Lin28 Enhances Glucose Metabolism in Human Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cells during Hypoxia via the PI3K-Akt Pathway

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely used to treat and prevent liver ischemia–reperfusion injury (LIRI), which commonly occurs after liver surgery. Lin28 is an RNA-binding protein crucial for early embryonic development, stem cell differentiation/reprogramming, tumorigenesis, and metabolism. However, whether Lin28 can enhance metabolism in human placental MSCs (PMSCs) during hypoxia to improve the protective effect against LIRI remains unclear. First, a Lin28 overexpression construct was introduced into PMSCs; glucose metabolism, the expression of glucose metabolism - and PI3K-AKT pathway-related proteins, and the levels of microRNA Let-7 family members were examined using a glucose metabolism kit, western blots, and real-time quantitative PCR, respectively. Next, treatment with an AKT inhibitor was performed to understand the association of Lin28 with the PI3K-Akt pathway. Subsequently, AML12 cells were co-cultured with PMSCs to construct an in vitro model of PMSC protecting liver cells from hypoxia injury. Finally, C57BL/6J mice were used to establish a partial warm hepatic ischemia–reperfusion model in vivo. Lin28 increased the glycolysis capacity of PMSCs, allowing these cells to produce more energy under hypoxic conditions. Lin28 also activated PI3K-Akt signaling under hypoxic conditions, and AKT inhibition attenuated the effects of Lin28. In addition, Lin28 overexpression was found to protect cells against LIRI-induced liver damage, inflammation, and apoptosis and attenuate hypoxia-induced hepatocyte injury. Inconclusion, Lin28 enhances glucose metabolism under hypoxic conditions in PMSCs, thereby providing protective effects against LIRI via the activation of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Our study first reported the application of gene-modified mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy in LIRI.