MiR-153-3p modulates osteogenic differentiation of posterior longitudinal ligament cells via targeting KLF5.

BACKGROUND

The ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) represents a disabling spinal condition. The specific function of miR-153-3p in the context of OPLL has not been elucidated.

AIM: To explore the function of miR-153-3p in OPLL and its regulatory mechanism related to KLF5.

METHODS

RT-qPCR was used to detect the transcriptional levels of miR-153-3p, osteogenic markers, and inflammatory cytokines in OPLL and normal populations. The interaction between miR-153-3p and KLF5 was validated through dual-luciferase reporter assays and RNA immunoprecipitation. Cell transfection experiments were performed to analyze the effects of miR-153-3p and KLF5 on osteogenic markers and inflammatory cytokines.

RESULTS

There was a significant decrease in miR-153-3p expression in OPLL samples. Osteogenic markers and inflammatory cytokines were significantly upregulated. The negative correlation between miR-153-3p and KLF5 was validated. MiR-153-3p was found to inhibit KLF5 expression. In ligament fibroblasts (LFC), miR-153-3p mimics uppressed the expression of osteogenic markers and inflammatory cytokines. Conversely, KLF5 overexpression reversed these inhibitory effects.

CONCLUSION

MiR-153-3p is downregulated in OPLL and acts as a negative regulator of OPLL progression by directly targeting KLF5, thereby inhibiting LFC osteogenic differentiation.