SRY Gene Expression Research Articles

Unusual sex chromosomal DSD in a domestic Shorthair cat with a 37,X/38,XY mosaic karyotype

BackgroundSex chromosome abnormalities associated with disorders of sexual development (DSD) are rarely described in cats, mainly due to the lack of chromossome studies that precisely reveal the condition. Genetic approaches are therefore required in order to detect sex chromossomes abnormalities as variations in the number and structure of chromosomes, or the presence of a second cell line as mosaicim or chimerism.Case presentationA male Shorthair cryptorchid cat was presented with clinical signs of anorexia, tenesmus and hyperthermia. Ultrasonography revealed a fluid-filled structure, with approximately 1 cm in diameter, adjacent to the descending colon. Computed tomography evidenced a tubular structure, ventral to the descending colon and caudal to the bladder, which extended cranially, through two branches. Histopathological evaluation confirmed the presence of two atrophic uterine horns and one hypoplastic testicle with epididymis at the end of one of the uterine horns. The end of the other uterine horn was attached to a structure composed by a mass of adipocytes. Cytogenetic analysis revealed a mosaic 37,X/38,XY karyotype. The two cell lines were found in 15% and 85% of the lymphocytes, respectively. Genetic analysis confirmed the presence of SRY and ZFY genes in blood and hair bulbs, and revealed a marked reduction in SRY expression in the testicle. Additionally, this case presented exceptionally rare features, such as a Leydig’ cell tumour and a chronic endometritis in both uterine horns.ConclusionsComplete imaging workup, cytogenetic analysis and SRY gene expression should be systematically realized, in order to properly classify disorders of sexual development (DSD) in cats.

Hormonal Basis of Biological Sex Differences in Human Athletic Performance.

Biological sex is a primary determinant of athletic human performance involving strength, power, speed, and aerobic endurance and is more predictive of athletic performance than gender. This perspective article highlights 3 key medical and physiological insights related to recent evolving research into the sex differences in human physical performance: (1) sex and gender are not the same; (2) males and females exhibit profound differences in physical performance with males outperforming females in events and sports involving strength, power, speed, and aerobic endurance; (3) endogenous testosterone underpins sex differences in human physical performance with questions remaining on the roles of minipuberty in the sex differences in performance in prepubescent youth and the presence of the Y chromosome (SRY gene expression) in males, on athletic performance across all ages. Last, females are underrepresented as participants in biomedical research, which has led to a historical dearth of information on the mechanisms for sex differences in human physical performance and the capabilities of the female body. Collectively, greater effort and resources are needed to address the hormonal mechanisms for biological sex differences in human athletic performance before and after puberty.

Sex-Determining Region Y Controls the Effects of Fetal Alcohol Exposure on Proopiomelanocortin Gene Expression.

Fetal alcohol exposure (FAE) causes various neurodevelopmental deficits in offspring, including reduced expression of the stress regulatory proopiomelanocortin (Pomc) gene and an elevated stress response for multiple generations via the male germline. Male germline-specific effects of FAE on the Pomc gene raises the question if the sex-determining region Y (SRY) may have a role in regulating Pomc gene expression. Using a transgenerational model of FAE in Fischer 344 rats, we determined the role of SRY in the regulation of the Pomc gene. FAEs, like on the Pomc gene, reduced Sry gene expression in sperm and the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) in male adult offspring. Fetal alcohol-induced inhibition of Sry gene expression was associated with increased Sry promoter DNA methylation. Additionally, fetal alcohol effects on the Sry gene persisted for three generations in the male germline but not in the female germline. Sry gene knockdown reduced the Pomc gene expression. Sry recruitment onto the Pomc promoter was found to be reduced in the hypothalamus of fetal alcohol-exposed rats compared to control rats. Pomc promoter luciferase activity was increased following Sry overexpression. A site-directed mutagenesis study revealed that SRY binding sites are required for POMC promoter transcription activity. Overall, these findings suggest that SRY plays a stimulatory role in the regulation of Pomc gene expression and may potentially contribute to the fetal alcohol-induced changes in the level of Pomc gene expression for multiple generations.

