Laboratory of Biology of Stem and Neoplastic Cells

Research group of the Laboratory of Biology of Stem and Neoplastic Cells is focusing in the biological properties of somatic mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and progenitor cells residing in the adult tissues in order to use their biological potential in the regeneration of tissues and organs.

Research in the field of regenerative medicine:
  • Research related to tissue distribution, isolation and characterization of mesenchymal stem cells and tissue-specific progenitor cells residing in the human tissues and organs. The aim of ongoing research is characterization of tissue-specific stem/progenitor cells for potential clinical application in regenerative medicine.
  • Preclinical studies on biological activity of MSCs secretome (bioactive factors and extracellular vesicles secreted by MSCs) in regenerative processes.
  • Studies on the new generation dressing containing a mixture of bioactive factors secreted by mesenchymal stem cells of adipose tissue-origin (atMSC) for the treatment of chronic wounds.
  • Studies on the osteogenic potential of MSCs seeded on the scaffolds in order to create a bioimplant for the reconstruction of large bone defects
Studies in the field of cancers biology:
  • isolation and characterization of cancer stem cells
  • studies of mechanisms related to the cancer metastasis or inhibition of tumour growth
Kontakt
Head
Head: Aleksandra Klimczak, PhD, DSc, Professor (Professor, ORCID 0000-0001-6590-4420) Professor Aleksandra Klimczak, graduated Wroclaw Medical Academy, Div. Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory Sciences. She obtained the PhD doctoral degree and habilitation at the Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy PAS in Wroclaw. She gained experience and skills in Poland and in international institutions. In the years 1998-2002 she cooperated with the Institute Paris-Sud sur les Cytokines INSERM U131 in France. In 2003-2009, at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, USA, she participate in the pioneering experimental research of breakthrough importance in reconstructive and transplant medicine. Her scientific activity is associated with a wide range of research related to transplant immunology, regenerative medicine and stem cell biology, both in experimental models and in clinical applications. Earlier research by Professor Klimczak, related to transplant immunology, significantly contributed to understanding the mechanisms of immune tolerance in cell transplantation and in composite tissue allografts. Currently, Professor Klimczak conducts intensive research on the biology of somatic mesenchymal stem cells residing in the tissues of an adult organism in the context of using their biological potential in regenerative medicine. Moreover, she also conducting research on the biology of cancer stem cells.
Research team
Assistant professors: Specialists:
  • Maria Paprocka, PhD (main specialist, ORCID 0000-0001-6673-9631)
  • Agata Lampart, MSc (specialist)
PhD students:
The most important 3 scientific achievements
  • The differences in the biological activity of long-term cultured MSCs obtained from various tissues have been documented. This observation may be significant in the MSCs selection in terms of regenerative potential and genetic stability for the application of MSC therapies in regenerative medicine.
  • Isolation and characterization of the set of bioactive factors secreted by immortalized adipose tissue-derived MSCs (HATMSC), and confirmation of their effectiveness in an in vitro cellular model of chronic wounds.
  • Development of the original immortalized vascular endothelial progenitor cell lines (HEPC-CB.1 and HEPC-CB.2), serving as a model to study the interaction between endothelial progenitor cells and neoplastic cells in the process of tumour metastasis, as well as, for the study of proagiogenic activity of MSCs.
Research methods
  • microscopy for real time live cells observation with a time-lapse image acquisition system
  • immunohistochemical staining: immunoenzymatic and immunofluorescence methods
  • molecular biology: gene expression, silencing of gene expression, gene overexpression
  • ELISA assay, multiplex ELISA, Membrane-based Antibody Array, Western blot
  • flow cytometry: phenotype, apoptosis, cell cycle analysis
  • functional tests: cells differentiation, proliferation, migration, adhesion, angiogenesis, activity of multidrug resistant proteins
  • cell culture, immortalization of primary cells
Key research equippment
  • Inverted microscope Axio Observer 7 (Zeiss) with transmitted-light brightfield LED, phase contrast, differential interference contrast and fluorescence, equipped with an incubation chamber for real time live cells observation and a software for recording the sequence of images and movies.
  • Axio Imager Z2 (Zeiss) for microscopic imaging acquisition and digitalization, equipped with monochromatic digital camera and color digital camera.
The most important research projects (last 10 years)
  • Database of Scientific Information Supporting Innovative Therapies– BINWIT. Digital Poland Program. II E-administration and open government. 2.3 Digital Accessibility and Usability of Public Sector Information. 2.3.1 Accessing public sector information digitally from administrative sources and science resources, No. POPC.02.03.01-00-0053/18, duration time: 2018-2021. Principal Investigator: Krzysztof Pawlik, Ph.D. Head of the Specialist Team for MSC – Aleksandra Klimczak, PhD, DSc, Professor
  • atMSC secreted factors in the hydrogel system as a potential treatment for chronic wounds. FNP, POWROTY, no POIR.04.04.00-00-3024/17-00, duration time: 2017-2019 r. Principal Investigator: Honorata Kraśkiewicz, PhD, Eng.
  • Epineural Jacket (Epi-J ) for Enhancement of Nerve and Tissue Regeneration –  Task 3; Grant POIG.01.01.02-02-003/08 in cooperation with Wroclaw Research Centre EIT+ under the project „Biotechnologies and advanced medical technologies” – BioMed, financed from the European Regional Development Fund (Operational Programme Innovative Economy, 1.1.2). (duration time: 27.12.2013 – 31.03.2015. Leader task 5.3: Aleksandra Klimczak, PhD, DSc.
  • The role of IL-10 in the activation of the suppression mechanisms used by myeloid suppressor cells – will the elimination of IL-10 from the neoplastic environment increase the effectiveness of immunotherapy? NCN, PRELUDIUM, No. 2014/15/N/NZ4/04817, duration time: 2015-2019. Principal Investigator: Natalia Anger, MSc, Eng.
  • Determination of the profile of cytokines produced by endothelial precursor cells in the process of their differentiation. NCN, PRELUDIUM, No. 2012/05/N/NZ3/02022, duration time: 2013-2017. Principal Investigator: Aneta Kantor, MSc.
  • Studies on factors with regenerative potential produced by mesenchymal stem cells isolated from adipose tissue. NCN, OPUS, No. 2012/07/B/NZ4/01820, duration time: 2013-2018. Principal Investigator: Maria Paprocka, PhD.
  • Transplantation of skeletal muscle stem cells with concurrent mesenchymal stem cell implantation in children with dystrophin gene mutation at Xp21. NCN nr N N407 121940, duration time: 2011-2016 r. Principal investigator: Aleksandra Klimczak, PhD, DSc.
  • The role of multidrug resistance proteins in endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) differentiation. NCN, OPUS, No. 2011/01/B/NZ3/04789; duration time: 2011-2015. Principal Investigator: Agnieszka Krawczenko, PhD.
  • Characteristics of leukemic stem cells in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. MSHE No. N N402 255234; duration time: 2008-2013. Principal Investigator: Danuta Duś, PhD, DSc, Professor.

