Expression pattern of embryonic stem cell markers in DFAT cells and ADSCs

Quantification of cell cycle re-entry during dedifferentiation of primary adipocytes in vitro

Dedifferentiated adipose tissue (DFAT) has been proposed as a promising source of patient-specific multipotent progenitor cells (MPPs). During induced dedifferentiation, adipocytes exhibit profound gene expression and cell morphology changes. However, dedifferentiation of post-mitotic cells is expected to enable proliferation, which is critical if enough MPPs are to be obtained. Here, lineage tracing was employed to quantify cell proliferation in mouse adipocytes subjected to a dedifferentiation-inducing protocol commonly used to obtain DFAT cells. No evidence of cell proliferation in adipocyte-derived cells was observed, in contrast to the robust proliferation of non-adipocyte cells present in adipose tissue. We conclude that proliferative MPPs derived using the ceiling culture method most likely arise from non-adipocyte cells in adipose tissue.

Insights into the molecular changes of adipocyte dedifferentiation and its future research opportunities

Recent studies have challenged the traditional belief that mature fat cells are irreversibly differentiated and revealed they can dedifferentiate into fibroblast-like cells known as dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells. Resembling pluripotent stem cells, DFAT cells hold great potential as a cell source for stem cell therapy. However, there is limited understanding of the specific changes that occur following adipocyte dedifferentiation and the detailed regulation of this process. This review explores the epigenetic, genetic, and phenotypic alterations associated with DFAT cell dedifferentiation, identifies potential targets for clinical regulation and discusses the current applications and challenges in the field of DFAT cell research.

Dedifferentiated fat cells: current applications and future directions in regenerative medicine

Stem cell therapy is the most promising treatment option for regenerative medicine. Therapeutic effect of different stem cells has been verified in various disease model. Dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells, derived from mature adipocytes, are induced pluripotent stem cells. Compared with ASCs and other stem cells, the DFAT cells have unique advantageous characteristics in their abundant sources, high homogeneity, easily harvest and low immunogenicity. The DFAT cells have shown great potential in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine for the treatment of clinical problems such as cardiac and kidney diseases, autoimmune disease, soft and hard tissue defect. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of DFAT cell properties and focus on the relevant practical applications of DFAT cells in cell therapy in recent years.

Impact of Adipose Tissue Depot Harvesting Site on the Multilineage Induction Capacity of Male Rat Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: An In Vitro Study

Recently, substantial attention has been paid toward adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AdMSCs) as a potential therapy in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. Rat AdMSCs (r-AdMSCs) are frequently utilized. However, the influence of the adipose depot site on the multilineage differentiation potential of the r-AdMSCs is still ambiguous. Hence, the main objective of this study was to explore the influence of the adipose tissue harvesting location on the ability of r-AdMSCs to express the stem-cell-related markers and pluripotency genes, as well as their differentiation capacity, for the first time. Herein, we have isolated r-AdMSCs from the inguinal, epididymal, peri-renal, and back subcutaneous fats. Cells were compared in terms of their phenotype, immunophenotype, and expression of pluripotency genes using RT-PCR. Additionally, we investigated their potential for multilineage (adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic) induction using special stains confirmed by the expression of the related genes using RT-qPCR. All cells could positively express stem cell marker CD 90 and CD 105 with no significant in-between differences. However, they did not express the hematopoietic markers as CD 34 and CD 45. All cells could be induced successfully. However, epididymal and inguinal cells presented the highest capacity for adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation (21.36-fold and 11.63-fold for OPN, 29.69-fold and 26.68-fold for BMP2, and 37.67-fold and 22.35-fold for BSP, respectively, in epididymal and inguinal cells (p < 0.0001)). On the contrary, the subcutaneous cells exhibited a superior potential for chondrogenesis over the other sites (8.9-fold for CHM1 and 5.93-fold for ACAN, (p < 0.0001)). In conclusion, the adipose tissue harvesting site could influence the differentiation capacity of the isolated AdMSCs. To enhance the results of their employment in various regenerative cell-based therapies, it is thus vital to take the collection site selection into consideration.

Dedifferentiation of Human Adipocytes After Fat Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Fat transplantation is a common method employed to treat soft-tissue defects. The dedifferentiation of mature adipocytes has been well documented, but whether it occurs after fat transplantation remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

The major purpose of this project was to investigate the dedifferentiation of mature adipocytes after fat transplantation.

METHODS

Human lipoaspirate tissue was obtained from 6 female patients who underwent esthetic liposuction. Mature adipocytes were extracted and labeled with PKH26, mixed with lipoaspirate, and injected into nude mice. In addition, PKH26+ adipocytes were subjected to a ceiling culture. Grafted fat was harvested from nude mice, and stromal vascular fragment cells were isolated. The immunophenotype of PKH26+ cells was detected by flow cytometry analysis at 2 days and 1 week. The PKH26+ cells were sorted and counted at 2 and 4 weeks to verify their proliferation and multilineage differentiation abilities.

