Analysis of Differentiation Potentials and Gene Expression Profiles of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Periodontal Ligament and Wharton’s Jelly of the Umbilical Cord

Abstract

PDLSC-mediated periodontal tissue regeneration is considered a promising method for periodontitis treatment, but the supply of PDLSCs is limited. As a potential alternative, WJCMSCs are readily available; however, there is a lack of evidence proving that WJCMSCs are suitable for periodontal tissue regeneration. In this study, we investigated the characteristics of WJCMSCs and PDLSCs. We found the osteo-/dentinogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potentials of PDLSCs were more powerful than those of WJCMSCs. Microarray analysis discovered that 903 genes were significantly down-regulated and 726 genes up-regulated in WJCMSCs compared with PDLSCs. Based on the microarray data, we found that several genes may be associated with MSCs characteristics. Further bioinformatic analysis identified that TGF-β and WNT signaling pathways, and several genes, including STAT5B and ITGA4, may play key roles in MSCs. Our results indicate that the differentiation potentials of WJCMSCs are far less than those of PDLSCs, and that unmodified WJCMSCs may not be good seeding cells for periodontal tissue regeneration. Our results also help to elucidate the differentiation mechanisms in MSCs and to find the key factors to prompt WJCMSC-mediated periodontal tissue regeneration.

In Vitro Characterization of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Isolated from Different Tissues with a Potential to Promote Complex Bone Regeneration

“…However, the osteogenic capacity of WJ-MSCs was significantly lower, as compared to MSCs from other tissue sources. This observation is in agreement with the results of Yu et al [25], reporting that differentiated PDLSCs showed a better mineral deposition as compared to WJ-MSCs, although no significant differences were observed in the upregulation of RUNX2 gene expression in these MSCs. The elevation in RUNX2 mRNA expression indicates the beginning of the ossification process, while in this period no matured osteoblasts can be developed as yet, as suggested by a low level ALP expression, which is an important factor in matrix maturation [26].…”

Transcriptomics of human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells: Retrospective analysis and future prospects

“…MSC differentiation has been a focus of past comparative transcriptome approaches, which has included studies of functional differences in MSC populations (Jansen et al, 2010), characterization of MSC stemness (Gao et al, 2013;Steinert et al, 2015), and assessments of differentiation status (Brown et al, 2015;Granchi et al, 2010;Liu et al, 2014;Menssen et al, 2011;Modder et al, 2012;Satija et al, 2013;Skreti et al, 2014;Steinert et al, 2015;Wislet-Gendebien et al, 2012;Yu et al, 2013;Zhang et al, 2014). For example, temporal and spatial patterns of gene expression profiles were reported for chondrogenic differentiation (Skreti et al, 2014).…”

Comparative Analysis of Proliferation and Differentiation Potentials of Stem Cells from Inflamed Pulp of Deciduous Teeth and Stem Cells from Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth

“…Then, cells were stained with the Oil Red O working solution for 10 min. The proportion of Oil Red O-positive cells was determined by counting cells under a light microscope [20]. …”

“…Cells were visualized under a light microscope, and images were captured for analysis. Blue staining indicated synthesis of proteoglycans by chondrocytes [20]. …”