In vitro differentiation of feline amniotic-derived mesenchymal stem cells into proximal tubular-like cells: A pilot study

This study aims to isolate and characterize mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from the feline amniotic membrane and explore their potential for differentiation into proximal tubular-like cells (PTLCs) for regenerative medicine applications. The feline amniotic membrane-derived MSCs (AM-MSCs) from feline amniotic membranes were isolated successfully and characterized in terms of viability, morphology, and key MSC markers like CD73 and CD90. Exhibiting a shape reminiscent of fibroblasts, these cells also had a viability above 80% and could differentiate into adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic lineages after 21 days. Notably, the lack of hematopoietic indicators (CD34 and CD45) confirmed their mesenchymal lineage. The Differentiation into PTLCs was accomplished utilizing a protocol that incorporated Rho-Kinase (ROCK) inhibitor and specific growth factors, resulting in morphological alterations and gene expression reflective of PTLC characteristics. The upregulation of nephron-specific genes, such as Paired box gene 2 (PAX2), Gene Aquaporin 1 (AQP1), and Gamma-glutamyltransferase 1 (GGT), corroborated successful differentiation towards renal cell types, albeit with discrepancies among samples. These discoveries underscore the potential of feline AM-MSCs for the advancement of innovative therapeutic strategies for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in felines. Subsequent research should concentrate on refining differentiation protocols and undertaking in vivo assessments to ascertain their clinical efficacy in treating CKD and associated ailments in felines and potentially other species