A novel natural antisense transcript is expressed in the SOX9 locus

Introduction The transcription factor SOX9, a key regulatory factor in chondrogenesis, induces expression of collagen type II and Aggrecan genes during differentiation of Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) into chondrocyte. Recent studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs, such as natural antisense transcript (NAT) can play regulatory roles in gene expression.ObjectiveWe identified the presence of NAT in the SOX9 locus and its transcriptional level was detected at different time points during MSC chondrocyte differentiation.MethodsHuman MSCs were isolated from adipose tissue by enzymatic digestion, Collagenase TYPE 1. AD-MSCs were then characterized by Flow cytometry and analyzed for their ability to differentiate into osteoblasts and adipocytes. To detect NAT SOX9, strand specific reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed. The expression levels of SOX9sense and antisense (AS) transcripts were assessed during chondrogenesis in different time points by real time-PCR assay.ResultsWe identified, for the first time, the presence of NAT in the SOX9 locus in human MSCs. While SOX9 mRNA level was up-regulated during chondrogenic differentiation, the expression level of SOX9-AS decreased, suggesting a possible inhibitory role of antisense transcripts on SOX9 expressionConclusionOur present study reveals that a natural antisense transcript is expressed in SOX9 locus, suggesting a regulatory role on SOX9 during chondrogenesis

Keywords:

MSC , SOX9 , Chondrocyte , Long non-coding RNA , Antisense transcript