitiesErika Pinheiro-Machado0Bart J. de Haan1Marten A. Engelse2Alexandra M. Smink3Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The NetherlandsDepartment of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The NetherlandsLeiden Transplant Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The NetherlandsDepartment of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The NetherlandsPancreatic islet transplantation (PIT) is a promising treatment for type 1 diabetes (T1D) but faces challenges pre- and post-transplantation. Co-transplantation with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), known for their regenerative properties, has shown potential in improving PIT outcomes. This study examined the secretome of islets cultured alone compared to the secretomes of islets co-cultured with adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs), a subtype of MSCs, under transplantation-relevant stressors: normoxia, cytokines, high glucose, hypoxia, and combined hypoxia and high glucose. Islet co-culture with ASCs significantly altered the proteome, affecting pathways related to energy metabolism, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix organization, and immune modulation. Key signaling molecules (e.g., VEGF, PDGF, bFGF, Collagen I alpha 1, IL-1α, and IL-10) were differentially regulated depending on culture conditions and ASC presence. Functional assays demonstrated that the co-culture secretome could enhance angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and immune modulation, depending on the stress conditions. These findings highlight possible mechanisms through which ASCs may support islet survival and function, offering insights into overcoming PIT challenges. Moreover, this work contributes to identifying biomarkers of the post-transplantation microenvironment, advancing therapeutic strategies for T1D and regenerative medicine.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/14/4/302pancreatic isletsadipose-derived stromal cellsco-cultureproteomics
spellingShingle Erika Pinheiro-Machado
Bart J. de Haan
Marten A. Engelse
Alexandra M. Smink
Secretome Analysis of Human and Rat Pancreatic Islets Co-Cultured with Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells Reveals a Signature with Enhanced Regenerative Capacities
Cells
pancreatic islets
adipose-derived stromal cells
co-culture
proteomics
title Secretome Analysis of Human and Rat Pancreatic Islets Co-Cultured with Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells Reveals a Signature with Enhanced Regenerative Capacities
title_full Secretome Analysis of Human and Rat Pancreatic Islets Co-Cultured with Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells Reveals a Signature with Enhanced Regenerative Capacities
title_fullStr Secretome Analysis of Human and Rat Pancreatic Islets Co-Cultured with Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells Reveals a Signature with Enhanced Regenerative Capacities
title_full_unstemmed Secretome Analysis of Human and Rat Pancreatic Islets Co-Cultured with Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells Reveals a Signature with Enhanced Regenerative Capacities
title_short Secretome Analysis of Human and Rat Pancreatic Islets Co-Cultured with Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells Reveals a Signature with Enhanced Regenerative Capacities
title_sort secretome analysis of human and rat pancreatic islets co cultured with adipose derived stromal cells reveals a signature with enhanced regenerative capacities
topic pancreatic islets
adipose-derived stromal cells
co-culture
proteomics
url https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/14/4/302
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