Bone marrow- and adipose-derived stem cells show expression of myelin mRNAs and proteins.
OBJECTIVE
PNS myelin is formed by Schwann cells (SCs). In this study, we applied an in vitro model to study myelin formation, using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and adipose-derived stem cells differentiated into SC-like cells and co-cultured with dissociated adult dorsal root ganglia neurons.


METHODS
Immunocytochemistry, reverse transcription-PCR and western blotting techniques were used to investigate the expression of myelin proteins at both the transcriptional and translational level.


RESULTS
Transcripts for protein zero, peripheral myelin protein 22 and myelin basic protein were detected in differentiated stem cells following co-culture with neuronal cells. Furthermore, protein zero, peripheral myelin protein 22 and myelin basic proteins were recognized in the co-cultures. These results were consistent with immunostaining of myelin proteins and with observation by electron microscopy.


CONCLUSIONS
Both types of adult stems cells differentiated into SC-like cells have potential to myelinate neuronal cells during regeneration, being functionally identical to SCs of the PNS.
Mantovani
Cristina
C
Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Tissue Injury & Repair Group, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Mahay
Daljeet
D
Kingham
Mahay
M
Terenghi
Giorgio
G
Shawcross
Susan G
SG
Wiberg
Mikael
M
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000166:cytology*; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001854:Bone Marrow Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009186:Myelin Sheath / Q000378:metabolism*; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D012333:RNA, Messenger