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Mesothelial cell differentiation into osteoblast- and adipocyte-like cells
Sally M Lansley1, Richelle G Searles, Aina Hoi
1Lung Institute of Western Australia and Centre for Asthma, Allergy and Respiratory Research, University of Western Australia, WA, Australia.
Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
|November 13, 2010
Summary
Mesothelial cells, the cells lining body cavities, can transform into bone-forming osteoblasts and fat-storing adipocytes. This discovery reveals their multipotential nature and potential role in serosal pathologies like malignant mesothelioma.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Serosal pathologies, such as malignant mesothelioma (MM), can exhibit osseous or cartilaginous differentiation.
- The precise mechanism behind this differentiation and the full potential of mesothelial cells remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that mesothelial cells can differentiate into osteoblasts and adipocytes.
- To explore the multipotential capacity of mesothelial cells beyond known myofibroblast, smooth muscle, and endothelial cell differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Primary rat and human mesothelial cells were cultured in osteogenic or adipogenic media for up to 26 days.
- Functional assays for bone formation and adipogenesis were performed.
- Expression of key osteoblast and adipocyte markers (e.g., alkaline phosphatase, runt-related transcription factor 2) and mRNA changes were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Mesothelial cells demonstrated increased alkaline phosphatase and formed mineralized bone-like nodules, indicating osteogenic potential.
- Cells accumulated lipids when cultured in adipogenic medium, signifying adipogenic differentiation.
- Expression of key osteoblast and adipocyte markers and evidence of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition were observed.
Conclusions:
- Mesothelial cells possess the capacity to differentiate into osteoblast-like and adipocyte-like cells, confirming their multipotential nature.
- This differentiation may explain the diverse tissue types observed in malignant mesothelioma and other serosal pathologies.
- Findings support the potential application of mesothelial cells in regenerative therapies.
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