biostudies-literatureNguyen CHVietnam Academy of Science and Technology48https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12839728biostudies-literatureUnknown48(1)Kynurenic acid (KYNA), a small molecule derived from the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway, can readily diffuse across biological membranes and act as an endogenous ligand for receptors such as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr). While KYNA dysregulation is implicated in neurodegenerative disorders, the role of the KYNA-Ahr-IL-6 axis in MSC proliferation and differentiation remains poorly defined. We investigated the impact of KYNA on murine bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) at various concentrations (10-200 μM) and time points (8-48 h). The BM-MSC phenotype was assessed via flow cytometry; proliferation, via cell counting; and the gene expression of <i>Ahr</i>, <i>Cyp1a1</i>, <i>Cyp1b1</i>, and <i>Il-6,</i> via quantitative real-time PCR. Multipotency was evaluated through adipogenic, osteoCurrent issues in molecular biologyActivation of the Ahr-IL-6 Axis by Kynurenic Acid Promotes Bone Marrow-Derived MSC Expansion.PMC12839728TDTBG0.01/21-23Vu TTNakahama THoang HTTNguyen CHTran TTNguyen NTPham ADfalseActivation of the Ahr-IL-6 Axis by Kynurenic Acid Promotes Bone Marrow-Derived MSC Expansion.Kynurenic acid (KYNA), a small molecule derived from the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway, can readily diffuse across biological membranes and act as an endogenous ligand for receptors such as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr). While KYNA dysregulation is implicated in neurodegenerative disorders, the role of the KYNA-Ahr-IL-6 axis in MSC proliferation and differentiation remains poorly defined. We investigated the impact of KYNA on murine bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) at various concentrations (10-200 μM) and time points (8-48 h). The BM-MSC phenotype was assessed via flow cytometry; proliferation, via cell counting; and the gene expression of <i>Ahr</i>, <i>Cyp1a1</i>, <i>Cyp1b1</i>, and <i>Il-6,</i> via quantitative real-time PCR. Multipotency was evaluated through adipogenic, osteo2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Dec2026-06-13T03:21:19.943Z2026-06-13T03:12:15.234ZS-EPMC128397284161487810.3390/cimb48010048