miR-503 suppressed RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast function
RAW264.7 cells were incubated with RANKL (100 ng/ml) and transfected with or without mimic-miR-503. (A) The osteoclast differentiation assay was performed. The number of TRACP-positive multinucleated cells was counted; scale bars: 500 µm. The arrows in the diagram represent the formation of TRACP-positive osteoclasts. (B) Cells were plated on hydroxyapatite-coated plates, and the cells attached on the plates were removed and imaged under a light microscope (top). Scale bars: 500 µm. (C and D) The mRNA and protein expression levels of NFATc1, TRAP, and cathepsin k were detected by qRT-PCR assay and Western blot assay, respectively. Data are presented as the mean ± SD from three independent experiments; *P<0.05, **P<0.01.