Role of miR-128/216a Regulating Isl1 Expression during Differentiation of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Insulin-Producing Cells

Islet-1 (Isl1), a LIM homeodomain protein, is expressed in the embryonic pancreatic epithelium. As key transcription factor, Isl1 can not only regulate insulin gene expression normal glucose condition but also maintain β-cell function and impact target genes. Some experiments have suggested that MicroRNA (miRNA) play critical role during induction of insulin-producing cells (IPCs). However, it unclear whether miRNA may differentiation human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem (HUMSCs) into IPCs. In this investigation, we induced HUMSCs IPCs with modified two-step protocol, activin A, retinoic acid (step1) conophylline, nicotinamide (step2). To find regulating expression, respectively used TargetScan, miRDB RNAhybrid to predict got result, miR-128 miR-216a. The miRNAs inhibit by dual luciferase assay. results real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) showed level was almost reciprocal miR-216a Furthermore, over-expression or down-regulated levels MafA. Therefore, islet-specific factors control