Author Spotlight: Isolation and Identification of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Adipose Tissue of Sprague Dawley Rats

Mesenchymal stem cells have a really broad role in cellular communication due to their paracrine function. This protocol obtains adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells with morphological, immunophenotypical, and adequate functionality for use in studying therapies for pancreatic regeneration and diabetes. There has been increased use of cell therapies in the treatment of diabetes.

These therapies include allogenic transplants of pancreatic cells, autologous stem cell-derived products of insulin-producing cells, and 3D-printed pancreatic tissue using biological inks. Most research primarily studied the secretome components and the role in the regulation of different cellular processes. New techniques like microarrays and next-generation sequencing can investigate the function of miRNAs.

A challenge in this area is to achieve greater stimulation of mesenchymal cells, reaching precise molecular composition in the secretome, and directing it to the treatment of a specific conditions. We will be evaluating how an miRNAs contribute to pancreatic tissue degeneration exposed to oxidative stress. The study will involve usage of stem cells from adipose tissue.