The Integration of Olink Proteomics with Transcriptomics Elucidates that TNF-α Induces Senescence and Apoptosis in Transplanted Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are frequently employed in transplantation therapies for chronic inflammatory diseases. However, the impact of the inflammatory microenvironment on the functionality of MSCs remains poorly understood. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a prevalent inflammatory mediator at transplantation sites, and prior research has indicated that the role of TNF-α in MSCs transplantation is ambiguous. The mechanisms by which TNF-α modulates the function of MSCs require further elucidation. To investigate this, we conducted comprehensive OLINK proteomic and transcriptomic analyses. The results showed After TNF stimulation, MSCs underwent apoptosis and aging, and their immune regulation, cell migration, and differentiation function were reduced. The signaling pathways involved include NF-KB, MAPK, stem cell pluripotency, etc. In conclusion, TNF activates the immune response of MSCs and impairs their stemness, thereby significantly affecting their capacity for cartilage differentiation.