HIF-1-modified BMSCs improve migration and reduce neuronal apoptosis after stroke in rats

Abstract

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been demonstrated ameliorating neurologic deficits after stroke. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), the key regulator of cellular responses to low oxygen concentration, can activate multiple genes involving in crucial aspects for neurologic recovery. In this study, we present that rat BMSCs overexpression of HIF-1 α showed higher expression of HIF-1 target genes in HIF-1-BMSCs, including CXCR4, EPO, and VEGF. BMSCs-mHIF-1α also exhibited an enhanced mobility towards the ischemic area within rat brain. Neural cell apoptosis in ischemic brain shown less severe in rats transplanted with HIF-1-BMSCs. Furthermore, the number of cells expressing neural progenitor markers PAX6 and DCX were increased in BMSCs-mHIF-1α-transplanted rats. These results suggest that HIF-1α in BMSCs reduces neuronal apoptosis and promotes neurogenesis after stroke in rats. © 2013 The Author(s).