scholarly journals CBX4-dependent regulation of HDAC3 nuclear translocation reduces Bmp2-induced osteoblastic differentiation and calcification in adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma

2022 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaorong Yan ◽  
Dezhi Kang ◽  
Yuanxiang Lin ◽  
Songtao Qi ◽  
Changzhen Jiang
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Localization ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Osteoblastic Differentiation ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Calcium Deposition ◽  
Alizarin Red ◽  
Adamantinomatous Craniopharyngioma

Abstract Background Calcification of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) often causes problems with tumor resection, leading to a high incidence of deadly complications and tumor recurrence. Histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) are 2 key enzymes that regulate histone acetylation and play important roles in tumor development. However, the roles of HAT and HDAC in the calcification and osteoblastic differentiation of ACP are not known. Methods In this study, primary cells were isolated from ACP tissues, and calcification was induced with bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Bmp2). HDAC3 expression was assessed in 12 tissue samples by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. ACP calcification was assessed by Alizarin red staining. A luciferase reporter assay was performed to examine the interaction between miR-181b and the 3’-untranslated region of the polycomb chromobox 4 (CBX4) gene. Results Our results showed that the expression of HDAC3 was increased in the calcified ACP samples, but inhibition of HDAC3 promoted ACP cell calcification and osteoblastic differentiation. Mechanistically, HDAC3 nuclear translocation was suppressed by Bmp2, leading to Runx2 protein expression and Osterix, osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) mRNA expression. In addition, this process was suppressed by CBX4, which stabilized the nuclear localization of HDAC3. miR-181b, the expression of which was increased in Bmp2-induced ACP cells, directly targeted and decreased CBX4 expression and inhibited the nuclear localization of HDAC3. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that Bmp2 increases miR-181b levels to directly target and inhibit CBX4 expression, leading to a reduction in the CBX4-dependent regulation of HDAC3 nuclear translocation, which results in Runx2 activation/osteoblastic differentiation and calcium deposition in ACP. Further studies targeting these cascades may contribute to therapeutic interventions used for recurrent ACP.

MiR-144-3p Inhibits BMSC Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation Via Targeting FZD4 in Steroid-Associated Osteonecrosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (45) ◽  
pp. 4806-4812 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhibo Sun ◽  
Fei Wu ◽  
Yue Yang ◽  
Feng Liu ◽  
Fengbo Mo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Bone Diseases ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Reporter Assay ◽  
Alizarin Red ◽  
Over Expression ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Proliferation Ability

Background: MicroRNAs have recently been recognized to be engaged in the development of bone diseases. Objective: This study was performed to elucidate the effects of miR-144-3p on proliferation and osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from the patients with steroid-associated osteonecrosis (ONFH) and its related mechanism. Method: The expression level of miR-144-3p in the MSCs from the proximal femur of the patients was examined by Real-time PCR. The cell proliferation ability was assayed by MTT. The differentiation ability of MSCs was assayed by Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining. The interaction between miR-144-3p and frizzled4 (FZD4) was investigated by Real-time PCR, western blot and luciferase reporter assay. Results: ONFH samples had the obviously high expression of miR-144-3p compared to the control. MiR-144-3p had a negative effect on the proliferation and osteogenesis of MSCs. Via targeting FZD4, miR-144-3p decreased β-catenin nuclear translocation, the transcription of RUNX2 and COL1A1. Over-expression of FZD4 partially reversed miR-144-3p-induced decrease in the proliferation and osteogenesis of MSCs. Conclusion: MiR-144-3p might play an important role in the development of ONFH and might be used as a novel class of therapeutic targets for this disease.

scholarly journals A NOTCH1/LSD1/BMP2 co-regulatory network mediated by miR-137 negatively regulates osteogenesis of human adipose-derived stem cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cong Fan ◽  
Xiaohan Ma ◽  
Yuejun Wang ◽  
Longwei Lv ◽  
Yuan Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Osteoblastic Differentiation ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Adipose Derived Stem Cells ◽  
Differentiation Potential ◽  
Lineage Differentiation ◽  
Morphogenetic Protein ◽  
Genes Expression