RESULTS

Two days after transplantation, almost no PKH26+ cells were found in the stromal vascular fragment cells. The PKH26+ cells found 1 week after transplantation showed a positive expression of cluster of differentiation (CD) 90 (CD90) and CD105 and a negative expression of CD45. This indicates that the labeled adipocytes were dedifferentiated. Its pluripotency was further demonstrated by fluorescent cell sorting and differentiation culture in vitro. In addition, the number of live PKH26+ cells at week 4 [(6.83 ± 1.67) × 104] was similar with that at week 2 [(7.11 ± 1.82) × 104].

CONCLUSIONS

Human mature adipocytes can dedifferentiate into stem cell-like cells in vivo after fat transplantation.

Heterogeneity of Adipose Stromal Vascular Fraction Cells from the Different Harvesting Sites in Rats

In both veterinary and human health, regenerative medicine offers a promising cure for various disorders. One of the rate-limiting challenges in regenerative medicine is the considerable time and technique required to expand and grow cells in culture. Therefore, the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) shows a significant promise for various cell therapy approaches. The present study aimed to define and investigate the optimal harvest site of freshly isolated SVF cells from various adipose tissue (AT) depot sites in the female Sprague-Dawley (S.D.) rat. First, Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) were used to analyze the morphological variations in AT samples from peri-ovarian, peri-renal, mesenteric, and omental sites. The presence of putative stromal cells positive CD34 was detected using immunohistochemistry. Then, the isolated SVF cells were examined for cell viability and cellular yield differences. Finally, the expression of mesenchymal stem cells and hematopoietic markers in the SVF cells subpopulation was studied using flow cytometry. The pluripotent gene expression profile was also evaluated. CD34 staining of the omental AT was substantially higher than those of other anatomical sites. Despite having the least quantity of fat, omental AT has the highest SVF cell fraction and viable cells. Along with CD90 and CD44 higher expression, Oct4, Sox2, and Rex-1 genes levels were higher in SVF cells isolated from the omental AT. To conclude, omental fat is the best candidate for SVF cell isolation in female S.D. rats with the highest SVF cell fraction with higher MSCs phenotypes and pluripotency gene expression.

Potential key factors involved in regulating adipocyte dedifferentiation

Adipocytes are the key constituents of adipose tissue, and their de-differentiation process has been widely observed in physiological and pathological conditions. For obese people, the promotion of adipocyte de-differentiation or maintenance of an undifferentiated state of adipocytes may help to improve their metabolic condition. Thus, understanding the regulatory mechanisms of adipocyte de-differentiation is necessary for treating metabolic diseases. Attractively, in addition to intracellular signals regulating adipocyte de-differentiation, external factors such as temperature and pressure also affect adipocyte de-differentiation. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in the field and discuss the regulatory roles and mechanisms of involved endogenous and exogenous factors during the process of de-differentiation.

Comparing the Osteogenic Potential and Bone Regeneration Capacities of Dedifferentiated Fat Cells and Adipose-Derived Stem Cells In Vitro and In Vivo: Application of DFAT Cells Isolated by a Mesh Method

BACKGROUND

We investigated and compared the osteogenic potential and bone regeneration capacities of dedifferentiated fat cells (DFAT cells) and adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs).

METHOD

We isolated DFAT cells and ASCs from GFP mice. DFAT cells were established by a new culture method using a mesh culture instead of a ceiling culture. The isolated DFAT cells and ASCs were incubated in osteogenic medium, then alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assays, and RT-PCR (for RUNX2, osteopontin, DLX5, osterix, and osteocalcin) were performed to evaluate the osteoblastic differentiation ability of both cell types in vitro. In vivo, the DFAT cells and ASCs were incubated in osteogenic medium for four weeks and seeded on collagen composite scaffolds, then implanted subcutaneously into the backs of mice. We then performed hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunostaining for GFP and osteocalcin.

RESULTS

The alizarin red-stained areas in DFAT cells showed weak calcification ability at two weeks, but high calcification ability at three weeks, similar to ASCs. The ALP levels of ASCs increased earlier than in DFAT cells and showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) at 6 and 9 days. The ALP levels of DFATs were higher than those of ASCs after 12 days. The expression levels of osteoblast marker genes (osterix and osteocalcin) of DFAT cells and ASCs were higher after osteogenic differentiation culture.

CONCLUSION

DFAT cells are easily isolated from a small amount of adipose tissue and are readily expanded with high purity; thus, DFAT cells are applicable to many tissue-engineering strategies and cell-based therapies.

