Journal of

Background and Aim: Micro RNAs are a group of small non-coding RNAs which play an important role in multiple processes such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and cancer. Recent studies indicate that mir-210 is overexpressed into erythroid linage during the differentiation of hematopoietic precursor. The main goal of the present study is to investigate the influence of mir-210 on the pattern of expression in hemoglobin gamma chain.

Materials and Methods: First, K562 cell line was cultured in RPMI1640 media. Then, pre-miR-210 was transferred into K562 cell line by lipofectamin. Finally, the alterations in the pattern of gamma chain expression were analyzed in days 7 and 14 by RT-PCR and real time PCR technique.

Results: It was demonstrated that the overexpression of mir-210 in K562 cell line would lead to a 25-fold increase in the expression of gamma chain in comparison with the control group. Data analysis revealed that the change in the pattern of hemoglobin gamma chain expression was meaningful (p<0.002).

Conclusion: Based on these data, overexpression of mir-210 can lead to a significant increase in the production of gamma chain. Therefore, more studies in the field may reveal the fact that an increase in mir-210 can be a suitable goal in the improvement of sickle cell anemia and β-thalassemia.

Background and Aim: Embryonic stem cells are identified with two unique characteristics. First, they can be maintained and expanded as pure populations of undifferentiated cells, a characteristic which is known as self renewal aspect of embryonic stem cells. Second, these cells can give rise to all body cell types. In the current study, we used a feeder-free condition to differentiate mouse embryonic stem cells into lymphoid lineage by IL-7 and FLT-3 ligand.

Materials and Methods: Mouse embryonic stem cells cultured on mouse embryonic fibroblasts were separated from the feeder layer. Then, embryoid bodies were formed from mouse embryonic stem cells. Following that, differentiation was performed by FLT-3 ligand and IL-7. In order to demonstrate the differentiation into lymphoid lineages, the expression of CD25, CD19 and CD3 was assessed by RT-PCR technique on days 7 and 14.

Results: After 14 days of differentiation into lymphoid lineages by defined factors, RT-PCR results showed the expression of CD25 and CD19 markers.

Conclusion: In all previous studies, mouse embryonic stem cells were differentiated into lymphoid lineage by OP9 stromal feeder cells. In this study, a feeder-free condition was used to differentiate mouse embryonic stem cells into lymphoid lineage. It is hoped that the present study can lead to new insights in cell therapy of lymphoid deficiency disorders.