Human Olfactory Ecto-mesenchymal Stem Cells Displaying Schwann-Cell-Like Phenotypes and Promoting Neurite Outgrowth in Vitro

Strategies of Schwann cell (SC) transplantation to regenerate the peripheral nerve injury involves many limitations. Stem cells can be used as alternative cell sources for differentiation into SCs. Given the high potential of neural crest-derived stem cells for the generation of multiple cell lineages, in this research, we considered whether olfactory ecto-mesenchymal stem cells (OE-MSCs) derived from neural crest can spontaneously differentiate into SC lineage. OE-MSCs were isolated from human nasal mucosa and characterized by the mesenchymal and neural crest markers. The cells were cultured in a glial growth factors-free medium and further investigated in terms of the phenotypic and functional properties. Immunocytochemical staining and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated that the cultured OE-MSCs expressed SCs markers, namely SOX10, p75, S100, GFAP, and MBP differentiation indicatives. It was found that the cells could secrete neurotrophic factors, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor. Furthermore, following co-culture with PC12, the mean neurite length was enhanced by OE-MSCs. The findings indicated that OE-MSCs could be differentiated spontaneously into SC-like phenotypes, suggesting their applications for transplantation in peripheral nerve injuries.