The potential therapeutic effect of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on cuprizone model of multiple sclerosis in the mice

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune neurodegenerative disease. Current treatments have limited effect on the upstream pathophysiology of the disease. Nowadays, mesenchymal stem cells are considered to be a potential therapeutic tool for various neurodegenerative diseases. Their immune privileged status, trophic nature, and capacity to differentiate into various lineages makes them an ideal vehicle for treatment options.Aim of the study: the goal of this study was to assess the remyelinating potential of adipose mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) in cuprizone model of MS. Material and methods: AD-MSCs were obtained from male mice and characterized by flow cytometry. Thirty-six female C57BL/6 mice were divided equally among three groups. Group I (control group): mice were fed with a normal diet through the entire duration of the experiment. Groups II and III: mice were fed with a 0.2 % cuprizone containing diet for six weeks. By the end of the sixth week, group II and III mice received a single intravenous injection of 500 µl of a complete culture medium and 1 × 106 AD-MSCs suspended in 500 µl of a complete culture medium respectively. Neurological tests were done before and 9-10 days after the injection. All mice were euthanized at day 10 and corpus callosum was processed for further histological and biochemical examination. Morphometric study was done to assess remyelination. Migration of the male AD-MSCs into the female mice brain was confirmed by SRY gene expression. The obtained data were further statistically analyzed.Results: Cuprizone intake for 6 weeks caused extensive demyelination similar to MS accompanied by neurological deficits and change in the oxidative stress. Intravenous administration of AD-MSCs in group III enhanced the remyelination process improved the motor and cognitive functions and decrease the oxidant level.Conclusion: AD-MSCs provide a valuable potential treatment for neurodegenerative demyelinating diseases such as MS.

Non-invasive preimplantationsexingusingRT-PCRon the spent embryo culture media

Introduction Preimplantation sexing is an alternative method for Preimplantation GeneticTesting (PGT) to prevent the birth of children suffering from x-linked genetic disorders.Social sexing for non-medical reasons is also legal for some cases. PGT routinely needsto biopsy of embryonic cells or oocyte polar bodies which are invasive and could lead to implantation failure. SRY gene expression begins in male embryos following genome activation in preimplantation embryos. The aim of this study was sexing of preimplantation embryos without biopsy based on the presence of SRY RNA and DNA in the spent culture medium as a biomarker of sexing of human preimplantation embryos. Materials and Methods In this double-blind study, two groups were evaluated. In the first group, on the third day after the biopsy, the human embryos were cultured individually; we received the spent media of the non-degenerated 5-day embryos those have been underwent sexing by Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization(FISH) method via blastomere biopsy on the third day. In the second group, embryos of ART candidateswere cultivated on the third day individuallyuntil development to blastocyst stage; this group of embryos was not biopsied but the blastocysts were fixed for sexing by FISH. Each group was divided to 2 subgroups; in the first subgroup we extracted the RNA from the spent culture medium of each embryo. Following RNA extraction, the total RNA was immediately reverse transcribed to cDNA. In the second subgroup, PCR was performed directly on the culture medium. PCR was performed for SRY and GAPDH genes. The SRY positive embryos were considered as male embryos and those were GAPDH positive and SRY negative considered as females. The results of sexing based on spent culture media was compared with the results of sexing based on FISH. Results For the first group, 12 samples were evaluated, after comparing the results of PCR and FISH, the results for all the samples were concordant.In the second group, we were able to correctly diagnose 12 of the 14 samples. Two embryos with false diagnosis were females that diagnosed as males by direct PCR. Conclusion Preimplantation sexing without embryo biopsy by RT-PCR on the spent embryo culture media seems to be a reliable tool for non-invasive preimplantation sexing. However, direct PCR-based diagnosis might be lead to false results; this is probably due to DNA contamination.

