过表达miR-155抑制BMP9诱导间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2成骨分化

目的:研究过表达miR-155对BMP9诱导间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2成骨分化的影响。方法:(1)用重组腺病毒Ad-BMP9(BMP9)诱导C3H10T1/2细胞成骨分化,定量PCR(qPCR)检测miR-155的表达,RT-PCR检测Runx2和ALP的表达。(2)miR-155和BMP9共同处理C3H10T1/2细胞,qPCR检测miR-155的表达,ALP活性和染色检测早期成骨能力。(3)miR-155和BMP9共同处理C3H10T1/2细胞,诱导分化14d茜素红S染色检测晚期成骨能力。(4)miR-155和BMP9共同处理C3H10T1/2细胞,qPCR检测成骨分化相关基因Runx2、OSX、COL1A1、ALP、OCN和OPN的表达。(5)miR-155和BMP9共同处理C3H10T1/2细胞,Western blot检测p-Smad1/5/8、OCN和OPN蛋白水平的表达。(6)qPCR和Western blot分别检测HIF1α和VEGF的mRNA表达水平和蛋白质表达水平。(7)应用荧光素酶报告基因对miR-155的靶基因进行筛选和验证。结果:在BMP9诱导C3H10T1/2细胞成骨分化过程中,过表达miR-155降低ALP活性及染色;减少钙盐沉积;成骨分化相关基因Runx2、OSX、COL1A1、ALP、OCN和OPN表达降低;抑制p-Smad1/5/8、OCN和OPN蛋白水平的表达;HIF1α和VEGF的mRNA和蛋白表达水平减少。在对靶基因的检测中,过表达miR-155可以抑制HIF1α蛋白水平的表达,但对其mRNA水平无明显影响。结论:miR-155过表达减弱BMP9诱导间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2成骨分化,可能是通过抑制Smad/BMP信号通路发挥作用,也有可能是通过抑制靶基因HIF1α的表达来发挥作用。     

SDF-1/CXCR4在BMP9介导C2C12细胞成骨分化过程中的作用研究

为了观察SDF-1/CXCR4信号轴在BMP9促C2C12细胞成骨分化过程中的作用,通过重组腺病毒过表达BMP9,检测对C2C12细胞中SDF-1及受体CXCR4 mRNA和蛋白表达水平的影响;同时利用重组腺病毒或中和抗体干扰SDF-1/CXCR4,与BMP9先后作用于C2C12细胞,通过定量测定碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、染色测定ALP表达、免疫细胞化学测定骨钙蛋白(OCN)表达、茜素红S染色测定钙盐沉积、Real-time PCR检测成骨相关转录因子Runx2和Osx的表达、Western blot检测成骨分化信号通路MAPK和Smad的变化。结果显示,BMP9能明显抑制C2C12细胞中SDF-1、CXCR4的表达(P<0.01),且具有剂量和时间依赖性;预先干扰SDF-1/CXCR4能明显影响由BMP9介导的早、中期成骨标志物ALP、OCN及早期转录因子Runx2、Osx的表达(P<0.01)和MAPK、Smad信号通路相关蛋白的变化(P<0.05);外源性SDF-1并不能影响晚期成骨标志物钙盐沉积。提示SDF-1/CXCR4信号轴在由BMP9介导的C2C12细胞成骨分化早、中期过程中发挥重要作用。     

