Chondrogenic and Osteogenic Differentiation of Adipose Tissue‐Derived Stem Cells Isolated from GFP Transgenic Mice

Abstract

Aim: Taking advantage of homogeneously marked cells from green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice, we have previously demonstrated that bone marrow derived stromal cells (BSCs) differentiate into a variety of cell lineages both in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we extend this approach to characterize adipose tissue derived stromal cells (ASCs), sometimes called processed lipoaspirate (PLA) cells.Methods: ASCs were isolated from inguinal fat pads of GFP mice. After the primary culture in control medium, the cells were incubated in osteogenic and chondrogenic medium for 2 to 4 weeks, respectively. Osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation were assessed by the special staining and RT‐PCR.Results: ASCs incubated in osteogenic medium were stained positively for von Kossa and alkaline phosphatase staining. RT‐PCR analysis showed the Expression of osteocyte related genes. Positive staining cells for alcian blue and the expression of chodrocyte related genes were found in ASCs incubated in chondrogenic medium.Conclusions: These findings suggest that ASCs derived from GFP transgenic mice have both osteochondrogenic potential in vitro. Since this cell population can be easily identified through fluorescence microscope, it may be an ideal source of ASCs for further experiments of stem cell biology and tissue engineering.