Distal-less homeobox 5 is a master regulator of the osteogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells.

Distal-less homeobox 5 is a master regulator of the osteogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells. Int J Mol Med. 2017 Sep 19;: Authors: Heo JS, Lee SG, Kim HO Abstract Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiate into multiple lineages and are a promising source of cells for clinical use. Previously, we found that the gene distal‑less homeobox 5 (DLX5) is specifically expressed in MSCs with osteogenic potential. Understanding the mechanism of osteogenesis is necessary for successful bone regeneration using MSCs. The aim of this study was to examine the function of the DLX5 gene in MSCs during osteogenesis (bone development). We analyzed the possible association between DLX5 expression and osteogenesis-, chondrogenesis- and adipogenesis-related gene expression in different cells isolated from bone marrow and cord blood. Differentiation capacity was assessed by observing morphological changes, monitoring gene expression patterns, and staining with Von Kossa, safranin O, and Oil Red O. Suppression of DLX5 expression by means of a small interfering RNA (siRNA) downregulated osteogenic markers and reduced the signs of calcium mineralization. Tanshinone IIA is a known small molecule activator of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. Here, we report that induction of DLX5 by tanshinone IIA in MSCs enhanced osteogenic differentiation. In addition, we showed that tanshinone IIA (as a mediator of BMP2 signaling) activates runt-...
Source: International Journal of Molecular Medicine - Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Tags: Int J Mol Med Source Type: research