Phenotypic and functional characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells differentiated along a Schwann cell lineage.

• We have investigated the phenotypic and bioassay characteristics of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) differentiated along a Schwann cell lineage using glial growth factor. Expression of the Schwann cell markers S100, P75, and GFAP was determined by immunocytochemical staining and Western blotting. The levels of the stem cell markers Stro-1 and alkaline phosphatase and the neural progenitor marker nestin were also examined throughout the differentiation process. The phenotypic properties of cells differentiated at different passages were also compared. In addition to a phenotypic characterization, the functional ability of differentiated MSCs has been investigated employing a co-culture bioassay with dissociated primary sensory neurons. Following differentiation, MSCs underwent morphological changes similar to those of cultured Schwann cells and stained positively for all three Schwann cell markers. Quantitative Western blot analysis showed that the levels of S100 and P75 protein were significantly elevated upon differentiation. Differentiated MSCs were also found to enhance neurite outgrowth in co-culture with sensory neurons to a level equivalent or superior to that produced by Schwann cells. These findings support the assertion that MSCs can be differentiated into cells that are Schwann cell-like in terms of both phenotype and function.

Nyckelord

Alkaline Phosphatase/metabolism

Animals

Animals; Newborn

Biological Markers/metabolism

Bone Marrow Cells/cytology/drug effects/*metabolism

Cell Communication/physiology

Cell Differentiation/drug effects/*physiology

Cell Lineage/drug effects/*physiology

Cell Shape/drug effects/physiology

Cells; Cultured

Coculture Techniques

Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/pharmacology

Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein/metabolism

Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology/drug effects/*metabolism

Neurites/physiology/ultrastructure

Phenotype

Rats

Rats; Inbred Lew

Receptor; Nerve Growth Factor/metabolism

S100 Proteins/metabolism

Schwann Cells/cytology/*metabolism

Stromal Cells/cytology/drug effects/*metabolism

Up-Regulation/drug effects/physiology

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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