Suppression of Evi1 promotes the osteogenic differentiation and inhibits the adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in vitro

lncRNA SERPINB9P1 Regulates SIRT6 Mediated Osteogenic Differentiation of BMSCs via miR-545-3p

Evidence has shown that the altered osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) under pathological conditions, such as osteoporosis, lead to the imbalance of bone tissue generation and destruction. Recent studies have indicated that long noncoding RNAs may play a role in regulating BMSCs osteogenic differentiation. This contributed to our impetus to move forward with the investigation of the function of lncRNA SERPINB9P1 in osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and the potential mechanisms involved. Osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs was induced by osteogenic medium. Relative expression of lncRNA SERPINB9P1 and miR-545-3p were tested by qRT-PCR. Osteogenic mineralization was examined by Alizarin S Red staining, ALP staining, and ALP activity assay. Expression of osteoblastic markers were detected by Western blot. RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to test the interaction between lncRNA SERPINB9P1 and miR-545-3p. BMSCs osteogenic differentiation resulted in LncRNA SERPINB9P1 overexpression while miR-545-3p inhibition. Functional assays suggest that knockdown of lncRNA SERPINB9P1 or overexpression of miR-545-3p both inhibit BMSC osteogenic differentiation. lncRNA SERPINB9P1 was proven to regulate the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs by altering SIRT6 expression through its suppressive effects on miR-545-3p. lncRNA SERPINB9P1 promotes osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs through the miR-545-3p/SIRT6 pathway.

Peptide 11R‑VIVIT promotes fracture healing in osteoporotic rats

Osteoporotic fracture healing is a complex clinical issue. The present study was conducted to investigate the repair properties of 11R‑VIVIT on osteoporotic fractures and to examine the potential effects of 11R‑VIVIT on osteoporotic bone marrow‑derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), A rat model of osteoporotic femoral fracture was established, and the effects of the daily local injection of 11R‑VIVIT or saline on fracture repairing were evaluated by micro‑CT scans and H&E staining. Moreover, BMSCs from osteoporotic rats were treated with 11R‑VIVIT, and the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs was evaluated. The results revealed that 11R‑VIVIT promoted bone formation and increased fracture healing. In addition, 11R‑VIVIT promoted the differentiation of osteoporotic BMSCs into osteoblasts rather than adipocytes. Furthermore, mechanistic analysis revealed that 11R‑VIVIT promoted autophagy by blocking the protein kinase B (AKT)/nuclear factor of activated T‑cells (NFATc1) signaling pathway. Consistently, the activation and inhibition of autophagy using rapamycin and LY294002 confirmed the regulatory effects of 11R‑VIVIT on autophagy. On the whole, the findings of the present study demonstrate that 11R‑VIVIT promotes fracture healing in osteoporotic rats and enhances the osteogenic differentiation of osteoporotic BMSCs by dysregulating the AKT/NFATc1 signaling pathway.

Osteogenic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Adipose Tissue, Bone Marrow and Hair Follicle Outer Root Sheath in a 3D Crosslinked Gelatin-Based Hydrogel

Bone transplantation is regarded as the preferred therapy to treat a variety of bone defects. Autologous bone tissue is often lacking at the source, and the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) responsible for bone repair mechanisms are extracted by invasive procedures. This study explores the potential of autologous mesenchymal stem cells derived from the hair follicle outer root sheath (MSCORS). We demonstrated that MSCORS have a remarkable capacity to differentiate in vitro towards the osteogenic lineage. Indeed, when combined with a novel gelatin-based hydrogel called Osteogel, they provided additional osteoinductive cues in vitro that may pave the way for future application in bone regeneration. MSCORS were also compared to MSCs from adipose tissue (ADMSC) and bone marrow (BMMSC) in a 3D Osteogel model. We analyzed gel plasticity, cell phenotype, cell viability, and differentiation capacity towards the osteogenic lineage by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium deposition, and specific gene expression. The novel injectable hydrogel filled an irregularly shaped lesion in a porcine wound model displaying high plasticity. MSCORS in Osteogel showed a higher osteo-commitment in terms of calcium deposition and expression dynamics of OCN, BMP2, and PPARG when compared to ADMSC and BMMSC, whilst displaying comparable cell viability and ALP activity. In conclusion, autologous MSCORS combined with our novel gelatin-based hydrogel displayed a high capacity for differentiation towards the osteogenic lineage and are acquired by non-invasive procedures, therefore qualifying as a suitable and expandable novel approach in the field of bone regeneration therapy.

