Identification of Specific Cell-Surface Markers of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells from Subcutaneous and Visceral Fat Depots

Adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (ASCs) from the anatomically distinct subcutaneous and visceral depots of white adipose tissue (WAT) differ in their inherent properties. However, little is known about the molecular identity and definitive markers of ASCs from these depots. In this study, ASCs from subcutaneous fat (SC-ASCs) and visceral fat (VS-ASCs) of omental region were isolated and studied. High-content image screening of over 240 cell-surface markers identified several potential depot-specific markers of ASCs. Subsequent studies revealed consistent predominant expression of CD10 in SC-ASCs and CD200 in VS-ASCs across 12 human subjects and in mice. CD10-high-expressing cells sorted from SC-ASCs differentiated better than their CD10-low-expressing counterparts, whereas CD200-low VS-ASCs differentiated better than CD200-high VS-ASCs. The expression of CD10 and CD200 is thus depot-dependent and associates with adipogenic capacities. These markers will offer a valuable tool for tracking and screening of depot-specific stem cell populations. [Display omitted] •Cell-surface markers were comprehensively screened for subcutaneous and visceral ASCs•CD10 is specifically expressed in subcutaneous fat-depot-derived ASCs•CD200 is predominantly expressed in visceral fat-depot-derived ASCs•CD10 shows positive whereas CD200 negative correlation with adipogenic capacity Little is known about the molecular identity and definitive markers of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) from pathophysiologically distinct subcutaneous and visceral fat depots. Through high-content image screening, Sugii and colleagues identified CD10 as subcutaneous-specific and CD200 as visceral-selective ASC markers. Their expression levels are correlated with ASC’s adipogenic capacities, implicating their potential use for tracking and screening of depot-specific cells.