Characterization of the Murine Myeloid Precursor Cell Line MuMac-E8

Abstract

Starting point for the present work was the assumption that the cell line MuMac-E8 represents a murine cell population with stem cell properties. Preliminary studies already pointed to the expression of stem-cell associated markers and a self-regenerative potential of the cells. The cell line MuMac-E8 should be examined for their differential stage within stem cell hierarchy. MuMac-E8 cells were derived from a chimeric mouse model of arthritis. It could be shown that MuMac-E8 cells express mRNA of some genes associated with pluripotent stem cells (Nanog, Nucleostemin), of genes for hematopoietic markers (EPCR, Sca-1, CD11b, CD45), for the mesenchymal marker CD105 and of genes for the neural markers Pax-6 and Ezrin. In methylcellulose and May-Grünwald-Giemsa staining, hematopoietic colonies were obtained but the hematopoietic system of lethally irradiated mice could not be rescued. Osteogenic differentiation was not detectable. Thus, it became evident that MuMac-E8 represents not a stem cell line. However, MuMac-E8 cells expressed several myeloid surface markers (i.e. CD11b, F4/80, CD14, CD64), showed phagocytosis and is capable of producing nitric oxide. Thus, this cell line seems to be arrested an advanced stage of myeloid differentiation. Adherence data measured by impedance-based real-time cell analysis together with cell morphology data suggested that MuMac-E8 represents a new macrophage precursor cell line exhibiting weak adherence. This cell line is suitable as an in-vitro model for testing of macrophage functions. Moreover, it might be also useful for differentiation or reprogramming studies.

Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans as Drivers of Neural Progenitors Derived From Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

“…Together with their extensive capacity for self-renewal, highly malleable mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) give rise to diverse differentiated progenies, including neural lineages, and have important regenerative therapeutic potential for numerous applications including the treatment of brain trauma and neurological disorders ( Galindo et al, 2011 ). Although expression of neural markers in MSCs in their undifferentiated state is now well documented in human and murine models ( Bossolasco et al, 2005 ; Hermann et al, 2006 ; Alexanian, 2010 ; Fricke et al, 2014 ; Okolicsanyi et al, 2014 , 2015 ; Li et al, 2015 ; Marinowic et al, 2015 ), in order to fully exploit their neurological regenerative potential, the identification of key genes regulating these processes is needed. We have previously examined commercially available hMSC donor populations for their expansive potential and identified key growth phases along with the maintenance of stemness and multipotentiality during extended expansion in vitro ( Okolicsanyi et al, 2015 ).…”