Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026

09:07
Rapid Isolation of BMPR-IB+ Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells for Use in a Calvarial Defect Healing Model
Published on: February 24, 2017
7.2K
Small Buccal Fat Pad Cells Have High Osteogenic Differentiation Potential
Niina Tsurumachi1, Daisuke Akita2, Koichiro Kano3
11 Nihon University Graduate School of Dentistry , Chiyoda-ku, Japan .
Tissue Engineering. Part C, Methods
|December 15, 2015
Summary
Small adipocytes dedifferentiate more efficiently into dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells. These small DFAT cells exhibit enhanced stem cell characteristics, including higher CD146 expression and osteogenic potential compared to those derived from large adipocytes.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Stem Cell Research
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Mature adipocytes can be reprogrammed into dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells with mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-like properties.
- The relationship between mature adipocyte size and their efficiency in dedifferentiation remains unclear.
- Adipocyte size typically ranges from 60-110 μm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of adipocyte size on dedifferentiation efficiency.
- To compare the characteristics of DFAT cells derived from small versus large adipocytes.
- To determine if adipocyte size influences the stem cell potential of resultant DFAT cells.
Main Methods:
- Human buccal fat pads were harvested and digested with collagenase.
- Floating adipocytes were separated into small (<40 μm) and large (40-100 μm) groups using nylon mesh filters.
- Dedifferentiation efficiency and DFAT cell characteristics (CD146 expression, osteogenic potential) were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Small adipocytes demonstrated a higher capacity for dedifferentiation into DFAT cells compared to large adipocytes.
- Small DFAT cells exhibited a greater proportion of CD146-positive cells.
- Small DFAT cells showed superior osteogenic differentiation potential, indicated by alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition.
Conclusions:
- Adipocyte size is a critical factor influencing dedifferentiation efficiency and DFAT cell properties.
- Smaller adipocytes are advantageous for generating DFAT cells with enhanced stem cell characteristics.
- These findings suggest distinct functional potentials between DFAT cells derived from different adipocyte size populations.