Abstract Background MicroRNAs have been recognized as critical regulators for the osteoblastic lineage differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs). Previously, we have displayed that silencing of miR-137 enhances the osteoblastic differentiation potential of hASCs partly through the coordination of lysine-specific histone demethylase 1 (LSD1), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 (SMAD4). However, still numerous molecules involved in the osteogenic regulation of miR-137 remain unknown. This study aimed to further elucidate the epigenetic mechanisms of miR-137 on the osteogenic differentiation of hASCs. Methods Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to validate the binding to the 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) of NOTCH1 by miR-137. To further identify the role of NOTCH1 in miR-137-modulated osteogenesis, tangeretin (an inhibitor of NOTCH1) was applied to treat hASCs which were transfected with miR-137 knockdown lentiviruses, then together with negative control (NC), miR-137 overexpression and miR-137 knockdown groups, the osteogenic capacity and possible downstream signals were examined. Interrelationships between signaling pathways of NOTCH1-hairy and enhancer of split 1 (HES1), LSD1 and BMP2-SMADs were thoroughly investigated with separate knockdown of NOTCH1, LSD1, BMP2, and HES1. Results We confirmed that miR-137 directly targeted the 3′ UTR of NOTCH1 while positively regulated HES1. Tangeretin reversed the effects of miR-137 knockdown on osteogenic promotion and downstream genes expression. After knocking down NOTCH1 or BMP2 individually, we found that these two signals formed a positive feedback loop as well as activated LSD1 and HES1. In addition, LSD1 knockdown induced NOTCH1 expression while suppressed HES1. Conclusions Collectively, we proposed a NOTCH1/LSD1/BMP2 co-regulatory signaling network to elucidate the modulation of miR-137 on the osteoblastic differentiation of hASCs, thus providing mechanism-based rationale for miRNA-targeted therapy of bone defect.

scholarly journals Wnt16 signaling promotes osteoblast differentiation of periosteal derived cells in vitro and in vivo

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e10374
Author(s):  
Ying Jin ◽  
Xiaoyan Sun ◽  
Fang Pei ◽  
Zhihe Zhao ◽  
Jeremy Mao
Keyword(s):  
Bone Formation ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Luciferase Activity ◽  
Fracture Repair ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Type I ◽  
Alizarin Red ◽  
Osteogenic Induction

Background Periosteum plays critical roles in de novo bone formation and fracture repair. Wnt16 has been regarded as a key regulator in periosteum bone formation. However, the role of Wnt16 in periosteum derived cells (PDCs) osteogenic differentiation remains unclear. The study goal is to uncover whether and how Wnt16 acts on the osteogenesis of PDCs. Methods We detected the variation of Wnt16 mRNA expression in PDCs, which were isolated from mouse femur and identified by flow cytometry, cultured in osteogenic medium for 14 days, then knocked down and over-expressed Wnt16 in PDCs to analysis its effects in osteogenesis. Further, we seeded PDCs (Wnt16 over-expressed/vector) in β-tricalcium phosphate cubes, and transplanted this complex into a critical size calvarial defect. Lastly, we used immunofluorescence, Topflash and NFAT luciferase reporter assay to study the possible downstream signaling pathway of Wnt16. Results Wnt16 mRNA expression showed an increasing trend in PDCs under osteogenic induction for 14 days. Wnt16 shRNA reduced mRNA expression of Runx2, collage type I (Col-1) and osteocalcin (OCN) after 7 days of osteogenic induction, as well as alizarin red staining intensity after 21days. Wnt16 also increased the mRNA expression of Runx2 and OCN and the protein production of Runx2 and Col-1 after 2 days of osteogenic stimulation. In the orthotopic transplantation assay, more bone volume, trabecula number and less trabecula space were found in Wnt16 over-expressed group. Besides, in the newly formed tissue Brdu positive area was smaller and Col-1 was larger in Wnt16 over-expressed group compared to the control group. Finally, Wnt16 upregulated CTNNB1/β-catenin expression and its nuclear translocation in PDCs, also increased Topflash reporter luciferase activity. By contrast, Wnt16 failed to increase NFAT reporter luciferase activity. Conclusion Together, Wnt16 plays a positive role in regulating PDCs osteogenesis, and Wnt16 may have a potential use in improving bone regeneration.

scholarly journals Sequential Delivery of BMP2-Derived Peptide P24 by Thiolated Chitosan/Calcium Carbonate Composite Microspheres Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Zhaozhen Wang ◽  
Xujie Liu ◽  
Vidmi Taolam Martin ◽  
Mohamed Abdullahi Abdi ◽  
Lijun Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Carbonate ◽  
Bone Formation ◽  
Release Kinetics ◽  
Bone Defects ◽  
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 ◽  
Calcium Deposition ◽  
Potential Candidate ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Alizarin Red ◽  
Thiolated Chitosan

