Mesenchymal Stem Cells Isolated from a Novel Equine Tissue Exhibit Embryonic Molecular Markers and Adipogenic Differentiation Potential

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been isolated from equine tissues, most notably adipose and bonemarrow. On the basis of ability for self-renewal, molecular marker expression and differentiation potential, we characterized MSCs isolated from a tissue not yet explored in the equine. After isolation, MSCs weremaintained in culture for 25 passages before senescence was observed. Reverse transcription-PCR revealedembryonic transcription factor Oct4 mRNA, as well as mRNA for fucosyltransferase 4 and ST3B-galactosid α 2,3 sialySSEA4, respylxanthine l ltransferase 2, two enzymes responsible for synthesis of embryonic surface markersSSEA1 and ectively. Treatment with insulin, dexamethasone, indomethacin andisobutylmethed to increased oil red O staining (