Direct cell-cell contact between mesenchymal stem cells and endothelial progenitor cells induces a pericyte-like phenotype in vitro

Biomed Res Int. 2014:2014:395781. doi: 10.1155/2014/395781. Epub 2014 Jan 20.

Abstract

Tissue engineering techniques for the regeneration of large bone defects require sufficient vascularisation of the applied constructs to ensure a sufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients. In our previous work, prevascularised 3D scaffolds have been successfully established by coculture of bone marrow derived stem cells (MSCs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). We identified stabilising pericytes (PCs) as part of newly formed capillary-like structures. In the present study, we report preliminary data on the interactions between MSCs and EPCs, leading to the differentiation of pericyte-like cells. MSCs and EPCs were seeded in transwell cultures, direct cocultures, and single cultures. Cells were cultured for 10 days in IMDM 10% FCS or IMDM 5% FCS 5% platelet lysate medium. Gene expression of PC markers, CD146, NG2, αSMA, and PDGFR-β, was analysed using RT-PCR at days 0, 3, 7, and 10. The upregulation of CD146, NG2, and αSMA in MSCs in direct coculture with EPCs advocates the MSCs' differentiation towards a pericyte-like phenotype in vitro. These results suggest that pericyte-like cells derive from MSCs and that cell-cell contact with EPCs is an important factor for this differentiation process. These findings emphasise the concept of coculture strategies to promote angiogenesis for cell-based tissue engineered bone grafts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antigens / metabolism
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • CD146 Antigen / metabolism
  • Cell Communication* / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Culture Media / pharmacology
  • Endothelial Progenitor Cells / cytology*
  • Endothelial Progenitor Cells / metabolism
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / drug effects
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Middle Aged
  • Pericytes / cytology*
  • Pericytes / drug effects
  • Pericytes / metabolism
  • Phenotype
  • Proteoglycans / metabolism
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • ACTA2 protein, human
  • Actins
  • Antigens
  • Biomarkers
  • CD146 Antigen
  • Culture Media
  • Proteoglycans
  • chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4