Controlling α-SMA expression in adult human pancreatic stem cells by soluble factors

After the treatment of hPSCs with RA, a strong induction of α-SMA protein expression was observed when 2 mM RA was added to the medium. DMSO in turn induced a marked reduction in α-SMA-positive cells. This could also be observed using a keratinocyte serum-free medium (KSFM). Furthermore, the general addition of FCS to the medium had a blocking effect on α-SMA expression and decreased the number of α-SMA-positive cells to a minimum. The controlled modulation of hPSCs by soluble factors is a first success on the way to a promising application for transplantation medicine and cell therapy of degenerative diseases.