The combination of tissue-engineered bone scaffolds with osteogenic induction molecules is an important strategy for critical-sized bone defects repair. We synthesized a novel thiolated chitosan/calcium carbonate composite microsphere (TCS-P24/CA) scaffold as a carrier for bone morphogenetic protein 2- (BMP2-) derived peptide P24 and evaluated the release kinetics of P24. The effect of TCS-P24/CA scaffolds on the proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) was evaluated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), CCK-8, ALP assay, alizarin red staining, and PCR. A 5 mm diameter calvarial defect was created, then new bone formation was evaluated by Micro-CT and histological examination at 4 and 8 weeks after operation. We found the sequential release of P24 could last for 29 days. Meanwhile, BMSCs revealed spindle-shaped surface morphology, indicating the TCS-P24/CA scaffolds could support cell adhesion and mRNA levels for ALP, Runx2, and COL1a1 were significantly upregulated on TCS-10%P24/CA scaffold compared with other groups in vitro (p<0.05). Similarly, the BMSCs exhibited a higher ALP activity as well as calcium deposition level on TCS-10%P24/CA scaffolds compared with other groups (p<0.05). Analysis of in vivo bone formation showed that the TCS-10%P24/CA scaffold induced more bone formation than TCS-5%P24/CA, TCS/CA, and control groups. This study demonstrates that the novel TCS-P24/CA scaffolds might contribute to the delivery of BMP2-derived Peptide P24 and is considered to be a potential candidate for repairing bone defects.

scholarly journals SIRT6 Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Through Antagonizing DNMT1

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Jia ◽  
Jun Chen ◽  
Qin Wang ◽  
Xiang Sun ◽  
Jiusong Han ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Stem Cells ◽  
Notch Signaling ◽  
Osteogenic Differentiation ◽  
Dna Methyltransferases ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Calcium Deposition ◽  
Alizarin Red

BackgroundAdipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are increasingly used in regenerative medicine because of their potential to differentiate into multiple cell types, including osteogenic lineages. Sirtuin protein 6 (SIRT6) is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent deacetylase that plays important roles in cell differentiation. NOTCH signaling has also been reported to involve in osteogenic differentiation. However, the function of SIRT6 in osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs and its relation to the NOTCH signaling pathways are yet to be explored.MethodsThe in vitro study with human ADSCs (hADSCs) and in vivo experiments with nude mice have been performed. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assays and ALP staining were used to detect osteogenic activity. Alizarin Red staining was performed to detect calcium deposition induced by osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs. Western blot, RT-qPCR, luciferase reporter assay, and co-immunoprecipitation assay were applied to explore the relationship between of SIRT6, DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and NOTCHs.ResultsSIRT6 promoted ALP activity, enhanced mineralization and upregulated expression of osteogenic-related genes of hADSCs in vitro and in vivo. Further mechanistic studies showed that SIRT6 deacetylated DNMT1, leading to its unstability at protein level. The decreased expression of DNMT1 prevented the abnormal DNA methylation of NOTCH1 and NOTCH2, resulting in the upregulation of their transcription. SIRT6 overexpression partially suppressed the abnormal DNA methylation of NOTCH1 and NOTCH2 by antagonizing DNMT1, leading to an increased capacity of ADSCs for their osteogenic differentiation.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that SIRT6 physical interacts with the DNMT1 protein, deacetylating and destabilizing DNMT1 protein, leading to the activation of NOTCH1 and NOTCH2, Which in turn promotes the osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs.

scholarly journals MicroRNA-409-3p promotes osteoblastic differentiation via activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by targeting SCAI

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nan Chen ◽  
Hao Yang ◽  
Lijun Song ◽  
Hua Li ◽  
Yi Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Osteogenic Differentiation ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Osteoblastic Differentiation ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Luciferase Reporter Gene ◽  
Complementary Sequence ◽  
Alizarin Red ◽  
Gene Assay

