C.G.Arteaga*, G.I.Hincapie, J.Henao, L.Beltran and J.E. Aranzazu
Published September 16, 2024
Genet. Mol. Res. 23 (3): gmr2339
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.4238/gmr2339
About the Authors
C.G.Arteaga*, G.I.Hincapie, J.Henao, L.Beltran and J.E. Aranzazu
Corresponding author:
C.G.A. Rodriguez
E-mail: carthos1993@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) are multipotent, with low immunogenicity and great potential to regenerate tissues, which makes them candidates for their application in cell therapy. Despite scientific advances, their conservation still limits extensive use. This study aims to determine the preservation of genotypic and phenotypic properties of WJ-MSCs that experienced cryopreservation after thawing. WJ-MSCs divided into 3 groups were used: freshly thawed cells (FTC), thawed cells acclimated for 24 h post-thaw (TCA) and non-cryopreserved cells from fresh culture (FC). Expression of NANOG, SOX2, OCT4 and HMOX-1 genes was assessed by real-time PCR and phenotyping by flow cytometry and Short Tandem Repeat (STR). For phenotypic evaluation, differentiation media towards osteocytes, chondrocytes and adipocytes were used. Expression of NANOG, SOX2 and OCT4 pluripotency genes was conserved. Although, for SOX2 and OCT4, it was lower in FTC when compared to FC. Expression of NANOG and SOX2 genes was recovered in TCA. The anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory gene HMOX-1 was not significantly affected in the TCA when compared to FC. All WJ-MSCs were able to differentiate into osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic lineages, they retained their immunophenotype, without presenting mutations in microsatellites evaluated by short tandem repeats (STRs).These data suggest that WJ-MSCs tend to maintain their pluripotency and self-renewal capacities, which are more noticeable after a 24-hour acclimation period.
Key words: Cryopreservation; NANOG, SOX2; OCT4 and HMOX-1; Wharton’s jelly