Characterization of Cell Lineages Derived From Tactile Hair Follicles of Dog Fetuses - Abstract
Skin problems and wounds seriously affect human health, as well as dogs and other animals. New applications aim at finding appropriate progenitor cells to establish cell therapies. In order to test their potential value for such purposes, we isolated, cultivated and characterized cells from follicles of the tactile hairs in dog embryos and fetuses. We investigated a total of 16 samples of dog fetuses of 30 to 40 days of gestation, obtained from castration procedures undertaken by the public health programs of the State of São Paulo - Brazil. We divided the samples in three groups representing the transition from embryo to fetus, through cell cycle analysis, cell culture, as well as flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry and qPCR-RT analysis for 20 relevant
markers. We successfully maintained cells for 10 to 30 days in cell culture. Data showed the characteristic expression of markers for pluripotent and/or mesenchymal stem cells, i.e. OCT 3/4, Nanog, CD-105, CD-90, SSEA-4, STRO-1, VEGFR-1, and Ki-67 as well as S-100, which is specific for the identification of developing hair cells and multipotent dermal cells. Samples from the older fetuses (40 days) showed a comprehensive development of hair cells, but also contained an appropriate differentiation potential that is useful for therapeutic applications. In conclusion, data indicated that cells derived from hair follicles
of dog fetuses, especially around day 40, resulted in multipotent, mesenchymal stem cells that may be of value for stem cell therapies in order to improve regeneration of the skin.