Effect of Hyaluronic Acid on the Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Mature Type II Pneumocytes

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an essential component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the healthy lung, playing an important role in the structure of the alveolar surface stabilizing the surfactant proteins. Alveolar type II (ATII) cells are the fundamental element of the alveolus, specializing in surfactant production. ATII cells represent the main target of lung external lesion and a cornerstone in the repair process of pulmonary damage. In this context, knowledge of the factors influencing mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation in ATII cells is pivotal in fulfilling therapeutic strategies based on MSCs in lung regenerative medicine. To achieve this goal, the role of HA in promoting the differentiation of MSCs in mature Type II pneumocytes capable of secreting pulmonary surfactant was evaluated. Results demonstrated that HA, at a specific molecular weight can greatly increase the expression of lung surfactant protein, indicating the ability of HA to influence MSC differentiation in ATII cells.