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Updated: Feb 18, 2026
Author Spotlight: Advancements in iPSCs and Genetic Disease Research
Published on: October 20, 2023
Comparative analysis of molecular activity in dermal mesenchymal stem cells from different passages
Xinhua Li1, Junqin Li1, Xincheng Zhao1
1Shanxi Key Laboratory of Stem Cell for Immunological Dermatosis, Institute of Dermatology, Taiyuan City Center Hospital, No. 1 Dong San Dao Xiang, Jiefang Road, Taiyuan, 030009, Shanxi Province, China.
Abstract:
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are used for tissue regeneration in several pathological conditions, including autoimmune diseases. However, the optimal sources and culture requirements for these cells are still under investigation. Here, we compared mRNA expression in dermal MSCs (DMSCs) at passage (P) 3 and P5 to provide a reference for future studies related to DMSCs expansion. In normal DMSCs, the expression of three of eight genes associated with basic cellular activity were different at P5 compared to that at P3: PLCB4 and SYTL2 were upregulated by 4.30- and 6.42-fold, respectively (P < 0.05), whereas SATB2 was downregulated by 39.25-fold (P < 0.05). At the same time, genes associated with proliferation, differentiation, inflammation, and apoptosis were expressed at similar levels at P3 and P5 (P > 0.05). In contrast, in DMSCs isolated from psoriatic patients we observed differential expression of three inflammation-associated genes at P5 compared to P3; thus IL6, IL8, and CXCL6 mRNA levels were upregulated by 16.02-, 31.15-, and 15.04-fold, respectively. Our results indicate that normal and psoriatic DMSCs showed different expression patterns for genes related to inflammation and basic cell activity at P3 and P5, whereas those for genes linked to proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis were mostly similar.
Insights
Passage number affects gene expression in dermal mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Normal MSCs show altered basic cell activity genes, while psoriatic MSCs exhibit increased inflammation genes at later passages.
Area of Science:
- Stem Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are crucial for tissue regeneration and treating autoimmune diseases.
- Optimal MSC sources and culture conditions require further investigation for therapeutic applications.
- Understanding MSC behavior during expansion is vital for consistent therapeutic outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare mRNA expression in dermal MSCs (DMSCs) at passage 3 (P3) versus passage 5 (P5).
- To establish a reference for DMSCs expansion protocols.
- To investigate differences in gene expression between normal and psoriatic DMSCs during expansion.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to analyze mRNA expression levels.
- Gene expression was compared between P3 and P5 in DMSCs from healthy donors and psoriatic patients.
- Focus on genes related to basic cellular activity, proliferation, differentiation, inflammation, and apoptosis.
Main Results:
- In normal DMSCs, PLCB4 and SYTL2 mRNA were upregulated, while SATB2 was downregulated at P5 compared to P3.
- Genes for proliferation, differentiation, inflammation, and apoptosis showed similar expression levels at P3 and P5 in normal DMSCs.
- In psoriatic DMSCs, IL6, IL8, and CXCL6 mRNA levels were significantly upregulated at P5 compared to P3.
Conclusions:
- Dermal MSCs exhibit distinct gene expression profiles related to basic cell activity and inflammation based on passage number.
- Psoriatic DMSCs show a heightened inflammatory response at later passages compared to normal DMSCs.
- These findings provide critical insights into MSC expansion dynamics and their implications for regenerative therapies.
