Exosomal MATN3 of Urine-Derived Stem Cells Ameliorates Intervertebral Disc Degeneration by Antisenescence Effects and Promotes NPC Proliferation and ECM Synthesis by Activating TGF-β

Figure 1

USC and USC-exos identification. (a) Morphological appearance of USCs under an optical microscope. USC colonies generally appeared at 7 to 10 days after the primary cell culture and exhibited cobblestone-like morphology under the light microscope. USCs could reach 90% confluence after 2-3 weeks of culture. (b) Multidirectional differentiation potential of USCs. After osteogenic induction, the formation of calcium nodules can be seen by staining with Alizarin Red, red-stained lipid droplets can be seen by staining with Oil Red O after the induction of fat formation, and accumulated glycosaminoglycans can be seen by staining with Alcian Blue after the induction of cartilage. (c) USC surface marker identification. USCs were positive for CD29, CD44, and CD73 but negative for CD34 and CD45. (d) TEM scanning of the USC-exos. (e) Particle size analysis of the USC-exos. (f) WB analysis of specific markers of USC-exos and USC-lysates.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)