Abstract: Objective: To study the effect of core-binding factor a1 (Cbfa1) on the human bone marrow mesenchymal cells(hBMSCs) osteogenic differentiation. Methods: The hBMSCs were harvested through gradient centrifugation and adhering to the plastic culture wall. The third passage cells were used in our study. After the MSCs were infected with Cbfa1 through non-viral vector FuGene HD, the expressions of mRNA for osteoblast gene markers such as Cbfa1, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, osteopontin and type I collagen were analyzed with real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR ) at 7d and 14d. Alkaline phosphatase ( ALP ) activity and expression of osteocalcin were measured at 1, 2, and 3 weeks after transfection. Results: The real-time RT-PCR indicated that all the osteoblast gene markers were up-regulated in the Cbfa1 treatment group. The morphous of hBMSCs modified with Cbfa1 were similar to osteoblasts, and expressed ALP and osteocalcin. Conclusion: FuGene HD-Cbfa1 can directly promote the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs.

Key words: Cbfa1, hBMSCs, non-viral vector, FuGene HD, osteogenic differentiation