Detailed characterization of bone marrow adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells in healthy donor, Fanconi anemia, and acute myeloid leukemia

Bone marrow is a complex tissue featuring distinct cellular organization and diverse cell types. Bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) is a dynamic component crucial for tissue function and disease processes. This study explores differences between bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and BMAT-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMAT-MSCs), isolated from the same cavity, examining their differentiation potential and secretory profiles. BM-MSCs and BMAT-MSCs both exhibit classical mesenchymal characteristics, with over 90 % positivity for markers such as CD105 and CD29. Notably, BMAT-MSCs display significantly higher differentiation potential than BM-MSCs, with enhanced osteogenic and adipogenic capabilities, as indicated by increased calcium accumulation and lipid storage. In Fanconi anemia (FA) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), osteogenic potential is limited, indicating impaired differentiation under these pathological conditions. Gene expression analysis of adipogenic molecules and metabolic regulators revealed significant differences in expression profile between BM- and BMAT-MSCs, particularly during adipogenic differentiation, indicating distinct characteristics that were more notable in FAs and AMLs. Furthermore, metabolomic profiling of BM plasma, using GC–MS for in-vivo niche reflection, and lipid analysis via LC-qTOF-MS show significant lipidomic alterations in patient samples, highlighting metabolic dysregulation and lipid remodeling. Lipid-mediated signaling and membrane composition changes appear integral to disease mechanisms. In conclusion, this study highlights the distinctive molecular and metabolomic profiles and adaptive mechanisms of BM- and BMAT-MSCs in bone marrow pathologies.