MiR-141-3p regulates proliferation and senescence of stem cells from apical papilla by targeting YAP

Biological phenotypes of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are regulated by a series of biochemical elements, including microRNAs, hormones and growth factors. Our previous study illustrated a significant role of miR-141-3p during the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs). Nevertheless, the functions of miR-141-3p in regulating the proliferative ability and senescence of SCAPs have not been determined. This study identified that overexpression of miR-141-3p inhibited the proliferative ability of SCAPs. Meanwhile, the senescence of SCAPs was ahead of time. Conversely, transfection of miR-141-3p inhibitor promoted the proliferative ability of SCAPs and delayed their senescence. Yes-associated protein (YAP) was predicted as the downstream target gene of miR-141-3p by online softwares (miRDB, miRTarBase, miRWalk, and TargetScan), and was further verified by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Additionally, knockdown of YAP inhibited the proliferation and accelerated the senescence of SCAPs. Collectively, these findings proposed a novel direction that miR-141-3p impeded proliferative ability and promoted senescence of SCAPs through post-transcriptionally downregulating YAP.