Characterization of adult stem/progenitor cell populations from bone marrow in a three-dimensional collagen gel culture system

Cell Transplant. 2012;21(9):2021-32. doi: 10.3727/096368912X636939. Epub 2012 Apr 2.

Abstract

Stem cell transplantation therapy using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is considered a useful strategy. Although MSCs are commonly isolated by exploiting their plastic adherence, several studies have suggested that there are other populations of stem and/or osteoprogenitor cells that are removed from primary culture during media replacement. Therefore, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) culture system in which adherent and nonadherent stem cells are selected and expanded. Here, we described the characterization of 3D culture-derived cell populations in vitro and the capacity of these cells to differentiate into bone and/or cartilage tissue when placed inside of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) cylinders, implanted subcutaneously into the backs of rat for 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Our results demonstrates that 3D culture cells were a heterogeneous population of uncommitted cells that express pluripotent-, hematopoietic-, mesenchymal-, and endothelial-specific markers in vitro and can undergo osteogenic differentiation in vivo.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Animals
  • Bone Marrow Cells / cytology*
  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods*
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology
  • Collagen / chemistry*
  • Male
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred F344
  • Stem Cells / cytology*

Substances

  • Collagen