Projects supported by Wroclaw Centre of Biotechnology, Programme The Leading National Research Centre (KNOW) for years 2014-2018

  • Stem cells residing in tissues – location, isolation and biological characterization, KNOW 519-1-4-1-347, duration time: 2015– Principal investigator: Aleksandra Klimczak, PhD, DSc.
  • Determination of the influence of microvesicles secreted by neoplastic cells on organ-specific endothelial cells in the context of creating metastatic foci. KNOW 519-1-4-4-4, duration time: 2017-2018. Principal Investigator: Aleksandra Bielawska-Pohl, PhD, Eng.
  • Optimization of the preparation of microvesicles derived from supernatants from human progenitor cells for the treatment of chronic wounds. KNOW 519-1-4-4-68, duration time: 2017-2018. Principal Investigator: Agnieszka Krawczenko, PhD.
  • The use of cold atmospheric plasma in the process of wound healing in in vitro and in vivo models. KNOW 674/2017/KNOW, duration time: 2017-2018. The project carried out under an agreement between the Wrocław University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, the Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy and the University of Life Sciences in Wrocław (project leader: Wrocław University of Technology, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Chemical Metallurgy). Principal Investigator: Prof. Paweł Pohl, PhD, DSc, Eng. Task investigators in IIET: Aleksandra Klimczak, PhD, DSc; Aleksandra Bielawska-Pohl, PhD, Eng.

