Lee, Ye JinNam, Seo WooPark, Won-JongHan, Youn Ho2023-08-092023-08-092023-03Lee Ye Jin, Nam Seo Woo, Park Won-Jong, Han Youn Ho. Berberine derivative WJCPR11 enhances osteoblast differentiation. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology. 2023 Mar; 61(3): 167-1740975-10090019-5189https://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/222583Berberine is a phytocompound from plants viz. Phellodendri cortex and Coptis rhizome, used to treat a variety of diseases. It is effective in preventing osteoporosis, but it is less effective than drugs currently used in clinical practice. In this study, we used a novel berberine derivative, WJCPR11, to promote osteoblast differentiation and to investigate its use in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. WJCPR11 at a safe concentration without toxicity increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity induced by bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) dose-dependently. The mRNA expression of ALP, osteocalcin (OC), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and osterix was increased, with the ALP level increasing the most. In addition, the protein abundance of bone sialoprotein (BSP), collagen, type I, alpha 1, Runx2, and osterix were also increased. Moreover, the transcriptional activity of ALP, BSP, and OC was increased by WJCPR11, with OC showing the most significant increase. The results indicate that osteoblast differentiation is promoted by WJCPR11, and it could play a role in the prevention of osteoporosis.Alkaline phosphataseBone morphogenetic protein 2Bone sialoproteinOsterixOsteoporosisRunx2Berberine derivative WJCPR11 enhances osteoblast differentiationJournal ArticleIndiaDepartment of Oriental Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of KoreaDepartment of Biomedical science, College of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of KoreaDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of KoreaDepartment of Oral Pharmacology, Institute of Biomaterials and Implant, College of Dentistry, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea