Dhx36 deficiency accelerates BMSC senescence and promotes age-related bone loss.

ABSTRACT: Senescence of mesenchymal stem cells in bone tissue (BMSCs), the primary progenitors of osteoblasts, is a key contributor to age-related osteopenia and osteoporosis. Aged cells exhibit elevated cellular stress and abnormal accumulation of stress granules (SGs), which contain G-quadruplex (G4) structured nucleic acids and G4-binding proteins. Dhx36, a helicase that unwinds G4 structure, may play a protective role in this context. In this study, we investigated the function of Dhx36 in BMSCs and bone homeostasis by silencing Dhx36 expression in vitro and in vivo. Dhx36 deficiency increased SG formation and impaired their resolution in BMSCs. This was accompanied by reduced expression of G4-containing autophagyrelated genes and diminished autophagic activity. Loss of Dhx36 also enhanced senes

SUBMITTER: Jang JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12753334 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature