Background：The Rhizoma Atractylodis has long been recommended for the treatment of different diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. The main component of Rhizoma Atractylodis is Atractylodes lancea volatile oils which possesses anti-microorganism, anti-tumor, cognitive protection and immunoregulation. The aim of the study was to elucidate the mechanism of Atractylodes lancea volatile oils promoting mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) chondrogenic differentiation.
Method：Atractylodes lancea volatile oils were extracted from Chinese medicine Cangzhu by volatile oil extractor. MSCs culture were treated with Atractylodes lancea volatile oils medium. Real-time reverse transcription PCR was conducted to verify the candidate microRNAs discovered by microarray analysis. Western-blot analyzed the expressions of mark genes. Sanger sequences identified the changes of the base pairs which would be edited by ADAR2 enzyme. Toluidine blue staining identified the changes of cells chondrogenic differentiation.
Result：Treatment of Atractylodes lancea volatile oils increased the cells chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs. Atractylodes lancea volatile oils promoted the expression of ADAR2 enzyme which may edit the precursor of miR-181a-5p. A dual luciferase reporter system assay verified that transcription factors yingyang1(YY1) was targeted by miR-181a-5p which was downregulated in MSCs chondrogenic differentiation.
Conclusion：This work demonstrates the mechanism of Atractylodes lancea volatile oils promoting MSCs to chondrogenic differentiation. It may provide an alternative strategy for treatment purposes and diagnosis in clinic.