Human olfactory-derived stem cells: The effect of substrata on differentiation and proliferation

Previous studies reported that progenitor cells can be obtained from post-mortem adult human olfactory epithelium. These cells give rise to neuronal, glial, and epithelial populations as demonstrated by immunolocalization of lineage-specific markers. Early and late passages were obtained from frozen stock and cultured on substrata to examine the effects of the extracellular matrix on proliferation, morphology, and differentiation. An assay of mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity demonstrates the equivalency of cells from early and late passages when cultured on different substrata. Fibronectin-laminin, E-C-L™, and ECM Gel™ increase the number of process-bearing cells and reduce the number of round cells within 48h compared to cells maintained on glass. A limited number of cells were positive for both β-tubulin III and keratin, suggesting a common precursor. Laminin and E-C-L™ increased macromolecular synthesis as evidenced by increased ornithine decarboxylase activity. Expression of B-tubulin III was modulated by extracellular matrix substrata, revealed by Western blot analysis.