Construction and expression of a prokaryotic expression vector for the goat sry gene

Goats are economically important animals in the world, and their sex is an important factor in their economic efficiency. Reconstruction of a goat SRY gene expression vector can lay a foundation for studying the immunogenicity and sex determination of SRY protein at the molecular level. In this study, the coding region of the goat SRY gene was used as the target gene fragment for synthesis and optimization, and the cloning vector was used as a template to amplify the target gene and finally ligated to the expression vector pET-SUMO. The recombinant plasmid was then verified by the double restriction enzyme method and transformed into Escherichia coli (DE3). After the induction of expression by Isopropyl â-D-Thiogalactoside (IPTG), the cells were lysed, and SDS-PAGE electrophoresis was performed to observe the expression of the recombinant protein. Additionally, the immunological activity of the recombinant protein was assessed. The target gene was successfully ligated into the prokaryotic expression vector pET-28a; additionally, the prokaryotic expression plasmid pET-SUMO was successfully constructed, and the SRY antigen protein (42 kDa) was expressed. The titer of the rabbit antiserum (PAI-1608012-1) was more than 1:50000, as measured by ELISA, which demonstrated that the titer and the sensitivity of the rabbit serum reached the expected levels. In this study, the prokaryotic expression vector pET-SUMO was successfully constructed. The recombinant protein has high immunopotency and immunoreactivity, which lays a foundation for the preparation of antibodies and the molecular sexing of goats in the future.

Embryology of the Female Genital System

Until the seventh week of human embryonic development of both sexes have very similar primordia of genitalia represented by two undifferentiated gonads two mesonephric ducts, which originate the male genital tract and two paramesonephric ducts develop the female genital tract. Genital tubercle, two labiouretrales folds and two labioscrotal folds: Externally the same basic elements that are distinguished in both sexes. From SRY gene expression that occurs during the eighth week a series of morphophysiological events leading establishing a clear sexual dimorphism starts. If the resulting gonad is a testis produced hormones induce masculinization of internal and external genitalia, as well as outline the breast. However, if an ovary is formed or not formed gonads, internal and external genitalia develop in female sense. Genetic sex is not always related to the differentiation of external genitalia or genital tract that is why we consider separately each. This article explores the morphological differentiation into male and female connection, as well as the molecular regulation of the gonads, genital tract and external genitalia.

Supplying osteogenesis to dead bone using an osteogenic matrix cell sheet

To evaluate whether osteogenic matrix cell sheets can supply osteogenesis to dead bone. Femur bone fragments (5mm in length) were obtained from Fisher 344 rats and irradiated by a single exposure of 60Gy to produce bones that were no longer viable. Osteogenic matrix cell sheets were created from rat bone marrow-derived stromal cells (BMSCs). After wrapping the dead bone with an osteogenic matrix cell sheet, it was subcutaneously transplanted into the back of a rat and harvested after 4 weeks. Bone formation around the dead bone was evaluated by X-ray imaging and histology. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OC) mRNA expression levels were measured to confirm osteogenesis of the transplanted bone. The contribution of donor cells to bone formation was assessed using the Sry gene and PKH26. After the cell sheet was transplanted together with dead bone, X-ray images showed abundant calcification around the dead bone. In contrast, no newly formed bone was seen in samples that were transplanted without the cell sheet. Histological sections also showed newly formed bone around dead bone in samples transplanted with the cell sheet, whereas many empty lacunae and no newly formed bone were observed in samples transplanted without the cell sheet. ALP and OC mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in dead bones transplanted with cell sheets than in those without a cell sheet (P<0.01). Sry gene expression and cells derived from cell sheets labeled with PKH26 were detected in samples transplanted with a cell sheet, indicating survival of donor cells after transplantation. Our study indicates that osteogenic matrix cell sheet transplantation can supply osteogenesis to dead bone.

Factors enhancing the migration and the homing of mesenchymal stem cells in experimentally induced cardiotoxicity in rats.

Doxorubicin is an effective anti-neoplastic drug but its use is limited by its cardiotoxicity. Administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the management of cardiotoxicity was with poor myocardial homing capacity. With the aim of developing novel techniques to improve the migration of MSCs, we tested whether valproate and electric fields (EFs) direct the migration of MSCs towards the damaged myocardium. The study included five groups of female albino rats. The first group included 10 healthy rats as normal control group. The remaining 40 female rats received doxorubicin for induction of acute cardiotoxicity. Four rats were sacrificed for histopathological confirmation of cardiotoxicity. The remaining rats were equally divided into subsequent four groups. The second group included nine rats that did not receive further treatment (positive control group). The third group included nine rats which received intravenous bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) after cardiotoxicity induction. The fourth group included nine rats which received BM-MSCs plus sodium valporate after cardiotoxicity induction. The fifth group included nine rats which received BM-MSCs plus sodium valporate after cardiotoxicity induction and were exposed to an electrical stimulation (ES). Blood samples were taken from all groups at the end of the study to estimate creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), aspartate transaminase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Heart tissues from all rats were used for RNA extraction for assessment of sry gene expression. Homing was tested by PKH26 fluorescence in myocardial tissue sections and by sry gene expression. The best biochemical and histopathological improvement in cardiotoxicity was demonstrated in group 5 (rats that received ES and valporate with MSCs). We concluded that EFs and sodium valproate enhance homing ability of MSCs towards the damaged myocardium in doxorubicin induced carditoxicity model. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(3):162-169, 2017.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Reduce Progression of Experimental Chronic Kidney Disease but Develop Wilms' Tumors.

