Mechano growth factor promotes the migration of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Objective To study the mechanism by which mechano growth factor (MGF) promotes the migration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Methods MSCs were isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats and treated with MGF at various concentrations. Western blotting was used to evaluate the expression of RhoA protein and its downstream p-MYPT, as well as p-FAK and t-FAK proteins related to focal adhesion kinase. The aim was to illustrate the effect of MGF in regulating the cytoskeleton of MSCs and the formation of focal adhesion. C3 toxin was used to inhibit RhoA activity and western blotting was used to examine the expression of p-MYPT, and the focal adhesion kinases p-FAK and t-FAK. Transwell assays were used to examine MSCs′ migration ability, and immunofluorescence was conducted to examine the formation of F-actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesion. Results MGF can significantly promote the expression of MSCs′ RhoA and its downstream protein p-MYPT. The effect is dose-dependent. The expression of RhoA and p-MYPT increased most significantly at 50 μM concentration. The ratio of p-FAK to t-FAK indicates that MGF can activate focal adhesion kinase and promote adhesion. C3 toxin significantly inhibited FAK activation. Transwell assays showed that MGF can significantly promote MSC migration, but pretreatment with C3 toxin inhibited it. The immunofluorescence results show that MGF can promote the rearrangement of MSCs′ F-actin cytoskeleton and the formation of focal adhesion. C3 toxin disrupted MSCs cytoskeletons and decreased focal adhesion. Conclusion MGF promotes MSCs′ migration through RhoA- and kinase-mediated cytoskeleton rearrangement and the formation of focal adhesion. Key words: Mechano growth factor; Mesenchymal stem cells; Migration; RhoA; Adhesion