Carbamazepine regulates USP10 through miR-20a-5p to affect the deubiquitination of SKP2 and inhibit osteogenic differentiation

BACKGROUND: Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) harm bone health and are significantly associated with osteoporosis development. In this study, we aimed to explore the mechanisms involved in carbamazepine (CBZ) and microRNA (miR)-20a-5p/ubiquitin-specific peptidase 10 (USP10)/S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP2) axis in osteoporosis. METHODS: Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were treated with different concentrations of CBZ. Knocking down or overexpressing miR-20a-5p, USP10, and SKP2 cell lines were constructed. The expressions of miR-20a-5p, USP10, SKP2, runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Osterix (Osx), osteocalcin (OCN) and Collagen I were detected with western blot (WB) and reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining was performed to measure calcium deposition. Dual-luciferase assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) were applied to verify the binding relationship between miR-20a-5p and USP10. USP10 and SKP2 combination was verified by Co-Immunopurification (Co-IP). The stability of the SKP2 protein was verified by Cycloheximide chase assay. RESULTS: CBZ could reduce cell activity. ALP activity and ARS staining were enhanced in the osteogenic induction (OM) group. The expressions of Runx2, ALP, Osx, OCN and Collagen I were increased. CBZ reduced miR-20a-5p expressions. Verification experiments showed miR-20a-5p could target USP10. USP10 increased SKP2 stability and promoted SKP2 expression. CBZ regulated miR-20a-5p/USP10/SPK2 and inhibited BMSCs osteogenic differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: CBZ regulated USP10 through miR-20a-5p to affect the deubiquitination of SKP2 and inhibit osteogenic differentiation, which provided a new idea for osteoporosis treatment. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13018-023-04169-7.