Human mesenchymal stem cells exhibit altered mitochondrial dynamics and poor survival in high glucose microenvironment

Figure 5 The protein levels of mitochondrial regulators were reduced in high glucose cultured human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Western blot protein analysis showed significant reduction in the protein levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in high glucose cultured cells, while the protein level of mTOR inhibitory protein; TSC1, was elevated in high glucose cultured cells. These proteins are important to maintain proper mitochondrial dynamics. n = 3, ^aP < 0.05 compared to low glucose control. PI3K: Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; mTOR: Mammalian target of rapamycin.