Goat Bone Research Articles

Archaeology, archaeozoology and the study of pastoralism in the Near East

Sheep and goat herding, the basis of pastoralism in the Near East, has been integral to the social organisation, diet, economy, religion and environment of the region since the beginnings of animal domestication. Interestingly, this omnipresent factor of life in the Near East has not been a popular topic of enquiry in its own right amongst archaeologists—of course, they deal with pastoralism in one way or another, but they mostly manage to keep the herder separate from the king. Instead, the study of pastoralism in this region has been largely the domain of archaeozoologists who study the sheep, goat and indeterminate ‘sheep/goat’ bones that dominate Near Eastern faunal assemblages from the Early Holocene onwards (the notorious difficulty of distinguishing sheep and goat bones led archaeozoologists to invent the sheep/goat, now an official taxon in the Encyclopedia of Life no less! http://eol.org).

Evaluation of persistence and distribution of intra-dermally administered PKH26 labelled goat bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells in cutaneous wound healing model.

The current study was designed to study the persistence and distribution of caprine bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (cBM-MSCs) when administered intra-dermally in experimentally induced cutaneous wounds in rabbits. MSC's from goat bone marrow were isolated and their differentiation potential towards adipogenic and osteogenic lineages were assayed in vitro. The isolated cells were phenotypically analysed using flow cytometry for the expression of MSC specific matrix receptors (CD73, CD105 and Stro-1) and absence of hematopoietic lineage markers. Further, these in vitro expanded MSCs were stained with PKH26 lipophilic cell membrane red fluorescent dye and prepared for transplantation into cutaneous wounds created on rabbits. Five, 2cm linear full thickness skin incisions were created on either side of dorsal midline of New Zealand white rabbits (n=4). Four wounds in each animal were implanted intra-dermally with PKH26 labelled cBM-MSCs suspended in 500µl of Phosphate Buffer Saline (PBS). Fifth wound was injected with PBS alone and treated as negative control. The skin samples were collected from respective wounds on 3, 7, 10 and 14days after the wound creation, and cryosections of 6µM were made from it. Fluorescent microscopy of these cryosections showed that the PKH26 labelled transplanted cells and their daughter cells demonstrated a diffuse pattern of distribution initially and were later concentrated towards the wound edges and finally appeared to be engrafted with the newly developed skin tissues. The labelled cells were found retained in the wound bed throughout the period of 14days of experimental study with a gradual decline in their intensity of red fluorescence probably due to the dye dilution as a result of multiple cell division. The retention of transplanted MSCs within the wound bed even after the complete wound healing suggests that in addition to their paracrine actions as already been reported, they may have direct involvement in various stages of intricate wound healing process which needs to be explored further.

A probabilistic model for distinguishing between sheep and goat postcranial remains

Distinguishing morphologically-similar taxa is a perennial problem for zooarchaeologists. As an example, zooarchaeological methods to distinguish sheep and goat bones are limited by the fact that diagnostic traits are not exclusive to each species. For this reason, we argue that sheep/goat bones should be considered probabilistically, not absolutely. That is, each bone should be considered as falling along a spectrum from sheep to goat. To that end, we present a probabilistic method for assigning taxonomic status to sheep/goat postcranial specimens. Suites of diagnostic traits present on each specimen are translated into probabilities, which we then use in simulations to estimate the number of sheep and goat bones. We apply our model to two assemblages: ‘Ain Dara (Syria) and Tell Sakhariya (Iraq). We evaluate the effectiveness of standard diagnostic traits, finding that distal tibias and second phalanges particularly problematic to identify to species. In addition, our probabilistic method improves the reliability and replicability of sheep/goat identifications in zooarchaeological assemblages by making explicit the diagnostic criteria used and providing clear standards that other projects can follow and thus be directly compared.

EVALUATION OF HERBAL EXTRACTS SYNERGISTIC ACTIVITY USING TISSUE STEM CELLS

Herbal stem cell therapy promotes endogenous stem cell proliferation and differentiation and is ued in the treatment of various human diseases. At present, recommendations are warranted to support the consumption of foods rich in bioactive components. Stem cells and progenitor cells from organs form the basis for well-being of the mammalian system. Analysis based on these cultured cells would form a viable alternative to stem cell transplantation, and would facilitate to design approaches that stimulate endogenous stem cells through diet to promote healing and regeneration. In the present study, synergistic activity of selected herbs such as Phyllanthus amarus, Myristica fragrans, Ocimum sanctum and Withania somnifera were analysed for their stem cell proliferation enhancing activity using goat bone marrow derived stem cells.