Osteogenic differentiation is an important process of new bone formation, miR-409-3p has been reported to be upregulated in osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). To investigate the regulatory effect of miR-409-3p on osteogenic differentiation of MSCs and its molecular mechanism, the expression of miR-409-3p in osteoblast (HCO) and bone marrow-derived MSCs (MSC-A, MSC-B, MSC-U) were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The binding of miR-409-3p to SCAI in MSC-B was investigated by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. MSC-B were selected to transfect with miR-409-3p analog/complementary sequence (cs), miR-409-3p analog + SCAI and miR-409-3p cs + small interfering (si)-SCAI, as well as control, respectively. The alkaline phosphatase activity, alizarin red staining, and the expression of osteogenic markers in MSC-B during osteoblastic differentiation were tested by RT-qPCR and Western blotting, respectively. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway was inhibited by dickkopf-related protein 1 to get the roles of miR-409-3p during the osteoblastic differentiation of MSC-B when transfected with miR-409-3p analog. The expression of miR-409-3p in HCO was higher than that in these three MSCs, showing an increasing time-dependent trend on the 0 and 21th day of osteoblastic differentiation. MiR-409-3p directly regulated SCAI by targeting SCAI 3′UTR. Further, miR-409-3p suppressed SCAI expression, but SCAI upregulation suppressed the osteoblastic differentiation, as well as reduced the relative mRNA/protein expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related genes. Importantly, disruption of Wnt signaling also blocked miR-409-3p induced osteoblastic differentiation of MSCs. Therefore, miR-409-3p promotes osteoblastic differentiation through the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by downregulating SCAI expression.

scholarly journals Investigation of stemness and multipotency of equine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) from different fat sources in comparison with lipoma

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Arnhold ◽  
Mohamed I. Elashry ◽  
Michele C. Klymiuk ◽  
Florian Geburek
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽  
Proliferation Rate ◽  
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 ◽  
Blue Staining ◽  
Calcium Deposition ◽  
Alizarin Red ◽  
Fat Depots ◽  
Cell Based Therapy ◽  
Lp Cells

Abstract Background Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) offer a promising cell source for therapeutic applications in musculoskeletal disorders. The appropriate selection of ASCs from various fat depots for cell-based therapy is challenging. The present study aims to compare stemness and multipotency of ASCs derived from retroperitoneal (RP), subcutaneous (SC), and lipoma (LP) fat to assess their usefulness for clinical application. Methods Equine ASCs from the three fat tissue sources were isolated and characterized. The cell viability, proliferation, and self-renewal were evaluated using MTT, sulforhodamine B, and colony forming unit (CFU) assays. Stem cell relative marker CD44, CD90, and CD105 and tumor marker CA9 and osteopontin (OPN) expression were quantified using RT-qPCR. Multipotency of ASCs for adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation was examined by quantifying Oil Red O and Alizarin Red S staining, alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), and expression of differentiation relative markers. All data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA. Results RP fat-derived ASCs showed a higher cell proliferation rate compared to SC and LP derived cells. In contrast, ASCs from lipoma displayed a lower proliferation rate and impaired CFU capacities. The expression of CD44, CD90, and CD105 was upregulated in RP and SC derived cells but not in LP cells. RP fat-derived cells displayed a higher adipogenic potential compared to SC and LP cells. Although ASCs from all fat sources showed enhanced ALP activity following osteogenic differentiation, SC fat-derived cells revealed upregulated ALP and bone morphogenetic protein-2 expression together with a higher calcium deposition. We found an enhanced chondrogenic potency of RP and SC fat-derived cells as shown by Alcian blue staining and upregulation of aggrecan (Aggre), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein precursor (COMP), and collagen 2a1 (Col2a1) expression compared to LP. The expression of OPN and CA9 was exclusively upregulated in the ASCs of LP. Conclusions The results provide evidence of variation in ASC performance not only between normal fat depots but also compared to LP cells which suggest a different molecular regulation controlling the cell fate. These data provided are useful when considering a source for cell replacement therapy in equine veterinary medicine.

scholarly journals LncRNA LOC100506178 promotes osteogenic differentiation via regulating miR-214-5p-BMP2 axis in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e8909
Author(s):  
Lina Li ◽  
Jie Fang ◽  
Yi Liu ◽  
Li Xiao
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Osteogenic Differentiation ◽  
Human Bone ◽  
Human Bone Marrow ◽  
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Alizarin Red ◽  
Dental Implantation

