Important Role of SDF-1/CXCR4 Axis in the Homing of Systemically Transplanted Human Amnion-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (Had-Mscs) to Ovaries in Rats with Chemotherapy-Induced Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
Abstract Background: Chemotherapy can induce premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). POI causes multiple sequelae and is currently incurable. Our previous studies have demonstrated that systemically transplanted human amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAD-MSCs) can home to chemotherapy-induced POI ovaries, and thus reduce ovarian injury and improve ovarian function in rats with POI. However, the cellular mechanisms that direct the migration and homing of hAD-MSCs to chemotherapy-induced POI ovaries are barely understood. This study was to investigate the role of SDF-1/CXCR4 axis in the migration and homing of systemically transplanted hAD-MSCs to chemotherapy-induced POI ovaries and its relevant downstream signaling pathways.Methods: CXCR4 expression in hAD-MSCs was tested by western blot and immunofluorescence assay. hAD-MSC migration was tested by transwell migration assay. SDF-1 level in rats was detected by ELISA. 72 of female SD rats were randomly divided into the control, POI, hAD-MSCs and hAD-MSCs+AMD3100 groups. POI rat models were established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide. For the inhibitor treatment, hAD-MSCs were pretreated with AMD3100 before transplantation. hAD-MSCs labeled with PKH26 were injected into the tail vein of POI rats at 24 h after chemotherapy. After hAD-MSC transplantation, the homing of hAD-MSCs in ovaries, and ovarian function and pathological changes were examined. To further investigate molecular mechanisms, PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathways were detected. Results: hAD-MSCs expressed CXCR4. SDF-1 induced hAD-MSC migration in vitro. SDF-1 levels in ovaries and serum significantly increased in POI rats induced by chemotherapy, and POI ovaries attracted the homing of hAD-MSCs expressing CXCR4. The block of SDF-1/CXCR4 axis with AMD3100 can significantly reduce the number of hAD-MSCs homing to the POI ovaries, and further reduce their efficacy in POI treatment. The binding of SDF-1 to CXCR4 activated PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and LY294002 significantly inhibited hAD-MSC migration induced by SDF-1 in vitro. Moreover, inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway significantly reduced the number of systemically transplanted hAD-MSCs homing to chemotherapy-induced POI ovaries in rats.Conclusions: SDF-1/CXCR4 axis partially mediates the migration and homing of systemically transplanted hAD-MSCs to chemotherapy-induced POI ovaries in rats, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway might be involved in the migration and homing of hAD-MSCs mediated by SDF-1/CXCR4 axis.