Calcif Tissue Int. 2018 Mar 9. doi: 10.1007/s00223-018-0410-8. [Epub ahead of print]

MicroRNA-218 Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Accelerates Bone Fracture Healing.

Shi L¹, Feng L¹, Liu Y¹, Duan JQ², Lin WP¹, Zhang JF³, Li G^4,5,6.

Abstract

As a regulator of osteogenesis, microRNA-218 (miR-218) is reported to promote osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, the in vivo osteogenic effect of miR-218 remains elusive. In this study, miR-218 was confirmed to promote osteogenic differentiation of MSCs by stimulating the alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium nodule formation, and osteogenic marker gene expression. For in vivo study, the miR-218-overexpressing BMSCs were locally administrated into the fracture sites in a femur fracture mouse model. Based on the X-rays, micro-computed tomography, mechanical testing, histology, and immunohistochemistry examinations, miR-218 overexpression improved new bone formation and accelerated fracture healing. These findings suggest that miR-218 may be a promising therapeutic target for bone repair in future clinical applications.