Adipogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells regulated by microRNA-26b-5p/TCF-4

Background: Our study was designed to investigate the role of miR-26b-5p on TCF-4, affecting the adipogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADMSCs). METHODS: The adipogenic differentiation of hADMSCs was induced by adipogenic medium for 6 days (d). Bioinformatic and dual-luciferase analyses were used to confirm the relationship between TCF-4 and miR-26b-5p. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the effect of miR-26b-5p on TCF-4 and β-catenin in hADMSCs transfected with miR-26b-5p mimic and inhibitor. Mimic, inhibitor, and small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfected in hADMSCs to against LEF1 and β-catenin. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting were used to examine the adipogenic markers and Wnt/β-catenin pathway at the mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Immunofluorescence was performed to locate β-catenin. RESULTS: hADMSCs could differentiate toward adipocytes by the adipogenic medium. The results of bioinformatic and dual-luciferase analyses show that TCF-4 is a potential target of miR-26b-5p. The immunofluorescence intensity of TCF4 and β-catenin were inhibited by miR-26b-5p in hADMSCs. Overexpression of miR-26b-5p promotes the adipogenic differentiation of hADMSCs. Overexpression of TCF-4 and β-catenin inhibits the adipogenic differentiation of hADMSCs. The adipogenic differentiation of hADMSCs that promoted by knocking down TCF4 could be weakened by low-expression of miR-26b-5p. The stimulative effect of β-catenin low-expression in adipogenic differentiation was inhibited by miR-26b-5p inhibitor. Conclusions: miR-26b-5p is a negative regulator to inhibit TCF-4 directly, and then inactivated Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which promotes the adipogenic differentiation of hADMSCs in vitro.