Directing parthenogenetic stem cells differentiate into adipocytes for engineering injectable adipose tissue.

Wei Liu,Jihong Cui,Fulin Chen,Xingrong Yan,Xingyuan Yang,Mei Sun,Yang Rao,Wenguang Liu

doi:10.1155/2014/423635

Abstract

The selection of appropriate seed cells is crucial for adipose tissue engineering. Here, we reported the stepwise induction of parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells (pESCs) to differentiate into adipogenic cells and its application in engineering injectable adipose tissue with Pluronic F-127. pESCs had pluripotent differentiation capacity and could form teratomas that include the three primary germ layers. Cells that migrated from the embryoid bodies (EBs) were selectively separated and expanded to obtain embryonic mesenchymal stem cells (eMSCs). The eMSCs exhibited similar cell surface marker expression profiles with bone morrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and had multipotent differentiation capacity. Under the induction of dexamethasone, indomethacin, and insulin, eMSCs could differentiate into adipogenic cells with increased expression of adipose-specific genes and oil droplet depositions within the cytoplasm. To evaluate their suitability as seed cells for adipose tissue engineering, the CM-Dil labelled adipogenic cells derived from eMSCs were seeded into Pluronic F-127 hydrogel and injected subcutaneously into nude mice. Four weeks after injection, glistering and semitransparent constructs formed in the subcutaneous site. Histological observations demonstrated that new adipose tissue was successfully fabricated in the specimen by the labelled cells. The results of the current study indicated that pESCs have great potential in the fabrication of injectable adipose tissue.

Highlights

In plastic and reconstructive surgery, an increasing number of operations are involved in the repair of soft tissue defects resulting from deep burns, congenital diseases, and the removal of tumours ranging from small resections to mastectomy for breast cancer [1]
To determine if the parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells (pESCs) possessed in vivo pluripotent differentiation capacity, pESCs were injected into nude mice to test their ability to form teratomas
Histological observations showed that the pESCs were able to form teratomas containing the three germ layers of gastrointestinal tissue, cartilage, and neurocytes (Figure 1(d))

Summary

Introduction

In plastic and reconstructive surgery, an increasing number of operations are involved in the repair of soft tissue defects resulting from deep burns, congenital diseases, and the removal of tumours ranging from small resections to mastectomy for breast cancer [1]. Adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from the marrow and adipose tissue possess multipotent differentiation capacity and are commonly used as seed cells in adipose tissue engineering. These cells may lose their proliferative capacity and phenotype during in vitro expansion [8,9,10]. These drawbacks make it difficult to obtain adequate and functional cells for fabricating adipose tissue. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can differentiate into phenotypes of all three germ layers and are envisioned as a viable source to fabricate the desired tissue. Most current harvest techniques for ESCs require the destruction of embryos, which may lead to significant political and ethical concerns regarding their application [13]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion