This study explores the potential for adipocyte-derived stem cells (ASCs) to be used in bladder reconstruction. Current methods, such as enterocystoplasty, have significant limitations, making new approaches necessary. Tissue engineering, specifically using acellular scaffolds such as the bladder acellular matrix, offers a promising basis for this development. For this study, ASCs were isolated from adipose tissue derived from liposuction and co-cultured with urothelial cells (UC; SV-HUC) to induce transdifferentiation. Results indicate successful isolation and characterization of ASCs, displaying positive markers for stem cells. The co-culture of ASCs with SV-HUC cells resulted in changes resembling epithelial cells, indicating a potential transdifferentiation process, and is corroborated by the mRNA and protein levels. For the functional assay, urothelial-like cells were seeded onto decellularized bladder tissues. These findings demonstrate the successful transdifferentiation of ASCs into functional UC, presenting a promising strategy for bladder reconstruction and a potential alternative to current approaches.
Keywords: cell transdifferentiation; decellularized extracellular matrix; mesenchymal stem cells; stromal vascular fraction; tissue engineering; urothelium.
© The Author(s) 2025. Published by Oxford University Press.