Decreased miR-17-92 cluster correlates with senescence features, disrupted oxidative homeostasis, and impaired therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells

Aging and replicative cellular senescence are associated with the reduced therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on a variety of diseases. This study aimed to determine the mechanism in MSC senescence and further explore a modification strategy to reverse senescence-associated cell dysfunction to improve the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs on acute liver failure (ALF). We found that the adipose tissue-derived MSCs from old mice (oAMSCs) exhibited senescence phenotypes and showed reduced therapeutic efficacy in lipopolysaccharide and D-galactosamine-induced ALF, as shown by the increased hepatic necrosis, liver histology activity index scores, serum liver function indicator levels, and inflammatory cytokine levels. The expression of miR-17-92 cluster members, especially miR-17 and miR-20a, was obviously decreased in oAMSCs and replicatively senescent AMSCs, and was consistent with the decreased oncogene c-Myc level during AMSC senescence and may mediate c-Myc stemness addiction. Further experiments revealed that c-Myc-regulated miR-17-92 expression contributed to increased p21 expression and redox system dysregulation during AMSC senescence. Furthermore, modification of AMSCs with the two key miRNAs in the miR-17-92 cluster mentioned above reversed the senescence features of oAMSCs and restored the therapeutic effect of senescent AMSCs on ALF. In conclusion, the cellular miR-17-92 cluster level is correlated with AMSC senescence and can be used both as an index for evaluating and as a modification target for improving the therapeutic potential of AMSCs. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We reported for the first time that c-Myc-regulated miR-17-92 contributed to increased p21 expression and redox system dysregulation during AMSC senescence and was associated with the reduced therapeutic effects of senescent AMSCs on ALF. Moreover, modifying the expression of the miR-17-92 cluster members, especially miR-17 and/or miR-20a, could reverse AMSC senescence. Thus, miR-17-92 cluster can be used both as an index for evaluating and as a modification strategy for improving the therapeutic potential of AMSCs.

Automated summary

This study revealed that aging and replicative cellular senescence reduce the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on acute liver failure (ALF). The expression of miR-17-92 cluster members, especially miR-17 and miR-20a, was found to be decreased in senescent MSCs and was associated with decreased levels of the oncogene c-Myc during MSC senescence. Modifying the expression of these key miRNAs reversed senescence features of MSCs and improved their therapeutic effect on ALF.