Direct dating of human skeletal material from Ganj Dareh, Early Neolithic of the Iranian Zagros

We present the first set of radiocarbon dates derived from human skeletal material from Ganj Dareh, Iran. These new dates fully overlap with those on goat bone samples published by Zeder and Hesse (2000) and confirm the finding of the latter source that occupation of the site occurred within ca 200–300years after 9000bp (~10,100cal. BP). In so doing we confirm the absence of a hiatus between the lower two levels (E and D), an idea derived from the initial dating of the site. We also provide the first full review of the 23 radiocarbon dates from the site published prior to the work of Zeder and Hesse (2000). Examination of the full date sequence emphasizes the complexity of the site stratigraphy and tight clustering of the dates from all levels, thereby clarifying the difficulty that the excavator had in separating levels.

Overexpression of STRA8, BOULE, and DAZL Genes Promotes Goat Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Vitro Transdifferentiation Toward Putative Male Germ Cells.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), which are well characterized and widely utilized adult stem cells, encompass the capacity to commit to a variety of cell types. This study was conducted to develop an effective way to induce goat BMSCs (gBMSCs) to transdifferentiate toward putative male germ cells by overexpressing STRA8 (stimulated by RA-8), BOULE (also called BOLL), and DAZL (deleted in azoospermia-like). First, we found that the expression levels of these 3 genes gradually increased during development of the goat testis from 10 days postnatal to 8 months old. Therefore, we hypothesized that overexpressing these genes might contribute to the transdifferentiation of gBMSCs toward germ cells. We then overexpressed, separately and in combination, STRA8, BOULE, and DAZL in gBMSCs. Our results showed that a small population of transfected gBMSCs transdifferentiated into early goat germ cell-like cells and that these cells expressed primordial germ cell specification genes STELLA (also known as DPPA3, developmental pluripotency associated 3) and C-KIT (tyrosine kinase receptor) as well as premeiotic genes MVH (mouse vasa homolog), DAZL, BOULE, STRA8, PIWIL2 (piwi-like RNA-mediated gene silencing 2), and RNF17 (ring finger protein 17). Importantly, results from quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, and Western blot analysis showed that the meiotic marker synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SCP3) significantly increased in transfected cells compared to untransfected control cells ( P < .05). Additionally, the co-overexpression group cells had the highest SCP3 messenger RNA and protein expression levels, which indicated that 3-gene co-overexpression had the highest potential to transdifferentiate gBMSCs to germ cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the overexpression of STRA8, BOULE, and DAZL was able to promote the transdifferentiation of gBMSCs to early goat germ cell-like cells in vitro, which probably enhanced maturation and progression through meiosis. This approach would be important to generating gametes for future basic science as well as for potential clinical applications.

Separating Sheep (Ovis aries L.) and Goats (Capra hircus L.) Using Geometric Morphometric Methods: An Investigation of Astragalus Morphology from Late and Final Bronze Age Central Asian Contexts

AbstractMany qualitative and quantitative methods for the separation of sheep and goat bones are based upon Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and European specimens. However, these methods may not be as applicable in other geographical contexts due to regional morphological variation. In order to address this, both traditional and geometric morphometric methods were applied to sheep, (Ovis aries L.) and goat (Capra hircus L.) astragali from archaeological sites from Kazakhstan dating to the Late and Final Bronze Age (1900–900 bce). This exploratory research confirmed that qualitative features remained useful for distinguishing between species, while traditional morphometric methods were unable to conclusively support the field identification of species. Geometric morphometric methods found significant morphological differences between species and confirmed group membership while exploring specific qualitative features that were effective in distinguishing between sheep and goat in Central Asian contexts. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Prehistoric Mountain Goat (Oreamnos americanus) Mother Lode Near Prince Rupert, British Columbia and Implications for the Manufacture of High-Status Ceremonial Goods

