MicroSAGE analysis of 2,353 expressed genes in a single cell-derived colony of undifferentiated human mesenchymal stem cells reveals mRNAs of multiple cell lineages.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from the bone marrow of adult organisms are capable of differentiating into adipocytes, chondrocytes, myoblasts, osteoblasts, and hematopoiesis-supporting stroma. We recently demonstrated that MSCs also adopt glial cell fates when transplanted into the developing central nervous system and hence can produce tissue elements derived from a separate embryonic layer. Despite these remarkable properties, it has been difficult to establish specific criteria to characterize MSCs.

Donor variation in the growth properties and osteogenic potential of human marrow stromal cells.

Human marrow stromal cells (MSCs) were isolated from posterior illiac crest marrow aspirates obtained from 17 healthy donors, ages 19-45 years, with no apparent physical disability. First passage hMSCs exhibited growth rates in vitro that varied up to 12-fold between donors. No correlation between growth rate and the age or gender of the donor was evident (P View Article and Find Full Text PDF