Existence of mesenchymal-like somatic stem cells in the porcine uterus

Abstract

Somatic stem cells are thought to be responsible for remarkable remodeling and regeneration of adult uterus. They are rare, undifferentiated cells capable of self-renewal and specialization into all endometrial and myometrial cellular components. So far best characterized by their functional properties, i.e., clonogenicity and ability to differentiate into four lineages (osteogenic, chondrogenic, adipogenic, myogenic) under appropriate in vitro conditions, are mesenchymal stem cells found primarily in the human and mouse and recently in porcine uterus. These cells are also defined by the expression of mesenchymal phenotypic markers (e.g., CD73, CD90, CD105) and lack of hematopoietic markers (CD34, CD45). Endometrial mesenchymal stem cells constitute a primary source for menstrual blood stem cells.