Item – Theses Canada

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OCLC number
64500109
Link(s) to full text
LAC copy
LAC copy
Author
Craig, Laura A.(Laura Ann),1979-
Title
Differentiation of multipotent skin derived precursor cells into skeletal muscle.
Degree
M. Sc. -- McGill University, 2004
Publisher
Ottawa : Library and Archives Canada = Bibliothèque et Archives Canada, [2005]
Description
1 microfiche.
Notes
Includes bibliographical references.
Abstract
The potential use of stem cells for therapy depends on our ability to optimize differentiation conditions to best take advantage of their multipotentiality. Skin derived precursor cells (SKPs) are recently described adult stem cells that have been shown to differentiate into both neuronal and mesodermal cell types 'in vitro'. We asked specifically whether they could be induced to differentiate into skeletal muscle. An accurate assay for detecting skeletal muscle was first developed, using RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. We then used traditional differentiation methods, and found that SKPs could differentiate into cells expressing an immature skeletal muscle phenotype, as determined by appropriate morphology and expression of various skeletal muscle markers. By modifying this protocol, we observed a small percentage of multinucleated, fused myotubes, suggesting that SKPs have the potential to differentiate into mature skeletal muscle given appropriate conditions. Future work could enhance this population, creating an accessible, new source of cells for autologous transplants.
ISBN
0612986144
9780612986145