KLF2 regulates osteoblast differentiation by targeting of Runx2

Osteoblast differentiation plays a critical role in bone formation and maintaining balance in bone remodeling. Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) is a central transcription factor regulating osteoblast differentiation and promoting bone mineralization. Until now, the molecular regulatory basis and especially the gene regulatory network of osteogenic differentiation have been unclear. Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) is a zinc finger structure and DNA-binding transcription factor. The current study aimed to investigate the physiological function of KLF2 in osteoblast differentiation. Our results indicate that KLF2 is expressed in pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells and primary osteoblasts. Interestingly, KLF2 expression is increased in osteoblasts during the osteoblastic differentiation process. Overexpression of KLF2 in MC3T3-E1 cells promoted the expression of the osteoblastic differentiation marker genes Alp, Osx, and Ocn, and stimulated mineralization by increasing Runx2 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. In contrast, knockdown of KLF2 produced the opposite effects. Importantly, we found that KLF2 could physically interact with Runx2. KLF2 promoted osteoblast differentiation by regulating Runx2 and physically interacting with Runx2. Taken together, the findings of this study identify KLF2 as a novel regulator of osteoblast differentiation. Our findings suggest that KLF2 might be a new therapeutic target for bone disease.