Abstract
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are pivotal components of the leukemic microenvironment. BM-MSCs have been previously reported to promote the proliferation of leukemic cells. To further understand the molecular mechanisms of BM-MSC-induced proliferation of leukemic cells, the present study co-cultured acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) Reh cells with BM-MSCs. The current study used methods including shRNA, flow cytometry, MTT, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, ELISA and western blotting. The data of the present study demonstrated that BM‑MSCs promote the proliferation of Reh cells and the NR2F2 mRNA and protein levels were elevated in BM‑MSCs following co‑culture. Additionally, it was demonstrated that shRNA knockdown of NR2F2 inhibited BM‑MSC‑induced proliferation of Reh cells. Furthermore, following downregulation of NR2F2, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) secretion by BM‑MSCs was reduced. The present study demonstrated that NR2F2 mediates BM‑MSC‑induced proliferation of Reh cells, partially via regulation of VEGFA. Disrupting microenvironmental support by targeting NR2F2 may be a potential therapeutic strategy for ALL.