Effect of CD44 on differentiation of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocytes via Smad and ERK signaling pathways

Abstract

CD 44 antigen (CD 44) is a transmembrane protein found in cell adhesion molecules and is involved in the regulation of various physiological processes in cells. It was hypothesized that CD 44 directly affected the chondrogenic differentiation of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs). In the present study, the expression of chondrocyte-associated factors was detected in the absence and presence of the antibody blocker anti-CD 44 antibody during the chondrogenic differentiation of hAMSCs. Following inhibition of CD 44 expression, the transcriptional levels of chondrocyte-associated genes SRY-box transcription factor 9, aggrecan and collagen type II α 1 chain, as well as the production of chondrocyte markers type II collagen and aggrecan were significantly decreased in hAMSCs. Further investigation indicated that there was no significant change in total ER K1/2 expression following inhibition of CD 44 expression; however, phosphorylated (p)-ER K1/2 expression was decreased. The expression of p-Smad2/3 was also upregulated following CD 44 inhibition. These data indicated that CD 44 may affect the differentiation of hAMSCs into chondrocytes by regulating the Smad2/3 and ER K1/2 signaling pathway.