IL-6 coaxes cellular dedifferentiation as a pro-regenerative intermediate that contributes to pericardial ADSC-induced cardiac repair

Background Cellular dedifferentiation is a regenerative prerequisite that warrants cell cycle reentry and appropriate mitotic division during de novo formation of cardiomyocytes. In the light of our previous finding that expression of injury-responsive element, Wilms Tumor factor 1 (WT1), in pericardial adipose stromal cells (ADSC) conferred a compelling reparative activity with concomitant IL-6 upregulation, we then aim to unravel the mechanistic network that governs the process of regenerative dedifferentiation after ADSC-based therapy. Methods and results WT1-expressing ADSC (eGFP:WT1) were irreversibly labeled in transgenic mice (WT1-iCre/Gt(ROSA)26Sor-eGFP) primed with myocardial infarction. EGFP:WT1 cells were enzymatically isolated from the pericardial adipose tissue and cytometrically purified (ADSC(gfp+)). Bulk RNA-seq revealed upregulation of cardiac-related genes and trophic factors in ADSC(gfp+) subset, of which IL-6 was most abundant as compared to non-WT1 ADSC (ADSC(gfp-)). Injection of ADSC(gfp+) subset into the infarcted hearts yielded striking structural repair and functional improvement in comparison to ADSC(gfp-) subset. Notably, ADSC(gfp+) injection triggered significant quantity of dedifferentiated cardiomyocytes recognized as round-sharp, marginalization of sarcomeric proteins, expression of molecular signature of non-myogenic genes (Vimentin, RunX1), and proliferative markers (Ki-67, Aurora B and pH3). In the cultured neonatal cardiomyocytes, spontaneous dedifferentiation was accelerated by adding tissue extracts from the ADSC-treated hearts, which was neutralized by IL-6 antibody. Genetical lack of IL-6 in ADSC dampened cardiac dedifferentiation and reparative activity. Conclusions Taken collectively, our results revealed a previous unappreciated effect of IL-6 on cardiac dedifferentiation and regeneration. The finding, therefore, fulfills the promise of stem cell therapy and may represent an innovative strategy in the treatment of ischemic heart disease.

Automated summary

This study reveals the role of IL-6 in cardiac dedifferentiation and regeneration, providing an innovative strategy for stem cell therapy in ischemic heart disease.