Expression and subcellular localization of histone deacetylases in mesenchymal stem-like cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth

Abstract

The acetylation of histones and transcription factors plays a crucial role in cell functional activity. Balance between histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) is closely related to diverse cellular processes, including differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Expression of different classes of HDACs is strictly dependent on the cell type, and differentiated cells possess different members of the HDAC family. In our study, we employed mesenchymal stem-like cells (MSC) derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth. Expression of HDACs at mRNA level was analysed using the RT-PCR method. Next, we have assessed the protein levels of different classes of HDACs and their localization within the cell. The cytoplasm and nuclear fractions of cell lysates were subjected to western blot analysis. Since the functional activity of class II HDACs is determined by their shuttling between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, we have analysed the subcellular localization of HDAC4 in response to the wellknown activators of differentiation, i. e. bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), using fluorescent confocal microscopy. Our results suggest that class I and II HDAC family members are expressed and produced in MSC-like cells. The predicted HDAC4 translocation from the cell nucleus was not induced by PMA or BMP-2 in our model. However, our findings open new insights into a possible targeting for HDACs in future transcription activations / derepression studies. Keywords: mesenchymal stem cell, MSC, HDAC