Donor age and long-term culture do not negatively influence the stem potential of limbal fibroblast-like stem cells

摘要: In regenerative medicine the maintenance of stem cell properties is crucial importance. Ageing considered a cause reduced stemness capability. The limbus niche easy access and harbors two populations: epithelial cells fibroblast-like cells. Our aim was to investigate whether donor age and/or long-term culture have any influence on marker expression profiles in population. Fibroblast-like were isolated digested from 25 samples normal human corneo-scleral rings cultures obtained. SSEA4 sphere-forming capability evaluated; cytofluorimetric assay performed detect immunophenotypes HLA-DR, CD45, CD34 principle markers ABCG2, OCT3/4, NANOG. Molecular principal mesenchymal genes investigated by real-time PCR. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis mass spectrometric sequencing stable proteomic profile identified. proteins detected explored gene ontology STRING analysis. data reported as means ± SD, compared Student’s unpaired t test considering p < 0.05 statistically significant. did not display hematopoietic surface (CD34 CD45) HLA-DR they maintained these features culture. multilineage differentiation under in-vitro conditions proved be well maintained. Proteomic analysis revealed 164 with higher levels. Eighty showed levels involved “the profile”; 84 differentially expressed structural activity. limbal confirmed that are robust source adult good plasticity, proliferative capability, properties, independently conditions. findings confirm highly promising for application steps do their properties. Moreover, enrich our knowledge