Expansion on extracellular matrix deposited by human bone marrow stromal cells facilitates stem cell proliferation and tissue-specific lineage potential

Tissue Eng Part A. 2011 Dec;17(23-24):3067-76. doi: 10.1089/ten.TEA.2011.0158. Epub 2011 Sep 21.

Abstract

Our objective was to assess the rejuvenation effect of extracellular matrix (ECM) deposited by human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) on hBMSC expansion and tissue-specific lineage differentiation potential. Passage 5 hBMSCs were expanded on ECM or conventional plastic flasks (Plastic) for one passage. Cell number was counted and immunophenotype profiles were assessed using flow cytometry. Selected integrins and proliferation-related pathway signals were assessed using Western blot. The expanded cells were evaluated for their chondrogenic potential in a pellet culture system with TGF-β3-containing chondrogenic medium using gross morphology, histology, immunostaining, biochemical analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and biomechanical testing. ECM-expanded hBMSCs were further evaluated for their osteogenic potential using Alizarin Red S staining and alkaline phosphatase activity assay and for their adipogenic potential using Oil Red O staining. ECM-expanded hBMSCs exhibited an enhanced proliferation capacity and an acquired robust chondrogenic potential compared to those grown on Plastic. ECM expansion decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species and increased stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 expression in hBMSCs. ECM expansion also upregulated integrins α2 and β5 and induced a sustained activation of Erk1/2 and cyclin D1. Interestingly, upregulation of TGF-β receptor II during cell expansion and chondrogenic induction might be responsible for an enhanced chondrogenic potential in ECM-expanded hBMSCs. We also found that ECM-expanded hBMSCs had an increased osteogenic potential and decreased adipogenic capacity. ECM deposited by hBMSCs may be a promising approach to expand BMSCs from elderly patients for the treatment of large-scale bone defects through endochondral bone formation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipogenesis / genetics
  • Adult
  • Blotting, Western
  • Bone Marrow Cells / cytology*
  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods*
  • Cell Lineage*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Chondrogenesis / genetics
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Integrins / metabolism
  • Male
  • Organ Specificity*
  • Osteogenesis / genetics
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Stromal Cells / cytology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Integrins