Korean research uncovers new protein to treat damaged bones

Professor Pann-Gill Suh and Dr. Jung-Min Kim at the School of Nano-Bioscience and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) identified DJ-1 as a novel mediator of the cross-talk between osteoblasts and endothelial cells by screening molecules secreted from as yet undifferentiated human skeletal cells.

These skeletal cells, also known as mesenchymal stem cells, have the ability to develop into fully fledged bone cells (osteoblasts).

The researchers showed that DJ-1 stimulates the differentiation of the yet undifferentiated skeletal cells into bone cells by activating fibroblasts, cells which in turn ensure connective tissue growth.

Working with rodents, they were able to uncover previously undefined extracellular roles of DJ-1, to promote angiogenesis and osteogenesis, suggesting DJ-1 may have therapeutic potential to stimulate bone regeneration.

For more information:

Professor Pann-Gill Suh
Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)
UNIST-gil 50, Ulsan 689-798
Republic of Korea.
Phone : +82 52 217 0114

This research was funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (Minister Lee Ju-ho) and the National Research Foundation of Korea and published in Nature Communications: “DJ-1 promotes angiogenesis and osteogenesis by activation FGF receptor-1 signaling” (direct link below).
Journal information
Nature Communications
Funding information
the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (Minister Lee Ju-ho) and the National Research Foundation of Korea