A Comparative Study of the Effect of Anatomical Site on Multiple Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Rats

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from adipose tissue are evolved into various cell-based regenerative approaches. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) isolated from rats are commonly used in tissue engineering studies. Still, there is a gap in knowledge about how the harvest locations influence and guide cell differentiation. This study aims to investigate how the harvesting site affects stem-cell-specific surface markers expression, pluripotency, and differentiation potential of ASCs in female Sprague Dawley rats. ASCs were extracted from the adipose tissue of the peri-ovarian, peri-renal, and mesenteric depots and were compared in terms of cell morphology. MSCs phenotype was validated by cell surfaces markers using flow cytometry. Moreover, pluripotent gene expression of Oct4, Nanog, Sox2, Rex-1, and Tert was evaluated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). ASCs multipotency was evaluated by specific histological stains, and the results were confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) expression analysis of specific genes. There was a non-significant difference detected in the cell morphology and immunophenotype between different harvesting sites. ASCs from multiple locations were significantly varied in their capacity to differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblastic cells, and chondrocytes. To conclude, depot selection is a critical element that should be considered when using ASCs in tissue-specific cell-based regenerative therapies research.

Neurogenic and Neuroprotective Potential of Stem/Stromal Cells Derived from Adipose Tissue

Currently, the number of stem-cell based experimental therapies in neurological injuries and neurodegenerative disorders has been massively increasing. Despite the fact that we still have not obtained strong evidence of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells’ neurogenic effectiveness in vivo, research may need to focus on more appropriate sources that result in more therapeutically promising cell populations. In this study, we used dedifferentiated fat cells (DFAT) that are proven to demonstrate more pluripotent abilities in comparison with standard adipose stromal cells (ASCs). We used the ceiling culture method to establish DFAT cells and to optimize culture conditions with the use of a physioxic environment (5% O₂). We also performed neural differentiation tests and assessed the neurogenic and neuroprotective capability of both DFAT cells and ASCs. Our results show that DFAT cells may have a better ability to differentiate into oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and neuron-like cells, both in culture supplemented with N21 and in co-culture with oxygen–glucose-deprived (OGD) hippocampal organotypic slice culture (OHC) in comparison with ASCs. Results also show that DFAT cells have a different secretory profile than ASCs after contact with injured tissue. In conclusion, DFAT cells constitute a distinct subpopulation and may be an alternative source in cell therapy for the treatment of nervous system disorders.

TRIENNIAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT SYMPOSIUM: Dedifferentiated fat cells: Potential and perspectives for their use in clinical and animal science purpose

An increasing body of evidences has demonstrated the ability of the mature adipocyte to dedifferentiate into a population of proliferative-competent cells known as dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells. As early as the 1970s, in vitro studies showed that DFAT cells may be obtained by ceiling culture, which takes advantage of the buoyancy property of lipid-filled cells. It was documented that DFAT cells may acquire a phenotype similar to mesenchymal stem cells and yet may differentiate into multiple cell lineages, such as skeletal and smooth muscle cells, cardiomyocytes, osteoblasts, and adipocytes. Additionally, recent studies showed the ability of isolated mature adipocytes to dedifferentiate in vivo and the capacity of the progeny cells to redifferentiate into mature adipocytes, contributing to the increase of body fatness. These findings shed light on the potential for use of DFAT cells, not only for clinical purposes but also within the animal science field, because increasing intramuscular fat without excessive increase in other fat depots is a challenge in livestock production. Knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the dedifferentiation and redifferentiation of DFAT cells will allow the development of strategies for their use for clinical and animal science purposes. In this review, we highlight several aspects of DFAT cells, their potential for clinical purposes, and their contribution to adipose tissue mass in livestock.

Buccal Fat Pad as a Potential Source of Stem Cells for Bone Regeneration: A Literature Review

Adipose tissues hold great promise in bone tissue engineering since they are available in large quantities as a waste material. The buccal fat pad (BFP) is a specialized adipose tissue that is easy to harvest and contains a rich blood supply, and its harvesting causes low complications for patients. This review focuses on the characteristics and osteogenic capability of stem cells derived from BFP as a valuable cell source for bone tissue engineering. An electronic search was performed on all in vitro and in vivo studies that used stem cells from BFP for the purpose of bone tissue engineering from 2010 until 2016. This review was organized according to the PRISMA statement. Adipose-derived stem cells derived from BFP (BFPSCs) were compared with adipose tissues from other parts of the body (AdSCs). Moreover, the osteogenic capability of dedifferentiated fat cells (DFAT) derived from BFP (BFP-DFAT) has been reported in comparison with BFPSCs. BFP is an easily accessible source of stem cells that can be obtained via the oral cavity without injury to the external body surface. Comparing BFPSCs with AdSCs indicated similar cell yield, morphology, and multilineage differentiation. However, BFPSCs proliferate faster and are more prone to producing colonies than AdSCs.

