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Updated: Sep 25, 2025
Skeletal Phenotype Analysis of a Conditional Stat3 Deletion Mouse Model
Published on: July 3, 2020
High-Throughput Sequencing Reveals CXCR4 and IGF1 Behave Different Roles in Weightlessness Osteoporosis
Dong Wang1,2, Weihang Li1, Ziyi Ding1
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China.
Objective:
This study is aimed at screening the differential expression profiles of mRNA under weightlessness osteoporosis through high-throughput sequencing technology, as well as investigating the pathogenesis of weightlessness osteoporosis at the molecular level especially in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).
Methods:
The mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell line was divided into ground group and simulated microgravity (SMG) group. BMP-2 was used to induce osteogenic differentiation, and SMG group was placed into 2D-gyroscope to simulate weightless condition. Transcriptome sequencing was performed by Illumina technology, DEGs between ground and SMG group was conducted using the DEseq2 algorithm. Molecular functions and signaling pathways enriched by DEGs were then comprehensively analyzed via multiple bioinformatic approaches including but not limited to GO, KEGG, GSEA, and PPI analysis.
Results:
A total of 263 DEGs were identified by comparing these 2 groups, including 186 upregulated genes and 77 downregulated genes. GO analysis showed that DEGs were enriched in osteoblasts, osteoclasts cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis; KEGG analysis revealed that DEGs were significantly enriched in the TNF signaling pathway and FoxO signaling pathway; the enrichment results from Reactome database displayed that DEGs were mainly involved in the transcription of Hoxb3 gene, RUNX1 recruitment KMT2A gene, and activation of Hoxa2 chromatin signaling pathway. The four genes, IL6, CXCR4, IGF1, and PLOD2, were identified as hub genes for subsequent analysis.
Conclusions:
This study elucidated the significance of 10 hub genes in the development of weightlessness osteoporosis. In addition, the results of this study provide a theoretical basis and novel ideas for the subsequent research of the pathogenesis and clinical treatment of weightlessness osteoporosis.
Insights
This study identifies key genes involved in weightlessness osteoporosis by analyzing gene expression in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells under simulated microgravity. These findings offer insights into the molecular mechanisms and potential treatments for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Molecular biology
- Space medicine
Background:
- Weightlessness osteoporosis is a significant health concern for astronauts.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms is crucial for developing countermeasures.
- Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) play a vital role in bone health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen differential mRNA expression profiles in BMSCs under simulated weightlessness.
- To investigate the molecular pathogenesis of weightlessness osteoporosis.
- To identify key genes and pathways involved in this process.
Main Methods:
- Simulated microgravity (SMG) was applied to mouse BMSCs using a 2D-gyroscope.
- High-throughput transcriptome sequencing was performed.
- Bioinformatic analyses including differential gene expression (DEGs), Gene Ontology (GO), KEGG, GSEA, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) were utilized.
Main Results:
- 263 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, with 186 upregulated and 77 downregulated.
- DEGs were enriched in pathways related to osteoblast and osteoclast function, TNF signaling, and FoxO signaling.
- Four hub genes (IL6, CXCR4, IGF1, PLOD2) were identified, contributing to the understanding of 10 significant genes in weightlessness osteoporosis.
Conclusions:
- This study highlights the importance of 10 hub genes in the development of weightlessness osteoporosis.
- The findings provide a theoretical foundation for further research into the pathogenesis and clinical treatment of weightlessness osteoporosis.
- The identified molecular pathways offer potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
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