Osteogenic differentiation is an important role in dental implantation. Long no coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a novel class of noncoding RNAs that have significant effects in a variety of diseases. However, the function and mechanisms of LOC100506178 in osteogenic differentiation and migration of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2)-induced osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymalstem cells (hBMSCs) remain largely unclear. BMP2 was used to induce osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. Quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to examine the expression of LOC100506178, miR-214-5p, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), Osterix (Osx), and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) in BMP2-induced osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. The function of LOC100506178 and miR-214-5p was explored in vitro using Alizarin Red S Staining, ALP activity, as well as in vivo ectopic bone formation. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to assess the association between LOC100506178 and miR-214-5p, as well as miR-214-5p and BMP2. The miR-214-5p sponging potential of LOC100506178 was evaluated by RNA immunoprecipitation. In the present study, the expression of LOC100506178 was found to be increased in BMP2-induced osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs, accompanied with decreased miR-214-5p expression and increased RUNX2, Osx and ALP expression. LOC100506178 significantly induced, while miR-214-5p suppressed the BMP2-induced osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. Mechanistically, LOC100506178 was directly bound to miR-214-5p and miR-214-5p targeted the 3′-untranslated region of BMP2 to negatively regulate its expression. In conclusion, our data indicate a novel molecular pathway LOC100506178/miR-214-5p/BMP2 in relation to hBMSCs differentiation into osteoblasts, which may facilitate bone anabolism.

scholarly journals CircRNA FAT1 Regulates Osteoblastic Differentiation of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells via miR-4781-3p/SMAD5 Pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Yu Ye ◽  
Yue Ke ◽  
Liu Liu ◽  
Tong Xiao ◽  
Jinhua Yu
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Osteogenic Differentiation ◽  
Periodontal Ligament ◽  
Periodontal Regeneration ◽  
Osteoblastic Differentiation ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells ◽  
Alizarin Red ◽  
Mirna Sponge ◽  
Proliferation Capacity

The ability of human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) to differentiate into osteoblasts is significant in periodontal regeneration tissue engineering. In this study, we explored the role and mechanism of circRNA FAT1 (circFAT1) in the osteogenic differentiation of human PDLSCs. The proliferation capacity of PDLSCs was evaluated by EdU and CCK-8 assay. The abilities of circFAT1 and miR-4781-3p in regulating PDLSC differentiation were analyzed by western blot, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and Alizarin red staining (ARS). A nucleocytoplasmic separation experiment was utilized for circFAT1 localization. A dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed the binding relationship between miR-4781-3p and circFAT1. It was showed that circFAT1 does not affect the proliferation of PDLSCs. The osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs was benefited from circFAT1, which serves as a miRNA sponge for miR-4781-3p targeting SMAD5. Both knockdown of circFAT1 and overexpression of miR-4781-3p suppressed the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs. Thus, circFAT1 might be considered as a potential target of PDLSCs mediated periodontal bone regeneration.

scholarly journals Downregulation of miR-542-3p promotes osteogenic transition of vascular smooth muscle cells in the aging rat by targeting BMP7

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huan Liu ◽  
Hongwei Wang ◽  
Sijin Yang ◽  
Dehui Qian
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Vascular Smooth Muscle ◽  
Osteogenic Differentiation ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Calcium Deposition ◽  
Alizarin Red ◽  
Qrt Pcr ◽  
Rna Transfection ◽  
Aging Rat

Abstract Background Aging is believed to have a close association with cardiovascular diseases, resulting in various pathological alterations in blood vessels, including vascular cell phenotypic shifts. In aging vessels, the microRNA(miRNA)-mediated mechanism regulating the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotype remains unclarified. MiRNA microarray was used to compare the expressions of miRNAs in VSMCs from old rats (oVSMCs) and young rats (yVSMCs). Quantitative reverse transcription real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and small RNA transfection were used to explore the miR-542-3p expression in oVSMCs and yVSMCs in vitro. Calcification induction of yVSMCs was conducted by the treatment of β-glycerophosphate (β-GP). Alizarin red staining was used to detect calcium deposition. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to investigate the expression of the smooth muscle markers, smooth muscle 22α (SM22α) and calponin, and the osteogenic markers, osteopontin (OPN), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2). Lentivirus was used to overexpress miR-542-3p and bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) in yVMSCs. Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to identify the target of miR-542-3p. Results Compared with yVSMCs, 28 downregulated and 34 upregulated miRNAs were identified in oVSMCs. It was confirmed by qRT-PCR that oVSMC expressed four times lower miR-542-3p than yVSMCs. Overexpressing miR-542-3p in yVSMCs suppressed the osteogenic differentiation induced by β-GP. Moreover, miR-542-3p targets BMP7 and overexpressing BMP7 in miR-542-3p–expressing yVSMCs reverses miR-542-3p’s inhibition of osteogenic differentiation. Conclusions miR-542-3p regulates osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs through targeting BMP7, suggesting that the downregulation of miR-542-3p in oVSMCs plays a crucial role in osteogenic transition in the aging rat.

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