An Evaluation of the Stemness, Paracrine, and Tumorigenic Characteristics of Highly Expanded, Minimally Passaged Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

The use of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) in regenerative medicine is rising due to their plasticity, capacity of differentiation and paracrine and trophic effects. Despite the large number of cells obtained from adipose tissue, it is usually not enough for therapeutic purposes for many diseases or cosmetic procedures. Thus, there is the need for culturing and expanding cells in-vitro for several weeks remain. Our aim is to investigate if long- term proliferation with minimal passaging will affect the stemness, paracrine secretions and carcinogenesis markers of ADSC. The immunophenotypic properties and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity of the initial stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and serially passaged ADSC were observed by flow cytometry. In parallel, the telomerase activity and the relative expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes were assessed by q-PCR. We also assessed the cytokine secretion profile of passaged ADSC by an ELISA. The expanded ADSC retain their morphological and phenotypical characteristics. These cells maintained in culture for up to 12 weeks until P4, possessed stable telomerase and ALDH activity, without having a TP53 mutation. Furthermore, the relative expression levels of TP53, RB, and MDM2 were not affected while the relative expression of c-Myc decreased significantly. Finally, the levels of the secretions of PGE₂, STC1, and TIMP2 were not affected but the levels of IL-6, VEGF, and TIMP 1 significantly decreased at P2. Our results suggest that the expansion of passaged ADSC does not affect the differentiation capacity of stem cells and does not confer a cancerous state or capacity in vitro to the cells.

Characteristics and multipotency of equine dedifferentiated fat cells

Dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells have been shown to be multipotent, similar to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In this study, we aimed to establish and characterize equine DFAT cells. Equine adipocytes were ceiling cultured, and then dedifferentiated into DFAT cells by the seventh day of culture. The number of DFAT cells was increased to over 10 million by the fourth passage. Flow cytometry of DFAT cells showed that the cells were strongly positive for CD44, CD90, and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I; moderately positive for CD11a/18, CD105, and MHC class II; and negative for CD34 and CD45. Moreover, DFAT cells were positive for the expression of sex determining region Y-box 2 as a marker of multipotency. Finally, we found that DFAT cells could differentiate into osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic lineages under specific nutrient conditions. Thus, DFAT cells could have clinical applications in tissue regeneration, similar to MSCs derived from adipose tissue.

In vitro study on regeneration of periodontal tissue microvasculature using human dedifferentiated fat cells

BACKGROUND

Human dedifferentiated fat cells (HDFATs) may be a new cell type suitable for regenerative therapies. The aim of this study is to assess the potential of HDFATs for vascular regeneration of periodontal tissue. To do this, HDFATs and human gingival endothelial cells (HGECs) were cocultivated, and vascular regeneration was examined in vitro.

METHODS

HDFATs were isolated from subcutaneous adipose tissue, and HGECs were isolated from gingival cells using anti-cluster of differentiation 31 antibody-coated magnetic beads. HDFATs were cocultured with HGECs in microvascular endothelial cell growth medium-2 (EGM-2MV) for 7 days. Expression of endothelial cell (EC) markers, the formation of capillary-like tubes, and the expression of pericyte markers were determined.

RESULTS

HDFATs, cultured in EGM-2MV or cocultured with HGECs, expressed EC markers. HDFATs in both conditions initiated tube formation within 5 hours of seeding and formed extensive capillary-like structures within 12 hours. These structures disintegrated within 24 hours when cells were cultured in EGM-2MV alone, whereas cocultured HDFATs maintained tubes for >24 hours. Cocultured HDFATs significantly increased expression of pericyte markers, a cell type associated with microvasculature.

CONCLUSION

HDFATs possess the ability to express EC markers, and coculture with HGECs promotes differentiation into pericytes involved in the maturation and stabilization of the microvasculature.

Dedifferentiated fat cells: A cell source for regenerative medicine

The identification of an ideal cell source for tissue regeneration remains a challenge in the stem cell field. The ability of progeny cells to differentiate into other cell types is important for the processes of tissue reconstruction and tissue engineering and has clinical, biochemical or molecular implications. The adaptation of stem cells from adipose tissue for use in regenerative medicine has created a new role for adipocytes. Mature adipocytes can easily be isolated from adipose cell suspensions and allowed to dedifferentiate into lipid-free multipotent cells, referred to as dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells. Compared to other adult stem cells, the DFAT cells have unique advantages in their abundance, ease of isolation and homogeneity. Under proper condition in vitro and in vivo, the DFAT cells have exhibited adipogenic, osteogenic, chondrogenic, cardiomyogenc, angiogenic, myogenic, and neurogenic potentials. In this review, we first discuss the phenomena of dedifferentiation and transdifferentiation of cells, and then dedifferentiation of adipocytes in particular. Understanding the dedifferentiation process itself may contribute to our knowledge of normal growth processes, as well as mechanisms of disease. Second, we highlight new developments in DFAT cell culture and summarize the current understanding of DFAT cell properties. The unique features of DFAT cells are promising for clinical applications such as tissue regeneration.

