miR-127-3p regulates osteoporosis progression by targeting VAMP2 to modulate cell differentiation

Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic osteopathy characterized by a decrease in bone density and mass. Human bone mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) exhibit multidirectional differentiation potential and play a critical role in bone metabolism. Herein, we investigated the diagnostic potential of miR-127-3p in OP and elucidated its regulatory role in hBMSCs, thereby providing novel insights into the diagnosis and progression prediction of OP. The relative expression of miR-127-3p was measured via RT-qPCR analysis. ROC curve and logistic analysis were applied to identify the diagnostic value of miR-127-3p for OP. The CCK8 assay and flow cytometry were used to assess cell viability and apoptosis. A luciferase reporter assay was performed to assess the interaction between VAMP2 and miR-127-3p. The bone differentiation markers RUNX2, OCN, and OPN were assayed using RT-qPCR and western blotting. We observed that the expression of miR-127-3p was reduced in patients with OP, allowing it to effectively distinguish these patients from healthy individuals. Transfection with miR-127-3p mimic inhibited hBMSC apoptosis, increased cell viability, and increased RUNX2, OCN, and OPN levels. Furthermore, miR-127-3p regulated hBMSCs via targeting VAMP2. Overexpression of VAMP2 reversed the effects of miR-127-3p on apoptosis, cell viability, and bone differentiation. In conclusion, these findings suggest that miR-127-3p may be a potential diagnostic tool for OP. In addition, miR-127-3p promotes hBMSC viability and differentiation through downregulating VAMP2; this decreases OP progression. Our findings will inform new ideas for the diagnosis and developmental prediction of OP.