Methyltransferase‐like 3 modulates osteogenic differentiation of adipose‐derived stem cells in osteoporotic rats

Abstract Background Osteoporosis (OP) is a metabolic bone disease involving reduced bone mass. Adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) play an important role in bone regeneration. Emerging evidence suggests that methyltransferase‐like 3 (METTL3) plays a significant role in bone development and metabolism. Therefore, this study investigates changes to METTL3 in the osteogenic differentiation of adipose stem cells in osteoporotic rats (OP‐ASCs) and explores ways to enhance their osteogenic ability. Methods An animal model of osteoporosis was established by removing both ovaries in rats. Real‐time PCR and western blotting were performed to detect the expression of METTL3 and bone‐related molecules, including runt‐related transcription factor 2 ( Runx2 ) and osteopontin ( Opn ). Furthermore, alkaline phosphatase staining was used to confirm the osteogenic potential of stem cells. Mettl3 small interfering RNA and Mettl3 overexpression lentivirus were used to assess the role of METTL3 in osteogenic differentiation of ASCs and OP‐ASCs. Results The osteogenic differentiation capacity and Mettl3 expression significantly decreased in OP‐ASCs. Moreover, Mettl3 silencing down‐regulated the osteogenic ability of ASCs, and overexpression of Mettl3 recovered the impaired osteogenic capacity in OP‐ASCs in vitro . Conclusion The Mettl3 expression levels and osteogenic potential of OP‐ASCs decreased. However, overexpression of METTL3 rescued the osteogenic ability of OP‐ASCs, providing a new target for treatment of osteoporotic bone defects.