Differentiation and plasticity of human vascular wall mesenchymal stem cells, dermal fibroblasts and myofibroblasts: a critical comparison including ultrastructural evaluation of osteogenic potential.

In this study, we compared the immunophenotype and the differentiation potential of human vascular wall mesenchymal stem cells (hVW-MSCs) with those of human dermal fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. Cell morphology and surface markers were evaluated by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry; functional assays for immunomodulation, angiogenesis, adipogenesis and osteogenesis were performed, together with the mRNA analysis of the critical differentiation genes. hVW-MSCs, dermal fibroblasts and myofibroblasts were all negative to CD34, whereas the expression of CD44 stemness marker was more intense in hVW-MSCs. As expected, hVW-MSC plasticity was wide and the angiogenic, adipogenic, osteogenic features were confirmed. Fibroblasts were the less effective in terms of immunomodulation, angiogenesis and adipogenic differentiation; differently from fibroblasts, the myofibroblasts showed a poor angiogenic commitment. The mineralization assay was positive in all the three cell types, but ultrastructure interestingly evidenced differential osteogenic patterns among them. Our study supports the higher anti-inflammatory and wound healing repair features of hVW-MSCs, in comparison to the other stromal cells investigated. Moreover, we underline the importance of ultrastructure for investigating the specific osteogenic pattern for each cell type. PMID: 31589079 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Ultrastructural Pathology - Category: Pathology Authors: Tags: Ultrastruct Pathol Source Type: research