The therapeutic effect of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSs) on the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has not yet been demonstrated. In this study, we sought to assess whether treatment with iPSs retards progression of CKD when compared with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Untreated 5/6 nephrectomized rats were compared with CKD animals receiving BMSCs or iPSs. Renal function, histology, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression were studied. Implanted iPSs were tracked by the SRY gene expression analysis. Both treatments minimized elevation in serum creatinine, significantly improved clearance, and slowed down progression of disease. The proteinuria was reduced only in the iPS group. Both treatments reduced glomerulosclerosis, iPSs decreased macrophage infiltration, and TGF-β was reduced in kidneys from the BMSC group. Both types of treatments increased VEGF gene expression, TGF-β was upregulated only in the iPS group, and IL-10 had low expression in both groups. The SRY gene was found in 5/8 rats treated with iPSs. These 5 animals presented tumors with histology and cells highly staining positive for PCNA and Wilms' tumor protein antibody characteristics of Wilms' tumor. These results suggest that iPSs may be efficient to retard progression of CKD but carry the risk of Wilms' tumor development.

Effect of anti-sca-1+ on diabetic rat histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical evaluation.

Diabetes mellitus is a disease of metabolic dysregulation most notable glucose metabolism accompanied by long term complications. The present study was carried out to investigate the potential effect of Anti-Sca-1+ stem cells on type 1 diabetes induced in albino rats. The study was carried on 7 male and 24 female Albino rats (150 ± 5g). The female albino rats were divided into three main groups: normal control, diabetic group and diabetic rats treated by Anti-Sca-1+. Induction of diabetic rats was carried out by single dose injection of fasting rats for 48 h with a diluted solution of 40 mg/kg of alloxan monohydrate (2%) in freshly prepared saline solution. Diabetic rats treated group was slaughtered into two phases; the first phase after 15 days of treatment, and the second phase after 30 days of treatment. Tissue samples were separated and kept in absolute 10% formalin solution for histological and immunohistochemical studies. SRY gene expression and biochemical study of glucose tolerance, c-peptide, insulin, glycated hemoglobin and glucose transporter 2 was evaluated. The results showed that, treatment of diabetic rats, with derivative bone marrow (Anti-Sca-1+) could greatly ameliorate glucose, insulin, c-peptide, HbA1c and glut2, Hafter 15 and 30 days of treatment, as compared to normal control group and these were confirmed by histological and immunological investigations, which indicate significant progress in the pancreas tissue, by marked significant increase of pancreatic islets size and improvement in the acinar cells after 30 days of treatment by Anti-Sca-1+.

Low levels of TGF-β1enhance human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell fibronectin production and extend survival time in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an attractive cellular source for cell‑based therapy, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, the use of MSCs is limited by their low incorporation rate in the graft environment. The majority of cells are lost from the graft within1month, due to reduced microenvironment or local inflammation at the graft site. The extracellular matrix (ECM) may assist the survival and expansion of MSCs. The present study aimed to identify an effective approach to increase ECM expression levels by MSCs in order to enhance the therapeutic effect and survival rate of MSCs at the injury site. The concentration‑dependent effect of transforming growth factor (TGF)‑β1 on human umbilical cord (hUC)‑MSC proliferation and expression of ECM genes was investigated. MSCs were successfully isolated, cultured and expanded from hUC. A low concentration of TGF‑β1 (0.1ng/ml) exhibited the optimal effect on hUC‑MSC proliferation and markedly stimulated the expression of ECM genes, particularly fibronectin (FN). Furthermore, treatment with TGF‑β1caused no alteration in the immunophenotype and differentiation capacity of MSCs. Invivo experiments in rats demonstrated that intravenous injection of control UC-MSCs or TGF-β1-pre-treated UC-MSCs reduced the severity of lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury, assessed using histology, measurements of the wet‑dry lung weight ratio, and neutrophil count and protein concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. However, the short‑term (48h) therapeutic effects of untreated and TGF‑β1‑pre‑treated UC‑MSCs were similar. The survival of MSCs in damaged lungs, determined by Sry gene expression levels, were significantly increased in MSCs pre‑treated with TGF‑β1. In conclusion, pre‑treatment of MSCs with a low concentration of TGF‑β1enhanced the expression of ECM components, particularly FN, thus, improving the survival and potential therapeutic benefits of MSCs. Pre‑treatment of MSCs with TGF‑β1may prolong the effective therapy time and represent an efficient therapeutic approach for tissue repair.