BMP7基因沉默抑制钙盐诱导猪主动脉瓣膜间质细胞成骨分化

目的:探究小干扰RNA(small interference RNA,siRNA)介导的骨形态发生蛋白7(bone morphogenetic protein7,BMP7)基因沉默对钙盐诱导猪主动脉瓣膜间质细胞成骨分化的影响及机制,为钙化性主动脉瓣膜病(calcific aortic valve disease,CAVD)的干预及治疗提供理论依据。方法:非CAVD瓣膜组织(non-CAVD组)取自手术治疗的主动脉夹层患者,CAVD瓣膜组织(CAVD组)取自因钙化性主动脉瓣狭窄而进行主动脉瓣膜置换术的患者,采用免疫组化和Western blot法检测non-CAVD组和CAVD组中BMP7、Runt相关转录因子2(Runx2)的蛋白质表达水平。选取健康家猪处死后即刻于无菌条件下取主动脉瓣叶,采用胶原酶连续消化法分离主动脉瓣膜间质细胞,观察其形态特征,并用免疫荧光染色行表型鉴定。采用脂质体转染法将BMP7-siRNA转染猪主动脉瓣膜间质细胞,采用qPCR和Western blot法验证BMP7表达的变化;利用钙盐培养基诱导细胞成骨分化,建立体外主动脉瓣膜间质细胞钙化模型后,采用ALP染色和茜素红S染色实验分别检测细胞早期及晚期成骨分化能力;采用qPCR和Western blot法分别检测细胞成骨相关基因及蛋白质Runx2、OCN和OPN的表达情况。并用Western blot法检测BMP7下游信号通路中Smad1/5/8的磷酸化水平。结果:BMP7和Runx2蛋白在CAVD组中表达明显高于non-CAVD组。成功分离出原代猪主动脉瓣膜间质细胞,α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)及波形蛋白(vimentin)染色阳性,血管性血友病因子(von willebrand factor,vWF)染色阴性。转染BMP7-siRNA后猪主动脉瓣膜间质细胞中BMP7的mRNA和蛋白质水平均明显下调,早期及晚期成骨分化能力均明显降低。沉默BMP7基因的表达,可下调Runx2、OCN和OPN的基因及蛋白质表达,且磷酸化的Smad1/5/8(p-Smad1/5/8)蛋白水平明显降低。结论:BMP7基因沉默抑制钙盐诱导的主动脉瓣膜间质细胞的成骨分化能力,BMP7/Smads信号通路可能在该过程中发挥重要作用。     

激活Shh信号通路促进BMP9诱导的小鼠成肌细胞C2C12向成骨分化

近年来骨组织工程技术迅猛发展,小鼠成肌细胞C2C12因其来源广泛等优点可望成为有效的种子细胞应用于组织工程. 然而,对于C2C12细胞的成骨分化机制仍需深入研究. 为了观察Sonic hedgehog（Shh）信号通路对骨形态发生蛋白9（bone morphogenetic proteins 9,BMP9）诱导的C2C12细胞成骨分化的影响,构建过表达腺病毒Ad Shh,并作用于BMP9处理的C2C12细胞,检测碱性磷酸酶（alkaline phosphatase , ALP）的变化,茜素红S染色检测钙盐沉积,RT PCR检测Shh、骨桥蛋白(osteopontin,OPN)、骨钙素（osteocalcin,OCN）、Runx2、Dlx5、Id1和Id2基因表达,Western印迹检测Shh、OPN、OCN、Runx2和Dlx5的蛋白质表达,Micro-CT和H&E染色检测裸鼠皮下异位成骨包块情况. 结果表明,活化Shh信号通路可促进BMP9诱导的C2C12细胞早晚期成骨分化,以及裸鼠皮下异位成骨.体内外实验证明,Shh信号通路能促进BMP9诱导小鼠成肌细胞C2C12向成骨分化.     

激活Shh信号通路促进BMP9诱导小鼠成肌细胞C2C12向成骨分化

近年来骨组织工程技术迅猛发展,小鼠成肌细胞C2C12因其来源广泛等优点可望成为有效的种子细胞应用于组织工程.然而,对于C2C12细胞的成骨分化机制仍需深入研究.为了观察Sonic hedgehog(Shh)信号通路对骨形态发生蛋白9(bone morphogenetic proteins 9,BMP9)诱导的C2C12细胞成骨分化的影响,构建过表达腺病毒Ad-Shh,并作用于BMP9处理的C2C12细胞,检测碱性磷酸酶(alkaline phosphatase,ALP)的变化,茜素红S染色检测钙盐沉积,RT-PCR检测Shh、骨桥蛋白(osteopontin,OPN)、骨钙素(osteocalcin,OCN)、Runx2、Dlx5、Id1和Id2基因表达,Western印迹检测Shh、OPN、OCN、Runx2和Dlx5的蛋白质表达,Micro-CT和HE染色检测裸鼠皮下异位成骨包块情况.结果表明,活化Shh信号通路可促进BMP9诱导的C2C12细胞早晚期成骨分化,以及裸鼠皮下异位成骨.体内外实验证明,Shh信号通路能促进BMP9诱导小鼠成肌细胞C2C12向成骨分化.     

