miR-433-3p suppresses bone formation and mRNAs critical for osteoblast function in mice

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key posttranscriptional regulators of osteoblastic commitment and differentiation. miR-433-3p was previously shown to target Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and to be repressed by bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. Here, we show that miR-433-3p is progressively decreased during osteoblastic differentiation of primary mouse bone marrow stromal cells in vitro, and we confirm its negative regulation of this process. Although repressors of osteoblastic differentiation often promote adipogenesis, inhibition of miR-433-3p did not affect adipocyte differentiation in vitro. Multiple pathways regulate osteogenesis. Using luciferase-3' untranslated region (UTR) reporter assays, five novel miR-433-3p targets involved in parathyroid hormone (PTH), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Wnt, and glucocorticoid signaling pathways were validated. We show that Crebl is a miR-433-3p target, and this transcription factor mediates key signaling downstream of PTH receptor activation. We also show that miR-433-3p targets hydroxysteroid 11-beta dehydrogenase 1 (Hsd11b1), the enzyme that locally converts inactive glucocorticoids to their active form. miR-433-3p dampens glucocorticoid signaling, and targeting of Hsd11b1 could contribute to this phenomenon. Moreover, miR-433-3p targets R-spondin 3 (Rspo3), a leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor (LGR) ligand that enhances Wnt signaling. Notably, Wnt canonical signaling is also blunted by miR-433-3p activity. In vivo, expression of a miR433-3p inhibitor or tough decoy in the osteoblastic lineage increased trabecular bone volume. Mice expressing the miR-433-3p tough decoy displayed increased bone formation without alterations in osteoblast or osteoclast numbers or surface, indicating that miR433-3p decreases osteoblast activity. Overall, we showed that miR-433-3p is a negative regulator of bone formation in vivo, targeting key bone-anabolic pathways including those involved in PM signaling, Wnt, and endogenous glucocorticoids. Local delivery of miR433-3p inhibitor could present a strategy for the management of bone loss disorders and bone defect repair. (C) 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Automated summary

miR-433-3p is a negative regulator of bone formation through various key signaling pathways such as PTH, MAPK, Wnt, and endogenous glucocorticoids, targeting multiple genes including Crebl, Hsd11b1, and Rspo3 to inhibit osteoblast activity and Wnt signaling pathway, reducing bone mass. In in vivo experiments, inhibitors of miR-433-3p can increase trabecular bone volume in mice, indicating its negative regulatory role in bone formation.