Phenotypic and Functional Properties of Porcine Dedifferentiated Fat Cells during the Long-Term Culture In Vitro

It has been proved that terminally differentiated mature adipocytes possess abilities to dedifferentiate into fibroblast-like progeny cells with self-renewal and multiple differentiation, termed dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells. However, the biological properties of DFAT cells during long-term culture in vitro have not been elucidated. Here, we obtained fibroblast-like morphology of porcine DFAT cells by ceiling culture. During the dedifferentiation process, round mature adipocytes with single large lipid droplets changed into spindle-shaped cells accompanied by the adipogenic markers PPARγ, aP2, LPL, and Adiponectin significant downregulation. Flow cytometric analysis showed that porcine DFAT cells displayed similar cell-surface antigen profile to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Furthermore, different passages of porcine DFAT cells during long-term culture in vitro retained high levels of cell viabilities (>97%), efficient proliferative capacity including population doubling time ranged from 20 h to 22 h and population doubling reached 47.40 ± 1.64 by 58 days of culture. In addition, porcine DFAT cells maintained the multiple differentiation capabilities into adipocytes, osteoblasts, and skeletal myocytes and displayed normal chromosomal karyotypes for prolonged passaging. Therefore, porcine DFAT cells may be a novel model of stem cells for studying the functions of gene in the different biological events.

In vivo dedifferentiation of adult adipose cells

Introduction

Adipocytes can dedifferentiate into fibroblast-like cells in vitro and thereby acquire proliferation and multipotent capacities to participate in the repair of various organs and tissues. Whether dedifferentiation occurs under physiological or pathological conditions in vivo is unknown.

Methods

A tissue expander was placed under the inguinal fat pads of rats and gradually expanded by injection of water. Samples were collected at various time points, and morphological, histological, cytological, ultrastructural, and gene expression analyses were conducted. In a separate experiment, purified green fluorescent protein+ adipocytes were transplanted into C57 mice and collected at various time points. The transplanted adipocytes were assessed by bioluminescence imaging and whole-mount staining.

Results

The expanded fat pad was obviously thinner than the untreated fat pad on the opposite side. It was also tougher in texture and with more blood vessels attached. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy indicated there were fewer monolocular adipocytes in the expanded fat pad and the morphology of these cells was altered, most notably their lipid content was discarded. Immunohistochemistry showed that the expanded fat pad contained an increased number of proliferative cells, which may have been derived from adipocytes. Following removal of the tissue expander, many small adipocytes were observed. Bioluminescence imaging suggested that some adipocytes survived when transplanted into an ischemic-hypoxic environment. Whole-mount staining revealed that surviving adipocytes underwent a process similar to adipocyte dedifferentiation in vitro. Monolocular adipocytes became multilocular adipocytes and then fibroblast-like cells.

Conclusions

Mature adipocytes may be able to dedifferentiate in vivo, and this may be an adipose tissue self-repair mechanism. The capacity of adipocytes to dedifferentiate into stem cell-like cells may also have a more general role in the regeneration of many tissues, notably in fat grafting.

Concise Review: Are Stimulated Somatic Cells Truly Reprogrammed into an ES/iPS-Like Pluripotent State? Better Understanding by Ischemia-Induced Multipotent Stem Cells in a Mouse Model of Cerebral Infarction

Following the discovery of pluripotent stem (PS) cells such as embryonic stem (ES) and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, there has been a great hope that injured tissues can be repaired by transplantation of ES/iPS-derived various specific types of cells such as neural stem cells (NSCs). Although PS cells can be induced by ectopic expression of Yamanaka's factors, it is known that several stimuli such as ischemia/hypoxia can increase the stemness of somatic cells via reprogramming. This suggests that endogenous somatic cells acquire stemness during natural regenerative processes following injury. In this study, we describe whether somatic cells are converted into pluripotent stem cells by pathological stimuli without ectopic expression of reprogramming factors based on the findings of ischemia-induced multipotent stem cells in a mouse model of cerebral infarction.

Characterization of dedifferentiating human mature adipocytes from the visceral and subcutaneous fat compartments: fibroblast-activation protein alpha and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 as major components of matrix remodeling

Mature adipocytes can reverse their phenotype to become fibroblast-like cells. This is achieved by ceiling culture and the resulting cells, called dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells, are multipotent. Beyond the potential value of these cells for regenerative medicine, the dedifferentiation process itself raises many questions about cellular plasticity and the pathways implicated in cell behavior. This work has been performed with the objective of obtaining new information on adipocyte dedifferentiation, especially pertaining to new targets that may be involved in cellular fate changes. To do so, omental and subcutaneous mature adipocytes sampled from severely obese subjects have been dedifferentiated by ceiling culture. An experimental design with various time points along the dedifferentiation process has been utilized to better understand this process. Cell size, gene and protein expression as well as cytokine secretion were investigated. Il-6, IL-8, SerpinE1 and VEGF secretion were increased during dedifferentiation, whereas MIF-1 secretion was transiently increased. A marked decrease in expression of mature adipocyte transcripts (PPARγ2, C/EBPα, LPL and Adiponectin) was detected early in the process. In addition, some matrix remodeling transcripts (FAP, DPP4, MMP1 and TGFβ1) were rapidly and strongly up-regulated. FAP and DPP4 proteins were simultaneously induced in dedifferentiating mature adipocytes supporting a potential role for these enzymes in adipose tissue remodeling and cell plasticity.

