Molecular characterization of adipose-tissue derived stem cells (ASCs) from the breast

Purpose: It has been reported that both the health of the donor, as well as the site of collection can alter the proliferation and differentiation properties of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) . Obesity alters ASCs and induces them to enhance the tumorigenic properties of breast cancer cell lines both in vitro and in vivo. Abdominal ASCs (aASCs) from obese donors show increased expression of leptin and estrogen. Leptin signaling cascades and estrogen-mediated pathways can increase breast cancer proliferation, tumorigenesis and metastasis. The aim of this study is to characterize ASCs derived from breast tissue (bASCs) of human donors and compare their proliferation and differentiation properties to those of aASCs, and to understand if bASCs are affected in the same way. Methods: bASCs will be characterized and compared to aASCs. Adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation will be induced and assessed with Oil Red O and Alizarin Red S staining, respectively. Colony forming capabilities will be assessed with crystal violet staining. Surface markers will be evaluated with flow cytometry. Expression of adipogenic genes will be assessed by real-time PCR. Results: bASCs are expected to display CD90, CD105 and CD73 surface markers. They are also expected to successfully undergo adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation and to be capable to form colonies. Finally, it is expected to observe differences in proliferation rates between aASCs and bASCs. Conclusion: Characterizing bASCs, and comparing them to aASCs, will provide us an understanding of the unique properties of this subpopulation and their potential applications.