Novel pluripotent adult stem cell source for neurogenesis

A novel pluripotent stem cell population discovered by our laboratory, periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are a viable source for regenerative medicine. We have demonstrated that these cells form all three germ layers in-vivo, and hypothesized that PDLSCs would be an ideal cell source for neurogenesis in-vitro. In our study, we evaluate the potential of Connexin 43+ PDLSCs to differentiate into a neural lineage. Control Connexin 43+ PDLSCs were cultured in complete culture media. Neuro-induced Connexin 43+ PDLSCs were grown in a neurogenic cocktail media. Media was changed every three days for a total of 6 days of treatment. Following treatment, cell morphology, gene expression, and immunohistochemistry were evaluated. Gene expression data was analyzed using a two-tailed t-test, with p<0.05 considered significant. Morphological differences were evident in neuroinduced Connexin 43+ PDLSCs, along with a significant increase in gene expression of neuro filament medium over control samples. Immunohistochemical staining in neuroinduced Connexin 43+ PDLSCs demonstrated neurite-like processes and synaptophysin not found in control samples. Conclusion: Our neuro-induction protocol successfully induces Connexin 43+ PDLSCs to a neural lineage.