Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 28, 2026

Isolation and Cultivation of Mandibular Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Rats
Published on: August 25, 2020
Solanum Muricatum Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation of Rat Bone Marrow Stromal Cells
Nan Wang1, Feng Wang2, Youshui Gao2
1Dept. of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou Univ., Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
Abstract:
Solanum muricatum (SM), also known as pepino, is known for its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of SM extract in promoting osteogenic differentiation and regulating the Wnt and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathways. Ingredients of pepino were extracted and identified. SM extracts were used to treat rat bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), followed by evaluating alkaline phosphatase activities and mineralization levels. The mRNA levels of osteogenic biomarkers, including OPN and Collagen I, were also evaluated with real-time polymerase chain reaction. After treatment with SM extracts, the expressions of key proteins in the Wnt and BMP signaling pathways were assessed. DKK-1 and noggin, which are Wnt and BMP inhibitors, respectively, were added with SM extracts to investigate the role of Wnt and BMP pathways in the ameliorating effects of SM extract in osteogenesis. Treatment of BMSCs with SM extract promoted osteogenesis. Meanwhile, upregulations in the Wnt and BMP pathways were also observed. However, inhibiting both pathways compromised the effects of SM extract in promoting osteogenic differentiation. SM extract promotes osteogenic differentiation in BMSCs via promoting the Wnt and BMP signaling pathways.
Insights
Solanum muricatum (pepino) extract enhances bone formation in rat cells by activating Wnt and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathways. This study reveals pepino
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Solanum muricatum (pepino) exhibits known antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Osteogenic differentiation is crucial for bone formation and repair.
- Wnt and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathways are key regulators of osteogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Solanum muricatum (SM) extract on osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs).
- To determine the role of Wnt and BMP signaling pathways in SM-induced osteogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Extraction and identification of active compounds in pepino.
- Treatment of BMSCs with SM extract and assessment of alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization.
- Evaluation of osteogenic biomarker mRNA levels (OPN, Collagen I) via real-time PCR.
- Analysis of Wnt and BMP pathway protein expression and inhibition studies using DKK-1 and noggin.
Main Results:
- SM extract significantly promoted osteogenic differentiation in BMSCs.
- SM extract upregulated key proteins in the Wnt and BMP signaling pathways.
- Inhibition of Wnt and BMP pathways diminished the osteogenic effects of SM extract.
Conclusions:
- Solanum muricatum extract promotes osteogenic differentiation in BMSCs.
- The osteogenic effects of SM extract are mediated through the activation of Wnt and BMP signaling pathways.

