Zinc promotes osteogenesis through enhanced preosteoblast proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, and bone-related transcriptomic remodeling
Related Experiment Videos
Jiayi Zhou1, Aiden Sha1, Jerry Dickerson1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook NY 11794, USA.
Abstract:
Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element that contributes to skeletal development, bone remodeling, and mineral homeostasis, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying its effects on osteoblast differentiation remain incompletely defined. This study investigated the effects of Zn ions on preosteoblast growth and osteogenic differentiation and characterized Zn-responsive transcriptomic changes. Under osteogenic conditions, Zn increased alkaline phosphatase activity, mineralized matrix formation, and expression of osteogenic markers, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin, procollagen I, and Runx2. RNA sequencing identified over a thousand differentially expressed genes following Zn²⁺ treatment. Functional enrichment analysis revealed modulation of bone-related pathways, including Wnt, TGF-β/BMP, Hippo, and PI3K-Akt signaling, as well as extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and osteoclast differentiation. Transcriptomic analysis highlighted osteogenesis-associated candidate genes, including Wnt16, Lrp6, Bmp6, and Tnfrsf11b. Together, these findings associate Zn-enhanced osteogenic responses with changes in bone-related gene expression and identify candidate signaling relationships for future functional investigation.
Related Concept Videos
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
Bone Remodeling
Bone Remodeling and Repair
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Bone Formation by Endochondral Ossification