Exosomal communication in the stem cells transdifferentiation in co-culture with neuronal cells

Abstract

Adipocite Derived Stem Cells (ADSC) in co-culture with neuronal cells can transdifferentiate due to factors originated from neuronal cells, a paracrine signaling state of neuronal cells, probably by exosome. In our study we will observe the transdifferentiation of ADSC, and characterize the neuronal cell types that the ADSC can transdifferentiate; and analyze one of the cellular communication routes in order to explain the cell inducing from one specific cell to the stem cells. Our objective is to understand if transdifferentiation process is possible by only the physical interaction between stem cell and a neuronal cell, no induction medium, as well as studying the exossomal communication as one of the probable cell communication mechanism involved, and, the transdifferentiated stem cells have feature when in vivo. For a better understanding of this cellular reprogramming process, we will use in vivo and in vitro methodologies. In the in vitro study we will use the mouse as an animal model and we will perform innovative techniques for co-culture (stem cells with neural cells) and we will carry out the isolation of exosomes for the analysis of the mechanisms of cell communication and analysis in vitro of the transdifferentiation and functionality os the ADSC by gene expression. In the in vivo study we will perform autologous transplant ADSC in peripheral nerve injury in order to assess whether such cells assist in nerve regeneration. With this project we can better understand the cellular communication process between the stem cells and somatic cells, in addition to expanding the scope of cell therapies for tissue regeneration in the nervous system injuries. (AU)