Decellularized matrix of adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells enhanced retinal progenitor cell proliferation via the Akt/Erk pathway and neuronal differentiation

Background aims. Retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) are a promising cell therapy treatment for retinal degenerative diseases. However, problems with limited proliferation ability and differentiation preference toward glia rather than neurons restrict the clinical application of these RPCs. The extracellular matrix (ECM) has been recognized to provide an appropriate microenvironment to support stem cell adhesion and direct cell behaviors, such as self-renewal and differentiation. Methods. In this study, decellularized matrix of adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (DMA) was manufactured using a chemical agent method (0.5% ammonium hydroxideTriton + 20 mmol/L NH4OH) in combination with a biological agent method (DNase solution), and the resulting DMA were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and immunocytochemistry. The effect of DMA on RPC proliferation and differentiation was evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot and immunocytochemistry analysis. Results. DMA was successfully fabricated, as demonstrated by SEM and immunocytochemistry. Compared with tissue culture plates, DMA may effectively enhance the proliferation of RPCs by activating Akt and Erk phosphorylation; when the two pathways were blocked, the promoting effect was reversed. Moreover, DMA promoted the differentiation of RPCs toward retinal neurons, especially rhodopsin-and recoverin-positive photoreceptors, which is the most interesting class of cells for retinal degeneration treatment. Conclusions. These results indicate that DMA has important roles in governing RPC proliferation and differentiation and may contribute to the application of RPCs in treating retinal degenerative diseases.