miR-29a modulates neuronal differentiation of MSCs by targeting REST.

<p>(A) Lentiviral infection of miR-29a inhibitor decreases miR-29a expression in MSCs. (B) Cell morphology of MSCs with miR-29a inhibition before and after neuronal induction. MSCs with miR-29a knockdown presents neuron shape after induction. (C) The expression of REST, SNAP25, L1CAM, NSE and Tau was detected by qRT-PCR and western blot in MSC-NCs with miR-29a inhibition. REST gene was upregulated by miR-29a inhibition. Meanwhile, SNAP25, L1CAM, NSE and Tau genes were downregulated by miR-29a inhibition. (D) The expression of REST, SNAP25, L1CAM, NSE and Tau was detected by qRT-PCR and western blot in MSC-NCs co-transfected with miR-29a inhibition and REST siRNA. NSE and Tau genes were upregulated by REST knockdown in MSC-NCs with miR-29a inhibition. (E) The mRNA and protein expression of REST, NSE, and Tau was detected in MSCs transfected with miR-29a precursor. REST was downregulated, and SNAP25 and L1CAMby were upregulated by miR-29a knockin. The expression of NSE and Tau was not significantly changed by miR-29a knockin. Scale: 400 µm. Mean ± SEM of 5 independent MSC cultures are shown. *: <i>P</i><0.05, compared with control.