Screening of genes responsible for differentiation of mouse mesenchymal stromal cells by DNA micro-array analysis of C3H10T1/2 and C3H10T1/2-derived cell lines

BackgroundThe molecular mechanisms underlying the biologic effects or differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have not been clarified. Screening for genes differentially expressed at different stages is an important step in determining these molecular mechanisms.MethodsIn this study, we analyzed the gene expression profiles of C3H10T1/2 (10T1/2) cells and two sublines, A54 (pre-adipocyte) and M1601 (myoblast), as a model of MSC and downstream committed progenitors.ResultsWe found up-regulated expression of delta-like-1 (Dlk), Wnt-5a and IL-1 receptor-like-1 (ST2) in 10T1/2 cells; stem cell factor (SCF) and stromal derived factor-1 (SDF-1) in A54 cells; and cardiac muscle-specific gene in M1601 cells. Overexpression of Dlk in A54 cells did not induce any effects on their differentiation into adipocytes. After differentiation into adipocytes, A54 cells reduced the expression of SCF, SDF-1 and Ang-1 as well as the ability to support the formation of a cobblestone appearance.DiscussionThe results suggest that these three lines have different gene profiles and are a useful system for analyzing the differentiation and function of MSC and progenitor cells.