Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 3, 2026

Using an Automated Cell Counter to Simplify Gene Expression Studies: siRNA Knockdown of IL-4 Dependent Gene Expression in Namalwa Cells
10:34

Using an Automated Cell Counter to Simplify Gene Expression Studies: siRNA Knockdown of IL-4 Dependent Gene Expression in Namalwa Cells

Published on: April 14, 2010

16.0K

Gene expression profiling of osteoblasts subjected to dexamethasone-induced apoptosis with/without GSK3β-shRNA

Zhigang Nie1, Sen Chen1, Shuang Deng1

  • 1Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|October 20, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Glucocorticoids induce osteoblast apoptosis, a cause of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. This study reveals Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) mediates this process, identifying key genes and pathways involved in dexamethasone-induced cell death.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Glucocorticoids (GCs) induce osteoblast apoptosis, contributing to GCs-related osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH).
  • Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) is implicated in mediating dexamethasone (Dex)-induced osteoblast apoptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of GSK3β in dexamethasone (Dex)-induced osteoblast apoptosis.
  • To identify genes and signaling pathways regulated by GSK3β during this process.

Main Methods:

  • Osteoblast cells were transfected with lentivirus expressing GSK3β-shRNA.
  • DNA microarray analysis was performed to assess gene expression changes after Dex treatment with or without GSK3β-shRNA.
  • Differentially expressed genes were validated using quantitative real-time-PCR (qRT-PCR).

Main Results:

  • Dex treatment altered the expression of 460 up-regulated and 315 down-regulated genes.
  • GSK3β-shRNA treatment reversed these Dex-induced gene expression changes.
  • Validation confirmed the altered expression of apoptosis-related genes (e.g., Hoxb8, Bcl2l14) and mechanosensation-related gene Piezo2.
  • Microarray data suggested involvement of apoptotic, MAPK, TGFβ, and Wnt signaling pathways.

Conclusions:

  • GSK3β-shRNA treatment modulates gene expression and signaling pathways involved in Dex-induced osteoblast apoptosis.
  • Specific genes including Piezo2, Hoxb8, Kif18a, Dlk1, Tnfsf14, Casq2, and Bcl2l14 may play critical roles in GSK3β-mediated osteoblast apoptosis.
Keywords:
ApoptosisGSK3βGene expression profilingOsteoblast

More Related Videos

Generation of Stable Human Cell Lines with Tetracycline-inducible Tet-on shRNA or cDNA Expression09:51

Generation of Stable Human Cell Lines with Tetracycline-inducible Tet-on shRNA or cDNA Expression

Published on: March 5, 2013

36.1K
Cell Type-specific Gene Expression Profiling in the Mouse Liver10:06

Cell Type-specific Gene Expression Profiling in the Mouse Liver

Published on: September 17, 2019

8.2K

Related Concept Videos

What is Gene Expression?01:42

What is Gene Expression?

Overview
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is made up of nucleotides and proteins consist of amino...
196.7K
What is Gene Expression?01:36

What is Gene Expression?

A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is comprised  of nucleotides and proteins are comprised of amino acids, a mediator is required to convert the information encoded in DNA into proteins. This mediator is the messenger RNA (mRNA). mRNA copies the blueprint from DNA by a process called transcription. In eukaryotes, transcription occurs in the nucleus by complementary base-pairing with the DNA template. The mRNA is then...
11.4K
Cell Specific Gene Expression01:58

Cell Specific Gene Expression

Multicellular organisms contain a variety of structurally and functionally distinct cell types, but the DNA in all the cells originated from the same parent cells. The differences in the cells can be attributed to the differential gene expression. Liver cells, whose functions include detoxification of blood, production of bile to metabolize fats, and synthesis of proteins essential for metabolism, must express a specific set of genes to perform their functions. Gene expression also varies with...
16.5K
Cell Specific Gene Expression01:58

Cell Specific Gene Expression

5.6K
Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression02:35

Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression

Chromatin is the massive complex of DNA and proteins packaged inside the nucleus. The complexity of chromatin folding and how it is packaged inside the nucleus greatly influences  access to genetic information. Generally, the nucleus' periphery is considered transcriptionally repressive, while the cell's interior is considered a transcriptionally active area. 
Topologically Associated Domains (TADs)
The 3-dimensional positioning of chromatin in the nucleus influences the...
24.8K
mRNA Stability and Gene Expression02:51

mRNA Stability and Gene Expression

The structure and stability of mRNA molecules regulates gene expression, as mRNAs are a key step in the pathway from gene to protein. In eukaryotes, the half-life of mRNA varies from a few minutes up to several days. mRNA stability is essential in growth and development. The absence of the proteins regulating its stability, such as tristetraprolin in mice, can cause systemic issues, including bone marrow overgrowth, inflammation, and autoimmunity.
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability
6.7K