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Melatonin regulates mesenchymal stem cell differentiation: a review
Author(s) -
Luchetti Francesca,
Caico Barbara,
Bartolini Desirée,
Arcangeletti Marcella,
Ciffolilli Silvia,
Murdolo Giuseppe,
Piroddi Marta,
Papa Stefano,
Reiter Russel J.,
Galli Francesco
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of pineal research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.881
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1600-079X
pISSN - 0742-3098
DOI - 10.1111/jpi.12133
Subject(s) - paracrine signalling , melatonin , mesenchymal stem cell , biology , autocrine signalling , microbiology and biotechnology , adipogenesis , wnt signaling pathway , stem cell , cellular differentiation , multipotent stem cell , chondrogenesis , signal transduction , receptor , endocrinology , progenitor cell , biochemistry , gene
Among the numerous functions of melatonin, the control of survival and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells ( MSCs ) has been recently proposed. MSCs are a heterogeneous population of multipotent elements resident in tissues such as bone marrow, muscle, and adipose tissue, which are primarily involved in developmental and regeneration processes, gaining thus increasing interest for tissue repair and restoration therapeutic protocols. Receptor‐dependent and receptor‐independent responses to melatonin are suggested to occur in these cells. These involve antioxidant or redox‐dependent functions of this indolamine as well as secondary effects resulting from autocrine and paracrine responses. Inflammatory cytokines and adipokines, proangiogenic/mitogenic stimuli, and other mediators that influence the differentiation processes may affect the survival and functional integrity of these mesenchymal precursor cells. In this scenario, melatonin seems to regulate signaling pathways that drive commitment and differentiation of MSC into osteogenic, chondrogenic, adipogenic, or myogenic lineages. Common pathways suggested to be involved as master regulators of these processes are the Wnt/ β ‐catenin pathway, the MAPK s and the, TGF ‐ β signaling. In this respect melatonin emerges a novel and potential modulator of MSC lineage commitment and adipogenic differentiation. These and other aspects of the physiological and pharmacological effects of melatonin as regulator of MSC are discussed in this review.