Abstract: Objective To induce the differentiation of human adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) into epidermal cells in vitro and to discuss the effects of RUNX2 gene on the epidermal differentiation of ADSCs. Methods ADSCs were isolated by collagenase digestion. Then, the cells obtained were induced to differentiate into epidermal cells in vitro and transfected with lentiviral vector-mediated RUNX2 gene. The expression of RUNX2, CK18, ZO-1 protein and mRNA was examined by Western blot, RT-PCR and immunofluorescence. Results After induction for 14 days, the levels of RUNX2, CK18 and ZO-1 mRNA and protein in ADSCs were remarkably higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The ADSCs transfected with lentiviral vector-mediated RUNX2 produced higher amounts of RUNX2, CK18 and ZO-1 mRNA and protein than those in the control group and negative control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Overexpression of RUNX2 gene can stimulate epidermal differentiation of ADSCs to some extent.