LLLI promotes BMSC proliferation through circRNA_0001052/miR-124-3p

Osteoporosis (OP) is a multifactorial bone disease that occurs worldwide. The treatment of OP is still unsatisfactory. Bone mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) differentiation is a key process in OP pathogenesis. Low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) has been reported to regulate BMSC proliferation, but the role of circRNAs in the LLLI-based promotion of BMSC proliferation remains unclear. CircRNAs are essential molecular regulators that participate in numerous biological processes and have therapeutic potential. miR-124-3p is an essential microRNA (miRNA), and its expression changes are related to BMSC proliferation ability. In the present study, gain-loss function of experiments demonstrated that circRNA_0001052 could regulate the proliferation of BMSCs by acting as a miR-124-3p sponge through the Wnt4/β-catenin pathway. The results of this study strongly suggest that circRNA_0001052 plays an essential role in BMSC proliferation in response to LLLI treatment, which is a potential therapeutic manipulation with clinical applications.

Transcriptional regulation of adipogenic marker genes for the improvement of intramuscular fat in Qinchuan beef cattle

The intramuscular fat content plays a crucial role in meat quality traits. Increasing the degree of adipogenesis in beef cattle leads to an increase in the content of intramuscular fat. Adipogenesis a complex biochemical process which is under firm genetic control. Over the last three decades, the Qinchuan beef cattle have been extensively studied for the improvement of meat production and quality traits. In this study, we reviewed the literature regarding adipogenesis and intramuscular fat deposition. Then, we summarized the research conducted on the transcriptional regulation of key adipogenic marker genes, and also reviewed the roles of adipogenic marker genes in adipogenesis of Qinchuan beef cattle. This review will elaborate our understanding regarding transcriptional regulation which is a vital physiological process regulated by a cascade of transcription factors (TFs), key target marker genes, and regulatory proteins. This synergistic action of TFs and target genes ensures the accurate and diverse transmission of the genetic information for the accomplishment of central physiological processes. This information will provide an insight into the transcriptional regulation of the adipogenic marker genes and its role in bovine adipogenesis for the breed improvement programs especially for the trait of intramuscular fat deposition.

Histological and functional outcomes in a rat model of hemisected spinal cord with sustained VEGF/NT-3 release from tissue-engineered grafts

Microvascular disturbance, excessive inflammation and gliosis are key pathophysiologic changes in relation to functional status following the traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Continuous release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to the lesion site was proved be able to promote the vascular remodelling, whereas the effects on reduction of inflammation and gliosis remain unclear. Currently, aiming at exploring the synergistic roles of VEGF and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) on angiogenesis, anti-inflammation and neural repair, we developed a technique to co-deliver VEGF₁₆₅ and NT-3 locally with a homotopic graft of tissue-engineered acellular spinal cord scaffold (ASCS) in a hemisected (3 mm in length) SCI model. As the potential in secretion of growth factors (GFs), bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were introduced with the aim to enhance the VEGF/NT-3 release. Our data demonstrate that sustained VEGF/NT-3 release from ASCS significantly increases the local levels of VEGF/NT-3 and angiogenesis, regardless of whether it is in combination with BMSCs transplantation that exhibits positive effects on anti-inflammation, axonal outgrowth and locomotor recovery. This study verifies that co-delivery of VEGF/NT-3 reduces inflammation and gliosis in the hemisected spinal cord, promotes axonal outgrowth and results in better locomotor recovery, while the BMSCs transplantation facilitates these functions limitedly.

