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Updated: May 22, 2026
Isolation and Identification of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Adipose Tissue of Sprague Dawley Rats
Published on: April 7, 2023
miR-21 modulates tumor outgrowth induced by human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells in vivo
Keun Koo Shin1, Ae Lim Lee, Jee Young Kim
1Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongnam 626-870, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have generated a great deal of interest in clinical situations, due principally to their potential use in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications. However, the therapeutic application of MSCs remains limited, unless the favorable effects of MSCs on tumor growth in vivo, and the long-term safety of the clinical applications of MSCs, can be more thoroughly understood. In this study, we determined whether microRNAs can modulate MSC-induced tumor outgrowth in BALB/c nude mice. Overexpression of miR-21 in human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) inhibited hADSC-induced tumor growth, and inhibition of miR-21 increased it. Downregulation of transforming growth factor beta receptor II (TGFBR2), but not of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, in hADSCs showed effects similar to those of miR-21 overexpression. Downregulation of TGFBR2 and overexpression of miR21 decreased tumor vascularity. Inhibition of miR-21 and the addition of TGF-β increased the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-6 in hADSCs. Transplantation of miR-21 inhibitor-transfected hADSCs increased blood flow recovery in a hind limb ischemia model of nude mice, compared with transplantation of control oligo-transfected cells. These findings indicate that MSCs might favor tumor growth in vivo. Thus, it is necessary to study the long-term safety of this technique before MSCs can be used as therapeutic tools in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
Insights
MicroRNAs regulate mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in tumor growth. miR-21 overexpression inhibits tumor growth, while its inhibition promotes it, highlighting safety concerns for MSCs in regenerative medicine.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Molecular oncology
- Regenerative medicine
Background:
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show promise for regenerative medicine.
- Therapeutic use of MSCs is limited by their effects on tumor growth and long-term safety.
- Understanding MSC-mediated tumor modulation is crucial for clinical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of microRNAs in modulating mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-induced tumor growth.
- To determine if miR-21 affects human adipose-derived stem cell (hADSC)-mediated tumor progression.
- To explore the relationship between miR-21, TGFBR2, and tumor vascularity.
Main Methods:
- Overexpression and inhibition of miR-21 in hADSCs.
- Assessment of tumor growth in BALB/c nude mice.
- Analysis of TGFBR2, VEGF, and IL-6 expression.
- Evaluation of blood flow recovery in a hind limb ischemia model.
Main Results:
- Overexpression of miR-21 in hADSCs inhibited tumor growth; miR-21 inhibition promoted it.
- Downregulation of TGFBR2 mimicked miR-21 overexpression effects on tumor growth.
- Both miR-21 overexpression and TGFBR2 downregulation reduced tumor vascularity.
- miR-21 inhibition increased VEGF and IL-6 levels, while TGF-β addition also increased these factors.
Conclusions:
- MSCs may promote tumor growth in vivo, influenced by microRNA activity.
- miR-21 and TGFBR2 play significant roles in regulating MSC-induced tumor vascularity and growth.
- Further research on long-term safety is essential before widespread clinical use of MSCs.