ABSTRACTAbundant mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus) remains were recovered from two archaeological sites on Kaien Island near Prince Rupert Harbour, British Columbia. No other archaeological sites in North America have anywhere near the abundance of mountain goat remains as were recovered from GbTo 54 (NISP 410, 7.1% of identified mammals) and GbTo 13 (NISP 27, 5.4% of identified mammals). In contrast, at the impressive Boardwalk site on nearby Digby Island (GbTo 31), only 1% of identified mammals were identified as mountain goat, although goat remains from Grassy Bay (GbTn 1), also on Kaien Island, comprised 1.7% of identified mammals. With one exception, other western North American sites, including those in Alaska, recovered only a few pieces of mountain goat each (<0.5% of identified mammals). The dates for GbTo 54 and GbTo 13 span AD 200–AD 1300, with all four directly dated goat bones falling within that period. Most goat bones appeared to come from adult or subadult males and element abundance analysis of GbTo 54 remains indicate that whole animals may have been selectively butchered into transportable units. Other evidence suggests the occupants may have specialized in the procurement of a variety of raw materials (not only mountain goat) used in the manufacture of high-status ceremonial goods.

Development of Bone Particulate Reinforced Epoxy Composite For Biomedical Application

Mechanical properties of particulate goat bone reinforced epoxy composite were investigated in this research. This was aimed at assessing the suitability of the developed composites for biomedical applications. The combination of the two materials for the development of the composites was targeted to meet good surface compatibility in addition to the structural compatibility needed as biomaterials. The composites were developed by compounding the matrix and the reinforcement in predetermined proportions and were fabricated by open mould technique. Mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural and hardness properties as well as wear behaviour were tested. From the results, XRF analysis showed that the main elements present in the goat bone ash are calcium and phosphorus with 71.6 and 16.6% contents, respectively. It was observed that improved mechanical properties were obtained for higher wt. percent reinforced composites from 16-20wt. percent compared to lower wt. percent composites from 2-14wt. percent. Bone particulate reinforced epoxy composite developed from 16wt. percent gave the best tensile and flexural properties and also possesses good and favourable hardness properties. However, improved wear resistance was observed at low wt. percent fraction of the reinforcement within 2-6wt. percent. Examination of the fractured surfaces by Scanning Electron Microscopy showed that the particulates were well dispersed within the matrix and the reason for the enhancement in the properties. Sample with optimum performance was 16 wt. percent bone particulate reinforced epoxy composite which has the best combination of mechanical and wear properties. The combination of good properties obtained made the developed composite to be suitable for biomedical application and, therefore, selected as the best composite material for biomedical application having met the structural conditions necessary.

O khronologicheskom aspekte proiskhozhdeniya proizvodyashchego khozyaystva v Nizhnem Povolzhe

The Lower Volga region territory plays a large part in studying the origin of producing economy. It is particularly important to determine the time of this process commencement. The researchers assumed the coexistence of the late Neolithic and Early Eneolithic monuments in this area. On that basis they highlighted the Neo-Eneolithic period. The researchers dated it to the middle of the 5 millennium BC. They associated this period and the emergence of producing economy at the territory under discussion. The weak point of this hypothesis was a small number of radiocarbon dates on this issue. Obtained after 2007, the radiocarbon dates on the Neolithic and Eneolithic monuments in the Lower Volga region demonstrate a 500-year chronological gap between them. That is why the hypothesis of the Neo-Eneolithic period is not confirmed. At the same time there is a reason to believe that the Late Neolithic and the Caspian Sea region culture coexisted during 5800-5500 BC. However, the referring of the Caspian Sea region culture to the Eneolithic suffers from the lack of evidence that its carriers were familiar with metal. There is also no evidence that they had cattle breeding. The situation changed after studying the Oroshaemoye I archaeological site in the Lower Volga region in 2014-2015. Cultural layer with materials from only the Caspian Sea region culture was found there. This increases the significance of the monument. The bones of domestic sheep and goats were found in this cultural layer. This is the first significant evidence of producing economy existing among the population of the Lower Volga region. AMS radiocarbon dates 4800 and 4700 BC were obtained from domestic sheep bones from this site. Thus, it is possible to make a reasoned conclusion that producing economy had being formed in the Lower Volga region among the carriers of the Caspian Sea region culture. This process can be reliably dated to the beginning of the 5 millennium BC.

Impact of the source and serial passaging of goat mesenchymal stem cells on osteogenic differentiation potential: implications for bone tissue engineering.

