Genistein mitigates senescence of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via ERRα-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy in ovariectomized rats

Senescence of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) induced by chronic oxidative stress is an important factor contributes to the postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP). Mitochondrial quality control takes a pivotal role in regulating oxidative stress and cell senescence. Genistein is a major isoflavone in soy products, which is best known for its ability to inhibit bone loss in both postmenopausal women and ovariectomized (OVX) rodents. Here we show that OVX-BMMSCs displayed premature senescence, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and mitochondria dysfunction, while genistein rescued these phenotypes. Using network pharmacology and molecular docking, we identified estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα) as the potential target of genistein. Knockdown of ERRα greatly abolished the anti-senescence effect of genistein on OVX-BMMSCs. Further, the mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy induced by genistein were inhibited by ERRα knockdown in OVX-BMMSCs. In vivo, genistein inhibited trabecular bone loss and p16INK4a expression, upregulated sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator one alpha (PGC1α) expression in the trabecular bone area of proximal tibia in OVX rats. Together, this study revealed that genistein ameliorates senescence of OVX-BMMSCs through ERRα-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy, which provided a molecular basis for advancement and development of therapeutic strategies against PMOP.