Derivation, characterization and differentiation of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) amniotic fluid derived stem cells

Amniotic fluid cells (AFCs) are obtained from amnion for pre-natal analysis and can be cultured in vitro. Heterogeneous amniotic fluid (AF) contains various cell types, and it is believed that some of these cells possess the stem cell properties. The aim of this study was to characterize these cells by phenotypical and genotypical means in buffalo. The differentiation potential of amniotic fluid stem (AFS) cells was carried out by converting these cells into neurons. The AFCs were cultured without feeder cells in DMEM containing 16% foetal bovine serum, 1% penicillin/streptomycin and 1%l-glutamine in 5% CO(2) at 38.5 ± 0.5 °C in a CO(2) incubator. After 6 days of culture, different types of cells viz., star shaped (62.7%), spherical without nucleus (1.9%), spherical with nucleus (26.4%), pentagonal (0.4%) and free floating/rounded cells (8.3%) were observed. Most of the cells started anchorage-dependent growth after day 7 of the culture. Expression of Oct-4, Sox-2, Nanog, alkaline phosphatase, 18s rRNA, stem cell factor, cyclin A, Nestin and FGF-5 was observed from the AFS cells in different passages with PCR amplicon of 314, 277, 317, 180, 162, 216, 421, 307 and 210 bp, respectively. During the differentiation step, at day 6, neuron-like cells could be clearly identified and confirmed with Nestin-specific RT-PCR. The cells were found to have a normal karyotype at different passages. These results may contribute towards establishing non-embryonic pluripotent stem cells for various therapeutic and reproductive biotechnological applications in the species.     

Differentiation and characterization of rat adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells into endothelial‐like cells

In this study, mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from rat adipose tissue (AD‐MSCs) to characterize and differentiate them into endothelial‐like cells. AD‐MSCs were isolated by mechanical and enzymatic treatments, and their identity was verified by colony‐forming units (CFU) test and by differentiation into cells of mesodermal lineages. The endothelial differentiation was induced by plating another aliquot of cells in EGM‐2 medium, enriched with specific endothelial growth factors. Five subcultures were performed. The expression of stemness genes (OCT4, SOX2 and NANOG) was investigated. The presence of CD90 and the absence of the CD45 were evaluated by flow cytometry. The endothelial‐like cells were characterized by the evaluation of morphological changes and gene expression analysis for endothelial markers (CD31, CD144, CD146). Characterization of AD‐MSCs showed their ability to form clones, to differentiate in vitro and the OCT‐4, SOX‐2, NANOG genes expression. Immunophenotypic characterization showed the CD90 presence and the CD45 absence. The endothelial‐like cells showed morphological changes, the expression of CD31, CD144, CD146 genes and the presence of CD31 membrane receptor. Matrigel assay showed their ability to form network and vessels‐like structures. This study lays the foundations for future evaluation of the potential AD‐MSCs pro‐angiogenic and therapeutic role.     

Bovine ovarian stem cells differentiate into germ cells and oocyte‐like structures after culture in vitro

Stem cells have been isolated from ovaries, and their ability to differentiate into oocytes in vitro has been demonstrated for mice and human, but not for bovine species. The aims of this study were to isolate germline stem cells from bovine ovaries and to evaluate the effects of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) 2 and 4, and follicular fluid on the differentiation of these stem cells into oocyte‐like structures. The ovarian stem cells were isolated and cultured in α‐MEM⁺ supplemented with BMP2, BMP4 or follicular fluid. On days 0 and 14, cells were evaluated for their morphological appearance, viability, expression of alkaline phosphatase and for markers of germ cell formation (VASA and DAZL) and oocyte development (GDF9, ZPA and SCP3) by qPCR. Levels of mRNA were analysed using ANOVA and Bonferroni test (p < .05). The results showed that at day 0, ovarian stem cells expressed specific markers of pluripotency (OCT4, SOX). In addition, these cells were positive for alkaline phosphatase, which is a marker commonly used to identify primordial germ cells (PGCs). After the period of differentiation, cells had morphological features that resemble PGCs and oocyte‐like cells (OLCs). An increase, ranging from five to 14 times, in the expression of VASA was observed in cells cultured in medium supplemented with BMPs and follicular fluid, while the increase in DAZL expression ranged from four to six times. In addition, OLCs had an increase in expression of mRNAs for GDF9, ZPA and SCP3 that ranged from two to eight times. In conclusion, OLCs can be differentiated in vitro from ovarian stem cells and BMPs and follicular fluid are effective in stimulating the expression of mRNAs for germ cell and oocyte markers.     

