Figure 2. Multi-lineage Differentiation of PrCSCs and hBM-MSCs.

PrCSCs derived from multiple patients (PrCSC-2, -4, -6) are able to differentiate into adipocytes (B, G, and L), osteoblasts (D, I, and N), and chondrocytes (E, J, and O) when placed in the appropriate induction media as defined by positive staining for lipid vacuoles (adipocytes, Oil Red O), calcium mineralization (osteoblasts, Alizarin Red S), and glycosaminoglycans (chondrocytes, Safranin-O), respectively. Differentiation indicated by red staining in each. In contrast, no differentiation is observed when these cells are not cultured in the presence of the various inducing factors (adipocytes: A, F, K, and P; osteoblasts: C, H, M, and R). Differentiation into these three lineages is one of the defining characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells as demonstrated by the hBM-MSC positive controls (Q, S, and T).