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Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface
Published on: May 21, 2015
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Exploring cell surface markers and cell-cell interactions of human breast milk stem cells
Pierpaolo Coni1, Monica Piras1, Marco Piludu2
1Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
Journal of Public Health Research
|January 30, 2023
Summary
Human breast milk contains stem cells with varying pluripotency markers. These cells form communication networks, indicating potential for intercellular signaling and differentiation.
Area of Science:
- Stem Cell Biology
- Human Lactation Biology
- Cellular Communication
Background:
- Previous research identified pluripotent stem cells in human breast milk.
- Breast milk cells exhibit heterogeneous expression of pluripotency markers, reflecting a cellular hierarchy from stem cells to differentiated cells.
- Marker expression varies with gestational weeks and lactation days.
Purpose of the Study:
- To qualitatively analyze cell marker expression in freshly isolated human breast milk cells without manipulation.
- To investigate intercellular communication networks in breast milk using electron microscopy for the first time.
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemistry was used to analyze cell marker expression (CD44, CD45, CD133, Ki67, P63, Tβ4, CK14, Wt1, nestin, Nanog, OCT4, SOX2, CK5, CD34).
- Electron microscopy was employed to examine cell-cell networks and intercellular communication.
Main Results:
- All samples showed positive staining for CD44, CD45, CD133, and Ki67.
- Variable positivity was observed for P63, Tβ4, and CK14 markers.
- Electron microscopy revealed that human breast milk cells form intercellular connections, establishing a communication network.
Conclusions:
- Freshly isolated human breast milk cells display heterogeneous stemness marker expression, indicating varying differentiation stages.
- These milk stem cells exhibit 'pluripotency' at different levels.
- Electron microscopy confirmed adjacent cell interactions through intercellular connections, contact regions, and pseudopods.
