Lin28a enhances in vitro osteoblastic differentiation of human periosteum-derived cells

Despite a capacity for proliferation and an ability to differentiate into multiple cell types, in long-term culture and with ageing, stem cells show a reduction in growth, display a decrease in differentiation potential, and enter senescence without evidence of transformation. The Lin28a gene encodes an RNA-binding protein that plays a role in regulating stem cell activity, including self-renewal and differentiation propensity. However, the effect of the Lin28a gene on cultured human osteoprecursor cells is poorly understood. In the present study, alkaline phosphatase activity, alizarin red-positive mineralization, and calcium content, positive indicators of osteogenic differentiation, were significantly higher in cultured human periosteum-derived cells (hPDCs) with Lin28a overexpression compared with cells without Lin28a overexpression. Lin28a overexpression by hPDCs also increased mitochondrial activity, which is essential for cellular proliferation, as suggested by a reduced presence of reactive oxygen species and significantly enhanced lactate levels and ATP production. Our results suggest that, in hPDCs, the Lin28a gene enhances osteoblastic differentiation and increases mitochondrial activity. Although Lin28a is known as a marker of undifferentiated human embryogenic stem cell, there is limited evidence regarding the influence of Lin28a on osteoblastic differentiation of cultured osteoprecursor cells. This study was to examine the impact of Lin28a on osteogenic phenotypes of human periosteum-derived cells. Their phenotypes can be similar to those of mesenchymal stem cells. Our results suggest that the Lin28a gene enhances the osteoblastic differentiation of human periosteum-derived cells. In addition, the Lin28a gene increases mitochondrial activity in human periosteum-derived cells.