Cell-based bone regeneration for alveolar ridge augmentation--cell source, endogenous cell recruitment and immunomodulatory function

Alveolar ridge plays a pivotal role in supporting dental prosthesis particularly in edentulous and semi-dentulous patients. However the alveolar ridge undergoes atrophic change after tooth loss. The vertical and horizontal volume of the alveolar ridge restricts the design of dental prosthesis; thus, maintaining sufficient alveolar ridge volume is vital for successful oral rehabilitation. Recent progress in regenerative approaches has conferred marked benefits in prosthetic dentistry, enabling regeneration of the atrophic alveolar ridge. In order to achieve successful alveolar ridge augmentation, sufficient numbers of osteogenic cells are necessary; therefore, autologous osteoprogenitor cells are isolated, expanded in vitro, and transplanted to the specific anatomical site where the bone is required. Recent studies have gradually elucidated that transplanted osteoprogenitor cells are not only a source of bone forming osteoblasts, they appear to play multiple roles, such as recruitment of endogenous osteoprogenitor cells and immunomodulatory function, at the forefront of bone regeneration. This review focuses on the current consensus of cell-based bone augmentation therapies with emphasis on cell sources, transplanted cell survival, endogenous stem cell recruitment and immunomodulatory function of transplanted osteoprogenitor cells. Furthermore, if we were able to control the mobilization of endogenous osteoprogenitor cells, large-scale surgery may no longer be necessary. Such treatment strategy may open a new era of safer and more effective alveolar ridge augmentation treatment options.

Differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes is inhibited under a modified ceiling culture

Ceiling culture is an inverted and closed cell culture system which represents a novel method for exploring adipocyte characteristics and function. Although the role of ceiling culture in mature adipocyte dedifferentiation has been extensively studied, its potential effects on preadipocyte differentiation remain unclear. In this study, we established a simplified dish ceiling culture method for 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and showed that our novel ceiling culture method could reproduce the function of the traditional flask ceiling culture. Then, we investigated the effects of ceiling culture on 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation by Oil red O staining and RT-qPCR. The results showed that ceiling culture significantly impaired triglyceride accumulation and adipogenic marker genes expression in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. These findings suggest that ceiling culture inhibited 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation while inducing mature adipocytes dedifferentiation. Taken together, our data facilitate the understanding of the property of ceiling culture and promote the study of revealing the underlying mechanisms of mature adipocytes dedifferenatiation.

Comparison of Markers and Functional Attributes of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells and Dedifferentiated Adipocyte Cells from Subcutaneous Fat of an Obese Diabetic Donor

Objective: Adipose tissue is a robust source of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) that may be able to provide secreted factors that promote the ability of wounded tissue to heal. However, adipocytes also have the potential to dedifferentiate in culture to cells with stem cell-like properties that may improve their behavior and functionality for certain applications. Approach: ADSCs are adult mesenchymal stem cells that are cultured from the stromal vascular fraction of adipose tissue. However, adipocytes are capable of dedifferentiating into cells with stem cell properties. In this case study, we compare ADSC and dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells from the same patient and fat depot for mesenchymal cell markers, embryonic stem cell markers, ability to differentiate to adipocytes and osteoblasts, senescence and telomerase levels, and ability of conditioned media (CM) to stimulate migration of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). Innovation and Conclusions: ADSCs and DFAT cells displayed identical levels of CD90, CD44, CD105, and were CD34- and CD45-negative. They also expressed similar levels of Oct4, BMI1, KLF4, and SALL4. DFAT cells, however, showed higher efficiency in adipogenic and osteogenic capacity. Telomerase levels of DFAT cells were double those of ADSCs, and senescence declined in DFAT cells. CM from both cell types altered the migration of fibroblasts. Despite reports of ADSCs from a number of human depots, there have been no comparisons of the ability of dedifferentiated DFAT cells from the same donor and depot to differentiate or modulate migration of HDFs. Since ADSCs were from an obese diabetic donor, reprogramming of DFAT cells may help improve a patient's cells for regenerative medicine applications.

Pluripotent stem cells derived from mouse and human white mature adipocytes

White mature adipocytes give rise to so-called dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells that spontaneously undergo multilineage differentiation. In this study, we defined stem cell characteristics of DFAT cells as they are generated from adipocytes and the relationship between these characteristics and lineage differentiation. Both mouse and human DFAT cells, prepared from adipose tissue and lipoaspirate, respectively, showed evidence of pluripotency, with a maximum 5-7 days after adipocyte isolation. The DFAT cells spontaneously formed clusters in culture, which transiently expressed multiple stem cell markers, including stage-specific embryonic antigens, and Sca-1 (mouse) and CD105 (human), as determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and immunostaining. As the stem cell markers decreased, markers characteristic of the three germ layers and specific lineage differentiation, such as α-fetoprotein (endoderm, hepatic), Neurofilament-66 (ectoderm, neurogenic), and Troponin I (mesoderm, cardiomyogenic), increased. However, no teratoma formation was detected after injection in immunodeficient mice. A novel modification of the adipocyte isolation aimed at ensuring the initial purity of the adipocytes and avoiding ceiling culture allowed isolation of DFAT cells with pluripotent characteristics. Thus, the adipocyte-derived DFAT cells represent a plastic stem cell population that is highly responsive to changes in culture conditions and may benefit cell-based therapies.

