Gene profiling of bone marrow- and adipose tissue-derived stromal cells: a key role of Kruppel-like factor 4 in cell fate regulation

Bone marrow- and adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) represent promising sources for regenerative medicine. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying MSC stemness maintenance versus differentiation are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to compare the genome-wide expression profiles of bone marrow- and adipose tissue-derived MSC, in order to identify a common molecular stemness core. Methods. Molecular profiling was carried out using Affymetrix microarray and relevant genes were further validated by Q-PCR. Results. We identified an overlapping dataset of 190 transcripts commonly regulated in both cell populations, which included several genes involved in stemness regulation (i.e. self-renewal potential and the ability to generate differentiated cells), various signaling pathways and transcription factors. In particular, we identified a central role of the Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) DNA-binding protein in regulating MSC transcriptional activity. Conclusions. Our results provide new insights toward understanding the molecular basis of MSC stemness maintenance and underline the ability of KLF4 to maintain cells in an undifferentiated state.