The Comparative Study on the Characterization of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Fibroblasts
ZHAO Qiang1, BAI Hai1, SU Yi2, YAO Hao1,2*
MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) have the abilities of multi-differentiation and immune regulation, which makes them unique in the research of many adult tissue stem cells for decades. However, MSCs cannot be distinguished from fibroblasts in morphology. The similarities and differences between these two kinds of cells and the possible relationship were reviewed in this article. The results showed that the two kinds of cells were almost identical in cell immunophenotype, proliferation, differentiation and even gene phenotype and immune regulation ability. The difference is that MSCs are more efficient than fibroblasts in above-mentioned abilities. Meanwhile, there are no specific markers to distinguish the two kinds of cells, but their methylation profiles are slightly different. Interestingly, some of the differences between them are similar to that of MSCs with different passages, and the expression of some cell surface markers also show similar phenomenon. According to the current definition of MSCs by the International Society of Cell Therapy, fibroblasts can even be named as MSCs. Therefore, they may be the same cells. However, fibroblasts are aging MSCs.
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