The Biological Role of miRNA-130a-3p in Regulating Cartilage Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs)

This study assesses the biological effects of miRNA-130a-3p on cartilage differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Alcian blue and toluidine blue staining techniques assessed BMSCs differentiation into chondrocytes. Luciferase reporter gene analyzed the targeting relationship and qRT-PCR detected miR-130a-3p and SOX4 level along with analysis of cell proliferation and protein level. After miR-130a-3p mimics transfection, chondrocyte markers were significantly upregulated. miR-130a-3p bound SOX4 3'UTR. miR-130a-3p overexpression decreased SOX4 and promoted cell proliferation. After miR-130a-3p overexpression for 15 days, chondrocytes marker expression was significantly elevated and chondrocyte marker level was decreased after addition of SOX4, which was restored by miR-130a-3p upregulation. In conclusion, miRNA-130a-3p overexpression can regulate BMSCs differentiation into chondrocytes by down-regulating SOX4, which has a good application prospect.