Gene Expression Profiling and Differentiation of Immortalized Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), tissue-derived stem cells, have the ability to differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts and chondrocytes, leading to attempt to apply these stem cells for regeneration of bone and cartilage. To address pluripotency of hMSCs, we analyzed gene expression profiles of several immortalized hMSCs with DNA chips that nearly covers the whole human genes. We isolated some factors that possibly relate to pluripotency of these hMSCs.