Quantitative Raman spectral changes of the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into islet-like cells by biochemical component analysis and multiple peak fitting

J Biomed Opt. 2015;20(12):125002. doi: 10.1117/1.JBO.20.12.125002.

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiate into islet-like cells, providing a possible solution for type I diabetes treatment. To search for the precise molecular mechanism of the directional differentiation of MSC-derived islet-like cells, biomolecular composition, and structural conformation information during MSC differentiation, is required. Because islet-like cells lack specific surface markers, the commonly employed immunostaining technique is not suitable for their identification, physical separation, and enrichment. Combining Raman spectroscopic data, a fitting accuracy-improved biochemical component analysis, and multiple peaks fitting approach, we identified the quantitative biochemical and intensity change of Raman peaks that show the differentiation of MSCs into islet-like cells. Along with increases in protein and glycogen content, and decreases in deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid content, in islet-like cells relative to MSCs, it was found that a characteristic peak of insulin (665 cm-1) has twice the intensity in islet-like cells relative to MSCs, indicating differentiation of MSCs into islet-like cells was successful. Importantly, these Raman signatures provide useful information on the structural and pathological states during MSC differentiation and help to develop noninvasive and label-free Raman sorting methods for stem cells and their lineages.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Lineage
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • DNA / analysis
  • Glycogen / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Insulin / chemistry
  • Islets of Langerhans / cytology*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology*
  • RNA / analysis
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Software
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman*
  • Umbilical Cord / cytology

Substances

  • Insulin
  • RNA
  • Glycogen
  • DNA