Differentiation and multipotential characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue of an endangered wild cat (Leopardus guigna)

Adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) have been isolated and used as cell therapy in domestic cats. For wild cats, AMSCs have been reported only in black-footed cats (Felis nigripes). Feline AMSCs may be useful to treat the injuries of endangered cats in captivity and to improve cloning techniques or for derivation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). The guigna (Leopardus guigna) is an endemic and endangered feline from Chile and Argentina. The objective of this study was to characterize putative AMSCs from guigna in terms of their main biological attributes such as: growth kinetics, differentiation ability, and surface marker expression. The results were compared with cat AMSCs. AMSCs were isolated from peritoneal adipose tissue of female cats and subcutaneous tissue from a female guigna. Cells were isolated and cultured in DMEM/F12, supplemented with DMEM/F12 + FBS 10%. Migration potential, Colony-forming unit assay, mesodermal differentiation and surface marker expression (CD45, CD44, CD90, MHCI, and MHCII) were evaluated.  Cat and guigna AMSCs displayed similar growth properties in culture. Both AMSCs showed mesodermal differentiation potential; in vitro homing potential and similar surface marker expression. These results demonstrate that the AMSCs from subcutaneous tissue of guigna could potentially be useful in regenerative therapy in this species and could be considered for use in cloning of this wild cat.