MicroRNA-141 Inhibits the Differentiation of Stem Cells From Apical Papilla

Objectives: Stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs) are one of important seed cells for the tooth root development and regeneration. MicroRNA is a class of non-coding single stranded RNA, which participating in post-transcriptional gene expression regulation. This study aims to explore the effect of MicroRNA-141 on the proliferation and differentiation of SCAPs.
Methods: The MicroRNA-141 mimics and inhibitors were constructed in vitro, and the proliferation of SCAPs was detected by CCK8. The differentiation of SCAPs affected by MicroRNA-141 was observed via real-time PCR and Western blot. In addition, the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and the formation of mineralized nodules of SCAPs were detected.
Results: CCK8 results showed that the proliferation of SCAPs with high expression of MicroRNA-141 was reduced (P < 0.01). And the ALP activity was significantly decreased in comparison with the control group (P < 0.01), the less mineralized nodules were observed by alizarin red staining. The expression of odonto/osteogenic differentiation genes (DSPP, RUNX2, OCN, COL-1) were significantly reduced (P < 0.01), and the expression of corresponding proteins was consistent with that of genes. In contrast, the SCAPs with low expression of MicroRNA-141 were found with increased proliferation, enhanced ALP activity, more formation of mineralized nodules, and higher expression of the genes and proteins (P < 0.01).
Conclusions: MicroRNA-141 was involved in the proliferation and odonto/osteogenic differentiation of SCAPs. They would be inhibited with the high expression of MicroRNA-141, and be promoted with the low expression of MicroRNA-141.