Roles of Wnt/{beta}-catenin signaling in epithelial differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells

Journal Article · Fri Dec 25 00:00:00 EST 2009 · Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.BBRC.2009.10.143· OSTI ID:22199943

Wang, Yajing; Sun, Zhaorui; Qiu, Xuefeng ^[1]; Li, Yan ^[2]; Qin, Jizheng ^[1]; Han, Xiaodong ^[1]

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1. Immunology and Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Medical College of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093 (China)
2. Jiangsu Centers for Diseases Prevention and Control, Nanjing 210009 (China)

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been demonstrated to be able to differentiate into epithelial lineage, but the precise mechanisms controlling this process are unclear. Our aim is to explore the roles of Wnt/{beta}-catenin in the epithelial differentiation of MSCs. Using indirect co-culture of rat MSCs with rat airway epithelial cells (RTE), MSCs expressed several airway epithelial markers (cytokeratin 18, tight junction protein occudin, cystic fibrosis transmembrance regulator). The protein levels of some important members in Wnt/{beta}-catenin signaling were determined, suggested down-regulation of Wnt/{beta}-catenin with epithelial differentiation of MSCs. Furthermore, Wnt3{alpha} can inhibit the epithelial differentiation of MSCs. A loss of {beta}-catenin induced by Dickkopf-1 can enhance MSCs differentiation into epithelial cells. Lithium chloride transiently activated {beta}-catenin expression and subsequently decreased {beta}-catenin level and at last inhibited MSCs to differentiate into airway epithelium. Taken together, our study indicated that RTE cells can trigger epithelial differentiation of MSCs. Blocking Wnt/{beta}-catenin signaling may promote MSCs to differentiate towards airway epithelial cells.

• OSTI ID: 22199943
• Journal Information: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, Vol. 390, Issue 4; Other Information: Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved.; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0006-291X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
BONE MARROW
CONNECTORS
ELECTRIC CONTACTS
EPITHELIUM
FIBROSIS
LITHIUM CHLORIDES
PROTEINS
RATS
SIGNALS
STEM CELLS