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Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research

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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Research article

KLF5 promotes the ossification process of ligamentum flavum by transcriptionally activating CX43

Authors: Hubing Guo, Lingxia Yang, Jin Liu, Liqi Chen, Yufeng Huang, Jinsong Li

Published in: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

Ossification of ligamentum flavum (OLF) is a prevalent degenerative spinal disease, typically causing severe neurological dysfunction. Kruppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) plays an essential role in the regulation of skeletal development. However, the mechanism KLF5 plays in OLF remains unclear, necessitating further investigative studies.

Methods

qRT-PCR, immunofluorescent staining and western blot were used to measure the expression of KLF5. Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) staining, Alizarin red staining (ARS), and the expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteopontin (OPN), and osteocalcin (OCN) were used to evaluate the osteogenic differentiation. Luciferase activity assay and ChIP-PCR were performed to investigate the molecular mechanisms.

Results

KLF5 was significantly upregulated in OLF fibroblasts in contrast to normal ligamentum flavum (LF) fibroblasts. Silencing KLF5 diminished osteogenic markers and mineralized nodules, while its overexpression had the opposite effect, confirming KLF5’s role in promoting ossification. Moreover, KLF5 promotes the ossification of LF by activating the transcription of Connexin 43 (CX43), and overexpressing CX43 could reverse the suppressive impact of KLF5 knockdown on OLF fibroblasts’ osteogenesis.

Conclusion

KLF5 promotes the OLF by transcriptionally activating CX43. This finding contributes significantly to our understanding of OLF and may provide new therapeutic targets.

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Title: KLF5 promotes the ossification process of ligamentum flavum by transcriptionally activating CX43
Authors: Hubing Guo
Lingxia Yang
Jin Liu
Liqi Chen
Yufeng Huang
Jinsong Li
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1749-799X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-024-04702-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

KLF5 promotes the ossification process of ligamentum flavum by transcriptionally activating CX43

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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