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Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Isolation of Stem-like Cells from 3-Dimensional Spheroid Cultures
Published on: December 13, 2019
Prostatic stromal cells derived from benign prostatic hyperplasia specimens possess stem cell like property
Victor K Lin1, Shih-Ya Wang, Dolores V Vazquez
1Department of Urology, The University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9110, USA. victor.lin@utsouthwestern.edu
Prostate stromal cells from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients exhibit stem cell properties, including proliferation and differentiation into muscle, fat, and bone cells. These findings suggest potential applications in BPH and stem cell research.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Cellular Differentiation
Background:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) pathogenesis is linked to hyper-proliferative stromal smooth muscle (SM) cells.
- Stromal cells from adult prostate specimens may harbor adult stem cells.
- This study investigates the stem cell properties of human prostate-derived stromal cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize stem cell properties of human prostate stromal cells.
- To analyze the differentiation potential and plasticity of these stromal cells.
- To explore their utility in BPH and stem cell research.
Main Methods:
- Utilized immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, and RT-PCR for cell characterization.
- Employed cell culture and histology to assess stem cell properties and plasticity.
- Analyzed differentiation into myogenic, adipogenic, and osteogenic lineages.
Main Results:
- Cultured BPH prostate stromal cells displayed fibroblast/myofibroblast morphology.
- Cells were positive for mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) markers (CD30, CD34, CD44, CD133, NSE, Flt-1, SCF).
- Demonstrated induced myogenic differentiation and evident adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation.
Conclusions:
- Prostate stromal cells from BPH patients possess MSC markers and significant proliferative capacity.
- These cells exhibit remarkable differentiation potential into multiple lineages.
- These findings highlight their value for BPH and prostate adult stem cell research.
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