Differential expression pattern of the human endoderm-specific transcription factor soxl7 in various tissues and cells

Soxl7 is a member of the Sry-related high mobility group [HMG] of transcription factors that is necessary for endodermal formation and liver development in multiple species. Soxl7 gene expression is required for formation of definitive endoderm that gives rise to various tissues. To examine the expression of Soxl7 in various human tissues and cells. Semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] was used to evaluate the expression of Soxl7 in adult liver, small intestine, spleen, placenta, fetal liver as well as embryonic stem cells [ESCs], and human HepG2 hepatoma cell line. Low Soxl7 gene expression was observed in ESCs. However, there was no expression of Soxl7 in human placental tissue, small intestine, adult liver, spleen, and HepG2 cells. But its expression in human fetal liver was very high. The data presented in this study reflect the differential expression pattern of Soxl7 in the fetal development during early mammalian endodermal formation which is temporal and tightly regulated

Expansion of human marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells and their transdifferentiation potential

The ability of mesenchymal stem cells [MSCs] to differentiate into other cell types makes these cells an attractive therapeutic tool for cell transplantation. In order to provide a source of human MSCs for autologus cell-based therapy, we have expanded MSCs from the bone marrow and analyzed the biological identities and transdifferentiation potential. The bone marrow of healthy donors was aspirated from the iliac crest. The adjacent cells expanded rapidly and maintained with periodic passages until a relatively homogeneous population was established. The identification of these cells was carried out by differentiation potential into the osteocytes and adipocytes. Transdifferentiation of human MSCs into hepatocyte-like cells was undertaken in response to a specific culture condition. The differentiation of MSCs into osteoblast is determined by deposition of a mineralized extracellular matrix. Adipocytes are identified by their morphology and staining. Hepatic cells were demonstrated in vitro functions characteristic of liver cells. We have defined conditions under which human MSCs can be isolated and expanded from human bone marrow. These cells can be amplified about 10[8]-fold in 6 weeks, and are capable of transdifferentiation into the cells of another developmental lineage