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Updated: Jan 10, 2026

Skeletal Phenotype Analysis of a Conditional Stat3 Deletion Mouse Model
Published on: July 3, 2020
Mycl, activated by Sgk1-phosphorylated Stat3, mediates osteoclastogenesis via Ctsk transcriptional regulation
Yiru Wang1, Chensong Yang2, Fuming Cao3
1Department of VIP Clinic, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
Abstract:
Osteoclast differentiation is essential for bone homeostasis, yet its molecular regulation remains incompletely understood. Here, we identify serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (Sgk1), an AGC kinase responsive to hormonal signals, as a key regulator of osteoclastogenesis. Mechanistically, inhibition of Sgk1 reduces Stat3 phosphorylation at Tyr705, leading to the downregulation of Mycl, a less characterized member of the MYC family of transcription factors. We demonstrate that Mycl directly binds to the Ctsk promoter, and functional assays confirm its critical role; Mycl overexpression rescued the osteoclast differentiation impairment caused by Sgk1 inhibition. In vivo, treatment with the Sgk1 inhibitor GSK650394 increased trabecular bone mass and enhanced mechanical strength without compromising osteoblast activity. Collectively, our findings define a novel Sgk1-Stat3-Mycl-Ctsk signaling axis that contributes to osteoclastogenesis and suggest that Sgk1 inhibition represent a potential therapeutic strategy for osteoporosis.
Insights
Serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (Sgk1) is a key regulator of osteoclast differentiation. Inhibiting Sgk1 enhances bone mass and strength, suggesting Sgk1 inhibition as a potential osteoporosis therapy.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Bone Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Osteoclast differentiation is crucial for bone homeostasis but its regulation is not fully understood.
- Hormonal signals influence bone metabolism through various kinases.
- Identifying novel regulators of osteoclastogenesis is vital for developing osteoporosis treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel molecular regulators of osteoclastogenesis.
- To investigate the role of serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (Sgk1) in osteoclast differentiation.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of Sgk1 inhibition in bone diseases.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the role of Sgk1 in osteoclast differentiation using molecular and cellular assays.
- Analyzed Stat3 phosphorylation, Mycl expression, and Ctsk promoter binding.
- Utilized in vivo studies with an Sgk1 inhibitor (GSK650394) to assess effects on bone mass and strength.
Main Results:
- Sgk1 was identified as a key regulator of osteoclastogenesis.
- Sgk1 inhibition reduced Stat3 phosphorylation and Mycl expression, impacting osteoclast differentiation.
- Mycl was found to directly bind the Ctsk promoter, playing a critical role in the process.
- In vivo Sgk1 inhibition increased trabecular bone mass and mechanical strength without affecting osteoblasts.
Conclusions:
- A novel Sgk1-Stat3-Mycl-Ctsk signaling axis regulating osteoclastogenesis was defined.
- Sgk1 inhibition represents a promising therapeutic strategy for osteoporosis.
- Targeting Sgk1 offers a potential approach to enhance bone health and combat bone loss.
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