A) Gene expression profile analysis via qPCR from sweat glands directly after isolation compared to outgrowing cells. Distinct changes in gene expression could be detected (n=3, mean±SEM). Whereas Nestin was constantly expressed, expression of sweat gland related genes (K14, K19, Mucin, CEA) decreased during in
vitro cell propagation. In contrast transcripts indicating proliferation (Ki67) increased. **** p<0,0001 B) qPCR was performed to determine the expression of transcripts corroborating a multipotent differentiation capability and to evaluate expression variations between passages (P8, P14, P21) and donors (n=3, mean±SEM). There were no significant variations in gene expression levels. C) Expression of stem cell-related proteins Oct4, SOX2 and Nestin in SGSCs. D) IF analysis of proteins specific for cells of ectodermal (NF), mesodermal (AP) and endodermal (Amylase) origin. Nuclei were stained with DAPI. Scale bars 100 μm. E) Analysis of cytokine secretion via membrane-based array system of SGSCs grown on cell culture plastic. Via cytokine array (first panel) and angiogenesis array (second panel), factors involved in vascularization, immune regulation and tissue remodeling could be detected.