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Differentiation of Human Adipose Derived Stem Cells into Smooth Muscle Cells Is Modulated by CaMKIIγ
Kaisaier Aji1, Munila Maimaijiang2, Abudusaimi Aimaiti3
1Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, China.
Abstract:
The multifunctional Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is known to participate in maintenance and switches of smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotypes. However, which isoform of CaMKII is involved in differentiation of adult mesenchymal stem cells into contractile SMCs remains unclear. In the present study, we detected γ isoform of CaMKII in differentiation of human adipose derived stem cells (hASCs) into SMCs that resulted from treatment with TGF-β1 and BMP4 in combination for 7 days. The results showed that CaMKIIγ increased gradually during differentiation of hASCs as determined by real-time PCR and western blot analysis. The siRNA-mediated knockdown of CaMKIIγ decreased the protein levels and transcriptional levels of smooth muscle contractile markers (a-SMA, SM22a, calponin, and SM-MHC), while CaMKIIγ overexpression increases the transcriptional and protein levels of smooth muscle contractile markers. These results suggested that γ isoform of CaMKII plays a significant role in smooth muscle differentiation of hASCs.
Insights
The gamma isoform of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKIIγ) is crucial for differentiating human adipose-derived stem cells into smooth muscle cells. Its presence promotes the expression of key smooth muscle contractile markers.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Stem Cell Research
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) regulates smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotypes.
- The specific CaMKII isoform involved in adult mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into SMCs is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of CaMKII isoforms in the differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) into contractile SMCs.
- To determine if CaMKIIγ influences the expression of SMC-specific markers during differentiation.
Main Methods:
- hASCs were differentiated into SMCs using TGF-β1 and BMP4.
- CaMKIIγ expression was analyzed using real-time PCR and Western blot.
- CaMKIIγ function was assessed via siRNA-mediated knockdown and overexpression studies.
Main Results:
- CaMKIIγ expression increased during hASC differentiation into SMCs.
- Knockdown of CaMKIIγ reduced the levels of SMC contractile markers (α-SMA, SM22a, calponin, SM-MHC).
- Overexpression of CaMKIIγ enhanced the expression of these SMC markers.
Conclusions:
- CaMKIIγ isoform plays a significant role in the smooth muscle differentiation of hASCs.
- CaMKIIγ is a key regulator of contractile protein expression during SMC differentiation.