Oxygen consumption rate of early pre-antral follicles from vitrified human ovarian cortical tissue

The study of human ovarian tissue transplantation and cryopreservation has advanced significantly. Autotransplantation of human pre-antral follicles isolated from cryopreserved cortical tissue is a promising option for the preservation of fertility in young cancer patients. The purpose of the present study was to reveal the effect of vitrification after low-temperature transportation of human pre-antral follicles by using the oxygen consumption rate (OCR). Cortical tissues from 9 ovaries of female-to-male transsexuals were vitrified after transportation (6 or 18 h). The follicles were enzymatically isolated from nonvitrified tissue (group I, 18 h of transportation), vitrified-warmed tissue (group II, 6 and 18 h of transportation) and vitrified-warmed tissue that had been incubated for 24 h (group III, 6 and 18 h of transportation). OCR measurement and the LIVE/DEAD viability assay were performed. Despite the ischemic condition, the isolated pre-antral follicles in group I consumed oxygen, and the mean OCRs increased with developmental stage. Neither the transportation time nor patient age seemed to affect the OCR in this group. Meanwhile, the mean OCR was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in group II but was comparable to that of group I after 24 h of incubation. The integrity of vitrified-warmed primordial and primary follicles was clearly corroborated by the LIVE/DEAD viability assay. These results demonstrate that the OCR can be used to directly estimate the effect of vitrification on the viability of primordial and primary follicles and to select the viable primordial and primary follicles from vitrified-warmed follicles.     

从原始生殖细胞分离克隆绵羊胚胎干细胞

为了研究绵羊胚胎干细胞在体外培养过程中的生长行为,试验采用30～45日龄的绵羊胎儿生殖嵴及其周围组织共培养的方式分离克隆胚胎干细胞。结果表明:在不添加任何细胞生长因子的情况下,也能分离克隆到具ES细胞诸多特征的胚胎生殖细胞系,即具有连续传代能力、细胞集落有典型鸟巢状结构、AKP染色阳性等。说明该细胞具有多能性,类似ES细胞。     

绵羊胚胎肌源性干细胞的生物学特性

为研究绵羊胚胎肌源性干细胞的生物学特性,取30日龄的绵羊胚胎,采用联合酶消化法及差速贴壁法分离培养获得均质的肌源性干细胞,并对其进行一系列生物学特性检测。结果显示,绵羊肌源性干细胞能传代培养至35代以上;免疫荧光染色和RT-PCR鉴定肌源性干细胞表面标记物Sca-1、CD34、CD144和Desmin呈阳性表达;生长曲线和细胞周期结果显示绵羊肌源性干细胞具有较强自我更新能力;通过不同的诱导方法可以将肌源性干细胞成功地诱导为肝样细胞和胰岛样细胞,Schiff染色和双硫腙染色均呈阳性,RT-PCR检测肝样细胞特异性标记物AFP和ALB以及胰岛样细胞特异性标记物Insulin均呈阳性表达,进一步证明了其诱导分化潜能。结果表明,本试验成功地分离培养获得了均质并具有较强自我更新潜能的绵羊肌源性干细胞,这种干细胞具有向肝样细胞和胰岛样细胞分化的潜能,这为临床治疗提供了潜在的理论基础和大量的种子细胞。     

小鼠脂肪间充质干细胞向胰岛素分泌细胞的诱导分化研究

为了通过特定转录因子将小鼠脂肪间充质干细胞(mADSCs)定向诱导分化为胰岛素分泌细胞(IPCs)。本研究分别构建Pdx1(胰十二指肠同源盒基因1)、MafA(V-maf肌肉腱膜纤维肉瘤癌基因同源物A)、NeuroD1(神经分化因子1)3种基因的慢病毒过表达载体,使用293T细胞对3种因子进行慢病毒包装,将3种慢病毒过表达载体以单因子侵染、双因子侵染、三因子联合侵染的方式对mADSCs进行定向分化诱导,于诱导分化第15天对不同方式诱导的IPCs进行检测鉴定,并对不同方式诱导组的IPCs进行高糖刺激,刺激后30~120min检测培养基中含糖量的变化。结果显示,构建的慢病毒过表达载体pHBLV-CMV-IRES-ZsGreen-Pdx1、pHBLV-CMV-PGK-RFPMafA、pHBLV-CMV-PGK-RFP-NeuroD1所含目的片段基因序列与小鼠全基因编码序列完全一致,三种基因慢病毒过表达载体构建成功;诱导分化第15天,三因子联合诱导组所形成的IPCs克隆双硫腙(DTZ)染色呈阳性,并可表达胰岛素生物合成及分泌相关基因;在高糖刺激条件下,三因子联合诱导组糖分解速度、分解量远优于单因子或双因子诱导组。结果表明,Pdx1、MafA、NeuroD1 3种因子联合作用,可以将小鼠脂肪间充质干细胞定向诱导分化为胰岛素分泌细胞,并可在高糖刺激下,有效发挥降糖作用。     

