Supporting Datasets for "Naturally Derived Bioactive Phytoprotein Promotes Bone Defect Healing by Stimulating the Skeletal Interoception Axis of the Central Nervous System"

The current data are the findings from a study designed to assess the therapeutic potential of a naturally-derived phytoprotein, HKUOT-S2 protein, that stimulates the skeletal interoception axis to accelerate bone defect healing in C57BL/6N mice. We first isolated, purified, and characterized the HKUOT-S2 protein (32kDa) from the tubers of <i>Dioscorea opposita</i> Thunb. Acute toxicity studies, cytotoxicity assays, and cell viability tests were employed to establish its safety profile and biocompatibility. A bone defect model, osteoblast differentiation, immunohistochemistry, gene expression, protein expression, and bulk RNA sequencing were conducted to evaluate the osteogenic properties of HKUOT-S2 protein. Micro-CT scan imaging and analysis were performed to assess new bone formation in bone defect mice. Loss of sensory nerve function, COX2, and EP4 receptor inhibition models were used to assess the neuromodulatory mechanism of action of HKUOT-S2 protein in bone defect repairs.