The osteoblastic differentiation ability of human dedifferentiated fat cells is higher than that of adipose stem cells from the buccal fat pad

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the osteoblastic differentiation ability of dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells and adipose stem cells (ASCs) from the buccal fat pad (BFP).

Materials and methods

We isolated human DFAT cells and ASCs from the BFP of a patient who underwent oral and maxillofacial surgery and then analyzed their cell surface antigens by flow cytometry. Then, the cells were cultured in osteogenic medium for 14 days. Measurement of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), osteocalcin (OCN), and calcium deposition and alizarin red staining were performed to evaluate the osteoblastic differentiation ability of both cell types.

Results

ASCs and DFAT cells were positive for CD90 and CD105 and negative for CD11b, CD34, and CD45. BAP (days 3 and 7), OCN (day 14), and calcium deposition (days 7 and 14) within DFAT cell cultures were significantly higher than those in ASC cultures. The alizarin red-stained area in DFAT cell cultures, which indicates mineralized matrix deposition, was stained more strongly than that in ASC cultures.

Conclusions

The cell surface antigens of ASCs and DFAT cells tend to be similar. Furthermore, the osteoblastic differentiation ability of human DFAT cells is higher than that of ASCs from the BFP.

Clinical relevance

Isolation of DFAT cells from the BFP has an esthetic advantage because the BFP can be obtained via the oral cavity without injury to the external body surface. Therefore, we consider that DFAT cells from the BFP are an ideal cell source for bone tissue engineering.

The utility of human dedifferentiated fat cells in bone tissue engineering in vitro

We compared the osteoblastic differentiation abilities of dedifferentiated fat cells (DFATs) and human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) as a cell source for bone regeneration therapies. In addition, the utility of DFATs in bone tissue engineering in vitro was assessed by an alpha-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP)/collagen sponge (CS). Human DFATs were isolated from the submandibular of a patient by ceiling culture. DFATs and hMSCs at passage 3 were cultured in control medium or osteogenic medium (OM) for 14 days. Runx2 gene expression, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, as well as osteocalcin (OCN) and calcium contents were analyzed to evaluate the osteoblastic differentiation ability of both cell types. DFATs seeded in a α-TCP/CS and cultured in OM for 14 days were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histologically. Compared with hMSCs, DFATs cultured in OM generally underwent superior osteoblastogenesis by higher Runx2 gene expression at all days tested, as well as higher ALP activity at day 3 and 7, OCN expression at day 14, and calcium content at day 7. In SEM analyses, DFATs seeded in a α-TCP/CS were well spread and covered the α-TCP/CS by day 7. In addition, numerous spherical deposits were found to almost completely cover the α-TCP/CS on day 14. Von Kossa staining showed that DFATs differentiated into osteoblasts in the α-TCP/CS and formed cultured bone by deposition of a mineralized extracellular matrix. The combined use of DFATs and an α-TCP/CS may be an attractive option for bone tissue engineering.

Co-stimulation with bone morphogenetic protein-9 and FK506 induces remarkable osteoblastic differentiation in rat dedifferentiated fat cells

Dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells, which are isolated from mature adipocytes using the ceiling culture method, exhibit similar characteristics to mesenchymal stem cells, and possess adipogenic, osteogenic, chondrogenic, and myogenic potentials. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 and -9, members of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, exhibit the most potent osteogenic activity of this growth factor family. However, the effects of BMP-2 and BMP-9 on the osteogenic differentiation of DFAT remain unknown. Here, we examined the effects of BMP-2 and BMP-9 on osteoblastic differentiation of rat DFAT (rDFAT) cells in the presence or absence of FK506, an immunosuppressive agent. Co-stimulation with BMP-9 and FK506 induced gene expression of runx2, osterix, and bone sialoprotein, and ALP activity compared with BMP-9 alone, BMP-2 alone and BMP-2+FK506 in rDFAT cells. Furthermore, it caused mineralization of cultures and phosphorylation of smad1/5/8, compared with BMP-9 alone. The ALP activity induced by BMP-9+FK506 was not influenced by addition of noggin, a BMP antagonist. Our data suggest that the combination of BMP-9 and FK506 potently induces osteoblastic differentiation of rDFAT cells.

