Phenotypical Characterization and Neurogenic Differentiation of Rabbit Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Mária Tirpáková,Peter Chrenek,Jaromír Vašíček,Alexander Makarevich,Marián Tomka,Miroslav Bauer,Andrej Baláži,Andrea Svoradová

doi:10.3390/genes12030431

Abstract

Although the rabbit is a frequently used biological model, the phenotype of rabbit adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rAT-MSCs) is not well characterized. One of the reasons is the absence of specific anti-rabbit antibodies. The study aimed to characterize rAT-MSCs using flow cytometry and PCR methods, especially digital droplet PCR, which confirmed the expression of selected markers at the mRNA level. A combination of these methods validated the expression of MSCs markers (CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90 and CD105). In addition, cells were also positive for CD49f, vimentin, desmin, α-SMA, ALDH and also for the pluripotent markers: NANOG, OCT4 and SOX2. Moreover, the present study proved the ability of rAT-MSCs to differentiate into a neurogenic lineage based on the confirmed expression of neuronal markers ENO2 and MAP2. Obtained results suggest that rAT-MSCs have, despite the slight differences in marker expression, the similar phenotype as human AT-MSCs and possess the neurodifferentiation ability. Accordingly, rAT-MSCs should be subjected to further studies with potential application in veterinary medicine but also, in case of their cryopreservation, as a source of genetic information of endangered species stored in the gene bank.

Highlights

In the last decades, interest in research on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has increased due to their specific biological features
When comparing the proliferation of the adipose tissue and the bone marrow stem cells, AT-MSCs showed a higher rate of expansion compared to BM-MSCs, which was confirmed in humans [47], and in rats [48] and guinea pigs [49]
In summary, the present study was focused on properties of rabbit AT-MSCs

Summary

Introduction

Interest in research on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has increased due to their specific biological features. Owing to their ability to spread and differentiate, MSCs have found widespread use, in regenerative medicine, and in various disease treatment therapies, veterinary medicine and drug development, as well as stem cell banking [1,2,3,4,5]. Adipose tissue possesses a multitude of advantages, in terms of better availability, and easier and more affordable isolation. Many studies are aimed at determination of AT-MSCs-specific surface markers using different techniques [8,17,18,19]

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Conclusion