ObjectiveTo summarize the mechanism of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in signal pathways related to osteogenic differentiation. Methods Relevant domestic and foreign researches in recent years were consulted. The characteristics and biological functions of lncRNA were introduced, and the specific mechanism of lncRNA regulating related signal pathways in osteogenic differentiation was elaborated. Results The exertion and maintenance of normal function of bone requires the closed coordination of transcription networks and signal pathways. However, most of these signal pathways or networks are dysregulated under pathological conditions that affect bone homeostasis. lncRNA can regulate the differentiation of various bone cells by activating or inhibiting signal pathways to achieve the balance of bone homeostasis, thereby reversing the pathological state of bones and achieving the purpose of treating bone metabolic diseases. Conclusion At present, the research on the mechanism of lncRNA regulating various osteogenic differentiation pathways is still in the early stage. Its in-depth regulator mechanism, especially the cross-talk of complex signal pathways needs to be further studied. And how to apply these molecular targets to clinical treatment is also a big challenge.
Objective To investigate the regulatory effects of miR-26a-5p on the osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) by regulating cAMP response element binding protein 1 (CREB1). Methods The adipose tissues of four 3-4 weeks old female C57BL/6 mice were collected and the cells were isolated and cultured by digestion separation method. After morphological observation and identification by flow cytometry, the 3rd-generation cells were subjected to osteogenic differentiation induction. At 0, 3, 7, and 14 days after osteogenic differentiation induction, the calcium deposition was observed by alizarin red staining, ALP activity was detected, miR- 26a-5p and CREB1 mRNA expressions were examined by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, and CREB1 protein and its phosphorylation (phospho-CREB1, p-CREB1) level were measured by Western blot. After the binding sites between miR-26a-5p and CREB1 was predicted by the starBase database, HEK-293T cells were used to conduct a dual-luciferase reporter gene experiment to verify the targeting relationship (represented as luciferase activity after 48 hours of culture). Finally, miR-26a-p inhibitor (experimental group) and the corresponding negative control (control group) were transfected into ADSCs. Alizarin red staining, ALP activity, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (miR-26a-5p) and Western blot [CREB1, p-CREB1, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and osteocalcin (OCN)] were performed at 7 and 14 days after osteogenic induction culture. Results The cultured cells were identified as ADSCs. With the prolongation of osteogenic induction culture, the number of calcified nodules and ALP activity significantly increased (P<0.05). The relative expression of miR-26a-5p in the cells gradually decreased, while the relative expressions of CREB1 mRNA and protein, as well as the relative expression of p-CREB1 protein were increased. The differences were significant between 7, 14 days and 0 day (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in p-CREB1/CREB1 between different time points (P>0.05). The starBase database predicted that miR-26a-5p and CREB1 had targeted binding sequences, and the dual-luciferase reporter gene experiment revealed that overexpression of miR-26a-5p significantly suppressed CREB1 wild-type luciferase activity (P<0.05). After 7 and 14 days of osteogenic induction, compared with the control group, the number of calcified nodules, ALP activity, and relative expressions of CREB1, p-CREB1, OCN, and RUNX2 proteins in the experimental group significantly increased (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in p-CREB1/CREB1 between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Knocking down miR-26a-5p promoted the osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs by up-regulating CREB1 and its phosphorylation.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA) lentivirus-mediated silencing of P75 neurotrophin receptor (P75NTR) gene on osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in rats.MethodsThree lentivirus-mediated P75NTR gene siRNA sequences (P75NTR-siRNA-1, 2, 3) and negative control (NC)-siRNA were designed and transfected into the 3rd generation Sprague Dawley (SD) rat BMSCs. The cells morphological changes were observed under an inverted microscope, and the expressions of P75NTR gene and protein in cells were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot. Then the best silencing P75NTR-siRNA for subsequent osteogenic differentiation experiments was screened out. The 3rd generation SD rat BMSCs were randomly divided into experimental group, negative control group, and blank control group (normal BMSCs). The BMSCs of negative control group and experimental group were transfected with NC-siRNA and the selected P75NTR-siRNA lentiviral vector, respectively. The cells of each group were cultured by osteogenic induction. The expressions of osteogenic related proteins [osteocalcin (OCN) and Runx related transcription factor 2 (Runx2)] were detected by Western blot; the collagen type Ⅰ expression was observed