IL-1β promotes the migration of olfactory epithelium neural stem cells through activating matrix metalloproteinase expressions

Background: To investigate the effects of IL-1 beta on the migration of olfactory epithelium neural stem cells (OENSCs), and to assess the mechanisms. Methods: The effects of different concentrations of IL-1 beta on cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration were evaluated by cell counting assay, flow cytometry and transwell migration assay, respectively. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 expression in both protein and mRNA levels were detected. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) technique was employed to knockdown MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. Additionally, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) inhibitors were applied to assess the potential signaling pathways involved in the effects of IL-1 beta on cell migration. Results: IL-1 beta promoted cell migration of OENSCs in a concentration-dependent manner at the concentration range of 0-80 ng/ml, but did not affect cell proliferation and apoptosis. Mechanically, IL-1 beta promoted MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions. Knockdown of MMP-2 or MMP-9 could significantly reduce IL-1 beta-induced cell migration. IL-1 beta activated JNK, NF-kappa B, Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK) and p-65 phosphorylation. Finally, we evidenced that inhibition of JNK or NF-kappa B significantly inhibited cell migration. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that IL-1 beta promoted the migration of OENSCs through activating MMP expression. Moreover, JNK and NF-kappa beta signaling pathways were involved in the regulation. This study provides important experimental evidence for the application of OENSCs in the transplantation therapy.