Expression of glucose transporters in the human amnion derived mesenchymal stromal cells under normoglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions

Glucose is vital for the proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells. The presence and function of Glucose Transporter (GLUT) proteins in human placental amnion derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hAMSCs) is unknown. We aimed to investigate, the presence of GLUT1, GLUT3, GLUT4 proteins and mRNAs in hAMSCs and their level of expression in normal and hyperglycemic conditions. hAMSCs isolated from amniotic membranes were characterized by flow cytometry. The expression of GLUT1, GLUT3 and GLUT4 proteins was detected in hAMSCs by immunofluorescence. Characterized cells were cultured in normoglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions for 24 and 48 h and the presence of GLUT1, GLUT3 and GLUT4 proteins and mRNAs were identified by Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. Isolated cells were positive with MSC markers and negative with hematopoietic markers. Normoglycemic and hyperglycemic culture of hAMSCs did not change the expression of GLUT1, GLUT3 and GLUT4 protein expression in a time and dose-dependent manner. We showed that GLUT1, GLUT3, GLUT4 proteins and mRNAs were expressed in hAMSCs. Proliferation and differentiation of hAMSCs in vitro are still not optimized. The clarification of this relationship is necessary for clinical applications of stem cells and for optimization of culture conditions. Disclosure of this relationship may provide a better understanding of glucose-related pathologies during pregnancy.