Keywords

Astrocytes, Cell differentiation, Multipotent stem cells, Myelination, Noradrenaline, Noradrenergic mechanisms, Oligodendroglia, Stem cells, Surface chemistry, Umbilical cord

Abstract

During differentiation stem cells are exposed to a range of microenvironmental chemical and physical cues. In this study, human multipotent progenitor cells (hMLPCs) were differentiated from umbilical cord into oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. Chemical cues were represented by a novel defined differentiation medium containing the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE). In traditional 2 dimensional (2D) conditions, the hMLPCs differentiated into oligodendrocyte precursors, but did not progress further. However, in a constructed 3 dimensional (3D) environment, the hMLPCs differentiated into committed oligodendrocytes that expressed MBP. When co-cultured with rat embryonic hippocampal neurons (EHNs), hMLPCs developed in astrocytes or oligodendrocytes, based on presence of growth factors in the differentiation medium. In co-culture, physical cues provided by axons were essential for complete differentiation of both astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. This study presents a novel method of obtaining glia from human MLPCs that could eliminate many of the difficulties associated with their differentiation from embryonic stem cells. In addition, it reveals the complex interplay between physical cues and biomolecules on stem cell differentiation.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2011

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Hickman, James

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Medicine

Department

Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences

Degree Program

Biomedical Sciences

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0003570

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0003570

Language

English

Release Date

January 2016

Length of Campus-only Access

5 years

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Medicine, Medicine -- Dissertations, Academic

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