Batch Effects during Human Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Propagation Prevail Donor Variation and Culture Duration: Impact on Genotype, Phenotype and Function

This study investigates how different methods of growing bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) can affect their properties and function. The focus is on comparing the use of human platelet lysate (hPL) and fetal bovine serum (FBS) during cell growth. The study found that the method used to grow the cells (hPL vs. FBS) had a greater impact on their characteristics than the natural differences between cells from different donors. This means that the culture conditions significantly influence the cells' gene expression, physical traits, and ability to regenerate cartilage. The research highlights the importance of carefully considering the materials used in cell culture, as they can significantly alter the properties of the cells and affect their suitability for use in therapies, particularly in skeletal regeneration.

• 1
  hPL significantly increased BMSC proliferation, created significantly different gene expression trajectories and distinct surface marker signatures, already after just one passage.
• 2
  Expansion in xenogenic serum resulted in significant loss of function during 3D cartilage disk formation and significantly increased clotting risk.
• 3
  Data demonstrate pronounced batch effects on BMSC transcriptome, phenotype and function due to serum factors, partly outcompeting donor variation after just one culture passage.