J Laryngol Otol. 2016 Jun 8:1-6. [Epub ahead of print]

Microenvironment of macula flava in the human vocal fold as a stem cell niche.

Sato K¹, Chitose S¹, Kurita T¹, Umeno H¹.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

There is growing evidence that the cells in the maculae flavae are tissue stem cells of the human vocal fold mucosa, and that the maculae flavae are a candidate for a stem cell niche. The role of microenvironment in the maculae flavae of the human vocal fold mucosa was investigated.

METHOD:

Anterior maculae flavae from six surgical specimens were cultured in a mesenchymal stem cell growth medium or a Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium.

RESULTS:

Using mesenchymal stem cell growth medium, the subcultured cells formed a colony-forming unit, and cell division reflected asymmetric self-renewal. This indicates that these cells are mesenchymal stem cells or stromal stem cells in the bone marrow. Using Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium, the subcultured cells showed symmetric cell division without a colony-forming unit.

CONCLUSION:

A proper microenvironment in the maculae flavae of the human vocal fold mucosa is necessary to be effective as a stem cell niche that maintains the stemness of the contained tissue stem cells.