Kazuki Maruyama

Mr. Kazuki Maruyama


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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11 January 2026 in Biomedicines
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
KMKazuki Maruyama
Kazuki Maruyama
AKAyaka Koga
Ayaka Koga
YKYuki Kodama
Yuki Kodama
RYRyota Yamasaki
Ryota Yamasaki
YYYoshie Yoshioka
Yoshie Yoshioka
Wataru AriyoshiWataru Ariyoshi
Wataru Ariyoshi
Background/Objectives: Surfactin is a biosurfactant with various biological activities, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its effects on bone metabolism remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of surfactin on osteoclast differentiation and elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: RAW264.7 cells were treated with receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) and surfactin, and osteoclast differentiation and maturation were evaluated by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and F-actin staining, respectively. Gene expression of differentiation markers was assessed using real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, while the kinetics of intracellular signaling molecules and transcription factors were analyzed using Western blot analysis. Results: Surfactin treatment significantly inhibited osteoclast differentiation and maturation, as well as the mRNA expression of Nfatc1, Acp5, and Cathepsin K. Although surfactin did not markedly affect RANKL-induced activation of the NF-κB or MAPK-mediated signaling, it significantly suppressed the expression of c-Fos at both the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, surfactin attenuated the phosphorylation of Elk1, a transcription factor involved in c-Fos induction. Conclusions: Surfactin inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation by negatively regulating the Elk1-AP-1-NFATc1 axis. Surfactin may thus be a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of metabolic bone disorders and inflammatory bone destruction.