UNC-5 netrin receptor B mediates osteogenic differentiation by modulating bone morphogenetic protein signaling in human adipose-derived stem cells

UNC-5 netrin receptor B (UNC5B) is a dependence receptor of netrin-1 that plays an essential role in mediating angiogenesis and tumorigenesis. Despite its significant roles, there is limited knowledge about the role played by UNC5B in osteogenesis. In the present study, we first demonstrated that UNC5B was required for osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs), both in vitro and in vivo. We also found that mechanistically, UNC5B promotes osteogenic differentiation by activating bone morphogenetic protein signaling. These findings point to a new important function of UNC5B and provide a potential basis for hASCs-mediated bone regeneration.