DLX1对BMP9诱导的间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2成骨分化的影响

目的:分析和确认转录因子DLX1在骨形态发生蛋白9(bone morphogenetic protein 9,BMP9)诱导的间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2成骨分化中的作用。方法:首先,BMP9腺病毒感染C3H10T1/2细胞,RT-PCR和Western blot检测DLX1表达变化;随后,利用重组腺病毒技术分别过表达DLX1和RNA干扰(RNA Intenference,RNAi)抑制DLX1的表达,并利用碱性磷酸酶(Alkaline Phosphatase,ALP)染色、钙盐沉积实验(茜素红染色),免疫细胞化学检测骨钙素(osteocalcin,OCN)表达和裸鼠皮下异位成骨实验分析DLX1对于BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞成骨分化的影响。荧光素酶报告基因实验和Western blot分析DLX1对于BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞Smad1/5/8信号途径的影响。结果:BMP9可以促进C3H10T1/2细胞中DLX1基因和蛋白表达水平;过表达DLX1在体外可进一步促进BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞的ALP活性、钙盐沉积以及OCN的表达,过表达DLX1亦可促进BMP9诱导的裸鼠皮下异位成骨;反之,RNAi抑制DLX1表达后,由BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞的ALP活性、钙盐沉积、OCN表达和裸鼠皮下异位成骨均相应受到抑制。过表达DLX1可进一步增强BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞中Smad/1/5/8的转录调控活性,RNAi降低DLX1表达则可抑制BMP9诱导Smad/1/5/8的转录调控活性。但是,无论过表达DLX1和RNAi降低DLX1表达均不会对BMP9诱导的Smad/1/5/8磷酸化造成影响。结论:DLX1可以调节BMP9诱导的间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2细胞成骨分化,其调节作用可能是通过影响Smad1/5/8信号的转录调控活性而实现的。     

LPS通过上调BMP4促进猪主动脉瓣膜间质细胞成骨样分化

该文主要探究了LPS通过上调骨形态发生蛋白4(bone morphogenetic protein 4,BMP4)促进猪主动脉瓣膜间质细胞(valve interstitial cells,VICs)成骨样分化的作用及机制,为钙化性主动脉瓣膜病(calcific aortic valve disease,CAVD)的干预及治疗提供理论依据。采用免疫组化法检测非CAVD组和CAVD组瓣膜组织中Runx2和BMP4的表达,Western blot检测Runx2和BMP4的蛋白表达;采用胶原酶(I型)消化瓣膜后分离猪VICs,用免疫荧光染色进行表型鉴定;采用LPS和重组人BMP4腺病毒处理VICs;用ALP染色、茜素红S染色、qRT-PCR和Western blot法检测细胞的早期和晚期成骨能力、Smad1/5/8和ERK1/2的磷酸化水平。结果显示,BMP4和Runx2蛋白在CAVD组中的表达水平明显高于non-CAVD组。原代猪VICs分离成功,其中α-SMA和Vimentin呈阳性,CD31呈阴性。LPS可使VICs ALP活性增强、钙盐沉积增多、钙化指标上升和BMP4增加;BMP4可使VICs ALP活性增强、钙盐沉积增多、钙化指标上升,且使Smad1/5/8和EKR1/2的磷酸化水平升高。提示LPS可以上调BMP4的表达进而促进VICs的成骨样分化,Smad1/5/8与ERK1/2信号通路可能在该过程中发挥重要作用。     

Shh信号参与调控BMP9诱导的间充质干细胞成骨分化

目的：观察sonic hedgehog（Shh）信号通路在骨形态发生蛋白9（BMP9）诱导的小鼠间充质干细胞（MSCs）C3H10T1/2和C2C12成骨分化中的作用,并初步探讨其作用机制。方法：Shh信号通路抑制剂Cyclopamine和激活剂Purmorphamine以及过表达Shh腺病毒分别作用于BMP9处理的C3H10T1/2和C2C12细胞,碱性磷酸酶（ALP）检测早期成骨指标ALP,茜素红S染色检测晚期成骨指标钙盐沉积,RT-PCR检测Shh信号相关基因以及成骨关键转录因子的表达,Western blot检测Shh的表达,荧光素酶报告基因检测Smad1/5/8的转录调控活性。结果：BMP9促进Shh信号相关基因的表达,激活Shh信号可增强BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2和C2C12细胞早晚期成骨分化并促进了BMP9诱导的Smad荧光素酶活性,抑制Shh信号后作用相反。结论：激活Shh信号通路可促进BMP9诱导的小鼠MSCs成骨分化,抑制其活性后作用相反。     