BackgroundAdult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be conveniently sampled from bone marrow, peripheral blood, muscle, adipose and connective tissue, harvested from various species, including, rodents, dogs, cats, horses, sheep, goats and human beings. The MSCs isolated from adult tissues vary in their morphological and functional properties. These variations are further complicated when cells are expanded by passaging in culture. These differences and changes in MSCs must be considered prior to their application in the clinic or in a basic research study. Goats are commonly used as animal models for bone tissue engineering to test the potential of stem cells for bone regeneration. As a result, goat MSCs isolated from bone marrow or adipose tissue should be evaluated using in vitro assays, prior to their application in a tissue engineering project.ResultsIn this study, we compared the stem cell properties of MSCs isolated from goat bone marrow and adipose tissue. We used quantitative and qualitative assays with a focus on osteogenesis, including, colony forming unit, rate of cell proliferation, tri-lineage differentiation and expression profiling of key signal transduction proteins to compare MSCs from low and high passages. Primary cultures generated from each source displayed the stem cell characteristics, with variations in their osteogenic potentials. Most importantly, low passaged bone marrow MSCs displayed a significantly higher and superior osteogenic potential, and hence, will be the preferred choice for bone tissue engineering in future in vivo experiments. In the bone marrow MSCs, this process is potentially mediated by the p38 MAPK pathway. On the other hand, osteogenic differentiation in the adipose tissue MSCs may involve the p44/42 MAPK pathway.ConclusionsBased on these data, we can conclude that bone marrow and fat-derived MSCs undergo osteogenesis via two distinct signaling pathways. Even though the bone marrow MSCs are the preferred source for bone tissue engineering, the adipose tissue MSCs are an attractive alternative source and undergo osteo-differentiation differently from the bone marrow MSCs and hence, might require a cell-based enhancer/inducer to improve their osteogenic regenerative capacity.

Safety and efficacy of additive and subtractive surface modification of Ti6Al4V endosseous implant in goat bone

Growing interest of endosseous implant research is focused on surface modification to achieve early and strong osseointegration. The present study compared the behaviour of hydroxyapatite coated, zinc doped hydroxyapatite coated and hydrothermally treated titanium (Ti6Al4V) with machined Ti6Al4V implants (control) on osseointegration. The surface characterization and bacterial affinity test for implants were performed. Forty eight (48) cylinders (4 types in each animal) were placed in the humerus bone of 12 black Bengal goats. Bone–implant interface was examined with histological, radiological parameters and scanning electron microscopy on 42nd, 90th, and 180th day post-implantation. Surface roughness alterations of bone-detached implants with time were analyzed by non-contact profilometer. Push-out test (90th day) was performed to assess the strength of bony integration of implants. The coated implants revealed direct and early bone–implant contact but high bacterial affinity and coating resorption/cracks. Low bacterial affinity and strongest osseointegration was observed with hydrothermally treated implants. Poor bacterial affinity and delayed but strong fixation were evident with control implant. Based on the results of laboratory and animal experiments, we conclude that the hydrothermal modification of titanium implant is the more suitable way to achieve safe and effective osseointegration than the other three implant types for endosseous application.

Hardness Distribution and Effective Case Depth of Low Carbon Steel after Pack Carburizing Process under Different Carburizer

This research is concerned with the effect of different carburizers on hardness distribution, effective case depth and microstructure of low carbon steel after pack carburizing process. Carburizers to be used were combination of energizer (BaCO3), goat bone charcoal and bamboo charcoal with five different compositions. The specimens were heated to temperature of 950°C, soaked at the temperature for 4 hours and quenched in the water. After the process, microstructures of specimen were observed, the hardness was measured using Vikers method and effective case depths were calculated. The results obtained showed that for all types of carburizer used, the hardness were scattered from surface to the core with lower hardness level. Carburizer composition of 20% BaCO3 + 80% goat bone charcoal produced the highest hardness ( 789.273 HV1) at 0.2 mm from the surface, however, it yielded the lowest effective case depth (0.52 mm). The highest effective case depth of 1 mm was obtained using carburizer composition of 20% BaCO3 + 60% goat bone charcoal + 20% bamboo charcoal. Meanwhile, the original structures of raw material which consist of ferrite and pearlite transformed to hard martensite constituent in the surface after pack carburizing.

Long-term effects of ovariectomy on the properties of bone in goats.

