Conclusions
These results demonstrated that the AMPK signalling pathway functions as a critical regulator in the OPG-mediated inhibition of OC differentiation, by inducing autophagy. Our results provide a basis for future bone-related studies on the AMPK signalling pathway.
Methods
We used the AMPK activator AICAR to determine the relationship between AMPK activation and OC differentiation, and studied the role of AMPK-mediated autophagy in OPG-mediated inhibition of OC differentiation by using autophagy inhibitors or AMPK knockdown.
Results
AMP-activated protein kinase activation caused LC3II accumulation and weakened OC differentiation activity. In contrast, inactivation of autophagy by 3-methyladenine or Bafilomycin A1 could attenuate OPG-mediated inhibition of OC differentiation via the AMPK/mTOR/p70S6K signalling pathway. Furthermore, the AMPK inhibitor compound C and knockdown of AMPK impaired OPG-mediated inhibition of OC differentiation by inducing autophagy. Conclusions: These results demonstrated that the AMPK signalling pathway functions as a critical regulator in the OPG-mediated inhibition of OC differentiation, by inducing autophagy. Our results provide a basis for future bone-related studies on the AMPK signalling pathway.