Simvastatin inhibits the adipogenesis of bone marrow‑derived mesenchymal stem cells through the downregulation of chemerin/CMKLR1 signaling

Simvastatin is effective in the treatment of osteoporosis, partly through the inhibition of the adipogenesis of bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). The present study focused on the mechanisms responsible for the inhibitory effects of simvastatin on adipogenesis and examined the effects of simvastatin on the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), chemerin, chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1), G protein-coupled receptor 1 (GPR1) and the adipocyte marker gene, adiponectin. BMSCs were isolated from 4-week-old female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, and adipogenesis was measured by the absorbance values at 490 nm of Oil Red O dye. The expression of each gene was evaluated by western blot analysis or reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The expression of chemerin increased during adipogenesis, while CMKLR1 exhibited a trend towards a decreased expression. On days 7 and 14, the simvastatin-treated cells exhibited a down-regulated expression of chemerin, whereas the upregulated expression of its receptor, CMKLR1 was observed. The results also revealed that CMKLR1 is required for adipogenesis and the simvastatin-mediated inhibitory effect on adipogenesis. Simvastatin regulated adipogenesis by negatively modulating chemerin-CMKLR1 signaling. Importantly, simvastatin stimulation inhibited the upregulation of PPARγ and PPARγ-mediated chemerin expression to prevent adipogenesis. Treatment with the PPARγ agonist, rosiglitazone, partially reversed the negative regulatory effects of simvastatin. On the whole, the findings of the present study demonstrate that simvastatin inhibits the adipogenesis of BMSCs through the downregulation of PPARγ and subsequently prevents the PPARγ-mediated induction of chemerin/CMKLR1 signaling.

Senile Osteoporosis: The Involvement of Differentiation and Senescence of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells

Senile osteoporosis has become a worldwide bone disease with the aging of the world population. It increases the risk of bone fracture and seriously affects human health. Unlike postmenopausal osteoporosis which is linked to menopause in women, senile osteoporosis is due to aging, hence, affecting both men and women. It is commonly found in people with more than their 70s. Evidence has shown that with age increase, bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) differentiate into more adipocytes rather than osteoblasts and undergo senescence, which leads to decreased bone formation and contributes to senile osteoporosis. Therefore, it is necessary to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying the functional changes of BMSCs. It will benefit not only for understanding the senile osteoporosis development, but also for finding new therapies to treat senile osteoporosis. Here, we review the recent advances of the functional alterations of BMSCs and the related mechanisms during senile osteoporosis development. Moreover, the treatment of senile osteoporosis by aiming at BMSCs is introduced.

Mechanisms of Zuogui Pill in Treating Osteoporosis: Perspective from Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells

The current treatment strategies for osteoporosis (OP) involve promoting osteogenic differentiation and inhibiting adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). According to a theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the kidneys contain an “essence” that regulate bone metabolism and generate marrow. Kidney disorders are therefore considered to be a major cause of OP as per the principles of TCM, which recommends kidney-tonifying treatments for OP. The Zuogui pill (ZGP) is a classic kidney-tonifying medication that effectively improves OP symptoms. Studies have shown that ZGP can promote the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, providing scientific evidence for the TCM theory linking kidneys with bone metabolism. In this review, we have provided an overview of recent studies that examined the underlying mechanisms of ZGP mediated regulation of BMSC osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation.

