Tumor Associated Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Show Higher Immunosuppressive and Angiogenic Properties Compared to Adipose Derived MSCs

Abstract

<span><b>Background</b>: </span> <span><span>Differentiation, migratory properties and availability of Mesenchymal</span></span> Stromal Cells (MSC) have become an important part of biomedical research. However, the functional heterogeneity of cells derived from different tissues has hampered providing definitive phenotypic markers for these cells. <span><br/><b>Objective</b>: </span><span>To characterize and</span> compare the phenotype and cytokines of adipose derived MSCs (AD-MSCs) and tumoral-MSCs (T-MSCs) isolated from mammary tumors of BALB/c mice. <span><br/><b>Methods</b>:</span> Immunophenotyping and in vitro differentiation tests were used for MSC characterization. Cytokine and enzyme profiles were assessed using ELISA and Realtime PCR, respectively. <span>Results</span><span>: T-MSCs expressed significantly higher levels of HLADR </span>(p=0.04). Higher levels of PGE2 and COX-2 enzyme were also observed in TMSCs (p=0.07 and p=0.00, respectively). Additionally, T-MSCs expressed higher levels of iNOS and MMP9 (p=0.01 and p=0.01, respectively). T-MSCs were also able to induce higher levels of proliferation and migration of HUVEC endothelial cells in wound scratch assay compared to AD-MSCs (p=0.015). <br/><b>Conclusion</b>:<span> Functional </span>differences showed by the surface markers of MSCs, cytokine and enzyme production indicate the effect of different microenvironments on MSCs phenotype and function.