Regulation of osteoclasts by calcitonin and amphiphilic calcitonin conjugates: role of cytosolic calcium

miR223-3p, HAND2, and LIF expression regulated by calcitonin in the ERK1/2-mTOR pathway during the implantation window in the endometrium of mice

PROBLEM

Approximately one-third of infertility cases are related to the female partner, and implantation failure is the primary reason for female infertility. The current research was established to assess the impact of calcitonin on endometrial receptivity.

METHODS OF STUDY

64 female BALB/c mice were assigned to 2 groups as follows: mice with regular ovarian cycle and mice with stimulated ovarian cycle. The two groups were further divided into four subgroups as follows: control (Ctrl), calcitonin (CT), pp242, and CT + pp242 groups. Calcitonin and pp242 were injected on days 3, 4, and 5 of pregnancy. On day 5 of gestation, all of the animals were sacrificed, and their uterine was removed for the morphological analysis, as well as the expression assessment genes and proteins.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that ovarian stimulation increased the rate of phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and mTOR proteins, and resulted in the upregulation of miR-223-3p. The administration of calcitonin also elevated the expression levels of LIF and HAND2 gene in both regular ovarian and ovarian-stimulated cycles. In ovarian-stimulated groups, the administration of calcitonin led to a decrease in the expression of miR-223-3p. Calcitonin administration also markedly increased the phosphorylation of 4EBP1 and ERK1/2 in the regular ovarian cycle.

CONCLUSION

It seems that calcitonin is capable of enhancing the endometrial receptivity of the uterine, thereby the overexpression of HAND2 and LIF and downregulation of miR-223-3p through the ERK1/2-mTOR signaling pathway.

L-Amino Acids Promote Calcitonin Release via a Calcium-Sensing Receptor: Gq/11-Mediated Pathway in Human C-Cells

Human calcitonin release is promoted by elevated extracellular Ca2+ (Ca2+o) concentration acting, at least in part, via the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). The CaSR is positively modulated by L-amino acids, including the aromatic amino acids L-phenylalanine (Phe) and L-tryptophan (Trp). To investigate the effect of L-amino acids on human calcitonin secretion, we selected thyroid TT cells and exposed them to various Ca2+o concentrations in the absence or presence of L-Phe, plasma-like mixtures of L-amino acids, or the clinically effective positive modulator (calcimimetic) cinacalcet. In the presence of L-Phe or plasma-like mixtures of amino acids, TT cells exhibited enhanced Ca2+o sensitivity in assays of calcitonin release and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. Furthermore, the effect of elevated Ca2+o and L-Phe on calcitonin release was markedly suppressed by the calcilytic NPS-2143. These effects were dependent on CaSR-mediated activation of Gq/11 as revealed by the specific inhibitor YM-254890. The findings support the hypothesis that calcitonin release is stimulated by increases in plasma L-amino acid levels as well as elevated Ca2+o concentration. They also demonstrate that stimulated calcitonin release as well as basal levels of calcitonin secretion are mediated by a CaSR:Gq/11 signaling mechanism.

Regulation of Osteoclast Growth and Fusion by mTOR/raptor and mTOR/rictor/Akt

Osteoclasts are giant bone cells formed by fusion from monocytes and uniquely capable of a complete destruction of mineralized tissues. Previously, we have demonstrated that in energy-rich environment not only osteoclast fusion index (the number of nuclei each osteoclast contains), but also cytoplasm volume per single nucleus was increased. The goal of this study was to investigate the regulation of metabolic sensor mTOR during osteoclast differentiation in energy-rich environment simulated by addition of pyruvate. We have found that in the presence of pyruvate, the proportion of mTOR associated with raptor increased, while mTOR-rictor-mediated Akt phosphorylation decreased. Inhibition of mTOR with rapamycin (10 nM) significantly interfered with all aspects of osteoclastogenesis. However, rapamycin at 1 nM, which preferentially targets mTOR-raptor complex, was only effective in control cultures, while in the presence of pyruvate osteoclast fusion index was successfully increased. Inhibition of Akt drastically reduced osteoclast fusion, however in energy-rich environment, osteoclasts of comparable size were formed through increased cytoplasm growth. These data suggest that mTOR-rictor mediated Akt signaling regulates osteoclast fusion, while mTOR-raptor regulation of protein translation contributes to fusion-independent cytoplasm growth. We demonstrate that depending on the bioenergetics microenvironment osteoclastogenesis can adjust to occur through preferential multinucleation or through cell growth, implying that attaining large cell size is part of the osteoclast differentiation program.

