The research aims to explore the characteristics of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from horse umbilical cord blood (UCB) such as their proliferative abilities, immunophenotype and genome integrity during different stages. Findings suggest potential variability and structural abnormalities in chromosomal integrity at different stages, warranting further investigation.

Objectives and Methodology

• The objective was to study the properties of MSCs specifically from horse UCB, including their proliferative abilities, immunophenotype, and genome integrity at passage stages 5 and 10. The authors used UCB-MSCs from six unrelated donors for their study.
• Immunophenotypic analysis was performed to establish cell identity, ensuring that the cells show expected markers appropriate to equine MSCs.
• The proliferation of these MSCs was also assessed, noting any differing proliferation rates among the cells from different UCB cultures.

Findings

• The analysis confirmed the MSC identity with the cells showing a high expression of markers CD90, CD44, CD29 and a very low expression of markers CD4, CD11a/18, CD73 and MHC class I and II antigens.
• Significant differences were observed in the proliferation rates among the MSC cultures derived from the horse UCB.
• When assessing genome integrity, researchers found abnormal karyotypes, indicating potential chromosomal structural abnormalities at both passage 5 and 10.
• Increased rates of aneuploidy (cells not having a multiple of the normal set of chromosomes) were seen as cultures progressed from passage 5 to 10.

Significance and Further Questions

• Abnormal structural chromosomal changes and increased aneuploidy could be signs of chromosomes instability, having potential implications in cellular function or therapeutic use of these MSCs.
• Though the direct clinical implications of such chromosomal instability are unknown, this demands further investigation – considering both the cytogenetic status of MSCs and patient response to MSC-based therapies.
• Understanding the genomic stability and proliferative potential of MSCs from UCB could have significant implications in their application in regenerative medicine and therapy.