Isolation and Perivascular Localization of Mesenchymal Stem Cells From Mouse Brain

Abstract

BACKGROUND Although originally isolated from the bone marrow, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have recently been detected in other tissues. However, little is known about MSCs in the brain. OBJECTIVE To determine the extent to which cells with the features of MSCs exist in normal brain tissue and to determine the location of these cells in the brain. METHODS Single-cell suspensions from mouse brains were cultured according to the same methods used for culturing bone marrow–derived MSCs (BM-MSCs). These brain-derived cells were analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting for surface markers associated with BM-MSCs (stem cell antigen 1 [Sca-1+], CD9+, CD45−, CD11b−, and CD31−). Brain-derived cells were exposed to mesenchymal differentiation conditions. To determine the locations of these cells within the brain, sections of normal brains were analyzed by immunostaining for Sca-1, CD31, and nerve/glial antigen 2. RESULTS Cells morphologically similar to mouse BM-MSCs were identified and called brain-derived MSCs (Br-MSCs). Fluorescence-activated cell sorting indicated that the isolated cells had a surface marker profile similar to BM-MSCs, ie, Sca-1+, CD9+, CD45−, and CD11b−. Like BM-MSCs, Br-MSCs were capable of differentiation into adipocytes, osteocytes, and chondrocytes. Immunostaining indicated that Sca-1+ Br-MSCs are located around blood vessels and may represent progenitor cells that serve as a source of mesenchymal elements (eg, pericytes) within the brain. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that cells similar to BM-MSCs exist in the brain. These Br-MSCs appear to be located within the vascular niche and may provide the mesenchymal elements of this niche. Because MSCs may be part of the cellular response to tissue injury, Br-MSCs may represent targets in the therapy of pathological processes such as stroke, trauma, and tumorigenesis.

Is Stem Cell a Curer or an Obstruction?

“…[32][33] MSCs have been subsequently found in many tissues, such as umbilical cord blood, adipose, brain, liver and lungs. [34][35][36][37][38][39][40] They seen as promising cells for the treatment of a large variety of disorders, including cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases.…”

Sca-1+Cardiac Progenitor Cells and Heart-Making: A Critical Synopsis

“…The majority of these Sca-1 + cells are ECs (Fig. 1A), a finding common to other organs, such as the liver, lung, and brain [44][45][46][47][48]. Oh et al first reported a population of Sca-1 + cells from murine adult myocardium with telomerase activity analogous to that observed in newborn heart.…”

Early Loss of Pericytes and Perivascular Stromal Cell-Induced Scar Formation after Stroke

“…8 Moreover, PCs of different organs, including the brain, have been reported to possess mesenchymal stem cell characteristics with the potential to differentiate in vitro into bone, cartilage, or adipose tissue. [9][10][11] The plasticity of PCs is underscored by reports, which suggested multipotent stem cell characteristics of CNS microvascular PCs. 12 With the increasing interest in the complex functions of PCs and mural cells, new questions arise as to how PCs may be affected by pathologic conditions of the CNS.…”