Characterization of the male R. human fibroblast cell line and its ability to support hematopoiesis / by Jean B. Hatfield.
| Author/creator | Hatfield, Jean B. author. |
| Other author | Sigounas, George, degree supervisor. |
| Other author | East Carolina University. Department of Biology. |
| Format | Theses and dissertations |
| Production | 1999. |
| Description | viii, 88 leaves, 3 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (some color) ; 28 cm |
| Supplemental Content | Access via ScholarShip |
| Subjects |
| Summary | Hematopoiesis is the process whereby the proliferation and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells gives rise to new blood cells. Low numbers of stem cells are present in the body, making applications of stem cell research limited; therefore, expansion of stem cells has become a major focus of research. The purpose of our study was to determine the ability of male R. human fibroblast cells in supporting the proliferation and survival of stem cells, and to examine the spectrum of hematopoietic growth factors expressed by these cells. Cells expressing the CD34⁺ receptor were isolated from human umbilical cord blood and co-cultured with male R. human fibroblast cells, bone marrow cells, human umbilical vein endothelial cells and a placental cell line. When CD34⁺ umbilical cord blood cells were co-cultured with male R. human fibroblast cells, the number of colony forming units increased, indicating stem cell expansion. In addition, CD34⁺ umbilical cord blood cells co-cultured with male R. human fibroblast cells yielded more colonies than co-cultures with all other cell types. Expression of mRNA encoding growth factors involved in hematopoiesis, by male R. human fibroblast cells, was analyzed using an RNase protection assay. This assay revealed that male R. human fibroblast cells produced interleukin-6, macrophage colony stimulating factor, oncostatin M, leukemia inhibitory factor, and stem cell factor. These results support the hypothesis that male R. human fibroblast cells synthesize hematopoietic growth factors and support the expansion of CD34⁺ umbilical cord blood cells in short term cultures. |
| General note | Submitted to the faculty of the Department of Biology. |
| General note | Advisor: George Sigounas |
| Dissertation note | M.S. East Carolina University 1999 |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 78-88). |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Thèses et écrits académiques. |