In Vitro Study of Thymosin Beta 4 Promoting Transplanted Fat Survival by Regulating Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Stem Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Autologous fat grafting (AFG) is popular but limited by uncertain fat survival.
• Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are implicated in fat retention.
• Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) is known to improve fat survival, but its mechanism is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mechanism by which Tβ4 enhances fat survival in AFG.
• To analyze the effects of Tβ4 on ADSC proliferation, apoptosis, and migration.
• To determine Tβ4's role in angiogenesis and the Hippo signaling pathway in ADSCs.

Main Methods:

• ADSCs were isolated and treated with varying concentrations of Tβ4.
• Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration were assessed using cell counting kit-8, flow cytometry, and wound healing assays.
• mRNA levels of angiogenesis-related and Hippo pathway genes were quantified using real-time quantitative PCR.

Main Results:

• Tβ4 significantly increased ADSC proliferation at 100 ng/mL and 1000 ng/mL.
• Tβ4 enhanced the anti-apoptotic capacity of ADSCs.
• Tβ4 influenced the mRNA expression of angiogenesis-related genes and key Hippo pathway components.

Conclusions:

• Tβ4 enhances adipose viability in AFG by promoting ADSC proliferation and reducing apoptosis.
• Tβ4 acts as a positive regulator of ADSC-driven angiogenesis.
• Tβ4 may modulate ADSC phenotype through regulation of the Hippo pathway.