Cav1.2 regulates osteogenesis of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells via canonical Wnt pathway in age-related osteoporosis

Aims Age-related bone mass loss is one of the most prevalent diseases that afflict the elderly population. The decline in the osteogenic differentiation capacity of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) is regarded as one of the central mediators. Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) play an important role in the regulation of various cell biological functions, and disruption of VGCCs is associated with several age-related cellular characteristics and systemic symptoms. However, whether and how VGCCs cause the decreased osteogenic differentiation abilities of BMMSCs have not been fully elucidated. Methods Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels related genes were screened, and the candidate gene was determined in several aging models. Functional role of determined channel on osteogenic differentiation of BMMSCs was investigated through gain and loss of function experiments. Molecular mechanism was explored, and intervention experiments in vivo and in vitro were performed. Results We found that Ca(v)1.2 was downregulated in these aging models, and downregulation of Ca(v)1.2 in Zmpste24-/- BMMSCs contributed to compromised osteogenic capacity. Mechanistically, Ca(v)1.2 regulated the osteogenesis of BMMSCs through canonical Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. Moreover, upregulating the activity of Ca(v)1.2 mitigated osteoporosis symptom in Zmpste24-/- mice. Conclusion Impaired osteogenic differentiation of Zmpste24-/- BMMSCs can be partly attributed to the decreased Ca(v)1.2 expression, which leads to the inhibition of canonical Wnt pathway. Bay K8644 treatment could be an applicable approach for treating age-related bone loss by ameliorating compromised osteogenic differentiation capacity through targeting Ca(v)1.2 channel.