A proteomic study of mesenchymal stem cells from equine umbilical cord.

The research focuses on the proteomic study of mesenchymal stem cells obtained from the intervascular matrix of equine umbilical cord (UCIM-MSCs). This is the first study to identify and analyze these proteins and their functions, revealing significant factors such as cellular stability, mobility, and low immunogenicity, thereby emphasizing their potential application in cell therapy.

Understanding the Proteome of UCIM-MSCs

• The main aim was to study the proteome of the previously characterized UCIM-MSCs. Proteome represents all proteins expressed by a cell. Understanding the proteome helps identify the presence and abundance of different proteins and their associated functions.
• The researchers classified the identified proteins based on Gene Ontology (GO) terms. These terms provide information about biological process, molecular function, and cellular components associated with the proteins.
• The PANTHER (Protein ANalysis THrough Evolutionary Relationships) Classification System was used in the study; it disclosed enrichment for 42 biological processes, 23 molecular functions, and 18 cellular components.

Protein Abundance and Functions

• The Exponential Modified Protein Abundance Index (emPAI) method was used to estimate the protein abundance. It helped identify the most prevalent proteins in the stem cells.
• The two most abundant proteins were actin and vimentin, both of which are cytoskeletal proteins that play crucial roles in cell stability and mobility.
• Besides, the study identified 14 cell surface antigens. Three of them, namely CD44, CD90, and CD105 had been previously validated by flow cytometry, a method used to measure physical and chemical characteristics of cells or particles.

UCIM-MSCs and their Therapeutic Potential

• The study highlights the potential of UCIM-MSCs in cell therapy by presenting information about their biological properties such as differentiation potential, low immunogenicity (low MHC-II expression), and chromosomal stability.
• It also emphasizes the importance of functions related to primary metabolic processes, protein synthesis, production of vesicle coats, vesicle-mediated transport, and antioxidant activity.
• The identification of cell surface markers could help establish an immunophenotypic panel that aids the characterization of MSCs from equine fetal membranes, contributing to its therapeutic application.