International Journal of Dermatology and Venerology (Sep 2020)

Conversion of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells into Sweat Gland-Like Cells: An In Vitro Phenotypic Study

  • Shuai Qiang,
  • Xiao-Meng Wang,
  • Cheng-Kun Zhang,
  • Ying Liu,
  • Zhi-Bo Xiao,
  • Qiang Li,
  • Feng-Yong Li,
  • Yu Zhou

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1097/JD9.0000000000000081
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3, no. 3
pp. 166 – 170

Abstract

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Abstract. Objective:. This study was performed to explore the conversion of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) into sweat gland-like cells for the purpose of sweat gland regeneration. Methods:. ADSCs and human sweat gland (hSG) cells were isolated, cultured, and identified. The ADSCs were then cultured in combination with epidermal growth factor and/or cocultured with hSG cells in a Transwell coculturing system to transform the ADSCs into hSG-like cells. Phenotypic changes of the ADSCs were examined by morphological observation and immunocytochemical analysis of specific markers. Results:. The ADSCs showed sweat gland-like morphologic changes and expressed sweat gland markers (cytokeratins 7, 14, and 18). Conclusion:. These findings revealed that ADSCs can differentiate into hSG-like cells after coculture in a Transwell system and that epidermal growth factor can enhance the efficiency of differentiation. ADSCs may serve as a potential source of cells for sweat gland regeneration.