Differentiation of the Human Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Vascular Endothelium-like Cells in vitro

Differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into vascular endothelial cells in 3D culture: a mini review

Mesenchymal Stem Cells, mesodermal origin and multipotent stem cells, have ability to differentiate into vascular endothelial cells. The cells are squamous in morphology, inlining, and protecting blood vessel tissue, as well as maintaining homeostatic conditions. ECs are essential in vascularization and blood vessels formation. The differentiation process, generally carried out in 2D culture systems, were relied on growth factors induction. Therefore, an artificial extracellular matrix with relevant mechanical properties is essential to build 3D culture models. Various 3D fabrication techniques, such as hydrogel-based and fibrous scaffolds, scaffold-free, and co-culture to endothelial cells were reviewed and summarized to gain insights. The obtained MSCs-derived ECs are shown by the expression of endothelial gene markers and tubule-like structure. In order to mimicking relevant vascular tissue, 3D-bioprinting facilitates to form more complex microstructures. In addition, a microfluidic chip with adequate flow rate allows medium perfusion, providing mechanical cues like shear stress to the artificial vascular vessels.

Isogenic-induced endothelial cells enhance osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells on silk fibroin scaffold

Aim: We investigated the role of induced endothelial cells (iECs) in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)/iECs co-culture and assessed their osteogenic ability on silk fibroin nanofiber scaffolds. Methods: The osteogenic differentiation was assessed by the ALP assay, calcium assay and gene expression studies. Results: The osteogenic differentiation of the iECs co-cultures was found to be higher than the MSCs group and proximal to endothelial cells (ECs) co-cultures. Furthermore, the usage of isogenic iECs for co-culture increased the osteogenic and endothelial gene expression. Conclusion: These findings suggest that iECs mimic endothelial cells when co-cultured with MSCs and that one MSCs source can be used to give rise to both MSCs and iECs. The isogenic MSCs/iECs co-culture provides a new option for bone tissue engineering applications.