Abstract: Objective To explore the targeted effect of microRNA-26a-5p (miR-26a-5p) on phosphatase and tensin homology deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) and its influences on osteoblasts differentiation and matrix mineralization. Methods The binding site of miR-26a-5p and PTEN was predicted by online software, and which was verified by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. MC3T3-E1 cells in good growth condition were selected and divided into miR-26a-5p mimic (mimic) group, miR-26a-5p mimic negative control (NC) group, pcDNA3.1-PTEN group and miR-26a-5p+ pcDNA3.1-PTEN group. The cells proliferation was detected by MTT. The cells differentiation was studied by alkaline phosphatase activity assay. The matrix mineralization observed by quantitative detection of osteocalcin and alizarin red staining. The changes in expressions of osteoblasts differentiation markers and Wnt/β-catenin (β-catenin) signaling pathway proteins were detected by Western blot. Results Compared with NC group, miR-26a-5p level, cells proliferation rate, activity of alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen (Col I), osteopontin (OPN), osteocalcin, mineralization rate and β-catenin were increased in miR-26a-5p mimic group, while expressions of PTEN mRNA and protein, and glycogen synthase kinase-3b (Gsk-3b) were decreased (P<0.05). Compared with NC group, expressions of PTEN mRNA and protein, and Gsk-3b were increased in pcDNA3.1-PTEN group, while cells proliferation rates, activity of alkaline phosphatase, Col I, OPN, osteocalcin, mineralization rate and β-catenin were decreased (P<0.05). Compared with miR-26a-5p mimic group, expressions of PTEN mRNA and protein, and Gsk-3b were increased in miR-26a-5p+pcDNA3.1-PTEN group, while cells proliferation rates, activity of alkaline phosphatase, Col I, OPN, osteocalcin, mineralization rate and β-catenin were decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion The miR-26a-5p can promote osteoblasts proliferation, differentiation and matrix mineralization by down-regulating PTEN expression and regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. |