Adipogenic dedifferentiation enhances survival of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells under oxidative stress

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) serve as ideal candidates for a broad range of cell-based therapies. However, cell ageing caused by long-term in vitro expansion and poor survival after in vivo delivery greatly limits their success in preclinical and clinical applications. Dedifferentiation represents a potential strategy for enhancing the retention and function of MSCs in hostile environments. In this study, we evaluated the cell phenotype, proliferation, and differentiation potential, as well as the anti-oxidative stress ability of human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (hMSCs) manipulated with adipogenic priming and subsequent dedifferentiation. After an in vitro differentiation and dedifferentiation procedure, the resultant dedifferentiated hMSCs (De-hMSCs) displayed properties similar to their original counterparts, including immunophenotype and mesodermal potential. Upon re-induction, De-hMSCs exhibited a significantly higher adipogenic differentiation capability than unmanipulated hMSCs. Importantly, De-hMSCs showed a significantly enhanced ability to resist tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) induced apoptosis compared to undifferentiated hMSCs. Mechanisms involving bcl-2 family proteins and autophagy may contribute to the demonstrated advantages of dedifferentiation-reprogrammed hMSCs. These results indicate that adipogenic dedifferentiation promotes adipogenesis and cell persistence, as well as preserves the stemness of human umbilical cord-derived MSCs that have been committed to the adipocytic lineage. As a unique stem cell population, dedifferentiated MSCs may represent an attractive and promising candidate for MSC-based therapy.