PDGF and bFGF modulate tube formation in adipose tissue-derived stem cells.

Recent evidence indicates that mesenchymal stem cells contribute to tumor angiogenesis through yet undefined mechanisms. In the present study, we investigated the angiogenic properties of human adipose tissue-derived stem cells and the mechanisms involved. Freshly isolated human adipose tissue-derived stem cells were seeded onto wells coated with Matrigel and cultured in endothelial growth medium. Capillary-like tube formation was observed after 18 hours culture. Tube formation was significantly reduced in the presence of antibodies against platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta or basic fibroblast growth factor. Collectively, these data suggest that freshly isolated adipose tissue-derived stem cells have the capacity to differentiate into capillary structures and platelet-derived growth factor and bFGF plays a critical role in this process.