Mesenchymal stromal cells can be derived from bone marrow CD133+ cells: implications for therapy

Area of Science:

• Stem cell biology
• Cellular differentiation
• Hematopoiesis

Background:

• Bone marrow (BM) CD133(+) cells are known for hematopoietic roles.
• Their potential in vascular reconstitution, muscle regeneration, and cardiomyocyte differentiation is recognized.
• The full scope of their differentiation into non-endothelial cell lineages remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in vitro differentiation capacity of human CD133(+) BM-derived cells.
• To determine if these cells differentiate into lineages beyond blood cells, including mesodermal and ectodermal types.
• To compare their potential with hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).

Main Methods:

• Isolation of CD133(+) cells from human bone marrow using a clinically approved method.
• In vitro culture and differentiation assays.
• Comparison of differentiation potential with HPCs and MSCs from the same samples.
• Analysis of cell surface marker expression (CD133, c-kit, OCT4, SSEA4, HLA-ABC, HLA-DR) post-expansion.

Main Results:

• CD133 expression decreased post-passage 2, along with c-kit and OCT4.
• SSEA4 expression remained consistent; cells were HLA-ABC positive and HLA-DR negative, similar to MSCs.
• CD133(+) BM cells demonstrated broad differentiation potential into mesodermal and ectodermal (neurogenic) lineages.

Conclusions:

• Human CD133(+) BM cells possess multipotent differentiation capabilities.
• These cells can differentiate into diverse cell types beyond hematopoietic and endothelial lineages.
• The CD133 antigen may identify a cell population with MSC-like characteristics for therapeutic use.