lncRNA MALAT1 Inhibits Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Down-Regulating WNT5A

ncRNA involves in osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). WNT5A participates in the growth and development of osteogenic differentiation. This study aims to investigate whether lncRNA MALAT1 regulates BMSCs osteogenesis through WNT5A. qRT-PCR was done to detect the lncRNA MALAT1 level and osteogenic markers in osteoporosis patients and control groups. The above markers and WNT5A protein levels were detected by Western blot. The degree of osteogenic differentiation was detected by ALP activity assay and ALP staining. The differentiation ability of BMSCs after lncRNA MALAT1 overexpression was detected by ARS staining. The binding site of lncRNA MALAT1 to WNT5A was determined by dual luciferase reporter assay. lncRNA MALAT1 expression was higher in patients with osteoporosis, and decreased significantly with increased osteogenic induction. Overexpression of lncRNA MALAT1 in BMSCS reduced WNT5A level, while interference with lncRNA MALAT1 increased WNT5A levels. In cells with overexpression of lncRNA MALAT1, transfection of si-WNT5A can significantly downregulate the RUNX2, OSX, ALP, OCN, OPN, and COL1A1, thereby inhibiting osteogenic differentiation, interfering with the regulation of WNT signaling pathway and regulating BMSCs osteogenic differentiation. lncRNA MALAT1 and WNT5A can regulate BMSCs osteogenesis, thus accelerating the progression of osteoporosis.