Schwann-like cells can be induction from human nestin-positive amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells.

We examined the morphological, phenotypic, and functional characteristics of human amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells (AF-MSCs) differentiated towards a Schwann cell lineage. Initially, we induced human AF-MSCs into nestin-positive AF-MSCs. And then, these nestin-positive AF-MSCs were induced into floating neurospheres. After that, neurospheres were induced to differentiate into Schwann-like cells using glia growth factors. In comparison with AF-MSCs, nestin-positive AF-MSCs significantly increased the ratio of neurosphere formation and the percentage of nestin expression in the neurosphere. Differentiated AF-MSCs showed morphological changes similar to those found in Schwann cells. Expression of the Schwann cell markers was determined by immunocytochemical staining and western blotting. Furthermore, differentiated AF-MSCs could promote neurite outgrowth in co-culture with dorsal root ganglia neurons. These results suggest that conversion of human nestin-positive AF-MSCs into cells with Schwann-like cell characteristics is possible and that these cells may have the potential for future cellular therapy for peripheral neurological disorders.