Triptolide Improves Early Survival of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplanted into Rat Myocardium

Objective: To investigate whether triptolide can prolong the survival of rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transfected with the mouse hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel 4 (mHCN4) gene in the myocardium. Methods: Grafted cell survival was determined using a sex-mismatched cell transplantation model and analysis of Y chromosome-specific Sry gene expression from hearts harvested at different time points after cell transplantation. ELISA and RT-PCR were used to measure protein and mRNA levels, respectively, of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-a. Results: Donor cell numbers decreased over time. Pretreatment with triptolide improved graft survival both 24 (29.3 ± 0.9%) and 72 h (17.5 ± 1.2%) after transplantation of MSCs and resulted in a 2.5-fold increase in the total cell number 72 h after cell transplantation. The mRNA expression and protein content of NF-κB, IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-a were significantly reduced in the triptolide-treated group compared with the control groups. In addition, triptolide downregulated Bax but upregulated Bcl-2 in the injected region. Conclusions: Transient treatment with triptolide may significantly improve the early survival of MSCs in vivo. The mechanism underlying this effect involves attenuating the inflammatory response via inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

GW24-e3739 MiR-210 Over-expression Enhances Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Survival in an Oxidative Stress Circumstance though Anti-oxidation and c-Met Pathways Activation

ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate whether over-expression of miR-210, an oxide-related miR, could protect mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) against apoptosis induced by oxidative stress, and if so, what the potential mechanisms...

GW24-e2431 MicroRNA-210 Over-expression Activates Autophagy in Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Improves its Therapeutic Effect on the Myocardial Infarction: an in vitro and in vivo Study

ObjectivesTo examine the hypothesis that microRNAs (miRs) contributes to the survival of MSCs under hypoxic conditions through regulating autophagy, thus enhancing the therapeutic effect of cells transplantation on myocardial infarction...

Gonad Differentiation in the Rabbit: Evidence of Species-Specific Features

The rabbit is an attractive species for the study of gonad differentiation because of its 31-day long gestation, the timing of female meiosis around birth and the 15-day delay between gonadal switch and the onset of meiosis in the female. The expression of a series of genes was thus determined by qPCR during foetal life until adulthood, completed by a histological analysis and whenever possible by an immunohistological one. Interesting gene expression profiles were recorded. Firstly, the peak of SRY gene expression that is observed in early differentiated XY gonads in numerous mammals was also seen in the rabbit, but this expression was maintained at a high level until the end of puberty. Secondly, a peak of aromatase gene expression was observed at two-thirds of the gestation in XX gonads as in many other species except in the mouse. Thirdly, the expression of STRA8 and DMC1 genes (which are known to be specifically expressed in germ cells during meiosis) was enhanced in XX gonads around birth but also slightly and significantly in XY gonads at the same time, even though no meiosis occurs in XY gonad at this stage. This was probably a consequence of the synchronous strong NANOS2 gene expression in XY gonad. In conclusion, our data highlighted some rabbit-specific findings with respect to the gonad differentiation process.

