Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
Isolation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells and their Cultivation on the Porous Bone Matrix
Published on: February 9, 2015
Isolation of mesenchymal stem-like cells in meningioma specimens
Hyo-Yeol Lim1, Kyung Min Kim, Bo Kyung Kim
1Department of Neurosurgery, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Cells resembling bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) have been isolated from glioma specimens; however, little is known about the existence of mesenchymal stem-like cells (MSLCs) in meningioma. Here, we hypothesized that cells similar to BM-MSCs exist in meningioma specimens and sought to investigate whether these putative meningioma stroma MSLCs (MS-MSLCs) could be isolated. To this end, we cultured fresh meningioma specimens using the same protocols as used previously to isolate BM-MSC. Cultured cells were analyzed for surface markers associated with BM-MSCs by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and candidate cells were exposed to mesenchymal differentiation conditions. Possible locations of MS-MSLCs were determined by immunohistochemical analysis of sections of meningioma specimens. Spindle-shaped and, adherent cells similar to BM-MSCs were isolated in 2 of 20 meningioma specimens. FACS analysis showed that the surface markers of MS-MSLCs were similar to those of BM-MSCs and the chosen cells demonstrated an ability to differentiate into osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic cells. The tumorigenicity of MS-MSLCs was tested by injection of these cells into the brain of athymic nude mice; no tumors were subsequently discovered. Immunohistochemical analyses indicated that CD105+ cells were closely associated with endothelial cells and pericytes in meningioma specimens. Our results established for the first time that cells similar to BM-MSCs exist in meningioma specimens. These cells, termed MS-MSLCs, could be one component of the meningioma cellular microenvironment.
Insights
Researchers discovered mesenchymal stem-like cells (MSLCs) in meningioma tumors. These cells, similar to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), can differentiate and are not tumorigenic, suggesting a role in the meningioma microenvironment.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Tumor Microenvironment Research
Background:
- Mesenchymal stem-like cells (MSLCs) are found in various tissues, including glioma.
- The presence and characteristics of MSLCs within meningioma tumors remain largely uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the existence and characteristics of MSLCs in meningioma specimens.
- To determine if these cells, termed meningioma stroma MSLCs (MS-MSLCs), can be isolated and cultured.
- To assess the differentiation potential and tumorigenicity of MS-MSLCs.
Main Methods:
- Meningioma specimens were cultured using established protocols for bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) isolation.
- Isolated cells were analyzed for BM-MSC surface markers via fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS).
- Candidate cells underwent mesenchymal differentiation induction and were tested for tumorigenicity in athymic nude mice. Immunohistochemistry was used to locate MS-MSLCs within tumor sections.
Main Results:
- Spindle-shaped, adherent cells resembling BM-MSCs were isolated from 2 out of 20 meningioma specimens.
- FACS analysis confirmed that MS-MSLCs express surface markers similar to BM-MSCs.
- Isolated MS-MSLCs demonstrated osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation capabilities.
- MS-MSLCs were found to be non-tumorigenic when injected into mice.
- Immunohistochemistry revealed CD105+ cells in close proximity to endothelial cells and pericytes within meningioma.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence for the existence of BM-MSC-like cells within meningioma specimens.
- These identified MS-MSLCs possess stem cell characteristics, including differentiation potential.
- MS-MSLCs may represent a cellular component of the meningioma tumor microenvironment.
