MicroRNA‑223 promotes osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3‑E1 cells by targeting histone deacetylase 2.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as pivotal regulators in various physiological and pathological processes at the post‑transcriptional level, and may serve important roles in osteogenic differentiation. However, their roles and functions are not fully understood. In the present study, miR‑223‑5p was identified as a modulator of osteoblastic differentiation in MC3T3‑E1 cells. Reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting demonstrated that miR‑223‑5p was significantly upregulated in MC3T3‑E1 cells following the induction of osteoblast differentiation. Overexpression of miR‑223‑5p promoted osteogenic differentiation both in vitro and vivo. Expression of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2), which acts as a negative regulator of osteogenesis, was regulated by miR‑223‑5p. Collectively, the results of the present study revealed a novel miR‑223‑5p/HDAC2 axis that regulates osteoblast differentiation, and may serve as a potential target for enhancing bone formation in vivo.