by immunohistochemical staining; the osteogenesis of BMSCs was observed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) detection and alizarin red staining.ResultsAfter lentivirus-mediated P75NTR transfected into BMSCs, the expressions of P75NTR mRNA and protein significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the best silencing P75NTR-siRNA was P75NTR-siRNA-3. After P75NTR gene was silenced, MTT test showed that the cell proliferation in the experimental group was significantly faster than those in the two control groups (P<0.05). After osteogenic induction, the relative expressions of OCN and Runx2 proteins, collagen type Ⅰ expression, and ALP activity were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the two control groups, the differences were significant (P<0.05). With the prolongation of osteogenic induction, the mineralized nodules in the experimental group gradually increased.ConclusionSilencing the P75NTR gene with siRNA lentivirus can promote the osteogenic differentiation of rat BMSCs and provide a new idea for the treatment of bone defects.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of micro RNA (miR)-335-5p regulating bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) on the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs).MethodshBMSCs were cultured in vitro and randomly divided into control group (group A), miR-335-5p mimics group (group B), miR-335-5p mimics negative control group (group C), miR-335-5p inhibitor group (group D), and miR-335-5p inhibitor negative control group (group E). After grouping treatment and induction of osteogenic differentiation, the osteogenic differentiation of cells in each group was detected by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red staining; the expressions of miR-335-5p and BMP-2, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osteopontin (OPN), and osteocalcin (OCN) mRNAs were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR analysis; the expressions of Runx2, OPN, OCN, and BMP-2 proteins were detected by Western blot.ResultsCompared with group A, the relative proportion of ALP positive cells and the relative content of mineralized nodules, the relative expressions of BMP-2, miR-335-5p, OPN, OCN, Runx2 mRNAs, the relative expressions of Runx2, OPN, OCN, and BMP-2 proteins in group B were significantly increased (P<0.05); the above indexes in group D were significantly decreased (P<0.05); the above indexes between groups C, E and group A were not significantly different (P>0.05).ConclusionmiR-335-5p can up-regulate BMP-2 expression and promote osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs.
ObjectiveTo prepare a bone tissue engineering scaffold for repairing the skull defect of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats by combining exogenous transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) with gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel.MethodsFirstly, GelMA hydrogel composite scaffolds containing exogenous TGF-β1 at concentrations of 0, 150, 300, 600, 900, and 1 200 ng/mL (set to groups A, B, C, D, E, and F, respectively) were prepared. Cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) method was used to detect the effect of composite scaffold on the proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in SD rats. ALP staining, alizarin red staining, osteocalcin (OCN) immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot were used to explore the effect of scaffolds on osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, and the optimal concentration of TGF-β1/GelMA scaffold was selected. Thirty-six 8-week-old SD rats were taken to prepare a 5 mm diameter skull bone defect model and randomly divided into 3 groups, namely the control group, the GelMA group, and the GelMA+TGF-β1 group (using the optimal concentration of TGF-β1/GelMA scaffold). The rats were sacrificed at 4 and 8 weeks after operation, and micro-CT, HE staining, and OCN immunohistochemistry staining were performed to observe the repair effect of skull defects.ResultsThe CCK-8 method showed that the TGF-β1/GelMA scaffolds in each group had a promoting effect on the proliferation of BMSCs. Group D had the strongest effect, and the cell activity was significantly higher than that of the other groups (P<0.05). The results of ALP staining, alizarin red staining, OCN immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot showed that the percentage of ALP positive area, the percentage of alizarin red positive area, and the relative expressions of ALP and OCN proteins in group D were significantly higher than those of the other groups (P<0.05), the osteogenesis effect in group D was the strongest. Therefore, in vitro experiments screened out the optimal concentration of TGF-β1/GelMA scaffold to be 600 ng/mL. Micro-CT, HE staining, and OCN immunohistochemistry staining of rat skull defect repair experiments showed that the new bone tissue and bone volume/tissue volume ratio in the TGF-β1+GelMA group were significantly higher than those in the GelMA group and control group at 4 and 8 weeks after operation (P<0.05).ConclusionThe TGF-β1/GelMA scaffold with a concentration of 600 ng/mL can significantly promote the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, can significantly promote bone regeneration at the skull defect, and can be used as a bioactive material for bone tissue regeneration.
