CDK14 is regulated by IGF2BP2 and involved in osteogenic differentiation via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in vitro

Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) family proteins involve in various cellular processes via regulating the cell cycle; however, their expression during osteogenic differentiation and postmenopausal osteoporosis remains poorly understood.

Using bioinformatics, we screened for CDK14 bound to Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) and explored its expression in vitro with time-gradient model and in a mouse model of postmenopausal osteoporosis, building on prior research. Subsequently, we investigated its effect on osteoblast proliferation, cell cycle dynamics, and osteogenic differentiation by administering CDK14 siRNA and the covalent inhibitor FMF-04-159-2. Furthermore, we examined the interaction between IGF2BP2 and CDK14. Finally, we validated the regulatory role of CDK14 on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Our findings demonstrate a time-dependent CDK14 expression patterns during osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cell line, with an initial increase followed by gradual decline over time. Notably, CDK14 expression exhibited significant reduction in bone tissue of postmenopausal osteoporosis mouse model. CDK14 inhibition altered osteoblast cell cycle dynamics, significantly reduced cellular proliferation capacity, and impaired osteogenic differentiation ability. IGF2BP2 interacted with CDK14 mRNA, and stabilizing mRNA's structure and inhibiting its degradation. Additionally, CDK14 facilitated Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) and Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) phosphorylation, thus regulating β-catenin levels.

These findings provide further insight into the molecular mechanisms governing osteoblast proliferation, differentiation and osteoporosis.