The effect of fibroblast growth factor on distinct differentiation potential of cord blood-derived unrestricted somatic stem cells and Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells

Cytotherapy. 2015 Dec;17(12):1723-31. doi: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2015.09.007.

Abstract

Background aims: Perinatal tissues are considered an attractive source of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) and have unique characteristics depending on their origin. In this study, we compared the basic characteristics of unrestricted somatic stem cells isolated from cord blood (CB-USSCs) and MSCs isolated from Wharton's jelly of umbilical cords (WJ-MSCs). We also evaluated the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) supplementation on the growth and differentiation of these cells.

Methods: CB-USSCs and WJ-MSCs were isolated from the same individual (n = 6), and their morphology, cell surface antigens, proliferation, expression of stemness markers and adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potentials were evaluated. Their morphology, proliferation and differentiation potentials were then also compared in the presence of bFGF supplementation (10 ng/mL).

Results: Overall, CB-USSCs expressed DLK-1 and negative for all the HOX gene markers. The expression of cell surface antigen CD90, growth capacity and adipogenic differential potential of CB-USSCs were lower than those of WJ-MSCs. WJ-MSCs showed higher growth capacity, but the expression of CD73 and CD105 and their osteogenic differentiation potential were lower than those of CB-USSCs. The spindle morphology of both CB-USSCs and WJ-MSCs and the growth and adipogenic differentiation of CB-USSCs were improved by bFGF supplementation. However, the bFGF supplement did not have any positive effect on the tri-lineage differentiation potentials of WJ-MSCs.

Conclusions: CB-USSCs and WJ-MSCs each had distinct characteristics including different growth capacity, distinguishable cell surface markers and distinct adipogenic and osteogenic potentials. bFGF supplementation improved the growth capacity and adipogenic differentiation of CB-USSCs.

Keywords: Wharton's jelly; basic fibroblast growth factor; mesenchymal stem/stromal cells; umbilical cord blood; unrestricted somatic stem cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 5'-Nucleotidase / biosynthesis
  • Adipogenesis / physiology*
  • Adult Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Antigens, CD / biosynthesis
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Chondrogenesis / physiology*
  • Endoglin
  • Female
  • Fetal Blood / cytology
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Osteogenesis / physiology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / biosynthesis
  • Thy-1 Antigens / metabolism
  • Umbilical Cord / cytology
  • Wharton Jelly / cytology

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Biomarkers
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • DLK1 protein, human
  • ENG protein, human
  • Endoglin
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Thy-1 Antigens
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
  • 5'-Nucleotidase