Open AccessPericyte-like differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells: An in vitro study
Author(s) -
Giuliana Mannino,
Florinda Gennuso,
Giovanni Giurdanella,
Federica Conti,
Filippo Drago,
Salvatore Salomone,
Debora Lo Furno,
Claudio Bucolo,
Rosario Giuffrida
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
world journal of stem cells
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.907
H-Index - 18
ISSN - 1948-0210
DOI - 10.4252/wjsc.v12.i10.1152
Subject(s) - pericyte , microbiology and biotechnology , mesenchymal stem cell , stem cell , biology , pedf , neurosphere , endothelial stem cell , in vitro , chemistry , retinal , adult stem cell , biochemistry
Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) are characterized by long-term self-renewal and a high proliferation rate. Under adequate conditions, they may differentiate into cells belonging to mesodermal, endodermal or ectodermal lineages. Pericytes support endothelial cells and play an important role in stabilizing the vessel wall at the microcirculation level. The loss of pericytes, as occurs in diabetic retinopathy, results in a breakdown of the blood-retina barrier (BRB) and infiltration of inflammatory cells. In this context, the use of pericyte-like differentiated ASCs may represent a valuable therapeutic strategy for restoring BRB damage.