Muse Cells, a New Type of Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived from Human Fibroblasts

Cell Reprogram. 2016 Apr;18(2):67-77. doi: 10.1089/cell.2015.0085.

Abstract

A new type of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that expresses stage-specific embryonic antigen 3 (SSEA-3) and the mesenchymal cell marker CD105 are known as multilineage-differentiating stress-enduring (Muse) cells. Studies have shown that stem cells in suspension cultures are more likely to generate embryoid body-like stem cell spheres and maintain an undifferentiated phenotype and pluripotency. We separated Muse cells derived from human dermal fibroblasts by long-term trypsin incubation (LTT) through suspension cultures in methylcellulose. The Muse cells obtained expressed several pluripotency markers, including Nanog, Oct4, Sox2, and SSEA-3, and could differentiate in vitro into cells of the three germ layers, such as hepatocytes (endodermal), neural cells (ectodermal) and adipocytes, and osteocytes (mesodermal cells). These cells showed a low level of DNA methylation and a high nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio. Our study provides an innovative and exciting platform for exploring the potential cell-based therapy of various human diseases using Muse cells as well as their great possibility for regenerative medicine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Differentiation / biosynthesis
  • Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate / biosynthesis
  • Cellular Reprogramming*
  • Endoglin / biosynthesis
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / cytology
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Stage-Specific Embryonic Antigens / biosynthesis

Substances

  • Antigens, Differentiation
  • Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate
  • ENG protein, human
  • Endoglin
  • Stage-Specific Embryonic Antigens
  • stage-specific embryonic antigen-3