Open AccessClonogenic analysis reveals reserve stem cells in postnatal mammals: I. Pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells
Author(s) -
Young Henry E.,
Duplaa Cecile,
Young T. Michele,
Floyd Julie A.,
Reeves Michelle L.,
Davis Kathryn H.,
Mancini Greg J.,
Eaton Mark E.,
Hill J. David,
Thomas Karen,
Austin Troy,
Edwards Chris,
Cuzzourt Jeremy,
Parikh Amar,
Groom Jaime,
Hudson John,
Black Asa C.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
the anatomical record
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1097-0185
pISSN - 0003-276X
DOI - 10.1002/ar.1112
Subject(s) - biology , mesenchymal stem cell , stem cell , induced pluripotent stem cell , embryonic stem cell , microbiology and biotechnology , clone (java method) , stem cell transplantation for articular cartilage repair , clonogenic assay , connective tissue , clinical uses of mesenchymal stem cells , adult stem cell , cell culture , genetics , dna , gene
Clonal populations of lineage‐uncommitted pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells have been identified in prenatal avians and rodents. These cells reside in the connective tissue matrices of many organs and tissues. They demonstrate extended capabilities for self‐renewal and the ability to differentiate into multiple separate tissues within the mesodermal germ line. This study was designed to determine whether such cells are present in the connective tissues of postnatal mammals. This report describes a cell clone derived by isolation from postnatal rat connective tissues, cryopreservation, extended propagation, and serial dilution clonogenic analysis. In the undifferentiated state, this clone demonstrates a high nuclear‐to‐cytoplasmic ratio and extended capacity for self‐renewal. Subsequent morphological, histochemical, and immunochemical analysis after the induction of differentiation revealed phenotypic markers characteristic of multiple cell types of mesodermal origin, such as skeletal muscle, smooth muscle, fat cells, cartilage, and bone. These results indicate that this clone consists of pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells. This report demonstrates that clonal populations of reserve stem cells are present in mammals after birth. Potential roles for such cells in the maintenance, repair, and regeneration of mesodermal tissues are discussed. Anat Rec 263:350–360, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.