Large animal models of osteoporosis are essential for osteoporosis research. However, the time required to establish an accurate osteoporosis model is unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to establish a large animal model of osteoporosis in goats. In total, 14 Chinese goats were divided into an ovariectomized (OVX, n=7) or sham-operated (SHAM, n=7) group. Vertebral bodies were used to measure the bone mineral density (BMD) prior to the ovariectomy and at 24 months after the ovariectomy. In addition, the BMD of the femoral neck, femoral diaphysis and tibial diaphysis were measured 24 months postoperatively. Bone samples from the vertebral body, femoral head and femoral neck were scanned by micro-computed tomography (CT) to visualize the trabecular and cortical microstructure. Furthermore, the vertebral body, femoral head, femoral neck and tibial diaphysis were analyzed for mechanical strength. The BMD of vertebral body of the OVX group decreased significantly (P<0.01) at 24 months after the ovariectomy when compared with the baseline measurements. Micro-CT scans of the vertebral body revealed that the bone volume fraction, trabecular number, trabecular thickness and the degree of anisotropy decreased by 37.1, 36.7, 10.5 and 16.5%, respectively (P<0.01) in the OVX group when compared with the SHAM group. Additionally, the specific bone surface and trabecular spacing significantly increased by 37.7 and 62%, respectively in the OVX group (P<0.001). Cortical bone porosity in the vertebral body and femoral neck was greater in the OVX group when compared with the SHAM group (P<0.05). In addition, mechanical testing revealed a statistically significant difference between the vertebral bodies of the OVX group and the SHAM group. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that an ovariectomy was able to induce significant osteoporosis and deterioration of mechanical properties in the bones of goats.

Porous β-Ca2SiO4 ceramic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering: In vitro and in vivo characterization

The biodegradable ceramic scaffolds with desirable pore size, porosity and mechanical properties play a crucial role in bone tissue engineering and bone transplantation. A novel porous β-dicalcium silicate (β-Ca2SiO4) ceramic scaffold was prepared by sintering the green body consisting of CaCO3 and SiO2 at 1300°C, which generated interconnected pore network with proper pore size of about 300μm and high compressive strength (28.13±5.37–10.36±0.83MPa) following the porosity from 53.54±5.37% to 71.44±0.83%. Porous β-Ca2SiO4 ceramic scaffolds displayed a good biocompatibility, since human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells and goat bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) proliferated continuously on the scaffolds after 7d culture. The porous β-Ca2SiO4 ceramic scaffolds revealed well apatite-forming ability when incubated in the simulated body fluid (SBF). According to the histological test, the degradation of porous β-Ca2SiO4 ceramic scaffolds and the new bone tissue generation in vivo were observed following 9 weeks implantation in nude mice. These results suggested that the porous β-Ca2SiO4 ceramic scaffolds could be potentially applied in bone tissue engineering.

Comparative evaluation of spring-loaded torque wrench with that of friction loaded - An in vitro study in animal bone

Aim: This study aims to determine the efficacy of commercially available spring loaded manual torque wrenches with that of friction loaded manual torque wrenches. Materials and Methods: Two spring loaded torque wrenches (MIS and the other Ospal) and two, friction loaded (Nobel Biocare and Myraid). Four implants of the same size and diameter of one company (MIS 4.2 mm × 13 mm) was used in the study. Femur bone of sacrificed goat and a dummy mandible made of polycarbonate were used. All four implants were placed once in femur bone of goat, and similarly in dummy mandible. Removal torque analysis was calibrated using these four torque wrenches. In Stage I, all four implants were placed on polycarbonate of mandible by following standard drilling protocol as prescribed by the manufacturer. All four implants were placed in goat bone in Stage II. Then, all four implants were removed from both polycarbonate of mandible and goat bone using four different torque wrench and removal torque analysis was recorded. The procedure was repeated 5 times each. Results: The data obtained had a significant difference between the spring loaded and friction loaded torque wrenches and reading obtained from friction loaded (Nobel Biocare, Myraid) torque was consistent compared to spring loaded (Ospal, MIS). The data obtained from spring loaded torque wrench showed much variables.Conclusion: Our results indicate that friction loaded torque wrenches produce more accurate results compared to spring loaded torque wrenches.

Comparative evaluation of the effect of two commonly used irrigants on bone: An ex-vivo study

Introduction: The cause and effect of sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine gluconate accidents on vital tissues like skin, subcutaneous tissues, nerves, periodontal tissues have been extensively addressed through case reports; however, the pathological changes in bone after the their inadvertent extrusion through apical foramen during routine root canal treatment have not been investigated. Learning more about physical and histologic changes in bone might lead to treatment protocol changes. The purpose of this study was to compare the histological effects of sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine gluconate on the alveolar bone. Aim: To compare the effect of 3% Sodium hypochlorite and 2% Chlorhexidine gluconate on goat bone. Objective: To assess the histopathological changes in the goat mandible exposed to 0.5ml of 3% Sodium hypochlorite and 2% Chlorhexidine gluconate for a period of 30 minutes. Methods: A freshly cut goat mandible was obtained and immediately cut into 4 mm blocks which were further sectioned into 2×2×2mm blocks. Adjacent surface were selected for the shallow injection of sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine gluconate and saline. Histopathological evaluation of the bone specimens were conducted under nine parameters. Results: Histologically, both sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine gluconate causes detrimental effects on bone. However, the results indicated that sodium hypochlorite, causes more degradation to the bone as compared to chlorhexidine gluconate. Calcified elements such as cortical bone remains unaffected.

