Introduction and objective:
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), as an ideal cell source for bone regeneration, are crucial in the osteogenic differentiation. The aim of the article is to explore the effects of lncRNA SNHG7 on osteogenic differentiation and its regulation of miR-214–5p.

Material and methods:
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osterix, runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and osteocalcin (OCN) were measured to assay the regulating function of lncRNA SNHG7 in osteogenic differentiation in human BMSCs (HBMCs). Late osteogenic markers were assayed by a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and an ALP Activity Assay Kit. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to identify the binding relationship between lncRNA SNHG7 and miR-214-5p, or miR-214-5p and BMP2.

Results:
LncRNA SNHG7 was upregulated in osteogenic differentiation of HBMSCs and was time-dependent. Overexpression of lncRNA SNHG7 increased the level of ALP, RUNX2, osterix, and OCN. LncRNA SNHG7 targeted and negatively regulated miR-214-5p. When lncRNA SNHG7 was inhibited, miR-214-5p was upregulated. The downregulation of osteogenic markers (OCN, osterix, and RUNX2) caused by suppressing lncRNA SNHG7 was reversed by transfecting the miR-214-5p inhibitor. Additionally, the BMP2 was reduced by overexpressing lncRNA SNHG7, and the regulating effects of lncRNA SNHG7 on BMP2 were reversed by overexpressing miR-214-5p.

Conclusions:
LncRNA SNHG7 could increase the level of BMP2 via downregulating miR-214-5p to promote osteogenic differentiation in HBMSCs. LncRNA SNHG7 may be a promoting factor of the osteogenic differentiation of HBMSCs after being upregulated.