Abstract: Objective To evaluate the role of microRNA130a during chondrogenic differentiation of rat bone mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs). Methods BMSCs were induced to differentiate into chondrocytes by transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) in vitro, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were performed to evaluate MSCs differentiation. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze microRNA130a expression at different time points (before induced culture, 7 days later in induced cultures and 7 days later in non-induced culture). Results We found microRNA130a was down-modulated during chondrogenesis after BMSCs had cultured in the present of TGF-β1 for 7 days（P<0.05）. Conclusion These findings show that, during the early stage of BMSC chondrogenic differentiation, mciroRNA130a expression was specifically repressed, suggesting a role in differentiation of rat bone mesenchymal stromal cells.

Key words: bone mesenchymal stem cell, chondrocyte, differentiation, microRNA