Neural Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

There is variety of stem cell sources but problems in ethical issues, contamination, and normal karyotype cause many limitations in obtaining and using these cells. Mesenchymal stem cells are suitable source of multipotent cells that can differentiate too many lineages. Small molecules have been presented as less expensive biologically active compounds that can regulate different developmental process. Purmorphamine (PMA) is a small molecule that, according to some studies, possesses certain differentiation effects. In this study, we investigated the effect of the PMA on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation into motor neuronal lineages instead of sonic hedgehog (Shh). After exposing to induction media for 15 days, the cells were characterized for expression of motor neuron markers including Islet1, HB9, and choline acetyl transferase (ChAT) by quantitative reverse transcription (PCR) and immunocytochemistry. Our results demonstrated that induced MSCs with PMA could significantly express motor neuron markers in RNA and roteinp levels 15 days post induction. These results suggested that MSCs can differentiate to motor neuron-like cells with PMA and might provide a potential source in cell therapy for nervous system.

Keywords:

Purmorphamine , neuron differentiation , mesenchymal stem cells