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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
Assessment of the Immunomodulatory Properties of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)
Published on: December 24, 2015
[Effects of peptidoglycan on proliferation and cell cycle of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells]
Ya-Nan Su1, Hai Bai, Cun-Bang Wang
1Center for Blood Diseases of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou Military Area Lanzhou General Hosipital, Lanzhou 730050, Gansu Province, China.
Abstract:
This study was aimed to explore the effects of peptidoglycan (PGN) on proliferation and cell cycle of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs were isolated from human bone marrow by density gradient centrifugation. The purity of MSCs with the spindle fibroblastic morphology was identified by microphotography and the phenotypes were detected by flow cytometry (FCM). MSCs incubated with different doses of PGN (1, 10, 20 μg/ml) were used as test groups, and those incubated without PGN were regarded as control group. The isolated and cultured MSCs were inoculated into 96-well plates according to a certain concentration. Cell cycle was measured by flow cytometry after incubated with PGN for 72 hours. The results showed that the cell proliferation index was significantly increased in dose and time dependent manners after MSCs was incubated with PGN. Its effects on the proliferation of MSCs were highest in 10 μg/ml group. Compared with the control group, PGN could significantly decrease proportion of MSCs in G₀/G₁ phase and increase them in S and G₂/M phases (p < 0.05). It is concluded that PGN can promote more MSCs to enter the DNA synthesis phase and proliferate many much MSCs in dose and time dependent manners.
Insights
Peptidoglycan (PGN) significantly enhances human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) proliferation. PGN treatment promotes MSCs to enter DNA synthesis and cell division phases in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
Area of Science:
- Stem Cell Biology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are crucial for tissue repair and regeneration.
- Peptidoglycan (PGN), a bacterial cell wall component, interacts with host immune cells.
- The specific effects of PGN on MSC proliferation and cell cycle regulation remain to be fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of peptidoglycan (PGN) on the proliferation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).
- To determine how PGN influences the cell cycle progression of MSCs.
Main Methods:
- Human bone marrow MSCs were isolated and characterized using density gradient centrifugation, microphotography, and flow cytometry (FCM).
- MSCs were treated with varying concentrations of PGN (1, 10, 20 μg/ml) or left untreated (control).
- Cell proliferation was assessed, and cell cycle distribution was analyzed by FCM after 72 hours of incubation.
Main Results:
- PGN treatment significantly increased MSC proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
- The highest proliferation index was observed at a PGN concentration of 10 μg/ml.
- PGN significantly reduced the proportion of MSCs in the G₀/G₁ phase while increasing those in the S and G₂/M phases (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Peptidoglycan (PGN) acts as a potent stimulator of human bone marrow MSC proliferation.
- PGN promotes MSCs to transition into the DNA synthesis (S) and cell division (G₂/M) phases, driving proliferation.
- These findings suggest PGN could play a role in modulating stem cell responses in contexts of bacterial presence.
