MicroSAGE Analysis of 2,353 Expressed Genes in a Single Cell‐Derived Colony of Undifferentiated Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reveals mRNAs of Multiple Cell Lineages

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from the bone marrow of adult organisms are capable of differentiating into adipocytes, chondrocytes, myoblasts, osteoblasts, and hematopoiesis-supporting stroma. We recently demonstrated that MSCs also adopt glial cell fates when transplanted into the developing central nervous system and hence can produce tissue elements derived from a separate embryonic layer. Despite these remarkable properties, it has been difficult to establish specific criteria to characterize MSCs. Using a modified protocol for microserial analysis of gene expression, we cataloged 2,353 unique genes expressed by a single cell-derived colony of undifferentiated human MSCs. This analysis revealed that the MSC colony simultaneously expressed transcripts characteristic of various mesenchymal cell lineages including chondrocytes, myoblasts, osteoblasts, and hematopoiesis-supporting stroma. Therefore, the profile of expressed transcripts reflects the developmental potential of the cells. Additionally, the MSC colony expressed mRNAs characteristic of endothelial, epithelial and neuronal cell lineages, a combination that provides a unique molecular signature for the cells. Other expressed transcripts included various products involved in wound repair as well as several neurotrophic factors. A total of 268 novel transcripts were also identified, one of which is the most abundantly expressed mRNA in MSCs. This study represents the first extensive gene expression analysis of MSCs and as such reveals new insight into the biology, ontogeny, and in vivo function of the cells.

The mesenchyme expresses T cell receptor mRNAs: relevance to cell growth control

“…Despite the vast knowledge gained on the biology of mesenchyme, only little is known on the molecular mechanisms that govern mesenchymal functions. Recent studies on the gene expression pro®le of mesenchymal stem cells showed abundant expression of gene markers that specify the cell lineages that result from mesencyhmal di erentiation, thus re¯ecting their developmental potential (Tremain et al, 2001). Here, we show that the mesenchyme expresses components of the T cell receptor (TCR) complex.…”

Biochemical Heterogeneity of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Populations: Clues to their Therapeutic Efficacy

“…2,42,43 These analyses revealed that the MSC transcriptome reflected the developmental potential of the cells as depicted initially by the mesengenic process. 6 For example, both murine and human MSCs expressed a variety of developmentally regulated transcripts that play a role in the specification of mesoderm as well as transcripts characteristic of skeletal, adipose, muscle and endothelial tissue.…”

Multilineage Potential of Cells From the Artery Wall

“…Previous investigators have also found that single-cell-derived mesenchymal stem cell cultures can undergo differentiation along multiple lineages within a single culture. 34 Although these CVC differentiate along four other lineages, adipogenic potential could not be induced, even with addition of various adipogenic induction media. It remains possible that these cells have adipogenic potential but that the appropriate induction media or culture conditions have not been identified.…”