Depletion of TM9SF4 promotes osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells

Cytoskeleton reorganization is a critical factor of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation. The change of cytoskeleton is closely related with mechanical stress signals, which participate in MSCs lineage commitment. Usually, spread and flatten MSCs will undergo osteogenesis, while round cells will turn into adipocytes. Trans-membrane 9 superfamily member 4 (TM9SF4) belongs to the trans-membrane 9 superfamily and involves in phagocytosis in Dictyostelium discoideum and Drosophila. The lab has previously found that TM9SF4 can induce actin S-glutathionylation on Cys374, which leads to the de-polymerization of actin fibres and change the cytoskeleton.