Multilineage Differentiation Potential of Equine Adipose-Derived Stromal/Stem Cells from Different Sources

The investigation of multipotent stem/stromal cells (MSCs) in vitro represents an important basis for translational studies in large animal models. The study's aim was to examine and compare clinically relevant in vitro properties of equine MSCs, which were isolated from abdominal (abd), retrobulbar (rb) and subcutaneous (sc) adipose tissue by collagenase digestion (ASCs-_SVF) and an explant technique (ASCs-_EXP). Firstly, we examined proliferation and trilineage differentiation and, secondly, the cardiomyogenic differentiation potential using activin A, bone morphogenetic protein-4 and Dickkopf-1. Fibroblast-like, plastic-adherent ASCs-_SVF and ASCs-_EXP were obtained from all sources. The proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation potential did not differ significantly between the isolation methods and localizations. However, abd-ASCs-_EXP showed the highest adipogenic differentiation potential compared to rb- and sc-ASCs-_EXP on day 7 and abd-ASCs-_SVF a higher adipogenic potential compared to abd-ASCs-_EXP on day 14. Osteogenic differentiation potential was comparable at day 14, but by day 21, abd-ASCs-_EXP demonstrated a higher osteogenic potential compared to abd-ASCs-_SVF and rb-ASCs-_EXP. Cardiomyogenic differentiation could not be achieved. This study provides insight into the proliferation and multilineage differentiation potential of equine ASCs and is expected to provide a basis for future preclinical and clinical studies in horses.