Objective To summarize the research progress of bioactive scaffolds in the repair and regeneration of osteoporotic bone defects. Methods Recent literature on bioactive scaffolds for the repair of osteoporotic bone defects was reviewed to summarize various types of bioactive scaffolds and their associated repair methods. Results The application of bioactive scaffolds provides a new idea for the repair and regeneration of osteoporotic bone defects. For example, calcium phosphate ceramics scaffolds, hydrogel scaffolds, three-dimensional (3D)-printed biological scaffolds, metal scaffolds, as well as polymer material scaffolds and bone organoids, have all demonstrated good bone repair-promoting effects. However, in the pathological bone microenvironment of osteoporosis, the function of single-material scaffolds to promote bone regeneration is insufficient. Therefore, the design of bioactive scaffolds must consider multiple factors, including material biocompatibility, mechanical properties, bioactivity, bone conductivity, and osteogenic induction. Furthermore, physical and chemical surface modifications, along with advanced biotechnological approaches, can help to improve the osteogenic microenvironment and promote the differentiation of bone cells. ConclusionWith advancements in technology, the synergistic application of 3D bioprinting, bone organoids technologies, and advanced biotechnologies holds promise for providing more efficient bioactive scaffolds for the repair and regeneration of osteoporotic bone defects.
Objective To investigate the effect of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) on enhancing the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in vitro by resveratrol (Res), and provide a method for the treatment of bone homeostasis disorders. MethodsRes-SLNs were prepared by high-temperature emulsification and low-temperature solidification method, and then the 2nd-3rd generation BMSCs from Sprague Dawley rat were co-cultured with different concentrations (0, 0.1, 1, 5, 10, 20 μmol/L) of Res and Res-SLNs. The effects of Res and Res-SLNs on the cell viability of BMSCs were detected by cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) and live/dead cell staining; the effects of Res and Res-SLNs on the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs were detected by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and alizarin red S (ARS) staining after osteogenic differentiation induction, and the optimal concentration of Res-SLNs for gene detection was determined. Anti-osteocalcin (OCN) immunofluorescence staining and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were used to detect the effect of Res and Res-SLNs on osteoblast-related genes (ALP and OCN) of BMSCs. ResultsLive/dead cell staining showed that there was no significant difference in the number of dead cells between Res and Res-SLNs groups; CCK-8 detection showed that the activity of BMSCs in Res group was significantly reduced at the concentration of 20 μmol/L (P<0.05), while Res-SLNs activity was not affected by Res concentration (P>0.05). After osteogenic differentiation, the staining intensity of ALP and ARS in both groups was dose-dependent. The percentage of ALP positive staining area and the percentage of mineralized nodule area in Res group and Res-SLNs group reached the maximum at the concentrations of 10 μmol/L and 1 μmol/L, respectively (P<0.05), and then decreased gradually; the most effective concentration of Res-SLNs was 1 μmol/L. The expression of OCN and the relative expression of ALP and OCN mRNA in Res-SLNs group were significantly higher than those in Res group (P<0.05). ConclusionEncapsulation of SLNs can improve the effect of Res on promoting osteogenesis, and achieve the best effect of osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs at a lower concentration, which is expected to be used in the treatment of bone homeostasis imbalance diseases.
ObjectiveTo explore the effect and mechanism of miR-21 down-regulated which was induced by H2O2 on osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells.MethodsMC3T3-E1 cells were cultured and passaged, and the 7th generation cells were harvested to use in experiment. The MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with different concentrations (0, 40, 80, 160, and 320 μmol/L) of H2O2. The expression of miR-21 was detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) and the cell viability was determined by MTS. Then the appropriate concentration of H2O2 was obtained. To analyze the effect of H2O2 on osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells, the MC3T3-E1 cells were divided into blank control group (group A), H2O2 group (group B), osteogenic induction group (group C), and H2O2+osteogenic induction group (group D). The expression of miR-21 and the osteogenesis related genes expressions of Runx2, osteopontin (OPN), and collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 (Col1a1) were detected by RT-PCR. The expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) was detected by Western blot. The extracellular calcium deposition was detected by alizarin red staining. To analyze the effect on osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells after the transfection of miR-21 inhibitor and siRNA-PTEN, the MC3T3-E1 cells were divided into H2O2 group (group A1), H2O2+osteogenic induction group (group B1), H2O2+osteogenic