MicroRNA-124a regulates the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into neurons

Abstract

Objective

This study investigated the effects of microRNA-124a on the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and its underlying mechanism.

Methods

Flow cytometry was used for isolation and identification of BMSCs. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect gene mRNA expression. Apoptosis was detected using Annexin V-FITC/PI Apoptosis Detection Kit. Cell proliferation ability was tested using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). The differentiation of BMSCs into neuron inducers β-thiol ethanol or baicalin formed the basis of the study.

Results

β-thiol ethanol markedly suppressed the microRNA-124a expression of BMSCs, baicalin markedly induced the microRNA-124a expression of BMSCs and β-thiol ethanol or baicalin promoted apoptosis and reduced the growth of BMSCs. Only the microRNA-124a inhibitor did not affect apoptosis or the differentiation of BMSCs, and it increased the effects of β-thiol ethanol or baicalin on the apoptosis of BMSCs.

Conclusion

β-thiol ethanol and baicalin treatment could affect microRNA-124a expression in BMSCs. We demonstrated that microRNA-124a promoted the differentiation of BMSCs into neurons.

Keywords:

• MicroRNA-124a
• BMSCs
• β-thiol ethanol
• baicalin

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by Hainan Province Science and Technology Special Fund (No. ZDYF2021SHFZ112) of Hainan Province Clinical Medical Center.