Levamisole suppresses adipogenesis of aplastic anaemia-derived bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells through ZFP36L1-PPARGC1B axis

Aplastic anaemia (AA) is a life‐threatening hematopoietic disorder characterized by hypoplasia and pancytopenia with increasing fat cells in the bone marrow (BM). The BM‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from AA are more susceptible to be induced into adipogenic differentiation compared with that from control, which may be causatively associated with the fatty BM and defective hematopoiesis of AA. Here in this study, we first demonstrated that levamisole displayed a significant suppressive effect on the in vitro adipogenic differentiation of AA BM‐MSCs. Mechanistic investigation revealed that levamisole could increase the expression of ZFP36L1 which was subsequently demonstrated to function as a negative regulator of adipogenic differentiation of AA BM‐MSCs through lentivirus‐mediated ZFP36L1 knock‐down and overexpression assay. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 beta (PPARGC1B) whose 3′‐untranslated region bears adenine‐uridine‐rich elements was verified as a direct downstream target of ZFP36L1, and knock‐down of PPARGC1B impaired the adipogenesis of AA BM‐MSCs. Collectively, our work demonstrated that ZFP36L1‐mediated post‐transcriptional control of PPARGC1B expression underlies the suppressive effect of levamisole on the adipogenic differentiation of AA BM‐MSCs, which not only provides novel therapeutic targets for alleviating the BM fatty phenomenon of AA patients, but also lays the theoretical and experimental foundation for the clinical application of levamisole in AA therapy.

Osteopontin Deficiency Suppresses Intestinal Tumor Development in Apc-Deficient Min Mice

Osteopontin (OPN) is a secreted phosphoglycoprotein, and is a transcriptional target of aberrant Wnt signaling. OPN is upregulated in human colon cancers, and is suggested to enhance cancer progression. In this study, the effect of deficiency of OPN on intestinal tumor development in Apc-deficient Min mice was investigated. At 16 weeks of age, the number of small intestinal polyps in Min/OPN(+/−) and Min/OPN(−/−) mice was lower than that of Min/OPN(+/+) mice. Colorectal tumor incidences and multiplicities in Min/OPN(+/−) and Min/OPN(−/−) mice were significantly lower than those in Min/OPN(+/+) mice, being 48% and 0.6 ± 0.8, 50% and 0.8 ± 0.9 vs. 80% and 1.6 ± 1.7, respectively. OPN expression in colorectal tumors was strongly upregulated in Min/OPN(+/+) compared to adjacent non-tumor parts, but was decreased in Min/OPN(+/−) and not detected in Min/OPN(−/−). Targets of OPN, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-3, -9, and -13 were lowered by OPN deficiency. Macrophage marker F4/80 in colorectal tumors was also lowered by OPN deficiency. MMP-9 expression was observed in tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating neutrophils. These results indicate that induction of OPN by aberrant Wnt signaling could enhance colorectal tumor development in part by upregulation of MMP-3, -9, and -13 and infiltration of macrophage and neutrophils. Suppression of OPN expression could contribute to tumor prevention, but complete deficiency of OPN may cause some adverse effects.

Asperosaponin VI promotes bone marrow stromal cell osteogenic differentiation through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in an osteoporosis model

Asperosaponin VI (ASA VI), a natural compound isolated from the well-known traditional Chinese herb Radix Dipsaci, has an important role in promoting osteoblast formation. However, its effects on osteoblasts in the context of osteoporosis is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanism of ASA VI action on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells isolated from the ovariectomized rats (OVX rBMSCs). The toxicity of ASA VI and its effects on the proliferation of OVX rBMSCs were measured using a CCK-8 assay. Various osteogenic differentiation markers were also analyzed, such as ALP activity, calcified nodule formation, and the expression of osteogenic genes, i.e., ALP, OCN, COL 1 and RUNX2. The results indicated that ASA VI promoted the proliferation of OVX rBMSCs and enhanced ALP activity and calcified nodule formation. In addition, while ASA VI enhanced the expression of ALP, OCN, Col 1 and RUNX2, treatment with LY294002 reduced all of these osteogenic effects and reduced the p-AKT levels induced by ASA VI. These results suggest that ASA VI promotes the osteogenic differentiation of OVX rBMSCs by acting on the phosphatidylinositol—3 kinase/AKT signaling pathway.