induction+miR-21 inhibitor group (group C1), and H2O2+osteogenic induction+miR-21 inhibitor negative control group (group D1); and H2O2 group (group A2), H2O2+osteogenic induction group (group B2), H2O2+osteogenic induction+siRNA-PTEN negative control group (group C2), and H2O2+osteogenic induction+siRNA-PTEN group (group D2). The osteogenesis related genes were detected by RT-PCR and the extracellular calcium deposition was detected by alizarin red staining.ResultsThe results of MTS and RT-PCR showed that the appropriate concentration of H2O2 was 160 μmol/L. The expression of miR-21 was significantly lower in group B than in group A at 1 and 2 weeks (P<0.05). The expression of miR-21 was significantly lower in group D than in group C at 1 and 2 weeks (P<0.05). The expression of PTEN protein was significantly lower in group C than in groups A and D (P<0.05). The mRNA expressions of Runx2, OPN, and Col1a1 were significantly lower in group D than in group C at 1 and 2 weeks (P<0.05). The extracellular calcium deposition in group D was obviously less than that in group C. The expression of PTEN protein was significantly higher in group C1 than in group D1 (P<0.05). The mRNA expressions of Runx2 and OPN were significantly lower in group C1 than in groups B1 and D1 at 1 and 2 weeks (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of Col1a1 was significantly lower in group C1 than in groups B1 and D1 at 2 weeks (P<0.05). The extracellular calcium deposition in group C1 was obviously less than those in groups B1 and D1. The mRNA expressions of OPN and Col1a1 were significantly higher in group D2 than in groups B2 and C2 at 1 week (P<0.05). The extracellular calcium deposition in group D2 was obviously more than those in groups B2 and C2.ConclusionH2O2 inhibits the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells, which may be induced by down-regulating the expression of miR-21.
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165)-loaded porous poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds on the osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs).MethodsThe VEGF165-loaded porous PCL scaffolds (written, Sf-g/VEGF) were fabricated through a combination of solvent casting/salt leaching and a thermal-induced phase separation technique and then observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM). The release kinetics was determined by ELISA kit. The ADSCs were isolated from inguinal fat pads of 15 Sprague Dawley rats and cultured. The passage 3-4 ADSCs were seeded into the scaffolds, and then cultured in vitro for 7 days. The passage 3-4 ADSCs were seeded into the porous PCL scaffolds (written, Sf-g) as control. The alizarin red S (ARS) staining, ARS activity assay, and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) were performed to measure the osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs in vitro. Six Sprague Dawley rats were recruited to prepare the bilateral calvarial bone defects models (n=12). The 12 calvarial bone defects were randomly divided into 3 group (n=4). The defects of negative control group were not treated; the defects of Sf-g group and Sf-g/VEGF group were repaired with ADSCs-Sf-g scaffold complex and ADSCs-Sf-g scaffold complex, respectively. At 8 weeks after transplantation, the Micro-CT and HE staining were conducted to evaluate the osteogenic effects in vivo.ResultsThe morphology of the Sf-g/VEGF scaffolds were porous and well-connected, and the cumulative release rate was approximately 80% in 120 hours. The ARS staining showed that the ARS activity of Sf-g/VEGF group were stronger than that of Sf-g group (t=10.761, P=0.000). The mRNA expressions of osteogenic specific markers [special AT-rich sequence protein 2 (Satb2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), and osteopontin (OPN)] were significantly higher in Sf-g/VEGF group than in Sf-g group (P<0.05). The results of Micro-CT and HE staining also confirmed the promotion effect of Sf-g/VEGF scaffolds. All defects of 2 groups were partially repaired by new bone tissue, especially in Sf-g/VEGF group. The volume and area of new bone tissue were significantly higher in Sf-g/VEGF group than in Sf-g group (P<0.05).ConclusionThe VEGF165-loaded scaffolds can significantly improve the osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs both in vitro and in vivo.
ObjectiveTo review the related studies on the application of nanomaterials in the treatment of osteomyelitis, and to provide new ideas for the research and clinical treatment of osteomyelitis.MethodsThe literature about the treatment of osteomyelitis with nanomaterials at home and abroad in recent years was reviewed and analyzed.ResultsAt present, surgical treatment and antibiotic application are the main treatment options for osteomyelitis. But there are many defects such as antibiotic resistance, residual bone defect, and low effective concentration of local drugs. The application of nanomaterials can make up for the above defects. In recent years, nanomaterials play an important role in the treatment of osteomyelitis by filling bone defects, establishing local drug delivery system, and self-antibacterial properties.ConclusionIt will provide a new idea and an important research direction for the treatment of osteomyelitis to fully study the related characteristics of nanomaterials and select beneficial materials to make drug delivery system or substitute drugs.