Betaine promotes the osteogenic differentiation of SCAPs via inhibiting NUMB

Betaine, a known modulator of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiation, has demonstrated potential in enhancing osteogenesis. However, its specific role in the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we found that betaine (10 mM) significantly enhanced the osteogenesis of SCAPs, as evidenced by increased ALP activity and mineralized nodule formation (p < 0.05). Betaine downregulated NUMB expression, a negative regulator of osteogenic differentiation, during the induction process. Overexpression of NUMB counteracted the promotive effects of betaine on SCAPs osteogenesis and NUMB knockdown enhances betaine effects. These findings suggest that betaine regulates the osteogenic differentiation of SCAPs via inhibition of NUMB and may serve as a novel therapeutic approach for maxillofacial bone repair, with NUMB as a potential drug target.

Betaine; NUMB; Osteogenic differentiation; Stem cell from the apical papilla (SCAPs).