Background: MicroRNAs have been recognized as critical regulators for the osteoblastic lineage differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs). Previously, we have displayed that silencing of miR-137 enhances the osteoblastic differentiation potential of hASCs partly through the coordination of lysine-specific histone demethylase 1 (LSD1), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 (SMAD4). However, still numerous molecules involved in the osteogenic regulation of miR-137 remain unknown. This study aimed to further elucidate the epigenetic mechanisms of miR-137 on the osteogenic differentiation of hASCs.Methods: hASCs transfected with miR-137 overexpression or knockdown lentiviruses were used to assess the osteogenic capacity by testing the alkaline phosphatase activity, matrix mineralization degree, relative expression level of osteogenesis-associated genes and ectopic osteogenesis in nude mice. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to examine the targeting of the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of NOTCH1 by miR-137. Interrelationships of signaling pathways of NOTCH1-hairy and enhancer of split 1 (HES1), LSD1, and BMP2-SMAD4 were thoroughly investigated by separate knockdown of NOTCH1, LSD1, and BMP2.Results: We confirmed that miR-137 directly targeted the 3' UTR of NOTCH1 while positively regulated HES1. After knocking down NOTCH1 or BMP2 individually, we found that these two signals formed a positive feedback loop and activated LSD1. In addition, LSD1 knockdown induced the expression of NOTCH1 while suppressed HES1.Conclusions: Collectively, we proposed a NOTCH1/LSD1/BMP2 co-regulatory signaling network to elucidate the modulation of miR-137 on the osteoblastic differentiation of hASCs, thus providing mechanism-based rationale for miRNA-targeted therapy of bone defect.