Human sclerostin-inspired short peptides reverse osteoporosis and suppress joint degeneration in osteoarthritis via opposing Wnt pathways - 21/09/25
, Naibedya Chattopadhyay a, d, 3, ⁎ 
Abstract |
Sclerostin, a key regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, exhibits dual therapeutic potential in bone disorders: its inhibition promotes bone formation in osteoporosis, while its mimicry suppresses aberrant bone growth in osteoarthritis (OA). Using structural insights from NMR studies, we identified two sclerostin-derived peptides: SC-1 (an 18-mer) from loop 2, and SC-3 (a 14-mer) from loop 3. Molecular modeling showed that SC-1 binds to the first ectodomain of LRP6, potentially displacing sclerostin through competitive inhibition to activate Wnt signaling. In contrast, SC-3 occupies the sclerostin/Wnt-binding site on the second ectodomain, thereby mimicking sclerostin's inhibitory function. In ovariectomized (OVX) rats, SC-1 (100 µg/kg) restored bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular architecture, and mechanical strength to sham levels, outperforming teriparatide by coupling bone formation with resorption suppression. In chronic kidney disease-induced osteoporosis, SC-1 reversed osteomalacia and improved renal parameters. Safety assessments showed that SC-1 lacked immunogenicity (no increase in CD11b+ cells) and cardiovascular risks (no hERG inhibition or aortic aneurysms in ApoE⁻/⁻ mice), distinguishing it from romosozumab, a clinically used anti-sclerostin antibody. For OA, SC-3 suppressed subchondral bone formation (via Runx2 and BMP-2 downregulation) and enhanced cartilage matrix synthesis (via Sox-9 and Col-II upregulation). In a rat OA model, weekly SC-3 intra-articular injections (50 µg/kg) for 8 weeks prevented OA progression and normalized bone volume. A single dose of SC-3 (50 µg/kg) delivered in a shear-thinning hydrogel matched multi-dose efficacy, addressing adherence challenges. This study identifies two distinct sclerostin-derived peptides: SC-1, a safe dual-action (anabolic and anti-catabolic) peptide for osteoporosis, and SC-3 for OA, with hydrogel-enabled sustained release enhancing its therapeutic potential.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Graphical Abstract |
Sclerostin-derived peptides on bone and joint health. SC-1 (derived from sclerostin’s loop 2) and SC-3 (from loop 3) were designed to treat bone and joint disorders. SC-1, identified as a sclerostin antagonist, enhances bone modeling, restores bone mass in rat models of primary and secondary osteoporosis, improves kidney function, maintains vascular integrity, and exhibits no immunogenicity. SC-3, identified as a sclerostin mimetic with anti-osteogenic and pro-chondrogenic effects, preserves cartilage and prevents aberrant bone and osteophyte formation in osteoarthritic rats. A single dose of SC-3-F, a formulated SC-3, provides osteoarthritis relief equivalent to eight weekly unformulated SC-3 doses, reducing treatment frequency by eight times. Future research should explore peptides’ specificity beyond Wnt signaling and validate their efficacy in human clinical trials. PMO, Postmenopausal osteoporosis; CKD, Chronic kidney disease; CVS, Cardio-vascular disease; BMD, Bone mineral density; hERG, Human ether-a-go-go-related gene.
Sclerostin-derived peptides on bone and joint health. SC-1 (derived from sclerostin’s loop 2) and SC-3 (from loop 3) were designed to treat bone and joint disorders. SC-1, identified as a sclerostin antagonist, enhances bone modeling, restores bone mass in rat models of primary and secondary osteoporosis, improves kidney function, maintains vascular integrity, and exhibits no immunogenicity. SC-3, identified as a sclerostin mimetic with anti-osteogenic and pro-chondrogenic effects, preserves cartilage and prevents aberrant bone and osteophyte formation in osteoarthritic rats. A single dose of SC-3-F, a formulated SC-3, provides osteoarthritis relief equivalent to eight weekly unformulated SC-3 doses, reducing treatment frequency by eight times. Future research should explore peptides’ specificity beyond Wnt signaling and validate their efficacy in human clinical trials. PMO, Postmenopausal osteoporosis; CKD, Chronic kidney disease; CVS, Cardio-vascular disease; BMD, Bone mineral density; hERG, Human ether-a-go-go-related gene. Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.
Highlights |
• | Three peptides (SC-1, SC-2 and SC-3) were identified from NMR insights. |
• | SC-1 (18-mer) competitively inhibits sclerostin, promoting bone formation in osteoporosis models. |
• | SC-1 is safe: no immunogenicity or cardiovascular risks. |
• | SC-3 (14-mer), a sclerostin mimic, inhibits OA progression with efficacy enhanced via formulation. |
Keywords : Sclerostin, Wnt signaling, Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, Peptide therapeutics, Hydrogel delivery
Plan
Vol 191
Article 118501- octobre 2025 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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