Runx1促进BMP9诱导的间充质干细胞MEFs的成骨分化

目的:研究Runx1在骨形态发生蛋白9(bone morphogenetic proteins 9,BMP9)诱导小鼠胚胎成纤维细胞(mouse embryonic fibroblasts,MEFs)成骨分化中的作用。方法:用BMP9腺病毒感染MEFs细胞,利用RT-PCR和Western blot分别在mRNA和蛋白质水平检测Runx1的内源性表达;构建过表达Runx1的重组腺病毒Ad-Runx1,并在mRNA和蛋白质水平验证Ad-Runx1的效果;用Ad-Runx1和BMP9条件培养基共处理MEFs,检测成骨早期指标碱性磷酸酶(ALP)染色和活性,茜素红S染色检测成骨晚期指标钙盐沉积;RT-PCR和Western blot分别检测成骨关键转录因子Runx2在mRNA和蛋白质水平的变化。结果:Ad-BMP9处理MEFs细胞后,可使Runx1在mRNA和蛋白质水平表达上调;构建的Ad-Runx1处理MEFs后,可使Runx1在mRNA和蛋白质水平表达上调;Ad-Runx1处理BMP9诱导的MEFs细胞后,增强了ALP活性和钙盐沉积以及Runx2在mRNA和蛋白质水平的表达。结论:Runx1可以促进BMP9诱导的间充质干细胞MEFs的成骨分化。     

MiR-21协同BMP9促进间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2成骨分化

目的:探讨miR-21与BMP9之间的关系,明确miR-21在BMP9诱导间充质干细胞成骨分化中的作用。方法:(1)Ad-BMP9感染C3H10T1/2细胞,Real-time-PCR检测miR-21表达。RT-PCR检测ALP的表达。(2)MiR-21转染C3H10T1/2细胞,Real-time-PCR检测miR-21和BMP9表达。(3)MiR-21和BMP9-CM处理C3H10 T1/2细胞,ALP活性和染色实验检测C3H10 T1/2细胞早期成骨能力。茜素红S染色实验检测钙盐沉积情况。(4)MiR-21和BMP9-CM处理C3H10 T1/2细胞,Real-time-PCR检测成骨分化相关因子ALP,OCN的表达。(5)MiR-21和BMP9-CM处理C3H10T1/2细胞,Western blot检测p-Smad1/5蛋白水平的表达。结果:(1)BMP9暂时降低miR-21的表达。MiR-21也可以暂时降低BMP9的表达。(2)MiR-21可以协同BMP9增强ALP和钙盐沉积。(3)MiR-21协同BMP9增加了p-Smad1/5蛋白水平的表达。结论:MiR-21与BMP9存在相互关系,两者可以互相调节表达。MiR-21可以协同BMP9促进间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2细胞成骨分化,这一过程与增强BMP9/Smad信号的激活程度有关。     

骨形态发生蛋白9通过JNKs激酶途径调控间充质干细胞成骨分化

前期研究发现骨形态发生蛋白9(bone morphogenetic protein 9,BMP9)除了通过经典Smad途径外,也可通过丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(mitogen activated protein kinases,MAPKs)中的p38激酶途径调控间充质干细胞成骨分化．本研究继续探讨MAPKs的重要成员c-Jun氨基末端激酶(c-Jun N-terminal kinases,JNKs)对于BMP9诱导间充质干细胞成骨分化的调控作用．利用BMP9重组腺病毒感染间充质干细胞,通过体外细胞实验和体内动物实验,初步分析BMP9是否可通过JNKs激酶途径调控间充质干细胞成骨分化．结果表明：BMP9可通过促进JNKs激酶磷酸化而导致其活化;JNKs抑制剂SP600125可抑制由BMP9诱导的间充质干细胞的碱性磷酸酶(alkaline phosphatase,ALP)活性、骨桥蛋白(osteocpontin,OPN)和骨钙素(osteocalcin,OCN)表达以及钙盐沉积;利用抑制剂SP600125抑制JNKs激酶活性后,BMP9诱导Runx2的表达和转录活性,以及Smad经典途径的激活也相应受到抑制;RNA干扰导致JNKs基因沉默同样也可抑制BMP9诱导的间充质干细胞成骨分化以及裸鼠皮下异位成骨．因此,BMP9可通过活化JNKs激酶途径,从而调控间充质干细胞成骨分化．     

