MicroRNA-124a promoted the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into neurons through Notch signal pathway.

This study investigated the possible mechanisms of microRNA-124a on the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and its underlying mechanism. β-Thiol ethanol induced Notch1 mRNA expression, microRNA-124a inhibitor reduced the effects of β-thiol ethanol on Notch1 mRNA expression in BMSCs. Baicalin induced Hes1 mRNA expression, and microRNA-124a inhibitor reduced the effects of baicalin on Hes1 mRNA expression in BMSCs. Si-Notch1 suppressed Hes1 mRNA expression in BMSCs. Baicalin increased the effects of Notch1 on Hes1 mRNA expression in BMSCs. Si-Notch1 increased cell growth of BMSCs. Baicalin reduced the effects of si-Notch1 on cell growth and the differentiation of BMSCs. We demonstrated that microRNA-124a promoted the differentiation of BMSCs into neurons through Notch/Hes1 signal pathway.