Figure 8.

Neurogenic characteristics of BDNF-expressing hUCB-MSCs. (A) phase-contrast microscopy analysis of hUCB-MSCs after 3 and 7 days incubation in NIM, with or without microporation-based pEGFP-BDNF transfection (2 μg). (B) Western blotting of hUCB-MSCs before and 3 days of incubation in NIM with or without pEGFP-BDNF transfection. The cell lysates were then subjected to SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot analysis with anti-nestin, anti-Tuj-1, anti-NeuN, anti-GFAP, and anti-MBP antibodies. (C) Western blotting of hUCB-MSCs before and 3 and 7 days of incubation in NIM with or without pEGFP-BDNF transfection. The cell lysates were then subjected to SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot analysis with anti-phospho ERK, -phospho -Raf-1 antibodies. Equal amounts of total protein were confirmed by using an anti-β-actin antibody. The results shown here are from one of two independent experiments. Scale bar = 100 μm