Human Peripheral Nerve-Derived Pluripotent Cells Can Be Stimulated by In Vitro Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Stem Cell Biology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Peripheral nerves harbor cells with regenerative potential.
• Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (BMP-2) is implicated in cellular proliferation and differentiation.
• Adult stem cells possess the ability to differentiate into various cell types.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and characteristics of BMP-2 responsive cells in human peripheral nerves.
• To compare these cells with previously identified rodent nerve-derived adult stem (NEDAPS) cells.
• To explore the differentiation potential of these human nerve-derived cells.

Main Methods:

• Human nerve tissues were treated with BMP-2 or a vehicle control.
• Cells were isolated, cultured in stem cell medium, and assessed for proliferation.
• Expression of pluripotency transcription factors (Klf4, c-Myc, Sox2, Oct4) was analyzed.
• Differentiation potential was tested by culture in fibroblast growth medium.

Main Results:

• BMP-2 treatment significantly increased cell yield compared to controls.
• Cell colonies formed within 3 days, maintaining morphology for over 6 weeks.
• Expression of Klf4, c-Myc, Sox2, and Oct4 was confirmed at transcriptional and translational levels.
• Cells differentiated into fibroblast activated protein-α (FAP)-positive fibroblasts.

Conclusions:

• Human peripheral nerves contain quiescent, BMP-2 responsive cells with pluripotency potential.
• These cells express key transcription factors associated with pluripotency.
• The findings suggest these cells may be analogous to rodent NEDAPS cells and play a role in nerve injury healing.