GADD45G Functions in Male Sex Determination by Promoting p38 Signaling and Sry Expression

Male sex determination in mammals is induced by Sry, a gene whose regulation is poorly understood. Here we show that mice mutant for the stress-response gene Gadd45g display complete male-to-female sex reversal. Gadd45g and Sry havea strikingly similar expression pattern in the genital ridge, and they are coexpressed in gonadal somatic cells. In Gadd45g mutants, Sry expression is delayed and reduced, and yet Sry seemed to remain poised for expression, because its promoter is demethylated on schedule and is occupied by active histone marks. Instead, p38 MAPK signaling is impaired in Gadd45g mutants. Moreover, the transcription factor GATA4, which is required for Sry expression, binds tothe Sry promoter invivo in a MAPK-dependent manner. The results suggest that a signaling cascade, involving GADD45G → p38 MAPK → GATA4 → SRY, regulates male sex determination.

Cbx2, a Polycomb Group Gene, Is Required for Sry Gene Expression in Mice

Mice lacking the function of the polycomb group protein CBX2 (chromobox homolog 2; also known as M33) show defects in gonadal, adrenal, and splenic development. In particular, XY knockout (KO) mice develop ovaries but not testes, and the gonads are hypoplastic in both sexes. However, how CBX2 regulates development of these tissues remains largely unknown. In the present study, we used microarray, RT-PCR, and immunohistochemical analyses to show that the expression of Sry, Sox9, Lhx9, Ad4BP/SF-1, Dax-1, Gata4, Arx, and Dmrt1, genes encoding transcription factors essential for gonadal development, is affected in Cbx2 KO gonads. Male-to-female sex reversal in Cbx2 KO mice was rescued by crossing them with transgenic mice displaying forced expression of Sry or Sox9. However, testes remained hypoplastic in these mice, indicating that the size and the sex of the gonad are determined by different sets of genes. Our study implicates Cbx2 in testis differentiation through regulating Sry gene expression.

Mesenchymal stem cells preconditioned with high density lipoprotein resist oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and improve cardiac function in a rat model of myocardial infarction

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of high density lipoprotein (HDL) on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) implanted in infarcted myocardium, and to unveil the role of MAPK/ERK1/2 pathways in the potential mechanism...

Effects of mesenchymal stem cells transfected with human hepatocyte growth factor gene on healing of burn wounds

Objective To explore the effects of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transfected with adenoviral vector carrying hepatocyte growth factor (HGF, Ad-HGF) on burn wound healing. Methods BMSCs from male Wistar rats were separated and purified with Percoll separating medium by density gradient centrifugation and cultured with DMEM containing 20% fetal bovine serum (FBS). Then BMSCs were transfected with Ad-HGF at the optimal gene transduction efficiency of 100 multiplicity of infection (MOI). The efficiency of transfection and the expression of HGF in the suspension were detected by flow cytometry and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) respectively. Thirty-two female rats were subjected to 90°C water for 12 seconds to induce a partial thickness skin burn. The animals were randomly divided into mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) treatment group (Group A), Ad-HGF treatment group (Group B), Ad-HGF-modified MSCs treatment group (Group C) and saline control group (Group D). On days 3, 5, 7, 14 and 21 postburn, HE and Sirius red stain were performed to observe the burn wound healing and collagen content. The content of hydroxyproline in wounds was also detected. Transplanted cells and the expression of (sex-determining region Y) SRY gene were detected by in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), while the expression of HGF in wound tissues was detected by ELISA. Results The result of flow cytometry showed that the transfection efficiency was 86.41% at 100 MOI. Compared with the control group, the content of HGF in the supernatant after transfection increased time-dependently and peaked at 48 h, showing significant differences at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h ( P<0.01). Results of HE stain revealed that the range of re-epidermidalization in Group C was significantly larger than that in other groups in the first week. Three weeks postburn, the epidermis was significantly thicker in Group C than in other groups and the nails of dermis inserted into the derma of burn wounds. Sirius red stain showed that the content of collagen I in Group C was much less compared with that in other groups 21 days postburn. In situ hybridization revealed an expression of SRY gene in burned female rats, consistent with the finding of PCR. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated the largest increase of HGF expression in Group C, whose contents of hydroxyproline, however, decreased on day 7 postburn. Compared with other groups, the content of HGF in the wounds of Group C increased obviously on day 14 after transfection ( P<0.05) and there was no significant difference among Groups A, B and D. Conclusion Our study suggests that transplantation of MSCs modified with Ad-HGF has positive effects on the healing of burn wounds probably through differentiation and release of relevant cytokines.