Developmental ability of oocytes retrieved from Meishan neonatal ovarian tissue grafted into nude mice

Ovarian xenografting makes it possible to obtain oocytes with fertilization ability from immature pigs of Western breeds. In this study, we applied these methods to the Meishan, an indigenous Chinese pig breed, and investigated the developmental competence of oocytes grown in their neonatal tissue after grafting into nude mice. First, mice harboring neonatal ovarian tissue were infused with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (62.5 U/ml) for 13 days starting at 10, 30, and 60 days after vaginal opening (D10‐, D30‐, and D60‐FSH groups, respectively). Development of antral follicles and their oocytes was most enhanced in the D60‐FSH group. For the next step, we examined the in vitro maturation ability of the oocytes recovered from host mice after infusion with FSH at a dose of 62.5 U/ml or 125 U/ml (FSH‐62.5 or ‐125 group) for 13 days starting at 60 days after vaginal opening. Many more oocytes with maturation ability were obtained from the FSH‐125 group. The FSH‐125 mature oocytes were fertilized in vitro, as shown by formation of male and female pronuclei, but did not reach the blastocyst stage. These results indicate that Meishan neonatal ovaries are able to produce oocytes with fertilization ability after being grafted into nude mice.     

Comparative characteristic study from bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Tissue engineering has been extensively investigated and proffered to be a potential platform for novel tissue regeneration. The utilization of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from various sources has been widely explored and compared. In this regard, MSCs derived from bone marrow have been proposed and described as a promising cell resource due to their high yield of isolated cells with colony-forming potential, self-renewal capacity, MSC surface marker expression, and multi-lineage differentiation capacities in vitro. However, there is evidence for bone marrow MSCs (BM-MSCs) both in vitro and in vivo from different species presenting identical and distinct potential stemness characteristics. In this review, the fundamental knowledge of the growth kinetics and stemness properties of BM-MSCs in different animal species and humans are compared and summarized. Finally, to provide a full perspective, this review will procure results of current information studies focusing on the use of BM-MSCs in clinical practice.     

神经浸出液对兔脂肪干细胞向雪旺细胞分化的影响

胶原酶消化法分离获得家兔脂肪源性干细胞(adipose-derived stem cells,ADSCs),传代培养并进行生物学鉴定。取家兔坐骨神经,并经过无菌剪碎、浸出和过滤制备家兔周围神经浸出液。将家兔神经浸出液作为诱导剂,作用于第3代ADSCs,7d后通过倒置显微镜观察形态变化、RT-PCR和免疫荧光检测雪旺细胞(Schwann-like cells,SCs)特异性标记物S-100和GFAP mRNA和蛋白的表达情况。通过神经浸出液诱导前后的ADSCs与神经元前体细胞PC12共孵育12d后,利用形态观察和Western blot检测PC12细胞的轴突生长情况。形态观察显示,经坐骨神经浸出液处理过的家兔ADSCs形态由长梭形逐渐变为双极形,类似SCs的形态;RT-PCR和免疫荧光结果均显示诱导后ADSCs表达SCs标志物S-100和GFAP蛋白。神经浸出液诱导ADSCs后能够促进PC12细胞长出较长轴突,且阳性表达神经元标志物β3-tubulin和MAP-2蛋白。结果表明,神经浸出液能有效诱导家兔ADSCs向SCs分化,且分化后的ADSCs具有真正SCs的功能。     

猪原代神经细胞的体外培养与鉴定

为建立猪原代神经细胞体外培养及鉴定方法,本研究选取90日龄潜江黑猪1头,分离猪脑组织,无菌剪碎后采用胰酶消化和机械分离相结合的方法制备神经细胞悬液,进行培养,逐日在倒置相差显微镜下观察,并用间接免疫荧光鉴定。结果显示,培养72h后细胞全部贴壁,并长出突起,随时间增加,突起变长并交错呈网络,培养至15~20d神经细胞状态最佳,随后逐渐老化,神经细胞可生长30d,经鉴定Nestin表达呈阳性。本研究建立的方法适合一般实验室开展猪原代神经细胞的培养与初步鉴定。     

Isolation and characterisation of cancer stem cells from canine osteosarcoma

There is increasing evidence that cancer is a stem cell disease. This study sought to isolate and characterise cancer stem cells from canine osteosarcoma. One human and three canine cell lines were cultured in non-adherent culture conditions using serum-starved, semi-solid media. Primitive sarcosphere colonies from all cell lines were identified under these conditions and were characterised using molecular and cytochemical techniques for embryonic stem cell markers. Expression of the embryonic stem cell-associated genes Nanog, Oct4 and STAT3 indicated a primitive phenotype. Sarcospheres could be reproduced consistently when passaged multiple times and produced adherent cell cultures when returned to normal growth conditions. Similarities between human and canine osteosarcoma cell lines add credence to the potential of the dog as a model for human disease.     

