Osteoporosis poses a significant threat to human health. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been deemed as crucial regulators in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. However, the accuracy and efficiency of LncRNA-mediated regulation of bone formation require further improvement. Our previous study identified a repeat sequence in the human-derived LncRNA CTD-2555A7.2, suggesting its potential role in osteoporosis regulation. To investigate this hypothesis, we conducted systematic functional analyses of CTD-2555A7.2 in osteogenesis and explored its mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications. Through over-expression, siRNA silencing and repeat sequence over-expression in vitro and in vivo, our research demonstrate that CTD-2555A7.2 enhances bone formation by sequestering multiple miR-381-3p molecules through its repeat sequence. Through Western blot, siRNA silencing and luciferase reporter assay, we illuminated miR-381-3p suppresses osteogenic differentiation by concurrently targeting four essential genes of the Wnt signaling pathway: Apc, Lef1, wnt5a, and Lrp6. Notably, the mRNA of CTD-2555A7.2 repeat sequence exhibited pronounced therapeutic efficacy in ovariectomy osteoporosis models. Taken together, we identified a dual-amplification osteogenic axis (CTD-2555A7.2-miR-381-Wnt) that demonstrates significant regulatory effects on osteoporosis. This study has established an important theoretical framework for understanding osteogenic LncRNA mechanisms and provides novel insights for developing targeted therapeutics against osteoporosis.
Keywords: Bone formation; LncRNA CTD-2555A7.2; MiR-381-3p; Osteogenic differentiation; Osteoporosis.
© 2025. The Author(s).