Long non-coding RNA-H19 stimulates osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via the microRNA-149/SDF-1 axis.

Bone defects resulting from non-union fractures or tumour resections are common clinical problems. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are reported to play vital roles in stem cell differentiation. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of lncRNA-H19 in osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs). Following the establishment of an osteogenic differentiation model in rats, the expression of H19, microRNA-149 (miR-149) and stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) was measured by RT-qPCR. Thereafter, BMMSCs were isolated from rats and treated with a series of mimic, inhibitor or siRNA. SDF-1 expression, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteocalcin (OCN) content were detected. The mineralized and calcified nodules were assessed by alizarin red S and Von Kossa staining. BMMSC surface markers were detected by flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was used to measure the expression of ALP, OCN, runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and osterix (OSX) proteins. Lastly, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA immunoprecipitation were applied to verify the relationship of H19, miR-149 and SDF-1. Overexpressed H19 and SDF-1 and poorly expressed miR-149 were found in rats with osteogenic differentiation. H19 increased SDF-1 expression by binding to miR-149. H19 enhanced ALP activity, OCN content, calcium deposit and ALP, OCN, RUNX2 and OSX protein expression of BMMSCS by up-regulating SDF-1 via binding to miR-149. Taken together, up-regulated H19 could promote the osteogenic differentiation of BMMSCs by increasing SDF-1 via miR-149.