Fig. 2: Effects of adiponectin on physiological functions and therapeutic efficacy of MSC.
From: Adipokines at the crossroads of obesity and mesenchymal stem cell therapy
Adiponectin exists in different isoforms, including a cleaved form (globular adiponectin), monomers, low molecular weight (LMW), and high-molecular weight (HMW) oligomers, which can bind to transmembrane receptors, such as AdipoR1, AdipoR2, and T-cadherin. In MSC, adiponectin/AdipoR1 signaling plays important roles in the maintenance of stem cell survival and potency. In particular, adiponectin activates several cellular signaling pathways, including AMPK, MAPK, and Smad pathways, to stimulate osteoblast differentiation, chemotactic activity, and migration capacity, which together support bone repairing and regenerative function of MSC. AMPK signaling is also required for the improved survival of MSC under stressful conditions, such as hypoxia and nutrient depletion. Furthermore, T-cadherin-mediated signaling induces the biogenesis and release of exosomes, which mediate the therapeutic effects of MSC.
