Microenvironment of macula flava in the human vocal fold as a stem cell niche

• Published in: Journal of laryngology and otology Vol. 130; no. 7; pp. 656 - 661
• Main Authors: Sato, K, Chitose, S, Kurita, T, Umeno, H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 01.07.2016
• Subjects: Cartilage; Cell Culture Techniques; Cell division; Cell growth; Cytoplasm; Fibroblasts; Humans; Laryngeal Mucosa - cytology; Lipids; Main Articles; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells - cytology; Morphology; Stem Cell Niche; Stem Cells; Vocal Cords - cytology; Japan; Stem Cells; Larynx; Stem Cell Niche; Vocal Cord
• ISSN: 0022-2151; 1748-5460
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022215116008227

There is growing evidence that the cells in the maculae flavae are tissue stem cells of the human vocal fold mucosa, and that the maculae flavae are a candidate for a stem cell niche. The role of microenvironment in the maculae flavae of the human vocal fold mucosa was investigated. Anterior maculae flavae from six surgical specimens were cultured in a mesenchymal stem cell growth medium or a Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium. Using mesenchymal stem cell growth medium, the subcultured cells formed a colony-forming unit, and cell division reflected asymmetric self-renewal. This indicates that these cells are mesenchymal stem cells or stromal stem cells in the bone marrow. Using Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium, the subcultured cells showed symmetric cell division without a colony-forming unit. A proper microenvironment in the maculae flavae of the human vocal fold mucosa is necessary to be effective as a stem cell niche that maintains the stemness of the contained tissue stem cells.