Regulatory role of miR-128-2-5p in serum exosomes on COL6A2 expression and postmenopausal osteoporosis

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of miR-128-2-5p within serum-derived exosomes (Exos) on COL6A2 expression and its implications in postmenopausal osteoporosis (POMP). Utilizing bioinformatics analysis, we identified 1317 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), primarily enriched in the focal adhesion pathway—a critical regulator of osteoblast adhesion. A significant gene, COL6A2, emerged as notably downregulated in POMP, possessing potential as a diagnostic marker. Predictive analysis linked the upstream miRNA miR-128-2-5p, highly enriched in Exos, with the regulation of COL6A2. Experimentally, Exos from POMP patients demonstrated elevated miR-128-2-5p levels, which inhibited COL6A2 expression in vitro, reducing osteoblast adhesion and exacerbating osteoporotic conditions. These findings highlight the pivotal role of exosomal miR-128-2-5p in bone metabolism, suggesting a novel molecular mechanism and a potential therapeutic target in POMP.