iPSC-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Blood Cells as a New Source for Disc Repair

Abstract

Introduction A cell-based therapy is a promising concept that uses various cell types to repair the degenerative disc. Stem cells appear to be an excellent candidate for this purpose, based on their ability to differentiate into various connective tissue lineages. The blood cells could serve as a good source of adult stem cells because of its vast abundance throughout the human body. The aim of the study is to examine the feasibility to induced pluripotent stem cells derived from blood cells as the seed cell for disc repair in vitro. Materials and Methods We obtain iPSC-derived mesenchymal stem cells (iPSC-MSCs) from blood cells, and then investigate chondrogenic differentiation of iPSC-MSCs. iPSCs were cultured to form embryoid bodies (EBs), and MSCs were migrated out of EBs. Flow cytometry indicated that iPSC-MSCs expressed typical surface antigen profile of MSCs. Mesenchymal differentiation of iPSC-MSCs demonstrated that the iPSC-MSCs had the potential to differentiate into adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts. Results iPSC-MSCs cultured in chondrogenic medium yielded higher gene expressions of chondrogenic markers including Aggrecan (Agg), Sox9, and collagen type II (Col II) (p < 0.05). Conclusion The data from this study show blood cells can be a possible candidate for disc repair in vitro. iPSCs were derived from adult blood cells which were reprogrammed, were generated from the EBs. iPSC-MSCs showed good viability and chondrogenic differentiation. Disclosure of Interest None declared