Abstract
Background aims. Bone marrow- and adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) represent promising sources for regenerative medicine. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying MSC stemness maintenance versus differentiation are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to compare the genome-wide expression profiles of bone marrow-and adipose tissue-derived MSC, in order to identify a common molecular stemness core. Methods. Molecular profiling was carried out using Affymetrix microarray and relevant genes were further validated by Q-PCR. Results. We identified an overlapping dataset of 190 transcripts commonly regulated in both cell populations, which included several genes involved in stemness regulation (i.e. self-renewal potential and the ability to generate differentiated cells), various signaling pathways and transcription factors. In particular, we identified a central role of the Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) DNA-binding protein in regulating MSC transcriptional activity. Conclusions. Our results provide new insights toward understanding the molecular basis of MSC stemness maintenance and underline the ability of KLF4 to maintain cells in an undifferentiated state.
Acknowledgments
We thank Manuela Giachelia for assistance with bone marrow aspirate furniture and Chiara Chiellini for her helpful comments on the manuscript.
Author contributions: NS, MAP, ACP and AG conceived and designed the experiments; NS, MAP, GP, GL, SA and LC performed the experiments; NS, FM and LC analyzed the data; NS and WL wrote the paper.
Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.