Comparison of Differences in Cell Migration during the Osteogenic and Adipogenic Differentiation of the Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells.

Background: The bone marrow niche comprises diverse cellular populations, including multipotent bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs). Understanding the biology underlying the differentiation of BMSCs into osteogenic and adipogenic commitment in preserving bone health is key due to their inverse correlation. Biological processes such as cellular migration also serve as a crucial player during this differentiation and eventually contribute to various skeletal pathologies such as fractures, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis. This is also crucial in developing various regenerative therapies involving BMSCs.

Methods: To explore the differential migration of BMSCs, cells were initially directed into osteogenic or adipogenic commitment as confirmed by the mineralized matrix and lipid droplet formation for osteogenic and adipogenic commitment, respectively. The differential level of cellular migration was then assessed using the scratch wound healing assay, cell adhesion assay, and transwell migration assay.

Results: The cellular differentiation was confirmed by the differential expression patterns of key markers, as determined by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting study. Moreover, the migration data indicates that BMSCs undergoing osteogenic commitment tend to migrate more compared to adipogenic cells, which is possibly attributed to the differential expression of integrins such as Itgα1, and Itgα5. The putative role of the Sdf1/Cxcr4 axis in this account was further established by utilizing a selective inhibitor of Cxcr4.

Conclusions: This study sheds light on the differential migratory property of the BMSCs directed towards a specific lineage. It also highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of the intricate biological interplay governing this peculiar cellular behaviour.