Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
Flow Cytometry Analysis of Murine Bone Marrow Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells and Stromal Niche Cells
Published on: September 28, 2022
Comprehensive analysis of chemotactic factors for bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Yoshie Ozaki1, Masahiro Nishimura, Kensuke Sekiya
1Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Hiroshima University, Kasumi, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan.
Abstract:
To understand which growth factors/cytokines can affect migration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to injured tissues, we compared the effects of many (26) growth factors/cytokines on the migration activity of rabbit and human MSCs using a microchemotaxis chamber. Among them, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, PDGF-AB, epidermal growth factor (EGF), HB-EGF, transforming growth factor (TGF-alpha), insulin growth factor (IGF-I), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2), and thrombin consistently enhanced the migration of rabbit and human MSCs at appropriate concentrations. PDGF-BB showed the greatest effect on migration. Various combinations of these factors further enhanced the migration of MSCs, whereas combinations of factors that shared common cell-surface receptors did not induce the additive stimulation. On the other hand, some combinations, including that of FGF-2 or thrombin with PDGF-BB, suppressed the migration activity of MSCs. These findings suggest that combinations of growth factors are important to eliciting the maximal chemotactic effect. The factors that induced the migration of MSCs also enhanced their proliferation, suggesting that migration and proliferation can take place simultaneously. The above factors were also effective in stimulating the migration of fibroblasts, but thrombin alone selectively enhanced the migration of MSCs, suggesting that thrombin is useful to stimulate migration of MSCs without migration of fibroblasts.
Insights
Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB and other growth factors enhance mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) migration. Combinations of factors are crucial for maximal chemotaxis, and thrombin selectively stimulates MSC migration.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are crucial for tissue repair.
- Understanding factors that guide MSCs to injury sites is vital for therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific growth factors and cytokines that influence MSC migration.
- To investigate the effects of single factors and their combinations on MSC chemotaxis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a microchemotaxis chamber to assess the migration of rabbit and human MSCs.
- Tested the effects of 26 different growth factors/cytokines individually and in combination.
Main Results:
- Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and others significantly enhanced MSC migration.
- PDGF-BB demonstrated the most potent migratory effect.
- Combinations of factors enhanced migration, but those sharing receptors did not show additive effects.
- Certain combinations, like FGF-2 or thrombin with PDGF-BB, suppressed migration.
- Induced migration correlated with enhanced cell proliferation.
- Thrombin selectively stimulated MSC migration without affecting fibroblast migration.
Conclusions:
- Specific growth factors, notably PDGF-BB, are potent chemoattractants for MSCs.
- Optimizing factor combinations is key to maximizing MSC chemotaxis.
- MSC migration and proliferation can occur concurrently.
- Thrombin offers a selective method to promote MSC migration for therapeutic purposes.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Chemotaxis and Direction of Cell Migration
01:19Mesenchymal Stem Cells
01:01Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells