NR2F2 regulates bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell-promoted proliferation of Reh cells

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are pivotal components of the leukemic microenvironment. BM-MSCs have been previously reported to promote the proliferation of leukemic cells. To further understand the molecular mechanisms of BM-MSC-induced proliferation of leukemic cells, the present study co-cultured acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) Reh cells with BM-MSCs. The current study used methods including shRNA, flow cytometry, MTT, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, ELISA and western blotting. The data of the present study demonstrated that BM-MSCs promote the proliferation of Reh cells and the NR2F2 mRNA and protein levels were elevated in BM-MSCs following co-culture. Additionally, it was demonstrated that shRNA knockdown of NR2F2 inhibited BM-MSC-induced proliferation of Reh cells. Furthermore, following downregulation of NR2F2, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) secretion by BM-MSCs was reduced. The present study demonstrated that NR2F2 mediates BM-MSC-induced proliferation of Reh cells, partially via regulation of VEGFA. Disrupting micro-environmental support by targeting NR2F2 may be a potential therapeutic strategy for ALL.