DKK 1 overexpression promotes the proliferation and cartilage differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells ( MSCs ) of antler

Wnt signaling plays multiple roles in mammalian mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). This study aimed to examine the effect of Wnt signaling on the proliferation and differentiation of MSCs of antler. Antlers were harvested at 60 days of growth and MSCs were isolated. An adenovirus for DKK1 overexpression was constructed. Cartilage differentiation was evaluated using Alcian blue, alizarin red, and immunohistochemistry. MSCs were evaluated by qRT-PCR for DKK1, collagen I, collagen II, β-catenin, cyclinD1, c-Myc, and Runx2. On days 3 and 6, Alcian blue staining in Ad-DKK1 cells was positive, but disappeared from day 9. On day 9, collagen II immunohistochemistry was weakly positive. On day 11, alizarin red staining showed positive stain. On day 11, the expression of collagen I in the Ad-DKKI group was higher than that in the empty adenovirus group, and was higher than that on days 6 and 9 (all P<0.05); the expression of collagen II on day 11 was significantly higher (all P<0.05). The expression of the DKK1 gene was increased from day 9 (P<0.05 vs. day 6). The expression of the β-catenin gene was decreased from day 9 (P<0.05). The expression of the CyclinD1 gene was also declined on day 11 (P<0.05). The expression of the Runx2 gene was higher from day 6 (all P<0.05). Wnt signaling is involved in the proliferation and cartilage differentiation of MSCs of antler. These results provide a theoretical basis for the growth and regeneration of antler.