Molecular Dynamics of Cytokine Interactions and Signalling of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Undergoing Directed Neural-like Differentiation

Mesenchymal stem cells are a continually expanding area in research and clinical applications. Their usefulness and capacity to differentiate into various cells, particularly neural types, has driven the research area for several years. Neural differentiation has considerable usefulness. There are several successful differentiation techniques of mesenchymal stem cells that employ the use of small molecules, growth factors and commercially available kits and supplements. Phenotyping, molecular biology, genomics and proteomics investigation revealed a wealth of data about these cells during neurogenic differentiation. However, there remain large gaps in the knowledge base, particularly related to cytokines and how their role, drive mechanisms and the downstream signalling processes change with their varied expression throughout the differentiation process. In this study, adult mesenchymal stem cells were induced with neurogenic differentiation media, the cellular changes monitored by live-cell microscopy and the changes in cytokine expression in the intracellular region, secretion into the media and in the extracellular vesicle cargo were examined and analysed bioinformatically. Through this analysis, the up-regulation of key cytokines was revealed, and several neuroprotective and neurotrophic roles were displayed. Statistically significant molecules IFN-G, IL1B, IL6, TNF-A, have roles in astrocyte development. Furthermore, the cytokine bioinformatics suggests the Janus Kinase/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway is upregulated, supporting differentiation toward an astroglial lineage.