阻断ERK1/2激酶可增强骨形态发生蛋白9诱导的间充质干细胞成骨分化

骨形态发生蛋白9(bone morphogenetic protein 9,BMP9)具有很强的诱导间充质干细胞定向成骨分化的能力.但对于其所涉及的相关分子机理了解并不深入.利用BMP9重组腺病毒感染间充质干细胞,Western blot检测ERK1/2激酶的磷酸化,ERK1/2的特异性抑制剂PD98059阻断ERK1/2活性,或以RNA干扰抑制ERK1/2表达,通过体外细胞实验和体内动物实验,初步分析和揭示ERK1/2对于BMP9诱导的间充质干细胞成骨分化的调控作用及其可能机制.结果发现:BMP9可以促进ERK1/2激酶的磷酸化,ERK1/2抑制剂PD98059可增强由BMP9诱导的碱性磷酸酶(alkaline phosphatase,ALP)活性、骨桥蛋白(osteopontin,OPN)表达和钙盐沉积,并促进由BMP9诱导的Runx2基因的表达和转录活性,以及Smad经典途径的活化;而RNA干扰导致ERK1/2基因沉默同样也可进一步促进BMP9诱导的ALP活性和钙盐沉积,并促进BMP9诱导的间充质干细胞在裸鼠皮下异位成骨.因此,BMP9可以促进ERK1/2蛋白激酶的活化,而阻断ERK1/2蛋白激酶可进一步增强BMP9诱导的成骨分化,ERK1/2极可能对于BMP9诱导的间充质干细胞成骨分化起着负向调控作用.     

BMP9经JNK激酶途径调控间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2成骨分化

为了证实JNK激酶在骨形态发生蛋白9(bone morphogenetic proteins 9,BMP9) 诱导间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2成骨分化中的作用,利用重组腺病毒将BMP9导入间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2. 通过碱性磷酸酶(ALP)活性测定、钙盐沉积实验、荧光素酶报告基因检测、Western印迹和组织化学染色等方法,检测BMP9是否可经JNK激酶途径调控间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2向成骨分化.动物实验验证在RNA沉默JNK蛋白激酶后,对BMP9诱导间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2向成骨分化的影响．结果发现,BMP9可以增强JNK 激酶的磷酸化;利用JNK抑制剂SP600125抑制JNK激酶活性后,BMP9诱导的间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2的早期成骨指标ALP活性和晚期指标钙盐沉积均受到抑制,而且经典SMAD信号的活化也相应受到抑制;RNA干扰沉默JNK基因表达后,同样也可抑制BMP9 诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞的ALP活性和裸鼠皮下异位成骨．因此表明,BMP9可活化JNK激酶途径从而诱导间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2向成骨分化．     

RUNX2对BMP9诱导的间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2成骨分化的影响

目的:研究和确认RUNX2在骨形态发生蛋白9(BMP9)诱导的间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2成骨分化中的作用。方法:通过Western blot、RT-PCR、荧光素酶活性分析检测BMP9对RUNX2表达的影响;分别在过表达RUNX2和RNA干扰抑制RUNX2表达的情况下,利用碱性磷酸酶(ALP)活性测定和染色、钙盐沉积实验,免疫细胞化学和裸鼠皮下异位成骨实验分析RUNX2对于BMP9诱导的间充质干细胞成骨分化的影响。结果:BMP9可以促进RUNX2的表达;RUNX2体外可促进BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2的ALP活性和钙盐沉积,却抑制了OCN表达,RUNX2还可促进BMP9诱导的裸鼠皮下异位成骨;而在降低RUNX2表达后,BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞的ALP活性、钙盐沉积、OCN表达和裸鼠皮下异位成骨均受到抑制。结论:RUNX2可以促进BMP9诱导的间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2细胞成骨分化。     

