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Reprogramming Primary Amniotic Fluid and Membrane Cells to Pluripotency in Xeno-free Conditions
Published on: November 27, 2017
Bidirectional communication between neural and cardiac cells in human amniotic fluid
Konstantinos Stefanidis1, Dimitris Loutradis, Vasiliki Anastasiadou
1Laboratory of Stem Cells, Division of Reproductive Medicine, Alexandra Maternity Hospital, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece. kstefanidis@med.uoa.gr
Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy
|February 10, 2009
Summary
Amniotic fluid contains progenitor cells capable of developing into both cardiomyocyte- and neuron-like cells. These cells exhibit bidirectional communication, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Developmental biology
- Regenerative medicine
Background:
- Amniotic fluid is a rich source of fetal cells.
- These cells possess multipotent differentiation potential.
- Understanding their differentiation capacity is crucial for regenerative medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of cardiomyocyte- and neuron-like cells in amniotic fluid.
- To explore the differentiation potential of amniotic fluid-derived progenitor cells.
Main Methods:
- Human amniotic fluid cells were analyzed using RT-PCR for mRNA expression of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2), vimentin, and oxytocin (OT) receptor.
- Immunocytochemistry was performed using antibodies against MAP-2, OT receptor, vimentin, and troponin I.
- The effect of atosiban (OT antagonist) on cell differentiation was assessed.
Main Results:
- MAP-2, vimentin, and OT receptor mRNA were detected in all samples.
- Cells exhibited immunoreactivity for neurogenic markers (MAP-2, vimentin) and cardiac markers (troponin I, OT receptor).
- Atosiban did not induce neurogenic or cardiomyogenic differentiation.
Conclusions:
- Amniotic fluid contains progenitor cells with the capacity for concurrent cardiomyocyte- and neuron-like differentiation.
- Bidirectional communication between these cell types is suggested.
- These findings highlight the potential of amniotic fluid stem cells in regenerative therapies.
