Differentiation of Adipose-derived Stem Cells into Schwann Cell Phenotype in Comparison with Bone Marrow Stem Cells

Objective(s) Bone marrow is the traditional source of human multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), but adipose tissue appears to be an alternative and more readily available source. In this study, rat adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were induced to differentiate into Schwann-like cells and compared with rat bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) for their Schwann-like cells differentiation potential. Materials and Methods BMSCs and ADSCs were characterized for expression of MSCs-specific markers, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. They were induced to differentiate into Schwann-like cells and analyzed for expression of the Schwann specific markers. The immunocytochemical differentiation markers were S-100 and real time quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) markers were S100, P75 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and Annexin V-Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)/ Propidium iodide (PI) double labeling method were employed to detect early stage cell apoptosis. Results BMSCs and ADSCs showed similarities in expression of the MSC-specific markers, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. Both quantitative RT-PCR and immunocytochemical analysis demonstrated that BMSCs and ADSCs had equal expression of the Schwann-specific markers following Schwann-like cells differentiation. However, gene expression of P75 was higher in BMSCs compared with ADSCs. MTT assay and flow cytometry found that of the total BMSCs and ADSCs in the culture medium, 20% to 30% of the cells died, but the remaining cell population remained strongly attached to the substrate and differentiated. Conclusion Comparative analysis showed that Schwann-like cell differentiation potential of ADSCs was slightly decreased in comparison with BMSCs. Therefore, BMSCs are more favorable choice than ADSCs for tissue engineering.