Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in myelodysplastic syndromes: cytogenetic characterization

Acta Haematol. 2012;128(3):170-7. doi: 10.1159/000339427. Epub 2012 Aug 10.

Abstract

Aim: This study compared genetic aberrations in hematopoietic cells (HCs) and mesenchymal stem cells of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS-MSCs) patients.

Methods: We obtained chromosomes with aberrations from 22 patients with MDS and chromosomes from 7 healthy individuals. Chromosomal aberrations in both HCs and MSCs were identified using G-banding. We then performed DNA content analysis of the HCs and MSCs.

Results: Cytogenetic aberrations were detected in HCs from 13 of the 22 MDS patients (59%). Chromosomal aberrations in MSCs were detected in 15 of the 22 MDS patients (68%). No chromosomal abnormalities were identified in MSCs of the 7 healthy volunteers. We demonstrate herein that MSCs have distinct genetic abnormalities compared to HCs from the same individual. We observed a random loss of chromosomal material in significant proportions of MSCs. A high proportion of random loss may be a marker of chromosomal instability of MDS-MSCs. However, two case results showed that HCs and MSCs have different altered structural changes.

Conclusion: Our results suggest enhanced genetic susceptibility of these cells in MDS patients. Our data indicates that the genetic alterations in MSCs may constitute a particular biological mechanism of MDS pathogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Chromosome Aberrations*
  • Female
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / pathology
  • Humans
  • Karyotyping
  • Male
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / pathology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes / genetics*
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes / pathology
  • Phenotype
  • Prospective Studies