Expression pattern of neurotrophins and their receptors during neuronal differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells in simulated microgravity condition

Abstract

<strong><em>Objective(s):</em></strong> Studies have confirmed that microgravity, as a mechanical factor, influences both differentiation and function of mesenchymal stem cells. Here we investigated the effects of simulated microgravity on neural differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). <strong><em>Materials and Methods</em><em>:</em></strong>We have used a fast rotating clinostat (clinorotation) to simulate microgravity condition. Real-time PCR and flow cytometry analysis were used to evaluate the regulation of neurotrophins, their receptors, and neural markers by simulated microgravity and their impact on neural differentiation of cells. <strong><em>Results</em>:</strong> Our data revealed that simulation microgravity up-regulated the expression of <em>MAP-2</em>, <em>BDNF</em>, <em>TrkB</em>, <em>NT-3,</em> and <em>TrkC</em> both before and after neural differentiation. Also, the neural cells derived from ADSCs in microgravity condition expressed more <em>MAP-2</em>, <em>GFAP,</em> and synaptophysin protein in comparison to the 1G control. <strong><em>Conclusion:</em></strong> We showed that simulated microgravity can enhance the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into neurons. Our findings provide a new strategy for differentiation of ADSCs to neural-like cells and probably other cell lineages. Meanwhile, microgravity simulation had no adverse effects on the viability of the cells and could be used as a new environment to successfully manipulate cells.