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Updated: Oct 27, 2025
Osteoclast Derivation from Mouse Bone Marrow
Published on: November 6, 2014
MicroRNA-151a-3p Functions in the Regulation of Osteoclast Differentiation: Significance to Postmenopausal
Yuehui He1, Di Chen1, Qian Guo1
1Community Medicine Department, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing City, 100096, People's Republic of China.
Background:
Studies have found the pivotal role of miRNAs in the progression of postmenopausal osteoporosis (OP). However, the function of miRNAs in OP is unclear. This study aimed to explore the biological functions of microRNA-151a-3p in OP.
Methods:
RT-qPCR was employed to assess the expression of microRNA-151a-3p in serum isolated from OP patients and healthy controls. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure the bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine. The expression levels of c-Fos, NFATc1, and TRAP were tested by Western blot. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats were treated with antago microRNA-151a-3p or antago NC, and then serum and lumbar vertebrae were collected for ELISA and bone histomorphology analysis.
Results:
The expression of microRNA-151a-3p in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis was significantly up-regulated, and microRNA-151a-3p level was negatively correlated with BMD. During osteoclastogenesis, microRNA-151a-3p level was obviously increased. Overexpression of microRNA-151a-3p promoted the differentiation of RANKL-induced THP-1 and RAW264.7 cells into osteoclasts, whereas silencing of microRNA-151a-3p resulted in the opposite results. Silencing of microRNA-151a-3p in OVX rats altered osteoclastogenesis-related factors and raised BMD.
Conclusion:
MicroRNA-151a-3p could partly regulate osteoporosis by promoting osteoclast differentiation, and miRNA-151a-3p could be a potential therapeutic target for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Insights
MicroRNA-151a-3p is elevated in postmenopausal osteoporosis and promotes osteoclast differentiation, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target for bone density loss.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Bone Biology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a role in postmenopausal osteoporosis (OP) progression.
- The specific functions of miRNAs in OP remain unclear.
- This study investigates the role of microRNA-151a-3p in OP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the biological functions of microRNA-151a-3p in postmenopausal osteoporosis.
- To determine the correlation between microRNA-151a-3p levels and bone mineral density (BMD).
- To assess the potential of microRNA-151a-3p as a therapeutic target for OP.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) to measure microRNA-151a-3p expression in patient serum.
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for BMD assessment.
- Western blot analysis for osteoclastogenesis markers (c-Fos, NFATc1, TRAP).
- Ovariectomized (OVX) rat model treated with microRNA-151a-3p inhibitors for in vivo validation.
Main Results:
- MicroRNA-151a-3p expression was significantly upregulated in postmenopausal women with OP and negatively correlated with BMD.
- MicroRNA-151a-3p levels increased during osteoclastogenesis.
- Overexpression of microRNA-151a-3p promoted osteoclast differentiation, while its silencing inhibited differentiation and improved BMD in OVX rats.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNA-151a-3p contributes to osteoporosis by promoting osteoclast differentiation.
- MicroRNA-151a-3p represents a potential therapeutic target for managing postmenopausal osteoporosis.
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