FOXJ3 promotes bone cell development from stem cells through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, a new factor linked to osteoporosis

FOXJ3 expression progressively increased during in vitro osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.

• FOXJ3 is identified as a novel regulator of osteogenic differentiation in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).
• Increased FOXJ3 levels are positively correlated with osteogenic markers RUNX2 and osteocalcin.
• Knockdown of FOXJ3 significantly impairs BMSC differentiation, evidenced by reduced alkaline phosphatase activity and diminished mineralized nodule formation.
• Overexpression of FOXJ3 enhances the expression of osteogenic markers and improves differentiation outcomes.
• FOXJ3 knockdown reduces active β-catenin expression, suggesting involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
• The Wnt/β-catenin agonist SB216763 can counteract the negative effects of FOXJ3 knockdown on BMSC differentiation.

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