Rat bone marrow stromal cells could be induced into Schwann cell precursor-like cells in vitro

Schwann cells (SC) which are myelin forming cells in peripheral nervous system can remyelinate demyelinated central nervous system (CNS) axons in vivo. However, potential drawbacks to the use of SC in the CNS are nevertheless apparent, and Schwann cell precursors (SCP) are favourable cells for myelin repair in the CNS. But for clinical use, it is difficult to obtain sufficient large number of SCP. In the present study, rat bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) were cultured, identified and then converted into neurospheres. Then neurospheres were identified and induced into SCP-like cells. SCP-like cells were flattened in shape, p75(+)GFAP(-)S-100(-)nestin(-), and could differentiate into SC-like cells, similar to genuine SCP. Our data suggested that MSCs could be induced into SCP-like cells.