LncRNA AC003090.1 Mediates miR-203a-3p/FOXP1 Axis to Promote the Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells

We investigated the regulatory mechanism of lncRNA AC003090.1 in human bone marrow stem cells (hBMSCs). Tissues from patients with osteoporosis (OP) were collected for the detection and analysis of AC003090.1, miR-203a-3p, and FOXP1 expression by QPCR. The expression and activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), an osteogenic marker, were detected using a modified Gomori calcium-cobalt assay and PNP colorimetric assay. Calcium deposition on the extracellular surface was demonstrated using alizarin red staining. Using the Oil Red O staining assay to detecte the Intracellular lipid content. Dual luciferase reporting system verified the targeting relationship between AC003090.1 or FOXP1 and miR-203a-3p. qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to measure the expression level of β-catenin in hBMSCs after different intervention treatments. The expression levels of AC003090.1 and FOXP1 were downregulated in Osteoporosis (OP), whereas those of miR-203a-3p were upregulated. An increase in AC003090.1 expression could enhance hBMSC osteogenic differentiation (OD) and reduce the adipogenic ability of hBMSCs. Furthermore, miR-203a-3p mimics or FOXP1 knock-down reversed the effect of increased AC003090.1 expression on OD and adipogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. Dual luciferase reporter assays showed that AC003090.1 can sponge miR-203a-3p, which targets FOXP1 in hBMSCs. LncRNA AC003090.1 promotes OD of hBMSCs by regulating the miR-203a-3p/FOXP1 axis.