Evaluating the Expression Levels of Genes related to Hypoxia and Homing of Mesenchymal Stem Cells isolated from Perirenal Adipose Tissue under Normal and Ischemic Conditions

Abstract

The ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to modulate immune responses, repair tissue, and migrate to damaged sites has increased their therapeutic potential in a wide variety of diseases and injuries. New evidences show that tissue-specific MSCs are essential for the repair and regeneration of that tissue. The different sources of adipose tissue-derived MSCs play an important role in determining their therapeutic potential by influencing their biological characteristics, differentiation abilities, and efficacy in clinical applications. Understanding these differences is necessary to optimize the use of these cells in regenerative medicine and to develop targeted therapies for various diseases. Methods. This study is aimed to isolate, determine the identity of MSCs derived from human perirenal adipose tissue (pR-MSC) and investigate their ability to differentiate into bone and fat. Using a combination of cell culture methods, flow cytometry, fluorescent staining, and real-time PCR, the response of cells to hypoxic conditions and the underlying molecular mechanisms were evaluated, focusing on the role of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF-1α) in regulating gene expression related to angiogenesis, migration, and their homing. Findings. Hypoxia for 48 hours positively and significantly affected the proliferation and viability of pR-MSC. The results showed that hypoxia significantly increased the migration and homing ability of pR-MSC through increasing the expression of chemokine receptors (CXCR4/7) and HIF-1α-mediated signaling (p<0.05). Increased levels of HIF-1α were observed in the isolated cells under normoxic and hypoxic conditions (p=0.007). Hypoxia did not affect the angiogenic properties of pR-MSC.