ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To observe the expression of Runx2 in osteoblasts in response to centrifugation in vitro and discuss the function of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signal transduction pathway in this course. METHODS: Cells were divided into four groups, group A, B, C and D, pretreated with DMEM containing 10% fetal bovine serum, 10% fetal bovine serum, 100 ng x mL(-1) Noggin and 100 ng x mL(-1) Noggin for 24 hours separately. 271 x g centrifugation was loaded for 5 min to these groups except group A and C, other conditions were the same. The total RNA of each group were extracted, and reversed transcription to cDNA after 30 min. The expression of Runx2 in response to centrifugation in vitro was analyzed by quantitative real time PCR. RESULTS: The expression of Runx2 mRNA in group B was significantly higher than that in group A (P < 0.05). The expression of Runx2 mRNA in group D was significantly lower than that in group B (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference among group A, C, D (P = 0.692). CONCLUSION: BMP signal transduction pathway plays an important role in the response of osteoblasts to mechanical stimulations. It may also play a central role in the cascade information dissemination of osteoblasts.