title: Neuron-like differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells from infant piglets in vitro.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that can be extracted from adipose tissue and obtained by a less invasive method and in larger quantities compared with bone marrow-derived MSCs. The objective of this study was to harvest ADSCs from piglets and to explore their neuronal differentiation potential.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adipose tissue from piglet facial or abdominal fat was digested with collagenase type XI, followed by filter and centrifugation; the isolated adipose stromal cells were cultured in dishes. MSC markers were measured by flow cytometry; 2 to 5 passage cells were used for in vitro differentiation. Adipogenic, chondrogenic, osteogenic, and neuronal differentiation was induced by incubation of the ADSCs with different induction media.
  
  
  RESULTS
  ADSCs were easily expanded to beyond 15 passages, maintaining the undifferentiated state and exhibiting MSC characteristics and markers CD29, CD44, and CD90. ADSCs differentiated into other mesodermal cells including adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteocytes. These cells were induced to differentiate into neuron-like cells as evidenced by neuronal morphology and the presence of neuronal markers including microtubule-associated protein 2, neuronal nuclear antigen, and beta-tubulin III.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  ADSCs can be readily obtained from a small amount fat tissue and expanded in culture. Adipose tissue may be an alternative source of stem cell therapy for nervous system injury.
authors.affiliation: University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.
authors.forename: Tingting
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Dansha
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: He
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kleiner
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kuluz
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000166:cytology*; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000378:metabolism; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D013552:Swine; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D015703:Antigens, CD; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins