MSCs, free of hematopoietic cells, express Sca-1 and differentiate into osteocytes, adipocytes, and chondrocytes. MSCs were stained with antibodies against surface markers or control antibodies and subjected to flow cytometry analysis (A). Thick black lines represent specific antibody staining, thin black lines represent nonstained cells, and dashed lines represent staining with control antibody. (B) MSCs were cultured with (ii, iv, vi, and viii) or without (i, iii, v, and vii) induction media for 2 to 3 weeks to induce cell differentiation. Differentiation into osteocytes was detected by Alizarin red staining (i-ii) and by ALP activity assay (iii-iv). Adipogenesis was detected by Oil red O staining (v-vi). Differentiation into chondrocytes was detected by Alcian blue staining (vii-viii). Original magnifications: × 10 for Bi-vi; × 20 for Bvii-viii.