Nicotine alters MicroRNA expression and hinders human adult stem cell regenerative potential

Stem Cells Dev. 2013 Mar 1;22(5):781-90. doi: 10.1089/scd.2012.0434. Epub 2012 Nov 12.

Abstract

Adult stem cells are critical for the healing process in regenerative medicine. However, cigarette smoking inhibits stem cell recruitment to tissues and delays the wound-healing process. This study investigated the effect of nicotine, a major constituent in the cigarette smoke, on the regenerative potentials of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and periodontal ligament-derived stem cells (PDLSC). The cell proliferation of 1.0 μM nicotine-treated MSC and PDLSC was significantly reduced when compared to the untreated control. Moreover, nicotine also retarded the locomotion of these adult stem cells. Furthermore, their osteogenic differentiation capabilities were reduced in the presence of nicotine as evidenced by gene expression (RUNX2, ALPL, BGLAP, COL1A1, and COL1A2), calcium deposition, and alkaline phosphatase activity analyses. In addition, the microRNA (miRNA) profile of nicotine-treated PDLSC was altered; suggesting miRNAs might play an important role in the nicotine effects on stem cells. This study provided the possible mechanistic explanations on stem cell-associated healing delay in cigarette smoking.

MeSH terms

  • Adult Stem Cells / drug effects*
  • Adult Stem Cells / physiology
  • Alkaline Phosphatase / biosynthesis
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Collagen Type I / biosynthesis
  • Collagen Type I, alpha 1 Chain
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit / biosynthesis
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / drug effects
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Nicotine / pharmacology*
  • Osteocalcin / biosynthesis
  • Osteogenesis / drug effects
  • Periodontal Ligament / cytology
  • Periodontal Ligament / drug effects
  • Regeneration / drug effects*
  • Smoking / adverse effects*
  • Wound Healing / drug effects*

Substances

  • Collagen Type I
  • Collagen Type I, alpha 1 Chain
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit
  • MicroRNAs
  • RUNX2 protein, human
  • Osteocalcin
  • Nicotine
  • ALPL protein, human
  • Alkaline Phosphatase