Osteometric Examination of Metapodial Bones in Sheep (Ovis aries L.) and Goat (Capra hircus L.) Unearthed from the Yenikapı Metro and Marmaray Excavations in Istanbul

In this study, the metapodial bones of sheep and goats which were found out at Yenikapi Metro and Marmaray archaeological excavations in Istanbul were used. The variability of characteristic features of mentioned metapodia (CV values) were examined and calculations of shoulder heights were made with using metapodial evaluations. The results which were reached were compared with the data of modern and archaeological sheep and goats which belong to previous studies about this topic. Hereat, it is observed that the shoulder heights of Byzantine sheep are in same data range with Iron Age sheep and are in same size with one of the modern breeds Tuj sheep. It is confirmed that the shoulder heights of the Byzantine goats are higher than Iron Age goats and are in same size with one of the modern breeds Anatolian Black Goats.

Bone marrow derived cell-seeded extracellular matrix: A novel biomaterial in the field of wound management

Aim: Extensive or irreversible damage to the skin often requires additional skin substitutes for reconstruction. Biomaterials have become critical components in the development of effective new medical therapies for wound care. Materials and Methods: In the present study, a cell matrix construct (bone marrow-derived cells (BMdc) seeded extracellular matrix [ECM]) was used as a biological substitute for the repair of full-thickness skin wound. ECM was developed by decellularizing fish swim bladder (FSB). Goat bone marrow-derived cells (G-BMdc) were seeded over this decellularized matrix. Efficacy of this cell matrix construct in wound repair was tested by implanting it over 20 mm2 × 20 mm2 size fullthickness skin wound created over the dorsum of rat. The study was conducted in 16 clinically healthy adult rats of either sex. The animals were randomly divided into 2 equal groups of 8 animals each. In Group I, animal’s wounds were repaired with a cellular FSB matrix. In Group II, wounds were repaired with G-BMdc seeded a cellular FSB matrix. Immune response and efficacy of healing were analyzed. Results: Quality of healing and immuno tolerance to the biological substitute was significantly better in Group II than Group I. Conclusion: Seeding with BMdc increases the wound healing potency and modulates the immune response to a significantly negligible level. The BMdc seeded acellular FSB matrix was found to be a novel biomaterial for wound management.

Ectopic expression of DAZL gene in goat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells enhances the trans-differentiation to putative germ cells compared to the exogenous treatment of retinoic acid or bone morphogenetic protein 4 signalling molecules.

The plasticity of human and murine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) has been proven by their ability to trans-differentiate to multilineage cells, including germ cells. We have investigated ability of goat BMSCs to trans-differentiate to germ cells with extrinsic (e.g., retinoic acid [RA] and BMP4 signalling molecules) and intrinsic factor expression (e.g., DAZL gene ectopic expression). Having optimized the concentration of RA and BMP4, gBMSCs were treated with RA 1 µM) and BMP4 (25 ng/mL), individually and collectively. Both RA and BMP4 induced OCT4, MVH, DAZL, STELLA, NANOG and C-KIT expression, but RNF17, PIWIL2, STRA8, and SCP3 were only expressed after RA treatment. In terms of an endogenous factor, a germ cell specific gene, deleted in Azoospermia-like (DAZL), was overexpressed by plasmid and mRNA techniques. Compared with the RA treated group, DAZL ectopic expression upregulated the transcription and translation of MVH, and SCP3 was also increased at the mRNA level. The mRNA-based method had more effect on the germ cells gene expression compared to the plasmid method. Ectopic expression of the DAZL gene enhanced trans-differentiation compared to the RA-treated group. Knockdown experiments confirmed the pivotal role of DAZL in germ cell differentiation. This study provides further information on the mechanisms underlying the spermatogenesis, which will guide the derivation of post-meiotic germ cells from adult stem cells in vitro.