WNT5A induces osteogenic differentiation of human adipose stem cells via rho-associated kinase ROCK.

Background Aims: Human (h) adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ASC) constitute an interesting cellular source for bone tissue engineering applications. Wnts, for example Wnt5a, are probably important regulators of osteogenic differentiation of stem cells, but the role of Wnt5a in hASC lineage commitment and the mechanisms activated upon Wnt5a binding are unknown. We examined whether Wnt5a induces osteogenic and/or adipogenic differentiation of hASC.