Abstract
The aim of the present study was to identify a microRNA (miRNA or miR)-based biomarker and therapeutic target for skeletal myogenic differentiation of human adult dental pulp stem cells (ADSCs). miRNA expression was measured using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction; cell viability assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity levels were measured using MTT and LDH activity kits, respectively. Apoptosis assay and caspase-3/9 activity levels were measured using flow cytometry and caspase-3/9 activity kits, respectively. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy measured the protein expression of myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2C, myogenic differentiation 1, myosin heavy chain, Wnt and β-catenin. Overexpression of miR-139-5p promoted cell growth and induced skeletal myogenic differentiation of ADSCs. Downregulation of miR-139-5p inhibited cell growth and reduced skeletal myogenic differentiation of ADSCs. Overexpression of miR-139-5p induced Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was suppressed by anti-miR-139-5p in ADSCs. Wnt inhibitor reduced the effect of miR-139-5p on skeletal myogenic differentiation of ADSCs. In conclusion, miR-139-5p elevates skeletal myogenic differentiation of human ADSCs through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.