牛胎儿神经干细胞的分离培养与鉴定

分别采用机械分离法和酶消化分离法从胎龄为3个月的牛胎儿脑组织中分离培养牛神经干细胞(Neural stem cells,NSCs),比较这2种方法对NSCs培养的影响。根据培养液中是否添加bFGF、EGF和FBS,选择不同的培养液培养NSCs,观察不同培养液对NSCs培养的影响,进而筛选出最适培养液。对NSCs及经诱导分化成的神经细胞进行生物学特性分析,包括细胞形态学观察和细胞免疫荧光检测。结果显示:组成成分为Neurobasal Medium+20μg/L bFGF+20μg/L EGF+20mL/L B27+100IU/mL青霉素+100IU/mL链霉素的神经干细胞培养液能够很好地支持牛胎儿NSCs的存活和增殖;机械分离法获得的牛胎儿NSCs的神经球数量和细胞活性要比酶消化分离法效果好;NSCs特异性标志物Nestin表达呈强阳性,Sox2、Nanog、Oct4和SSEA4等干细胞表面标志表达均呈阳性;经体外诱导的NSCs可分化为星形胶质细胞(表达GFAP)和神经元(表达βⅢ-tubulin)。结果表明,可从牛胎儿脑组织中分离培养出NSCs,NSCs可长期传代培养,具有分化功能。牛NSCs为克隆牛的供体细胞和转基因牛的受体细胞提供了细胞新来源。     

Impact of source tissue and ex vivo expansion on the characterization of goat mesenchymal stem cells

Background: There is considerable interest in using goats as models for genetically engineering dairy animals and also for using stem cells as therapeutics for bone and cartilage repair. Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) have been isolated and characterized from various species, but are poorly characterized in goats.Results: Goat MSCs isolated from bone marrow(BM-MSCs) and adipose tissue(ASCs) have the ability to undergo osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. Cytochemical staining and gene expression analysis show that ASCs have a greater capacity for adipogenic differentiation compared to BM-MSCs and fibroblasts. Different methods of inducing adipogenesis also affect the extent and profile of adipogenic differentiation in MSCs. Goat fibroblasts were not capable of osteogenesis, hence distinguishing them from the MSCs. Goat MSCs and fibroblasts express CD90, CD105, CD73 but not CD45, and exhibit cytoplasmic localization of OCT4 protein. Goat MSCs can be stably transfected by Nucleofection, but, as evidenced by colony-forming efficiency(CFE), yield significantly different levels of progenitor cells that are robust enough to proliferate into colonies of integrants following G418 selection.BM-MSCs expanded over increasing passages in vitro maintained karyotypic stability up to 20 passages in culture,exhibited an increase in adipogenic differentiation and CFE, but showed altered morphology and amenability to genetic modification by selection.Conclusions: Our findings provide characterization information on goat MSCs, and show that there can be significant differences between MSCs isolated from different tissues and from within the same tissue. Fibroblasts do not exhibit trilineage differentiation potential at the same capacity as MSCs, making it a more reliable method for distinguishing MSCs from fibroblasts, compared to cell surface marker expression.     

Impact of source tissue and ex vivo expansion on the characterization of goat mesenchymal stem cells

Background

There is considerable interest in using goats as models for genetically engineering dairy animals and also for using stem cells as therapeutics for bone and cartilage repair. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been isolated and characterized from various species, but are poorly characterized in goats.

Results

Goat MSCs isolated from bone marrow (BM-MSCs) and adipose tissue (ASCs) have the ability to undergo osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. Cytochemical staining and gene expression analysis show that ASCs have a greater capacity for adipogenic differentiation compared to BM-MSCs and fibroblasts. Different methods of inducing adipogenesis also affect the extent and profile of adipogenic differentiation in MSCs. Goat fibroblasts were not capable of osteogenesis, hence distinguishing them from the MSCs. Goat MSCs and fibroblasts express CD90, CD105, CD73 but not CD45, and exhibit cytoplasmic localization of OCT4 protein. Goat MSCs can be stably transfected by Nucleofection, but, as evidenced by colony-forming efficiency (CFE), yield significantly different levels of progenitor cells that are robust enough to proliferate into colonies of integrants following G418 selection. BM-MSCs expanded over increasing passages in vitro maintained karyotypic stability up to 20 passages in culture, exhibited an increase in adipogenic differentiation and CFE, but showed altered morphology and amenability to genetic modification by selection.

Conclusions

Our findings provide characterization information on goat MSCs, and show that there can be significant differences between MSCs isolated from different tissues and from within the same tissue. Fibroblasts do not exhibit trilineage differentiation potential at the same capacity as MSCs, making it a more reliable method for distinguishing MSCs from fibroblasts, compared to cell surface marker expression.

Electronic supplementary material

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