OBJECTIVETo explore the feasibility of the transdiferentiation of human breast adipose-derived stem cells (hbASCs) into mammary epithelial-like cells after co-culturing in Transwell in vitro.

METHODSThe third passage hbASC and the HBL-100 cell line were co-cultured in a Transwell culture system for 15 days. The hbASCs were observed and identified by inverted phase contrast microscope and transmission electron microscopy, and immunocytochemistry staining in the induced and control groups.

RESULTSBoth the third passage hbASCs and the HBL-100 cell line cells could adhere and grow rapidly after co-culture in the Transwell system. After co-culture for 15 days, the morphology of some induced hbASCs changed into epithelial-like cells. Some induced hbASCs showed positive expression of CK18, CK19 by immunocytochemistry staining, and typical epithelium cells with microvilli, desmosomes and tonofilaments observed under TEM. The positive rate of CK18 and CK19 was (24.4 +/- 12.0)% and (21.6 +/- 16.4)% in experimental group, and (1.8 +/- 1.7)% and (1.1 +/- 0.6)% in control group.

CONCLUSIONThe data suggests that hbASCs may have the potential to transdifferentiate into human mammary epithelial-like cells after co-culturing in Transwell in vitro.