Application of quantum dots labeling technique in induced pluripotent stem cells / 中华实验眼科杂志

ABSTRACT

Background The multipotent differentiation features of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer a new option for cell replacement therapy of many clinical diseases.In ophthalmology,iPSCs are a good model in studying the pathogenic mechanism of degenerative ocular diseases.A better identification method for iPSCs is critical for analyzing the in vivo biological characteristics of iPSCs.Objective This study was to investigate the feasibility and stability of labeling iPSCs with quantum dots.Methods Human umbilical mesenchymal stromal cells-iPSC lines were cultured and amplified on matrigel,and the characteristics of iPSCs were evaluated by immunofluorescence.Different concentrations (5.0,7.5 and 10.0 nmol/L) of quantum dots with a CdSe/ZnS nuclear shell structure were used to label iPSCs after passaging and proliferation.The labeling outcome was observed with a three-dimensional deconvolution real-time live cells imaging system.The labeled iPSCs were subsequently cultivated,and then changes in fluorescence intensity were examined 7 days after the first and the second passaging of iPSCs.Results iPSCs were observed to grow in a clonal manner under the inverted microscope.The iPSC markers,OCT4 and Nanog,were detected by immunofluorescence.With increasing concentrations of quantum dots,the fluorescence intensities representing the levels of OCT4 and Nanog in iPSCs were gradually elevated,with optimal levels of fluorescence observed at a concentration of 10 nmol/L of quantum dots.The fluorescent labeling of OCT4 and Nanog in iPSCs remained and weakened gradually till day 7 even after the second passage.Conclusions Quantum dots labeling could be used to track iPSCs in a dose-independent manner.The fluorescent signal from the quantum dots labeling the iPSCs lasts 2 weeks at least.