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Phenotypic characterization and in vivo localization of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells

  • Research Article
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Molecules and Cells

Abstract

Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADMSCs) are a potential cell source for autologous cell therapy due to their regenerative ability. However, detailed cytological or phenotypic characteristics of these cells are still unclear. Therefore, we determined and compared cell size, morphology, ultrastructure, and immunohistochemical (IHC) expression profiles of isolated hADMSCs and cells located in human adipose tissues. We also characterized the localization of these cells in vivo. Light microscopy examination at low power revealed that hADMSCs acquired a spindle-shaped morphology after four passages. Additionally, high power views showed that these cells had various sizes, nuclear contours, and cytoplasmic textures. To further evaluate cell morphology, transmission electron microscopy was performed. hADMSCs typically had ultrastructural characteristics similar to those of primitive mesenchymal cells including a relatively high nuclear/cytosol ratio, prominent nucleoli, immature cytoplasmic organelles, and numerous filipodia. Some cells contained various numbers of lamellar bodies and lipid droplets. IHC staining demonstrated that PDGFR and CD10 were constitutively expressed in most hADMSCs regardless of passage number but expression levels of α-SMA, CD68, Oct4 and c-kit varied. IHC staining of adipose tissue showed that cells with immunophenotypic characteristics identical to those of hADMSCs were located mainly in the perivascular adventitia not in smooth muscle area. In summary, hADMSCs were found to represent a heterogeneous cell population with primitive mesenchymal cells that were mainly found in the perivascular adventitia. Furthermore, the cell surface markers would be CD10/PDGFR. To obtain defined cell populations for therapeutic purposes, further studies will be required to establish more specific isolation methods.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dental Regenerative Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 110-749, Korea

    Tae-Jun Cho & Jaejin Cho

  2. Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, 110-749, Korea

    Tae-Jun Cho, Jin-Young Choi & Jaejin Cho

  3. Department of Pathology, College of medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 200-701, Korea

    Young-Joon Ryu

  4. Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 110-799, Korea

    Dong-Sup Lee

  5. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Seoul National University Dental Hospital, Seoul, 110-768, Korea

    Jin-Young Choi

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  1. Young-Joon Ryu
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  2. Tae-Jun Cho
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Correspondence to Jaejin Cho.

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Ryu, YJ., Cho, TJ., Lee, DS. et al. Phenotypic characterization and in vivo localization of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Mol Cells 35, 557–564 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10059-013-0112-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10059-013-0112-z

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