DNA methylation is involved in the microRNA-886-3p gene expression and plays a potential role in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell mobilization through affecting SDF-1

The role of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) mobilization has been largely investigated. However, there is a critical need for the identification of the underlying contributing factors to improve HSPC yield for transplantation. It has been demonstrated that miR-886-3p targets stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), the central mediator of mobilization, and therefore may play a part in this process. Besides, miR-886-3p expression can be epigenetically regulated through DNA methylation modifications inits gene promoter. Here, to assess the contribution of miR-886-3p and other epigenetic factors in HSPC mobilization, human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were treated with the ?-adrenergic agonist of isoprenaline. The expression of miR-886-3p and SDF-1and the gene promoter methylation status of this miRNA were then respectively evaluated through the appropriate PCR techniques. As expected, despite a transient initial increase in SDF-1mRNA level, its expression reduced, and miR-886-3plevel remarkably increased 48 h following treatment. The gene promoter methylation pattern of miR-886-3p also changed from a full methylated state to a partially methylated one. Together, our findings suggest that miR-886-3p can be epigenetically regulated and through suppressing the expression of SDF-1 play an active role in the SNS-mediated HSPC mobilization.

Isolation of stem cells from adult rat kidneys

The kidney has an inherent ability for recovery and regeneration following acute damage. However, there has been much contention as to the source of regenerating renal cells. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize these cells. Normal rat kidneys were minced and cells were isolated with collagenase I and were cultured in an expansion medium. Adherent cells were isolated and expanded for more than 120 days in vitro. These cells had the potential of trans-lineage differentiation into neural cells, adipocytes and osteocytes. These cells also expressed Nucleostemin, Cyclin D1, Notch1 and Survivin which are commonly expressed in stem cells. The results of the current work show that the adult kidney contains a population of multipotent stem cells.