Derivation of Fate-Committed Schwann Cells from Bone Marrow Stromal Cells of Adult Rats

Our goal is to derive phenotypically stable Schwann cells from bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) for use in transplantation studies of central/peripheral nerve injuries. With the adult rat as model, here we describe steps that foster (1) expansion of the BMSC subpopulation of neural progenitors as neurosphere cells, (2) differentiation of the progenitors into Schwann cell-like cells in adherent culture supplemented with soluble factors, and (3) cell-intrinsic switch of Schwann cell-like cells to the Schwann cell fate following co-culture with sensory neurons purified from dorsal root ganglia. The derived Schwann cells retain marker expression despite withdrawal of supplements and neuronal cues, survive passaging and cryopreservation, and, importantly, show functional capacity for myelination.