Adipose derived stem cells (ADSC), a type of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) found in the vascular stroma of human fat tissues. It showed promising potentials as an alternative source for tissue engineering. Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) regulates pluripotency in ADSC, while bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) signalling is essential for the differentiation of ADSC towards ectodermal lineages.

Objective:

The expression of BMP4 and OCT4 in primary ADSCs from different adipose tissue depots were assessed.

Method:

Subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues were harvested from the abdomen of 6 females, processed and ADSCs were isolated. The expression of BMP4 and OCT4 were assessed at P4 and compared to ADSC cell line as a control group.

Results:

: The expression of OCT4 and BMP4 were higher in primary ADSC from both subcutaneous and visceral locations compared to the control. The OCT4 and BMP4 expression in visceral and subcutaneous ADSCs showed a different pattern. Majority (67% and 100%) of the visceral ADSCs expressed higher OCT4 and BMP4 respectively compared to subcutaneous ADSCs. These findings suggest a potential correlation between the ADSCs’ differential capacity and its location, explained by the interplays between underlying regulatory pathways of pluripotency and ectodermal differentiation.