Objective     To explore the effect of up-regulation of Wnt7a on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) proliferation and differentiation into neuron-like cells.     Methods     An adenovirus vector expressing Wnt7a protein was constructed

and then MSCs were transfected with the recombinant vector. MSCs proliferation was detected by MTT assay

and the protein expression of cytoplasmic β-catenin

nuclear β-catenin and CyclinD1 was detected by Western blotting. The rates of MSCs differentiating into neuron-like cells were compared after transfection.     Results     Compared with the control MSCs

the MSCs transfected with Wnt7a recombinant adenovirus vector exhibited an increase in cell proliferation

and the protein expression of cytoplasmic β-catenin

nuclear β-catenin and CyclinD1 significantly increased (P0.05). The rate of neuron-like cells in the MSCs transfected with Wnt7a recombinant adenovirus vectors was significantly higher than that in the control group and the non-transfection group (P0.05).     Conclusion     Overexpression of Wnt7a protein promotes MSCs proliferation through up-regulating β-catenin and CyclinD1 expression

and stimulates MSCs differentiation into neuron-like cells

which provides further foundation for the therapy for spine cord injury.