Differentiation potential of human embryonic mesenchymal stem cells for skin-related tissue.
BACKGROUND
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have the capacity to differentiate into cells of connective tissue lineages, including bone, fat, cartilage and muscle, but the differentiation of embryonic MSC into epidermal cells by mesenchymal-epithelial transition has not been confirmed.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the biological characteristics of human embryonic MSC (hMSC) and their potential for differentiation into epithelial cells.


METHODS
hMSC were derived from 4-7-week-old embryos; they were localized and isolated, then primary culture was done. The biological characteristics of hMSC were detected by immunohistochemical methods and flow cytometry. Their differentiation potential was determined by coculture with conditioning medium and in vivo injection.


RESULTS
hMSC express the relative specific antigens of MSC, such as SH2, alpha-smooth actin, CD29, CD44, CD90 and S100. After stimulation and in vivo transplantation, hMSC possess the potential to differentiate into epidermal cells with the production of keratin 19 and E-cadherin.


CONCLUSIONS
hMSC derived from the early human embryo have the ability to transform into epidermal cells in vivo and in vitro.
Wu
M
M
Department of Histology and Embryology, College of Basic Medical Science, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
Yang
L
L
Liu
S
S
Li
H
H
Hui
N
N
Wang
F
F
Liu
H
H
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D017077:Culture Media, Conditioned; D000078404:Epidermal Cells; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008819:Mice, Nude; D014162:Transfection; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology
D017077:Culture Media, Conditioned; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor