Conversion of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells into Sweat Gland-Like Cells: An In Vitro Phenotypic Study

Abstract. Objective:. This study was performed to explore the conversion of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) into sweat gland-like cells for the purpose of sweat gland regeneration. Methods:. ADSCs and human sweat gland (hSG) cells were isolated, cultured, and identified. The ADSCs were then cultured in combination with epidermal growth factor and/or cocultured with hSG cells in a Transwell coculturing system to transform the ADSCs into hSG-like cells. Phenotypic changes of the ADSCs were examined by morphological observation and immunocytochemical analysis of specific markers. Results:. The ADSCs showed sweat gland-like morphologic changes and expressed sweat gland markers (cytokeratins 7, 14, and 18). Conclusion:. These findings revealed that ADSCs can differentiate into hSG-like cells after coculture in a Transwell system and that epidermal growth factor can enhance the efficiency of differentiation. ADSCs may serve as a potential source of cells for sweat gland regeneration.