The optimized priming effect of FGF-1 and FGF-2 enhances preadipocyte lineage commitment in human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Abstract

The cell-assisted lipotransfer technique, integrating adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs), has transformed lipofilling, enhancing fat graft viability. However, the multipotent nature of ADMSCs poses challenges. To improve safety and graft vitality and to reduce unwanted lineage differentiation, this study refines the methodology by priming ADMSCs into preadipocytes—unipotent, self-renewing cells. We explored the impact of fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), and epidermal growth factor (EGF), either alone or in combination, on primary human ADMSCs during the proliferative phase. FGF-2 emerged as a robust stimulator of cell proliferation, preserving stemness markers, especially when combined with EGF. Conversely, FGF-1, while not significantly affecting cell growth, influenced cell morphology, transitioning cells to a rounded shape with reduced CD34 expression. Furthermore, co-priming with FGF-1 and FGF-2 enhanced adipogenic potential, limiting osteogenic and chondrogenic tendencies, and possibly promoting preadipocyte commitment. These preadipocytes exhibited unique features: rounded morphology, reduced CD34, decreased preadipocyte factor 1 (Pref-1), and elevated C/EBPα and PPARγ, alongside sustained stemness markers (CD73, CD90, CD105). Mechanistically, FGF-1 and FGF-2 activated key adipogenic transcription factors—C/EBPα and PPARγ—while inhibiting GATA3 and Notch3, which are adipogenesis inhibitors. These findings hold the potential to advance innovative strategies for ADMSC-mediated lipofilling procedures.