Mir-184 Regulates Bone Marrow Stromal Cells in Osteoporosis Rats Via Targeting Special AT-Rich Sequence-Binding Protein 2 (Satb2)

Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) participates in osteoporosis (OP) development and their differentiation can affect OP progression. miR-184 is involved in several diseases. However, miR-184’s role in BMSCs in osteoporosis is unclear. Rat BMSCs were isolated and assigned into control group, Mir-184 inhibitor group and Mir-184 group followed by analysis of Mir-184, Runx2 and OCN expression by Real time PCR, ALP activity and calcified nodules formation by Alizarin red staining. SD rats were separated into sham operation group, OP group and Mir-184 inhibitor group and bone density was assessed by micro-CT. Mir-184 inhibitor transfection significantly down-regulated Mir-184, increased expression of Runx2, OCN and Stab2 and promoted ALP activity (P<0.05), which were all reversed by Mir-184 mimic. Satb2 was targeted by Mir-184. Transfection of Mir-184 inhibitor and shSATB2 lentivirus decreased Runx2 and OCN expression and reduced calcified nodules formation. Mir-184 down-regulation in OP rats promoted Runx2 and OCN expression and increased bone density. In conclusion, Mir-184 expression is increased in OP rat BMSCs and its down-regulation can target Satb2, which promote osteogenic differentiation and increase calcified nodule formation and ameliorate OP disease.