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Plasticity of epidermal adult stem cells derived from adult goat ear skin
Author(s) -
Yang Xueyi,
Qu Lei,
Wang Xin,
Zhao Ming,
Li Wei,
Hua Jinlian,
Shi Mingyan,
Moldovan Nicanor,
Wang Hongfeng,
Dou Zhongying
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
molecular reproduction and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1098-2795
pISSN - 1040-452X
DOI - 10.1002/mrd.20598
Subject(s) - biology , stem cell , embryoid body , microbiology and biotechnology , embryonic stem cell , amniotic epithelial cells , induced pluripotent stem cell , adult stem cell , dermis , amniotic stem cells , stem cell marker , immunology , anatomy , gene , genetics
Here we report the isolation and characterization of pluripotent stem cells from adult goat skin. We found that these primary cells have the properties of embryonic stem cells (ESC), including the expression of appropriate immunological markers and the capability of forming embryoid bodies. The subcultured cells also show the characteristics of stem cells, such as the expression of CK19, β 1‐ integrin, P63, and formation of holo‐clones in culture. Therefore, we termed these cells epidermal adult stem cells (EpiASC), although their origin was not identified. We have shown that clones of individual EpiASC proliferate and differentiate in culture to produce neurons, cardiomyocytes, osteoblasts, and occytes. Further, we cultivated EpiASC on bioengineered dermis and denuded human amniotic membrane (HAM), to reconstruct artificial skin and corneal epithelium. We successfully transplanted those artificial tissues in goats with acute full‐thickness skin defect (AFTSD) and limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), respectively. Our results showed that indeed EpiASC reconstructed the skin (hair was observed in restored areas), and repaired the damaged cornea of goats with total LSCD. These data confirm that EpiASC can differentiate into different functional cell types in vivo or in vitro. Due to their high degree of inherent plasticity, and to their easy accessibility for collection from the skin, EpiASC are excellent candidate sources for diverse cell therapies. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.