PURPOSE: RNA activation (RNAa) is a mechanism of gene activation triggered by 
promoter-targeted small double stranded RNAs (dsRNAs), also known as small 
activating RNAs (saRNAs). Myogenic regulatory factor MyoD is regarded as the 
master activator of myogenic differentiation cascade by binding to enhancer of 
muscle specific genes. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a condition 
primarily resulted from urethral sphincter deficiency. It is thus expected that 
by promoting differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) into 
myoblasts by activating MyoD gene through RNAa may offer benefits to SUI.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats ADSCs were isolated, proliferated in vitro, and 
identified by flow cytometry. Purified ADSCs were then transfected with a MyoD 
saRNA or control transfected. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and 
western blotting were used to detect MyoD mRNA and protein expression, 
respectively. Immunocytochemical staining was applied to determine the 
expression of desmin protein in transfected cells. Cell viability was measured 
by using CellTiter 96R AQueous One Solution Cell Proliferation Assay kit.
RESULTS: Transfection of a MyoD saRNA (dsMyoD) into ADSCs signiﬁcantly induced 
the expression of MyoD at both the mRNA and protein levels, and inhibited cell 
proliferation. Desmin protein expression was detected in dsMyoD treated ADSCs 2 
weeks later.
CONCLUSION: Our findings show that RNAa mediated overexpression of MyoD can 
promote transdifferentiation of ADSCs into myoblasts and may help treat stress 
urinary incontinence (SUI)-a condition primarily resulted from urethral 
sphincter deficiency.