Schwann cell differentiation from rat mesenchymal stem cells

This differentiation protocol describes the formation of Schwann-like cells from rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Differentiated Schwann cells expressed specific markers, and acquired a morphology similar to that of cultured Schwann cells. Moreover, when transplanted into an injured sciatic nerve, the cells induced regeneration of the nerve and were shown to wrap around the axons.