Neurogenin 2 Converts Mesenchymal Stem Cells into a Neural Precursor Fate and Improves Functional Recovery after Experimental Stroke
Background: Neurogenin2 (Ngn2) is a proneural gene that directs neuronal differentiation of progenitor cells during development. Here, we investigated whether Ngn2 can reprogram MSCs to adopt a neural precursor fate and enhance the therapeutic effects of MSCs after experimental stroke. Methods: In v...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Cell Physiol Biochem Press GmbH & Co KG
2014-03-01
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| Series: | Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/358657 |
| Summary: | Background: Neurogenin2 (Ngn2) is a proneural gene that directs neuronal differentiation of progenitor cells during development. Here, we investigated whether Ngn2 can reprogram MSCs to adopt a neural precursor fate and enhance the therapeutic effects of MSCs after experimental stroke. Methods: In vitro, MSCs were transfected with lenti-GFP or lenti-Ngn2. Following neuronal induction, cells were identified by immunocytochemistry, Western blot and electrophysiological analyses. In a stroke model induced by transient right middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), PBS, GFP-MSCs or Ngn2-MSCs were injected 1 day after MCAO. Behavioral tests, neurological and immunohistochemical assessments were performed. Results: In vitro, Ngn2-MSCs expressed neural stem cells markers (Pax6 and nestin) and lost the potential to differentiate into mesodermal cell types. Following neural induction, Ngn2-MSCs expressed higher levels of neuron-specific proteins MAP2, Tuj1 and NeuN, and also expressed voltage-gated Na+ channel, which was absent in GFP-MSCs. In vivo, after transplantation, Ngn2-MSCs significantly reduced apoptotic cells, decreased infarct volume, and increased the expression of VEGF and BDNF. Finally, Ngn2-MSCs treated animals showed the highest functional recovery among the three groups. Conclusions: Ngn2 was sufficient to convert MSCs into a neural precursor fate and transplantation of Ngn2-MSCs was advantageous for the treatment of stroke rats. |
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| ISSN: | 1015-8987 1421-9778 |