Melatonin primes mesenchymal stem cells via glutathione dynamics to enhance therapeutic efficacy in asthma
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ABSTRACT: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer therapeutic potential for inflammatory diseases, but their efficacy is often compromised during in vitro expansion. Here, we identified melatonin (MT) as a safe and effective priming agent that enhances MSC functionality by reinforcing intracellular glutathione (GSH) dynamics. Using FreSHtracer, a live-cell GSH-sensitive imaging probe, we established a high-throughput screening platform and developed a set of quantitative GSH indices to assess redox capacity. Screening over 50 flavonoids and vitamins, we identified MT as a clinically relevant compound that robustly activates the CREB1–NRF2 pathway, leading to improved antioxidant defense. MT-primed MSCs (MT-MSCs) exhibited enhanced clonogenicity, migration, angiogenesis, and immunosuppressive properties via JAK–STAT3–PD-L1 signaling. Transcriptomic analysis revealed molecular signatures associated with immune modulation and tissue regeneration. In a murine model of allergic asthma, MT-MSCs significantly alleviated Th2-mediated inflammation and improved lung engraftment. Additionally, we implemented a deep learning-based convolutional neural network for automated bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis, enabling objective and efficient inflammatory cell profiling. This study introduces MT as a pharmacopeia-compliant priming molecule and presents an integrated approach combining functional priming and AI-assisted diagnostics to advance the development of high-quality MSC-based therapies for asthma and other inflammatory diseases
ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens
PROVIDER: GSE295976 | GEO | 2025/12/08
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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