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The Aortic Ring Co-culture Assay: A Convenient Tool to Assess the Angiogenic Potential of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells In Vitro
Published on: September 18, 2017
In vitro endothelial potential of human UC blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Background:
Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) possess powerful ex vivo expansion and versatile differentiation potential, placing themselves at the forefront of the field of stem cell-based therapy and transplantation. Of high clinical relevance is the endothelial differentiation potential of MSC, which can be used to treat various forms of ischemic vascular disease.
Methods:
We investigated whether human umbilical cord blood (UCB)-derived MSC are able to differentiate in vitro along an endothelial lineage, by using flow cytometry, RT-PCR and immunofluorescence analyzes, as well as an Ab array method.
Results:
When the cells were incubated for up to 3 weeks in the presence of VEGF, EGF and hydrocortisone, they began to express a variety of endothelial lineage surface markers, such as Flk-1, Flt-1, VE-Cadherin, vWF, VCAM-1, Tie-1 and Tie-2, and to secrete a specific set of cytokines. Differentiated cells were also found to be able to uptake low-density lipoprotein and form a tubular network structure.
Discussion:
These observations have led us to conclude that UCB-derived MSC retain endothelial potential that is suitable for basic and clinical studies aimed at the development of vasculature-directed regenerative medicine.
