High efficient differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells into retinal pigment epithelium-like cells in medium containing small molecules inducers with a simple method. (February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aboutaleb Kadkhodaeian, Hamid; Salati, Amir; Lashay, Alireza
• Is Part Of: Tissue & cell. Volume 56(2019)
• Page Start: 52
• Page End: 59
• Publication Date: 2019-02
• Subjects: Human adipose stem cells -- Retinal pigmented epithelium cells -- Age-related macular degeneration; Cytology -- Periodicals; 571.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2018.12.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0040-8166

Abstract

Highlights: Novel method for differentiation of adipose derived stem cells into RPE cells. Generation of adult RPE cells in vitro with high efficiency and no cell death. Electron microscopic feature of tight junction in adjacent RPE cells. Presentation of apical microvilli on top of RPE cells in electron microscope. Abstract: Background: The induction of retinal pigmented epithelium cells (RPE) is one of the most important objectives in research focused on treating retinal degenerative diseases. The present study aims to differentiate human adipose stem cells (hADSCs) into RPE cells for replacement therapies in cases of retinal degenerative diseases. Methods: Lipoaspirate-derived human adipose stem cells (LA-hADSCs) were obtained from abdominal samples and examined by immunocytochemistry for the expression of mesenchymal adipose stem cell markers. RPE cells were also obtained from human samples and cultured to be used as control after being examined for the expression of their designated markers. hADSCs differentiated into RPE cells after 80 days using chemical inducers in one steps. The differentiated cells were then compared to control cells in marker expression. The differentiated cells were also examined under a scanning electron microscope for the presence of apical microvilli and cell connection. Results: Cultured hADSCs at the fourth passage was shown to express the surface markers CD90 (98 ± 2%), CD11b (96 ± 3%), and CD105 (95 ± 4%). The RPE cells obtained from human samples expressed the marker RPE65 quite well. 80 days after differentiation, the previously hADSCs expressed both RPE65 (100%) and CRALBP (96 ± 1%) and were thus significantly similar to the RPE cells obtained from human samples. Morphologically, differentiated cells appeared to have epithelial and cytoplasmic pigment granules. Observations using a scanning electron microscope recorded clear connections among the differentiated RPE cells and revealed apical microvilli. Conclusion: Human adipose stem cells can differentiate into retinal pigmented epithelium cells, which can be used in cell replacement therapy for degenerative diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as well as retinitis pigmentosa (RP).