Bovine dedifferentiated adipose tissue (DFAT) cells: DFAT cell isolation

Dedifferentiated fat cells (DFAT cells) are derived from lipid-containing (mature) adipocytes, which possess the ability to symmetrically or asymmetrically proliferate, replicate, and redifferentiate/transdifferentiate. Robust cell isolation and downstream culture methods are needed to isolate large numbers of DFAT cells from any (one) adipose depot in order to establish population dynamics and regulation of the cells within and across laboratories. In order to establish more consistent/repeatable methodology here we report on two different methods to establish viable DFAT cell cultures: both traditional cell culture flasks and non-traditional (flat) cell culture plates were used for ceiling culture establishment. Adipocytes (maternal cells of the DFAT cells) were easier to remove from flat culture plates than flasks and the flat plates also allowed cloning rings to be utilized for cell/cell population isolation. While additional aspects of usage of flat-bottomed cell culture plates may yet need to be optimized by definition of optimum bio-coating to enhance cell attachment, utilization of flat plate approaches will allow more efficient study of the dedifferentiation process or the DFAT progeny cells. To extend our preliminary observations, dedifferentiation of Wagyu intramuscular fat (IMF)-derived mature adipocytes and redifferentiation ability of DFAT cells utilizing the aforementioned isolation protocols were examined in traditional basal media/differentiation induction media (DMI) containing adipogenic inducement reagents. In the absence of treatment approximately 10% isolated Wagyu IMF-mature adipocytes dedifferentiated spontaneously and 70% DFAT cells displayed protracted adipogenesis 12 d after confluence in vitro. Lipid-free intracellular vesicles in the cytoplasm (vesicles possessing an intact membrane but with no any observable or stainable lipid inside) were observed during redifferentiation. One to 30% DFAT cells redifferentiated into lipid-assimilating adipocytes in the DMI media, with distinct lipid-droplets in the cytoplasm and with no observable lipid-free vesicles inside. Moreover, a high confluence level promoted the redifferentiation efficiency of DFAT cells. Wagyu IMF dedifferentiated DFAT cells exhibited unique adipogenesis modes in vitro, revealing a useful cell model for studying adipogenesis and lipid metabolism.

Dedifferentiated adipocyte-derived progeny cells (DFAT cells): Potential stem cells of adipose tissue

Analyses of mature adipocytes have shown that they possess a reprogramming ability in vitro, which is associated with dedifferentiation. The subsequent dedifferentiated fat cells (DFAT cells) are multipotent and can differentiate into adipocytes and other cell types as well. Mature adipocytes can be easily obtained by biopsy, and the cloned progeny cells are homogeneous in vitro. Therefore, DFAT cells (a new type of stem cell) may provide an excellent source of cells for tissue regeneration, engineering and disease treatment. The dedifferentiation of mature adipocytes, the multipotent capacity of DFAT cells and comparisons and contrasts with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) are discussed in this review.

Cell culture purity issues and DFAT cells

Dedifferentiation of mature adipocytes, in vitro, has been pursued/documented for over forty years. The subsequent progeny cells are named dedifferentiated adipocyte-derived progeny cells (DFAT cells). DFAT cells are proliferative and likely to possess mutilineage potential. As a consequence, DFAT cells and their progeny/daughter cells may be useful as a potential tool for various aspects of tissue engineering and as potential vectors for the alleviation of several disease states. Publications in this area have been increasing annually, but the purity of the initial culture of mature adipocytes has seldom been documented. Consequently, it is not always clear whether DFAT cells are derived from dedifferentiated mature (lipid filled) adipocytes or from contaminating cells that reside in an impure culture.

Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Tissue Regeneration: A Review

In 2001, researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, described the isolation of a new population of adult stem cells from liposuctioned adipose tissue. These stem cells, now known as adipose-derived stem cells or ADSCs, have gone on to become one of the most popular adult stem cells populations in the fields of stem cell research and regenerative medicine. As of today, thousands of research and clinical articles have been published using ASCs, describing their possible pluripotency in vitro, their uses in regenerative animal models, and their application to the clinic. This paper outlines the progress made in the ASC field since their initial description in 2001, describing their mesodermal, ectodermal, and endodermal potentials both in vitro and in vivo, their use in mediating inflammation and vascularization during tissue regeneration, and their potential for reprogramming into induced pluripotent cells.

Endothelial differentiation in multipotent cells derived from mouse and human white mature adipocytes

White mature adipocytes give rise to multipotent cells, so-called de-differentiated fat (DFAT) cells, when losing their fat in culture. The objective of this study was to examine the ability of DFAT cells to give rise to endothelial cells (ECs) in vitro and vivo. We demonstrate that mouse and human DFAT cells, derived from adipose tissue and lipospirate, respectively, initially lack expression of CD34, CD31, CD146, CD45 and pericyte markers, distinguishing them from progenitor cells previously identified in adipose stroma. The DFAT cells spontaneously differentiate into vascular ECs in vitro, as determined by real-time PCR, fluorescence activated cell sorting, immunostaining, and formation of tube structures. Treatment with bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)4 and BMP9, important in regulating angiogenesis, significantly enhances the EC differentiation. Furthermore, adipocyte-derived cells from Green Fluorescent Protein-transgenic mice were detected in the vasculature of infarcted myocardium up to 6 weeks after ligation of the left anterior descending artery in mice. We conclude that adipocyte-derived multipotent cells are able to spontaneously give rise to ECs, a process that is promoted by BMPs and may be important in cardiovascular regeneration and in physiological and pathological changes in fat and other tissues.