Effects of miR-31 on the osteogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells

Exploring the molecular mechanisms that regulate the osteogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) will bring us more efficient methods for improving the treatment of bone-related diseases. In this study, we analyzed the effects of miR-31 on the osteogenesis of hMSCs. The overexpression of miR-31 repressed the osteogenesis of hMSCs, whereas the downregulation enhanced this process. SATB2 was testified to be a direct target of miR-31, and its effects on the osteogenesis were also described. Most importantly, the knockdown of SATB2 attenuated miR-31's osteogenic effects. Taken together, our findings suggest that miR-31 regulates the osteogenesis of hMSCs by targeting SATB2. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.