MiR-125a enhances self-renewal, lifespan, and migration of murine hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell clones

Sci Rep. 2019 Mar 18;9(1):4785. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-38503-z.

Abstract

Expansion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is a 'holy grail' of regenerative medicine, as successful stem cell transplantations depend on the number and quality of infused HSCs. Although many attempts have been pursued to either chemically or genetically increase HSC numbers, neither clonal analysis of these expanded cells nor their ability to support mature blood lineages has been demonstrated. Here we show that miR-125a, at the single cell level, can expand murine long-term repopulating HSCs. In addition, miR-125a increases clone longevity, clone size and clonal contribution to hematopoiesis. Unexpectedly, we found that miR-125a expanded HSCs clones were highly homogenously distributed across multiple anatomical sites. Interestingly, these miR-125a overexpressing cells had enhanced mobility and were more frequently detected in the spleen. Our study reveals a novel, cell-intrinsically controlled mechanism by which HSC migration is regulated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Movement*
  • Cell Self Renewal*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Hematopoiesis
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / cytology
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / physiology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Spleen / cytology

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • Mirn125 microRNA, mouse