Low Molecular Weight Fraction of Commercial Human Serum Albumin Induces Morphologic and Transcriptional Changes of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic disease of the joint; however, the therapeutic options for severe OA are limited. The low molecular weight fraction of commercial 5% human serum albumin (LMWF5A) has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that are mediated, in part, by a diketopiperazine that is present in the albumin preparation and that was demonstrated to be safe and effective in reducing pain and improving function when administered intra-articularly in a phase Ill clinical trial. In the present study, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) exposed to LMWF5A exhibited an elongated phenotype with diffuse intracellular F-actin, pronounced migratory leading edges, and filopodia-like projections. In addition, LMWF5A promoted chondrogenic condensation in "micromass" culture, concurrent with the upregulation of collagen 2 alpha 1 mRNA. Furthermore, the transcription of the CXCR4-CXCL12 axis was significantly regulated in a manner conducive to migration and homing. Several transcription factors involved in stem cell differentiation were also found to bind oligonucleotide response element probes following exposure to LMWF5A. Finally, a rapid increase in PRAS40 phosphorylation was observed following treatment, potentially resulting in the activation mTORC1. Proteomic analysis of synovial fluid taken from a preliminary set of patients indicated that at 12 weeks following administration of LMWF5A, a microenvironment exists in the knee conducive to stem cell infiltration, self-renewal, and differentiation, in addition to indications of remodeling with a reduction in inflammation. Taken together, these findings imply that LMWF5A treatment may prime stem cells for both mobilization and chondrogenic differentiation, potentially explaining some of the beneficial effects achieved in clinical trials.