Rat bone marrow stromal cells differentiation into retinal ganglion cell phenotype in vitro

Objective: Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) are multipotent adult stem cells, and they offer a distinct advantage by having autologous immunological characteristics as well as a relatively easy isolation and expansion. Previous studies have shown that BMSCs can differentiate into osteoblasts, adipocytes, cardiac muscle cells and neural lineages. Our study was to investigate the differentiating potential of BMSCs into retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in vitro. Methods: BMSCs were obtained from femurs of rats (n = 10) and purified after 3 passages. The cells were then induced by cytokine (basic fibroblast growth factor, bFGF) protocol (10 ng/mL), and growth medium (DMEM/F12 + 10% FBS) was used as a control. Morphological changes of inducted cells were monitored and observed by lucifer yellow intracellular injection. Immunocytochemistry was used to detect the expression of microtuble-associated protein (MAP-2), Thy1.1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Results: The inducted cells exhibited neuronal-like shape and extended long processes. After lucifer vellow injection, the inducted cells formed dendritic processes, and the adjacent cells were also positively stained. These cells showed positive reaction for MAP-2 and Thy 1.1 but absent reaction lor GFAP. No obvious morphological change was seen and showed the absent staining for all cell markers in control cells. Conclusion: BMSCs can differentiate into neuron-like cells with retinal ganglion cell phenotype after bFGF induction. Synapse may exist among the induced cells.