IFN-γ induces senescence-like characteristics in mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Background. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are considered promising in tissue repair and regeneration medicine due to their proliferation and differentiation ability. Many properties of MSC are affected by cytokines, and IFN-gamma has been shown to regulate MSC in many aspects. Senescence affects the proliferation, differentiation and cytokine secretion of MSC. Objectives. To investigate the effects of IFN-gamma on the senescence-associated properties of MSC. Material and methods. The MSC used in our study were isolated from the bone marrow (BM) of mice. Cell vitalities were measured by CCK8. The phenotypes and ROS of mBM-MSC were analyzed by flow cytometry. Cellular senescence was detected using SA-beta-gal stains. IL-6 and CXCL1 secretions were measured by ELISA. Results. mBM-MSC can differentiated into osteocytes and adipocytes. They expressed CD29, CD106, and Sca-1, and did not express CD31, CD45 or FLK1. Our study showed that the cell vitalities of mBM-MSC were significantly reduced after IFN-gamma treatment for 5 days, and the cell numbers were obviously lower after IFN-gamma treatment for 5, 10 or 15 days. The IFN-gamma group increased SA-beta-gal-positive cells and reactive oxygen species (ROS) significantly after 15 days of IFN-gamma treatment. Moreover, IL-6 and CXCL1 secretions were upregulated by IFN-gamma. Conclusions. Our study shows IFN-gamma can induce senescence-like characteristics in mBM-MSC, suggesting a novel target for anti-aging therapy.