MiR-328-5p/BCL7A axis is involved in fracture healing by modulating osteoblast function.

BACKGROUND: Delayed fracture healing severely impacts patients' quality of life and imposes economic burdens. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the role of miR-328-5p in fracture healing and its underlying molecular mechanisms, providing novel insights for the management of delayed fracture healing. METHODS: Serum miR-328-5p levels were measured by RT-qPCR in 125 tibial fracture patients. The diagnostic potential of miR-328-5p for delayed healing was assessed through ROC curve analysis. Osteogenic differentiation of hFOB 1.19 cells was induced using osteogenic medium followed by evaluation of osteogenic markers and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Downstream targets of miR-328-5p were predicted via bioinformatics analysis and validated by dual-luciferase reporter experiments. Cell proliferation and apoptotic rates were determined using CCK-8 and flow cytometry, respectively. RESULTS: Among the 125 patients, 56 presented with delayed fracture healing. Clinical data analysis disclosed a marked downregulation of miR-328-5p in the delayed healing group, demonstrating diagnostic value. During osteogenic differentiation of hFOB 1.19 cells, miR-328-5p expression increased progressively. Inhibition of miR-328-5p during differentiation markedly suppressed the expression of osteogenic markers (RUNX2, OCN, and OPN) and reduced ALP activity. Functional experiments demonstrated that miR-328-5p inhibition impaired osteoblast proliferation and promoted apoptosis. Mechanistic investigations identified BCL7A as a direct target mediating the regulatory effects of miR-328-5p on osteogenic differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-328-5p shows promise as a potential biomarker for delayed fracture healing. In vitro studies further revealed its regulatory role in osteoblast differentiation through BCL7A, potentially providing new directions for improving fracture healing.