In vitro Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells into Hair Cell-Like Cells in Guinea Pigs

ObjectiveAdipose-derived stem cells(ADSCs) are suggested to possess a highly plastic ability to differentiate into several specific cell types in addition to adipocyte lineages, including germ layer tissue-specific cell lineages such as chondrocyte, myocyte, neuronal, and osteoblast lineages. The aim of this study is to establish an in vitro culture technique for ADSCs in an adult guinea pig model that facilitate their differentiation into hair cell-like cells.Materials and MethodsCells from inguinal fat pads in adult guinea pigs were cultured with ß-mercaptoethanol, RA, Forskorin, Heregulin, bFGF, BDNF and EGF. Cellular differentiation was examined using immunocytochemistry techniques.ResultsThe ADSCs demonstrated hair cell immunophenotypes with expression of epitopes of the hair cell marker protein myosin VIIa. Conclusion ADSCs from adult guinea pig adipose tissue can differentiate into hair cell-like cells when cultured in vitro. ADSCs may serve as seed cells for tissue engineering.