A mesenchymal stromal cell line resistant to paclitaxel that spontaneously differentiates into osteoblast-like cells

Augusto Pessina1, Francesca Sisto, Valentina Coccè

  • 1Department of Public Health–Microbiology–Virology, University of Milan, Via Pascal 36, 20133, Milan, Italy. augusto.pessina@unimi.it

Cell Biology and Toxicology
|December 31, 2010
PubMed

Insights

The SR-4987 mesenchymal stromal cell line exhibits partial multipotency and significant resistance to paclitaxel, a characteristic reversed by verapamil. This cell line is valuable for studying drug resistance and mesenchymal cell functions.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are critical for tissue repair and regeneration.
  • Well-characterized MSC cell lines are essential for reliable research.
  • The SR-4987 cell line, derived from BDF/1 mouse bone marrow, requires updated characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To re-evaluate the SR-4987 mesenchymal stromal cell line.
  • To investigate its growth parameters, in vitro plasticity, and drug sensitivity.
  • To assess its potential as a model for drug resistance and mesenchymal cell function.

Main Methods:

  • Characterization of SR-4987 cell growth kinetics (doubling time, plating efficiency).
  • Assessment of in vitro differentiation potential towards chondro-osteogenic and adipogenic lineages.
  • Evaluation of drug sensitivity to anti-cancer agents (paclitaxel), anti-inflammatory drugs, and a histone deacetylase inhibitor (valproic acid).
  • Analysis of drug resistance mechanisms, including P-glycoprotein expression and modulation by verapamil.

Main Results:

  • SR-4987 cells have a population doubling time of 24.5 ± 5.4 h and plating efficiency of 2.87 ± 1.19%.
  • The cells partially maintain multipotency, differentiating towards chondro-osteogenic lineages but not adipogenic.
  • Spontaneous differentiation into osteoblast-like cells was observed and stimulated by valproic acid.
  • SR-4987 cells exhibit high resistance to paclitaxel (resistance index 39.6–68.2), which is reversed by verapamil and linked to high P-glycoprotein expression.

Conclusions:

  • The SR-4987 cell line is a valuable model for studying mesenchymal cell biology.
  • Its significant drug resistance, particularly to paclitaxel, makes it useful for investigating resistance mechanisms.
  • The line's response to valproic acid suggests potential applications in studying epigenetic modulation in mesenchymal cells.