Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) induced formation of embryoid body (EB)‐like structures in human term placenta derived stem cells

Abstract

Interleukin‐1 β (IL‐1 β) induced formation of embryoid body (EB)‐like structures in human term placenta derived stem cellsHuman decidua parietalis placenta stem cells (hdpPSC) display pluripotency markers and are able to differentiate into mesenchymal lineages (osteoblasts, adipocytes, chondrocytes) as well as decidual cells (Strakova Z. et al., Cell Tissue Res 332:479, 2008). Moreover, hdpPSC express a basic marker for the endoderm, α‐fetoprotein, as well as nestin, a marker for neural/progenitor cells, suggesting the potential to differentiate into all three germ layers. Exposure (12‐40 days) to a stimulus mimicking an embryonic signal for decidualization (the cytokine IL‐1β with estradiol‐17β and medroxyprogesterone acetate) induced the formation of net‐like structures with dense cell aggregates. Round discrete conglomerates appear similar to EB structures described during the differentiation of embryonic stem cells. Continued growth resulted in a cystic appearance (200‐827 βm). Immunodetection of EB‐like structures showed retention of pluripotency markers SSEA‐4 and Oct‐4. Intensive cofilin staining confirmed the active reorganization of actin. The fixed specimen displayed simple mesodermal tissue morphology. It was positive for vimentin and α‐SMA and negative for α‐fetoprotein and cytokeratin. However, strong positivity for nestin in EB‐like structures confirms the early progenitor status of the cells and suggests the potential of these easily available cells as an alternative source of human stem cells.