Abstract: Objective The aim of this study was to explore the effects of Tideglusib, a specific chemical inhibitor of GSK3β, on proliferation and functional gene expression of mouse osteoblast MC3T3-E1. Methods The proliferation of mouse osteoblast MC3T3-E1 was detected by CCK-8 assay after culturing in gradient concentrations ( 0, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 1000, 2000 ng/L) of Tideglusib for 1, 2 and 3 days respectively to select the effective concentration. The adhesion and spreading morphology of MC3T3-E1 cells culturing in effective concentration (0, 10, 20 ng/L) of Tideglusib for 8 h was observed by fluorescence microscopy. The mRNA expression of Runx2, OSX, ALP, OPN and OCN of MC3T3-E1 cells was analyzed by real-time PCR and the protein expression of Runx2, OCN of MC3T3-E1 was detected by Western blot assay after culturing by 0, 10, 20 ng/L Tideglusib for 7 and 14 days． Results Compared with the control group, Tideglusib could promote cell proliferation and adhesion of mouse osteoblast MC3T3-E1 at the effective concentration of 10, 20 ng/L, and the effect was stronger at 20 ng/L. The mRNA level of Runx2, OSX, ALP, OPN and OCN was higher than that under 0 ng/L, and the protein level of Runx2, OCN also enhanced, which are more pronounced at 20 ng/L. Conclusions The specific chemical inhibitor of GSK3β, Tideglusib, can promote the proliferation and functional gene expression of osteoblasts.

Key words: Tideglusib, MC3T3-E1 cells, Proliferation, Gene expression