Olfactory Mucosa-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Differentiate Towards a Schwann Cell-Like Phenotype Towards Sourcing for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising source of stem cells for treating peripheral nerve injuries. Here, we present the first investigation of differentiation of olfactory mucosa-derived MSC (OM-MSC) towards a Schwann Cell (SC)-like phenotype. OM-MSCs are an advantageous potential source of SCs for peripheral nerve repair, as isolation can be accomplished with a minimally invasive procedure compared to autologous nerve harvest and isolation. Here, Schwann Cell Conditioned Media (SCCM) or a defined growth factor supplemented media (GF) was applied to OM-MSC for twenty-one days. The differentiation process and resulting populations were characterized by immunocytochemistry and RT-qPCR. Functionality of differentiated populations was assessed in an in vitro co-culture model to evaluate interaction with sensory neurons (dorsal root ganglia) juxtaposed to native SCs. Compared to undifferentiated MSCs, differentiation protocols resulted in significant changes in morphology, gene expression, and functionality using SCCM and GF media, representing key characteristics of SCs. Specifically, differentiated populations exhibit elongated, spindle-like morphologies, a high degree of eccentricity, increased S-100, CD44, and NGF expression, and colocalization of myelin basic proteins with neurites in the co-culture model. In conclusion, this work highlights the potential of OM-MSCs to be expanded and differentiated to SCs to improve synthetic scaffolds or for use in decellularized allografts for nerve repair.