Transdifferentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells into acinar cells using an indirect co-culture system

This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of differentiation of PDLSCs into salivary acinar cells by a co-culture system. PDLSCs were isolated from adult human PDL tissue and co-cultured with rat parotid ACs using an indirect co-culture system. The transdifferentiation of PDLSCs was evaluated by PCR of Aquaporin 5 (AQP5) and Carbonic anhydrase 6 (CA6) genes, then quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the gene expression levels. The data were analyzed by ANOVA. Specific bond with the correct size on 6% acrylamide gel and TBE5X buffer showed the expression of AQP5 and CA6 in PDLSCs co-cultured with acinar cells. RT-PCR revealed co-cultured PDLSCs with or without KGF (Keratinocyte Growth Factor) showed significantly increased expression of AQP5 genes in compared to the initial PDLSCs. Expression of AQP5 and CA6, indicating successful transdifferentiation of PDLSCs into ACs, in co-culture system for 3  weeks.Graphical abstract
Source: Cell and Tissue Banking - Category: Stem Cells Source Type: research