Open AccessRole of MicroRNAs 99b, 181a, and 181b in the Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells to Vascular Endothelial Cells
Author(s) -
Kane Nicole M.,
Howard Lynsey,
Descamps Betty,
Meloni Marco,
McClure John,
Lu Ruifang,
McCahill Angela,
Breen Christopher,
Mackenzie Ruth M.,
Delles Christian,
Mountford Joanne C.,
Milligan Graeme,
Emanueli Costanza,
Baker Andrew H.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
stem cells
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.159
H-Index - 229
eISSN - 1549-4918
pISSN - 1066-5099
DOI - 10.1002/stem.1026
Subject(s) - dicer , biology , embryonic stem cell , gene knockdown , microrna , microbiology and biotechnology , cellular differentiation , angiogenesis , stem cell , induced pluripotent stem cell , rna interference , genetics , rna , gene
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs, which post‐transcriptionally regulate gene expression. miRNAs are transcribed as precursors and matured to active forms by a series of enzymes, including Dicer. miRNAs are important in governing cell differentiation, development, and disease. We have recently developed a feeder‐ and serum‐free protocol for direct derivation of endothelial cells (ECs) from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and provided evidence of increases in angiogenesis‐associated miRNAs (miR‐126 and ‐210) during the process. However, the functional role of miRNAs in hESC differentiation to vascular EC remains to be fully interrogated. Here, we show that the reduction of miRNA maturation induced by Dicer knockdown suppressed hES‐EC differentiation. A miRNA microarray was performed to quantify hES‐EC miRNA profiles during defined stages of endothelial differentiation. miR‐99b, ‐181a, and ‐181b were identified as increasing in a time‐ and differentiation‐dependent manner to peak in mature hESC‐ECs and adult ECs. Augmentation of miR‐99b, ‐181a, and ‐181b levels by lentiviral‐mediated transfer potentiated the mRNA and protein expression of EC‐specific markers, Pecam1 and VE Cadherin, increased nitric oxide production, and improved hES‐EC‐induced therapeutic neovascularization in vivo. Conversely, knockdown did not impact endothelial differentiation. Our results suggest that miR‐99b, ‐181a, and ‐181b comprise a component of an endothelial‐miRNA signature and are capable of potentiating EC differentiation from pluripotent hESCs. S TEM C ELLS 2012; 30:643–654