The role of microRNAs in cell fate determination of mesenchymal stem cells : balancing adipogenesis and osteogenesis

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells capable of differentiating into adipocytes, osteoblasts, or chondrocytes. A mutually inhibitory relationship exists between osteogenic and adipogenic lineage commitment and differentiation. Such cell fate decision is regulated by several signaling pathways, including Wnt and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). Accumulating evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) act as switches for MSCs to differentiate into either osteogenic or adipogenic lineage. Different miRNAs have been reported to regulate a master transcription factor for osteogenesis, such as Runx2, as well as molecules in the Wnt or BMP signaling pathway, and control the balance between osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation. Here, we discuss recent advancement of the cell fate decision of MSCs by miRNAs and their targets. [BMB Reports 2015; 48(6): 319-323]