Bone marrow- and adipose-derived stem cells show expression of myelin mRNAs and proteins

Aims: PNS myelin is formed by Schwann cells (SCs). In this study, we applied an in vitro model to study myelin formation, using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and adipose-derived stem cells differentiated into SC-like cells and co-cultured with dissociated adult dorsal root ganglia neurons. Methods: Immunocytochemistry, reverse transcription-PCR and western blotting techniques were used to investigate the expression of myelin proteins at both the transcriptional and translational level. Results: Transcripts for protein zero, peripheral myelin protein 22 and myelin basic protein were detected in differentiated stem cells following co-culture with neuronal cells. Furthermore, protein zero, peripheral myelin protein 22 and myelin basic proteins were recognized in the co-cultures. These results were consistent with immunostaining of myelin proteins and with observation by electron microscopy. Conclusion: Both types of adult stems cells differentiated into SC-like cells have potential to myelinate neuronal cells during regeneration, being functionally identical to SCs of the PNS.