Morphine Induces Differential Gene Expression in Transdifferentiated Neuron-Like Cells from Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

Morphine is an opiate drug to alleviate pain; however, it has side effects such as tolerance, dependence and addiction. In this study, the in vitro effects of morphine on the profile of gene expression in neuron-like cells (NLCs) transdifferentiated from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were evaluated. ADSCs were isolated and transdifferentiated into NLCs by lithium chloride. The NLCs were treated with morphine and their morphology, viability and doubling time were evaluated. Also quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was done. The in vitro test results showed a significant increase in cell doubling time and a decrease in cell viability as compared with the controls. The profile of gene expression showed that Neuro D1 and synaptophysin were significantly increased in the morphine-treated NLCs ( P < 0.05), while nestin and neurogenin-1 were significantly decreased but the expression of Neurofilament 68 (NF-68) and NF-200 was not significant. The use of different pharmacological doses of morphine showed increase in the cell doubling time, while cell viability was decreased. Also the gene expression of nestin and neurogenin-1 was decreased whereas the expression of Neuro D1 and synaptophysin genes was increased following exposure to morphine tolerance dose.