In vitro differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into endothelial cells

The aim of the investigation was to detect the in vitro differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into cells of the endothelial lineage. MSCs were generated from mononuclear bone marrow cells from healthy donors separated by density gradient centrifugation. Cells were characterized by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies and were tested for their potential to differentiate various mesenchymal lineages. The isolated MSCs were positive for the markers CD105, CD73, CD166, CD90, and CD44 and negative for typical hematopoietic and endothelial markers. They were able to differentiate into adipocytes and osteocytes after cultivation in respective media. Differentiation into endothelial-like cells was induced by cultivation of confluent cells in the presence of 2% fetal calf serum and 50 ng/ml vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Laser scanning cytometry analysis of the confluent cells in situ showed a strong increase of expression of endothelial-specific markers like KDR and FLT-1. The functional behavior of the differentiated cells was tested with an in vitro angiogenesis test kit where cells formed characteristic capillary-like structures. These predifferentiated cells provide new options for engineering of artificial tissues based on autologous MSCs and vascularized engineered tissues
Author(s): Irfan Ahmed Siddiqui

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