Could CH3-M6P Be a Potential Dual-Functioning Candidate for Bone Regeneration?

<b>Background</b>: CI-RM6P has different binding sites with affinities for both M6P and IGF2, plays a role in the regulation of the TGF-β and IGF pathways that is important for controlling cell growth and differentiation. We hypothesize that previously synthesised derivative of M6P could be an alternative candidate for bone tissue regeneration in terms of higher binding affinity, stability in human serum, low cost and temporal delivery. <b>Methods</b>: CH₃-M6P is synthesised based on previously described protocol; mesenchymal origin of isolated DPSCs was assessed by flow cytometry and AR staining prior to alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity test, qPCR to evaluate differentiation specific marker expression, immunofluoresence, and SEM/EDS to evaluate organic and inorganic matrix formation; and rat aortic ring model to evaluate angiogenic effect of molecule. <b>Results</b>: CH₃-M6P upregulated ALP activity, the expression of the <i>ALP</i>, <i>Col1</i>, <i>RunX2</i>, <i>Mef2C</i>, <i>TGFβ1</i>, <i>TGFβ1R</i>, <i>TGFβ2</i>, and <i>Smad3</i> genes under osteogenic conditions. The results of immunofluorescence and SEM/EDS studies did not show enhancing effect on matrix formation. As we observed, the induction effect of CH₃-M6P on the expression of angiogenic genes such as <i>SMAD3</i> and <i>TGFβ1R</i>, even under osteogenic conditions, within the scope of research, we checked the angiogenic effect of the molecule and compared it to VEGF, showing that the CH₃-M6P is really angiogenic. <b>Conclusions</b>: Our findings provide an important clue for the further exploration of the molecule, which can be necessary to enhance the capability of the commonly used osteomedium, possibly leading to the development of bone-forming drugs and has the potential to be a dual-functioning molecule for bone tissue engineering.