MicroRNAs are small noncoding pieces of nucleic acid with the potential to control mRNA translation. These sequences participate in the regulation of cell dynamic growth and differentiation. In this study, the expression of miR-15a and miR-124 was monitored in adipose-derived tissue stem cells committed to pancreatic β cells in vitro over 28 days. In the current experiment, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were incubated in an induction medium to accelerate differentiation toward endocrine pancreatic lineage for 28 days with a three-stage protocol. To confirm the efficient trans-differentiation of stem cells into pancreatic β cells, we performed a Dithizone staining, a zinc chelating agent, and pancreas-specific hormones (insulin and C peptide) examination via electrochemiluminescence. Real-time PCR analysis was done to assess the expression of miR-15a and miR-124. Dithizone staining confirmed a successful orientation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells into pancreatic β cells indicating with red to strong brown appearance compared to negative control stem cells, indicating insulin positivity in differentiating cells. These effects were prominent by time and reached maximum level at day 28. Concurrently, the expression of both miR-15a and miR-124 was induced and reached a peak expression level at the end stage of the experiment compared to the stem cells (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The dynamic of distinct miRNAs, in particular, miR-15a and miR-124 was induced during pancreatic β cells derivation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells.