Ibandronate promotes osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells by regulating the expression of microRNAs

► Ibandronate significantly promote the proliferation of PDLSC cells. ► Ibandronate enhanced the expression of ALP, COL-1, OPG, OCN, Runx2. ► The expression of a class of miRNAs, e.g., miR-18a, miR-133a, miR-141 and miR-19a, was significantly modified in PDLSC cells cultured with ibandronate. ► Ibandronate regulates the expression of diverse bone formation-related genes via miRNAs in PDLSCs. ► Ibandronate can suppress the activity of osteoclast while promoting the proliferation of osteoblast by regulating the expression of microRNAs.