 

Selected peer review papers
  • Klimczak A. Perspectives on mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells and their derivates as potential therapies for lung damage caused by COVID-19. World J Stem Cells. 2020 Sep 26;12(9):1013-1022. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v12.i9.1013. PMID: 33033561; PMCID: PMC7524694. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33033561/
  • Krawczenko A, Bielawska-Pohl A, Paprocka M, Kraskiewicz H, Szyposzynska A, Wojdat E, Klimczak A. Microvesicles from Human Immortalized Cell Lines of Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells of Adipose Tissue Origin as Carriers of Bioactive Factors Facilitating Angiogenesis. Stem Cells Int. 2020 Jun 15;2020:1289380. doi: 10.1155/2020/1289380. PMID: 32612661; PMCID: PMC7312709. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32612661/
  • Klimczak A, Zimna A, Malcher A, Kozlowska U, Futoma K, Czarnota J, Kemnitz P, Bryl A, Kurpisz M. Co-Transplantation of Bone Marrow-MSCs and Myogenic Stem/Progenitor Cells from Adult Donors Improves Muscle Function of Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Cells. 2020 Apr 30;9(5):1119. doi: 10.3390/cells9051119. PMID: 32365922; PMCID: PMC7290387. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32365922/
  • Kraskiewicz H, Paprocka M, Bielawska-Pohl A, Krawczenko A, Panek K, Kaczyńska J, Szyposzyńska A, Psurski M, Kuropka P, Klimczak A. Can supernatant from immortalized adipose tissue MSC replace cell therapy? An in vitro study in chronic wounds model. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2020 Jan 21;11(1):29. doi: 10.1186/s13287-020-1558-5. PMID: 31964417; PMCID: PMC6975034. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31964417/
  • Kantor A, Krawczenko A, Bielawska-Pohl A, Duś D, Grillon C, Kieda C, Charkiewicz K, Paprocka M. Activity of the human immortalized endothelial progenitor cell line HEPC-CB.1 supporting in vitro angiogenesis. Mol Biol Rep. 2020 Aug;47(8):5911-5925. doi: 10.1007/s11033-020-05662-6. Epub 2020 Jul 23. PMID: 32705508; PMCID: PMC7455590. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32705508/
  • Kozlowska U, Krawczenko A, Futoma K, Jurek T, Rorat M, Patrzalek D, Klimczak A. Similarities and differences between mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells derived from various human tissues. World J Stem Cells. 2019 Jun 26;11(6):347-374. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v11.i6.347. PMID: 31293717; PMCID: PMC6600850. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31293717/
  • Klimczak A, Kozlowska U, Kurpisz M. Muscle Stem/Progenitor Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Bone Marrow Origin for Skeletal Muscle Regeneration in Muscular Dystrophies. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz). 2018 Oct;66(5):341-354. doi: 10.1007/s00005-018-0509-7. Epub 2018 Mar 13. PMID: 29536116; PMCID: PMC6154032. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29536116/
  • Krawczenko A, Bielawska-Pohl A, Wojtowicz K, Jura R, Paprocka M, Wojdat E, Kozłowska U, Klimczak A, Grillon C, Kieda C, Duś D. Expression and activity of multidrug resistance proteins in mature endothelial cells and their precursors: A challenging correlation. PLoS One. 2017 Feb 17;12(2):e0172371. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172371. PMID: 28212450; PMCID: PMC5315393. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28212450/
  • Paprocka M, Bielawska-Pohl A, Rossowska J, Krawczenko A, Duś D, Kiełbiński M, Haus O, Podolak-Dawidziak M, Kuliczkowski K. MRP1 protein expression in leukemic stem cells as a negative prognostic marker in acute myeloid leukemia patients. Eur J Haematol. 2017 Nov;99(5):415-422. doi: 10.1111/ejh.12938. Epub 2017 Sep 29. PMID: 28805931. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28805931/
  • Klimczak A, Kozlowska U. Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Tissue-Specific Progenitor Cells: Their Role in Tissue Homeostasis. Stem Cells Int. 2016;2016:4285215. doi: 10.1155/2016/4285215. Epub 2015 Dec 28. PMID: 26823669; PMCID: PMC4707334. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26823669/