Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 2, 2025

A RANKL-based Osteoclast Culture Assay of Mouse Bone Marrow to Investigate the Role of mTORC1 in Osteoclast Formation
09:37

A RANKL-based Osteoclast Culture Assay of Mouse Bone Marrow to Investigate the Role of mTORC1 in Osteoclast Formation

Published on: March 15, 2018

13.3K

Monascin abrogates RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis in RAW264.7 cells via regulating MAPKs signaling pathways

Yin Cheng1, Haixia Liu1, Jing Li2

  • 1Institute of Basic Theory, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.

Frontiers in Pharmacology
|August 1, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Monascin (Ms), derived from red yeast rice, effectively inhibits osteoclastogenesis by suppressing key signaling pathways. This finding suggests Ms as a potential therapeutic agent for mitigating bone erosion in diseases like osteoporosis.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Osteoclasts (OCs) are critical in bone resorption and implicated in osteolytic diseases like osteoporosis.
  • Red yeast rice, a traditional Chinese medicine, contains Monascin (Ms), known for potential bone health benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anti-osteoclastogenesis effects of Monascin (Ms) on RANKL-induced RAW264.7 cells.
  • To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of Ms's action on osteoclast differentiation and function.

Main Methods:

  • RAW264.7 cells were treated with Ms in the presence of RANKL to assess OC differentiation.
  • Gene expression analysis was performed for OC-specific markers.
  • Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways (JNK, p38) were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Ms demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of OC differentiation and formation.
  • Ms suppressed the bone-resorbing activity of mature osteoclasts.
  • Ms blocked the expression of key osteoclastogenic genes and inhibited MAPK signaling pathways.

Conclusions:

  • Monascin (Ms) effectively suppresses RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in RAW264.7 cells.
  • The mechanism involves the inhibition of MAPK signaling pathways.
  • Ms represents a potential therapeutic candidate for treating bone erosion in osteolytic diseases.
Keywords:
RAW264.7bone resorptionmapksmonascinosteoclastosteoporosis

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