CD271 regulates osteogenic differentiation of ectomesenchymal stem cells via the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway

The low-affinity neurotrophic receptor CD271 plays a crucial role in the osteogenic differentiation of ectomesenchyme stem cells (EMSCs), which is essential for the development and regeneration of jaw bones. This study aimed to investigate the influence of CD271 on EMSCs osteogenic differentiation and to uncover the underlying mechanisms. CD271-deficient mice exhibited delayed mandibular bone development, with a significantly reduction in the expression of osteogenic makers such as ALP, Col-1, OPN, and RUNX2. Single-cell sequencing further proved that the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway was downregulated in CD271^ExIII-/- EMSCs, highlighting the potential role of CD271 in regulating the osteogenic differentiation of EMSCs. After treatment with Pentanoic Acid or Y27632, the protein expression of Runx2 and Col-1 in EMSCs was either enhanced or reduced, respectively. These findings suggest that CD271 facilitates the osteogenic differentiation of EMSCs in vitro and contributes to mandibular alveolar bone formation in vivo through activation of the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.