Effect of low temperature on Schwann-like cell differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stromal cells that can differentiate into a variety of cell types. The potential of MSCs for differentiation and proliferation depends on the control of various processes. In this study, we have investigated the effects of low temperature on the Schwann-like cell differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs). The growth of BM-MSCs decreased at low temperature, but increased Schwann-like cell differentiation. The expression of cell surface antigen decreased CD73, CD105, and CD90, which are known markers of MSCs at 35°C. Also, the levels of matrix RNA [S100, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), p75, myelin basic protein, P0, and others] at 35°C in the differentiation culture were higher than those at 37°C in the differentiation culture, and S100, p75, and GFAP proteins were expressed more than at 37°C. GFAP and S100 were stained strongly at 35°C by immunohistochemical examination. These data demonstrate that culturing BM-MSCs at reduced temperature can improve differentiation into Schwann-like cells.