MSCs guide neurite directional extension and promote oligodendrogenesis in NSCs.
Previous studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) enhance repair following injury or degenerative diseases in the central nervous system, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The present study investigated the functional relationship between MSCs and neural stem cells (NSCs) using co-culture systems. Results demonstrated that MSCs promoted outgrowth and guided directional extension of NSC-derived neurites. The majority of neurites were oriented parallel along the MSC axis. Stripe assay results indicated that cell adhesion molecule and extracellular matrix, such as N-cadherin, fibronectin, and laminin, contributed to this effect. Furthermore, Western blot analysis revealed that phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) increased during this process. In addition, MSCs promoted differentiation of NSCs into oligodendrocytes via secreted soluble factors. The oligodendrocytes were distributed along the MSC surface in a regular pattern. This study demonstrated that MSC transplantation could be a potential strategy for treating central nervous system injuries.
Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, China.
Qiu-ming
QM
Li
Yi-ming
YM
Fu
Zhi-yan
ZY
Shan
Jing-ling
JL
Shen
Xi-mei
XM
Zhang
Lei
L
Lei
Lian-hong
LH
Jin
D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D006801:Humans; D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D016501:Neurites / Q000502:physiology*; D055495:Neurogenesis; D009836:Oligodendroglia / Q000502:physiology*