Adipose-Derived Stem Cells & Stemness
Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) can differentiate into a wide range of cell types. This feature can be referred to as ‘stemness’, and it is a key characteristic of stem cells. It is an important factor that makes the stem cells and the biological products they secrete an appealing choice in biomedical research — particularly in research areas like wound healing.
Cultured Stem Cells Lose Stemness Over Time
Unfortunately, stem cells gradually lose their stemness over time in cell culture as they grow and divide. Loss of stemness is especially noticeable in traditional 2D culture flask environments. It can be a limiting factor for using stem cells in research and product development. It restricts potential applications of the cells and the biological products they produce.
Innovative, Bio-Mimetic Cell Culture Solution – Bio-Blocks
Ronawk’s Bio-Blocks is a bio-mimetic cell culture solution that more closely mimics in vivo conditions than traditional 2D flask culture. Bio-Blocks have been shown to improve the health and quality of the cultured cells. Is maintaining stemness another advantage associated with Bio-Blocks?
How can ‘stemness’ be Measured?
Stemness is a big concept, and concepts can be difficult to measure. Fortunately, there are well-known markers associated with stemness that can be measured. Proteins can be stained and measured directly using microscopy. Genes that encode these same proteins can also be measured using genetic analysis. Collecting data from both types of measurements makes for a stronger dataset than either one approach individually.
Measuring Markers of Stemness – Gene Array Analysis
Three key proteins found on the surface of the stem cells have been stained and measured — CD75, CD90, and CD105. This initial data shows that ASCs cultured in Bio-Blocks retain surface markers of stemness at greater levels for longer periods than the same cells cultured in 2D flasks.
These same 3 key markers of stemness and many others have also been measured using a gene expression array. The findings show increased expression CD75, CD90, and CD105 in ASCs grown in the Bio-Blocks have increased gene expression compared to the same types of cells grown in 2D flasks.
Bio-Blocks Result in Improved Stemness-Associated Gene Expression
The bio-mimetic microenvironment of the Bio-Blocks has been previously shown to produce healthier cells than traditional cell culture methods. We’ve been exploring all of the specific benefits of growing cells in this culture environment. Based on the surface marker staining and genetic analysis we can confidently conclude that improved maintenance of stemness is one of the specific benefits provided by the Bio-Blocks.
This benefit can allow researchers to grow large, healthy populations of stem cells. The cells can be used in experiments, or secreted products can be collected. The possibilities are endless.
Find Your Experiment’s Missing Piece – Try Ronawk’s Bio-Blocks
Don’t let your cell culture platform limit your experiments. Bio-Blocks’ ability to retain stemness can help get the most out of your cultured stem cell populations. Reach out and schedule a time to discuss and learn more: Click Here
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