Differentiation of Human Wharton\'s jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Oocyte-like Cells by Follicular Fluid

Abstract

Background and purpose: Follicular fluid (FF) is a rich source of compounds for the development of oocyte. Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) have a same differentiation origin with primordial germ cells, therefore, WJ-MSCs could differentiate into oocyte-like cells (OLCs) in the presence of appropriate factors. The purpose of present study was to isolate WJ-MSCs and then investigate their differentiation capacity to OLCs by FF. Materials and methods: The fragments of Wharton's jelly were cultured in α-MEM supplemented with 10% FBS. WJ-MSC at the 3rd passage were studied for differentiation ability to adipocytes and osteocytes. Furthermore, WJ-MSCs related markers were assessed by flow cytometry. In the same passage, WJ-MSCs were induced to differentiate into oocyte-like cells by adding 10% human FF in α-MEM for 21 days. Results: WJ-MSCs could differentiate into adipocytes and osteocytes. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that WJ-MSCs do not express hematopoietic marker (CD34-CD45) and express MSCs markers (CD73, CD90 and CD105). WJ-MSCs which were under influence of FF differentiated into OLCs and immunocytochemistry analysis showed these cells have positive expression of ZP3, SYCP3 (oocyte’s markers) and VASA (germ cell’s marker). Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that WJ-MSCs could differentiate into OLCs (morphologically) under the influence of FF and also expressed ZP3, VASA, and SYCP3 markers positively. According to the capabilities of WJ-MSCs, these cells seem to be suitable for use in cell therapy projects to improve infertility treatments.

Keywords

• stem cell
• wharton’s jelly
• follicular fluid
• oocyte-like cells