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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
In Vitro Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Functional Cardiomyocyte-like Cells
Published on: August 9, 2017
Skeletal muscle-derived stem cells exhibit cardiocyte competences
Jin Li1, Desheng Fu, Guangxiang Hong
1Department of Hand Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China. lijin1973@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Adult stem cells from skeletal muscle cells were induced to differentiate into cardiocytes to see if stem cells from another different but histologically-comparable tissues can differentiate to the target cells. Skeletal muscles-derived stem cells (MDSCs) were isolated from adult skeleton muscle tissues by differential adhesion, and immunocytochemically identified by using Sca-1. In order to induce the proliferation but not differentiation of MDSCs, the cells were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium/F12 (DMEM/F12) supplemented with 1:50 B27, 20 ng/mL basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), 20 ng/mL epidermal growth factor (EGF) in a suspension for 6 days. Then these stem cells were treated with 5 mumol/L 5-azacytidine for 24 h in an adherence culture. The characteristics of induced cells were examined by immunocytochemistry, quantitative real time RT-PCR and morphological observation of cell phenotype. Our results showed that the appearance of some cells gradually changed from spindle-shape into polygonal or short-column-shape. Some of these post-treated cells could contract spontaneously and rhythmically. The expression of GATA-4 and cTnT was increased 1 and 2 week(s) after the treatment. And about 16.6% of post-treated cells were cTnT-positive. Therefore, we are led to conclude that skeletal muscle-derived stem cells could differentiate into cardiocyte-like cells, which exhibited some characteristics of cardiocytes.
Insights
Skeletal muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) were induced to differentiate into cardiocyte-like cells. These cells exhibited spontaneous contraction and expressed cardiac markers, demonstrating potential for cardiac regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Stem Cell Biology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Investigating the potential of adult stem cells from non-cardiac tissues for cardiac differentiation.
- Skeletal muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) are a potential source for regenerative medicine applications.
- Histological comparability between tissues may influence stem cell differentiation potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if adult stem cells from skeletal muscle can differentiate into cardiocytes.
- To assess the feasibility of using MDSCs for generating cardiomyocyte-like cells.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and immunocytochemical identification (Sca-1) of adult MDSCs.
- Culture of MDSCs in specific media (DMEM/F12, B27, bFGF, EGF) to induce proliferation.
- Treatment with 5-azacytidine to induce differentiation, followed by characterization (immunocytochemistry, RT-PCR, morphology).
Main Results:
- Morphological changes observed: spindle-shaped cells transformed into polygonal or short-column shapes.
- Induced cells exhibited spontaneous, rhythmic contraction.
- Increased expression of cardiac markers GATA-4 and cTnT post-treatment; 16.6% of cells were cTnT-positive.
Conclusions:
- Adult skeletal muscle-derived stem cells can differentiate into cells with cardiocyte-like characteristics.
- These findings support the potential use of MDSCs in cardiac regenerative strategies.
- Further research is warranted to optimize differentiation protocols and assess in vivo efficacy.
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