Unique cartilage matrix-associated protein inhibits osteoclast differentiation by alleviating RANKL-induced reactive oxygen species.

Unique cartilage matrix-associated protein (UCMA) is a γ-carboxyglutamic acid-rich secretory protein primarily expressed in adult cartilage. UCMA promotes osteoblast differentiation and reduces high glucose-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in osteoblasts; however, its role in osteoclasts remains unclear. Since Ucma is not expressed in osteoclasts, treatment with recombinant UCMA protein (rUCMA) was employed to investigate the effect of UCMA on osteoclasts. The rUCMA-treated osteoclasts exhibited significantly reduced osteoclast differentiation, resorption activity, and osteoclast-specific gene expression. Moreover, rUCMA treatment reduced RANKL-induced ROS production and increased the expression of antioxidant genes in osteoclasts. This study demonstrates that UCMA effectively inhibits RANKL-stimulated osteoclast differentiation and oxidative stress.
Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
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