Unique multipotent properties of myofibroblasts from human placenta

Abstract

Human uterine fibroblasts (HuF) isolated from decidua parietalis of term placenta provide a useful model of in vitro cell differentiation into decidual cells, critical for successful pregnancy. After isolation, cells adhere to plastic and have a spindle‐shaped morphology which later changes into a flattened pattern. HuF robustly proliferate and express fibronectin, integrin‐β1, ICAM‐1 and collagen I. To further explore their potential to transform into other cell types, HuF were treated for 14‐21 days with differentiation‐inducing media. Differentiation of HuF into osteocytes, adipocytes and chondrocytes was identified. Flow cytometry of HuF revealed absence of monocyte surface receptor, but exhibited a marker of heamatopoietic lineage, CD45. CD45 positivity makes HuF cells close to fibrocytes, cells involved in tissue repair. Alpha‐smooth muscle actin, calponin and myosin light chain kinase presence confirms their similarity with myofibroblasts. Treatment of the HuF with 2.5% DMSO caused reversion back into spindle‐shaped morphology and loss of myofibroblast characteristics, suggesting a switch into less differentiated proto‐myofibroblasts. The unique abilities of HuF to exhibit multipotency as well as reverting back into less differentiated status and their easy availability makes them an interesting cell model to further explore as a possible tool for regenerative medicine (NIH HD 044713).