OBJECTIVETo investigate whether human adipose derived adult stem (hADAS) cells can differentiate into endothelial cells.

METHODSStem cells were isolated and expanded from adipose tissue and then induced to differentiate into cells of osteogenic, adipogenic and neurogenic lineages in vitro. hADAS cells were induced with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to endothelial cells differentiation. hADAS cells were intravenously injected into mouse hindlimb ischemic models to test their ability to differentiate endothelial cells in vivo.

RESULTShADAS cells were easily isolated and expanded in vitro. They had the ability to differentiate into osteogenic, adipogenic and neurogenic lineages. The cells expressed vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2, Flk1), and expressed endothelial markers when cultured with VEGF and bFGF. In response to local cues, hADAS cells in vivo differentiate into endothelial cells that contributed to neoangiogenesis in hindlimb ischemia models.

CONCLUSIONSFlk1+ hADAS cells have multipotential not only similar to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, but also exhibiting characteristics of endothelial progenitor cells. They may be a potential source of endothelial cells for cellular pro-angiogenic therapies.