Gene Expression Pattern of Human Chorion-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells during Adipogenic Differentiation

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify the adipocyte-specific gene expression patterns in chorion-derived mesenchymal stem cells during adipogenic differentiation. Materials and Methods: Chorionic cells were isolated from the third trimester chorions from human placenta at birth and identified morphologically and by fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. After inducing adipogenic differentiation for 28 days, cells at days 3, 10, 21 and 28 were analyzed by Oil red O staining and RNA extraction in order to assess the expression levels of adipocyte marker genes, including CCAAT-enhancer binding protein a (C/EBP alpha), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma), fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) and Glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPD2). Cells not induced for differentiation were compared with the induced cells as a control group. Results: Chorion-derived cells showed the same pattern as fibroblasts, and expressed CD73, CD105, and CD 166 antigens, but not CD45, CD34, and HLA-DR antigens. On day 3 after differentiation, cells began to stain positively upon Oil red 0 staining, and continuously increased in lipid granules for 4 weeks. The expression level of C/EBPa increased 4.6 fold on day 3 after induction, and continued to increase for 4 weeks. PPAR gamma was expressed at a maximum of 2.9 fold on day 21. FABP4 and GPD2 were significantly expressed at 4.7- and 3.0-fold, respectively, on day 21, compared to controls, and further increased thereafter. Conclusion: Human chorion-derived mesenchymal stem cells exhibited the sequential expression pattern of adipocyte marker genes during differentiation, corresponding to adipogenesis.