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RhoA determines lineage fate of mesenchymal stem cells by modulating CTGF–VEGF complex in extracellular matrix

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  • Changjun Li

    (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
    Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University)

  • Gehua Zhen

    (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine)

  • Yu Chai

    (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine)

  • Liang Xie

    (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine)

  • Janet L. Crane

    (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine)

  • Emily Farber

    (Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia)

  • Charles R. Farber

    (Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia)

  • Xianghang Luo

    (Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University)

  • Peisong Gao

    (Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine)

  • Xu Cao

    (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine)

  • Mei Wan

    (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine)

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) participate in the repair/remodelling of many tissues, where MSCs commit to different lineages dependent on the cues in the local microenvironment. Here we show that TGFβ-activated RhoA/ROCK signalling functions as a molecular switch regarding the fate of MSCs in arterial repair/remodelling after injury. MSCs differentiate into myofibroblasts when RhoA/ROCK is turned on, endothelial cells when turned off. The former is pathophysiologic resulting in intimal hyperplasia, whereas the latter is physiological leading to endothelial repair. Further analysis revealed that MSC RhoA activation promotes formation of an extracellular matrix (ECM) complex consisting of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Inactivation of RhoA/ROCK in MSCs induces matrix metalloproteinase-3-mediated CTGF cleavage, resulting in VEGF release and MSC endothelial differentiation. Our findings uncover a novel mechanism by which cell–ECM interactions determine stem cell lineage specificity and offer additional molecular targets to manipulate MSC-involved tissue repair/regeneration.

Suggested Citation

  • Changjun Li & Gehua Zhen & Yu Chai & Liang Xie & Janet L. Crane & Emily Farber & Charles R. Farber & Xianghang Luo & Peisong Gao & Xu Cao & Mei Wan, 2016. "RhoA determines lineage fate of mesenchymal stem cells by modulating CTGF–VEGF complex in extracellular matrix," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:7:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms11455
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11455
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