To define the transcriptional profile of MSC-NPs from MS and non-MS donors in order to better understand their functional characteristics and therapeutic potential in multiple sclerosis. 

MSCs were derived from sternal bone marrow of MS patients as part of an IRB-approved study protocol (Western IRB). MSCs from non-MS donors were isolated from commercially available bone marrow aspirates. MSCs were expanded for up to 4 passages in growth medium containing 5% human platelet lysate, then transferred to neural progenitor medium containing EGF/bFGF to generate MSC-

NPs. Population doubling time (PDT) of MSCs was determined by cell counting. RNA isolated from MSC and MSC-NP cells was analyzed for gene expression differences by RNA sequencing and by TaqMan® gene expression assay.

To determine whether donor characteristics influence the growth of MSCs, we measured the PDT of MS-derived MSCs (n=47) compared to non-MS controls (n=5). We found no correlation between PDT and disease duration, donor age, or disease subtype. Furthermore, donor characteristics had no impact on the yield of MSC-NPs generated. Transcriptional profiling of MSC/MSC-NP pairs demonstrated upregulation of gene candidates that mediate trophic/immunoregulatory mechanisms of action of MSC-NPs.

Characterization of the transcriptional profile of MSC-NPs has revealed potential pathways that mediate therapeutic mechanisms of this novel cell therapy in MS.