Neuronal Phenotypes and Gene Expression Profiles of the Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Stromal Cells in the Neuronal Induction

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Human adipose tissue-derived stromal cells(hADSCs) can be expanded in vitro and induced to differentiate into multiple mesenchymal cell types. In this study we have examined various neuronal phenotypes and gene expression profiles of the hADSCs in the neuronal induction. METHODS: The hADSCs were isolated from human adipose tissue and they were characterized by the flow cytometry analysis using CD13, CD29, CD34, CD45, CD49d, CD90, CD105 and HLA-DR cell surface markers. We differentiated the hADSCs into the neuronal lineage by using chemical induction medium and observed the cells with contrast microscopy. The immunocytochemistry and western blotting were performed using the NSE, NeuN, Trk-A, Vimentin, N-CAM, S-100 and beta-Tubulin III antibodies. RESULTS: The hADSCs were positive for CD13(90.3+/-4%), CD29(98.9+/-0.7%), CD49d(13.6+/-6%), CD90 (99.4+/-0.1%), CD105(96%+/-2.8%) but negative for CD34, CD45 and HLA-DR. The untreated cultures of hADSCs predominately consisted of spindle shaped cells and a few large, flat cells. Three hours after the addition of induction medium, the hADSCs had changed morphology and adopted neuronal-like phenotypes. The result of immunocytochemistry and western blotting showed that NSE, NeuN, Trk-A, Vimentin, N-CAM, S- 100 and beta-Tubulin III were expressed. However, NSE, NeuN, Vimentin were weakly expressed in the control. CONCLUSION: Theses results indicate that hADSCs have the capabillity of differentiating into neuronal lineage in a specialized culture medium. hADSCs may be useful in the treatment of a wide variety of neurological disorders.