In Vitro Differentiation Potential of Human Placenta Derived Cells into Skin Cells

Abstract EN

Skin autografting is the most viable and aesthetic technique for treatment of extensive burns; however, this practice has potential limitations.

Harvesting cells from neonatal sources (such as placental tissue) is a simple, inexpensive, and noninvasive procedure.

In the current study authors sought to evaluate in vitro potential of human placenta derived stem cells to develop into skin-like cells.

After extensive washing, amniotic membrane and umbilical cord tissue were separated to harvest amniotic epithelial cells (AECs) and umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs), respectively.

Both types of cells were characterized for the expression of embryonic lineage markers and their growth characteristics were determined.

AECs and UC-MSCs were induced to differentiate into keratinocytes-like and dermal fibroblasts-like cells, respectively.

After induction, morphological changes were detected by microscopy.

The differentiation potential was further assessed using immunostaining and RT-PCR analyses.

AECs were positive for cytokeratins and E-Cadherin while UC-MSCs were positive for fibroblast specific makers.

AECs differentiated into keratinocytes-like cells showed positive expression of keratinocyte specific cytokeratins, involucrin, and loricrin.

UC-MSCs differentiated into dermal fibroblast-like cells indicated expression of collagen type 3, desmin, FGF-7, fibroblast activation protein alpha, procollagen-1, and vimentin.

In conclusion, placenta is a potential source of cells to develop into skin-like cells.