Adipose-derived stem cells differentiate to neuron-like cells in vitro

AIM: We isolated and purified adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) from adipose tissue in order to study their characters and examine their neuron differentiation capacity in vitro. METHODS: ASCs were isolated and cultured. The morphology of ASCs was observed under microscope and their phenotype was examined by flow cytometry. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) was used to induce ASCs into neuron-like cells. RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of nestin. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of neurofilament (NF) and neuron specific enolase (NSE), respectively. RESULTS: ASCs displayed a fibroblast-like morphology adhering to the culture plate. The cells expressed several surface antigens such as CD29 and CD105, while did not express CD31, CD34, CD45 and HLA-DR. Under suitable conditions, various passages of ASCs all had the capacity of neuron differentiation. They expressed nestin, NF and NSE 10 days after adding ATRA in the culture system. CONCLUSION: ASCs isolated from adipose tissue can differentiate into neuron-like cells in vitro. ASCs may be used as an alternative source of cells for neural disease therapy.