Stromal derived factor-1 regulates bone morphogenetic protein 2-induced osteogenic differentiation of primary mesenchymal stem cells

Stromal derived factor-1 (SDF-1) is a chemokine signaling molecule that binds to its transmembrane receptor CXC chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR4). While we previously detected that SDF-1 was co-required with bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) for differentiating mesenchymal C2C12 cells into osteoblastic cells, it is unknown whether SDF-1 is similarly involved in the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Therefore, here we examined the role of SDF-1 signaling during BMP2-induced osteogenic differentiation of primary MSCs that were derived from human and mouse bone marrow. Our data showed that blocking of the SDF-1/CXCR4 signal axis or adding SDF-1 protein to MSCs significantly affected BMP2-induced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteocalcin (OCN) synthesis, markers of preosteoblasts and mature osteoblasts, respectively. Moreover, disrupting the SDF-1 signaling impaired bone nodule mineralization during terminal differentiation of MSCs. Furthermore, we detected that blocking of the SDF-1 signaling inhibited the BMP2-induced early expression of Runt-related factor-2 (Runx2) and osterix (Osx), two “master” regulators of osteogenesis, and the SDF-1 effect was mediated via intracellular Smad and Erk activation. In conclusion, our results demonstrated a regulatory role of SDF-1 in BMP2-induced osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, as perturbing the SDF-1 signaling affected the differentiation of MSCs towards osteoblastic cells in response to BMP2 stimulation. These data provide novel insights into molecular mechanisms underlying MSC osteogenesis, and will contribute to the development of MSC therapies for enhancing bone formation and regeneration in broad orthopaedic situations.     

Smads, p38 and ERK1/2 are involved in BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells

Although previous studies have demonstrated that BMP9 is highly capable of inducing osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, the molecular mechanism involved remains to be fully elucidated. In this study, we showed that BMP9 simultaneously promotes the activation of Smad1/5/8, p38 and ERK1/2 in C3H10T1/2 cells. Knockdown of Smad4 with RNA interference reduced nuclear translocation of Smad1/5/8, and disrupted BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation. BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation was blocked by p38 inhibitor SB203580, whereas enhanced by ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059. SB203580 decreased BMP9-activated Smads singling, and yet PD98059 stimulated Smads singling in C3H10T1/2 cells. The effects of inhibitor were reproduced with adenovirus expressing siRNA targeted p38 and ERK1/2, respectively. Taken together, our findings revealed that Smads, p38 and ERK1/2 are involved in BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation. Also, it is noteworthy that p38 and ERK1/2 may play opposing regulatory roles in mediating BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells.     

Hey1 basic helix-loop-helix protein plays an important role in mediating BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal progenitor cells

Pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are bone marrow stromal progenitor cells that can differentiate into osteogenic, chondrogenic, adipogenic, and myogenic lineages. We previously demonstrated that bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 9 is one of the most potent and yet least characterized BMPs that are able to induce osteogenic differentiation of MSCs both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we conducted gene expression-profiling analysis and identified that Hey1 of the hairy/Enhancer of split-related repressor protein basic helix-loop-helix family was among the most significantly up-regulated early targets in BMP9-stimulated MSCs. We demonstrated that Hey1 expression was up-regulated at the immediate early stage of BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis indicated that Hey1 may be a direct target of the BMP9-induced Smad signaling pathway. Silencing Hey1 expression diminished BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation both in vitro and in vivo and led to chondrogenic differentiation. Likewise, constitutive Hey1 expression augmented BMP9-mediated bone matrix mineralization. Hey1 and Runx2 were shown to act synergistically in BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation, and Runx2 expression significantly decreased in the absence of Hey1, suggesting that Runx2 may function downstream of Hey1. Accordingly, the defective osteogenic differentiation caused by Hey1 knockdown was rescued by exogenous Runx2 expression. Thus, our findings suggest that Hey1, through its interplay with Runx2, may play an important role in regulating BMP9-induced osteoblast lineage differentiation of MSCs.