Differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into nucleus pulposus cells in vitro

作者：Tao, Fenghua; Li, Feng^*; Li, Guanghui; Pan, Feng

来源：Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology-Medical Sciences, 2008, 28(2): 156-158.

DOI：10.1007/s11596-008-0210-x

• mesenchymal stem cells
• nucleus pulposus cells
• co-culture

To find a new source of seed cells for constructing tissue-engineered intervertebral disc, nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated from New Zealand white rabbits. The nucleus pulposus cells population was fluorescence-laelled and co-cultured with MSCs with or without direct contact. Morphological changes were observed every 12 h. Semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was performed to assess the expression levels of Sox-9, aggreacan and type II collagen every 24 h after the co-culture. MSCs treated with direct contact rounded up and presented a ring-like appearance. The expression of marker genes was significantly increased when cells were co-cultured with direct contact for 24 h. No significant change was found after coculture without direct contact. Co-culture of NP cells and MSCs with direct contact is a reliable method for generating large amount of NP cells used for cell-based tissue engineering therapy.

• 出版日期2008-4
• 单位华中科技大学