N16, a Nacreous Protein, Inhibits Osteoclast Differentiation and Enhances Osteogenesis

N16 is a protein from the nacreous layer of Pinctada fucata, a pearl oyster. It has been found to promote biomineralization, and we hypothesized that it also plays a role in bone metabolism. The cDNA of N16 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli to produce N16 protein, which was purified to high homogeneity by ion-exchange and gel filtration columns. The effects of N16 on osteoclast differentiation and osteogenesis were clarified using the murine preosteoclast cell line RAW 264.7 and the preosteoblast cell line MC3T3-E1. Results on preosteoclasts showed that N16 only slightly inhibited cell survival but significantly inhibited differentiation induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL). Apart from reduced formation of multinucleated osteoclasts, N16-treated cells exhibited lower gene expression and enzymatic activity typical of mature osteoclasts. Actin ring formation and intracellular acidification essential for osteoclastic function were also impaired upon N16 treatment. At concentrations nontoxic to preosteoblasts, N16 strongly up-regulated alkaline phosphatase activity and increased mineralized nodule formation, which are indicative of differentiation into osteoblasts. These effects coincided with an increase in mRNA expression of osteoblast markers osteopotin and osteocalcin. The present study demonstrated that N16 has both anabolic and antiresorptive effects on bone, which makes it potentially useful for treating osteoporosis.

Reproducible quantification of osteoclastic activity: characterization of a biomimetic calcium phosphate assay

Osteoclasts are responsible for bone and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis, periodontitis, and osteoporosis. Animal tusk slice assays are standard for evaluating the effect of therapeutics on these cells. However, in addition to batch-to-batch variability inherent to animal tusks, their use is clearly not sustainable. Our objective was to develop and characterize a biomimetic calcium phosphate assay based on the use of phase pure hydroxyapatite coated as a thin film on the surface of culture plates, to facilitate the reproducible quantification of osteoclast resorptive activity. Osteoclasts were formed from RAW 264.7 mouse monocyte cell line using a pro-resorptive cytokine RANKL (50 ng/mL). No change in substrate appearance was noted after culture with media without cells, or undifferentiated monocytes. Only in the presence of osteoclasts localized areas of calcium phosphate dissolution were observed. The total area resorbed positively correlated with the osteoclast numbers (R(2) = 0.99). The resorbed area was significantly increased by the addition of RANKL, and decreased after application of known inhibitors of osteoclast resorptive activity, calcitonin (10 μM), or alendronate (100 μM). Thus, calcium phosphate coated substrates allow reliable monitoring of osteoclast resorptive activity and offer an alternative to animal tusk slice assays.

Effects of isoform-selective phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitors on osteoclasts: actions on cytoskeletal organization, survival, and resorption

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K) participate in numerous signaling pathways, and control distinct biological functions. Studies using pan-PI3K inhibitors suggest roles for PI3K in osteoclasts, but little is known about specific PI3K isoforms in these cells. Our objective was to determine effects of isoform-selective PI3K inhibitors on osteoclasts. The following inhibitors were investigated (targets in parentheses): wortmannin and LY294002 (pan-p110), PIK75 (α), GDC0941 (α, δ), TGX221 (β), AS252424 (γ), and IC87114 (δ). In addition, we characterized a new potent and selective PI3Kδ inhibitor, GS-9820, and explored roles of PI3K isoforms in regulating osteoclast function. Osteoclasts were isolated from long bones of neonatal rats and rabbits. Wortmannin, LY294002, GDC0941, IC87114, and GS-9820 induced a dramatic retraction of osteoclasts within 15-20 min to 65-75% of the initial area. In contrast, there was no significant retraction in response to vehicle, PIK75, TGX221, or AS252424. Moreover, wortmannin and GS-9820, but not PIK75 or TGX221, disrupted actin belts. We examined effects of PI3K inhibitors on osteoclast survival. Whereas PIK75, TGX221, and GS-9820 had no significant effect on basal survival, all blocked RANKL-stimulated survival. When studied on resorbable substrates, osteoclastic resorption was suppressed by wortmannin and inhibitors of PI3Kβ and PI3Kδ, but not other isoforms. These data are consistent with a critical role for PI3Kδ in regulating osteoclast cytoskeleton and resorptive activity. In contrast, multiple PI3K isoforms contribute to the control of osteoclast survival. Thus, the PI3Kδ isoform, which is predominantly expressed in cells of hematopoietic origin, is an attractive target for anti-resorptive therapeutics.

DMSO regulates osteoclast development in vitro

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is routinely used in the laboratory as a solvent and vehicle for organic molecules. Although it has been used in previous studies involving myeloid cells and macrophages, we are unaware of data demonstrating the effects of DMSO alone on osteoclast development. Recently, we were using DMSO as a vehicle and included a non-vehicle control. Surprisingly, we observed a marked change in osteoclast development, and therefore designed this study to examine the effects of DMSO on osteoclast development. Osteoclasts were generated from two sources: bone marrow macrophages and an osteoclast progenitor cell line. Cells were cultured with DMSO for various durations and at differing concentrations and mature, multinucleated (>3 nuclei) TRAP(+) cells were assessed in terms of cell number, cell surface area, and number of nuclei/cell. Osteoclast surface area increased in 5 μM DMSO to a mean of 156,422 pixels from a mean of 38,510 pixels in control culture, and subsequently decreased in 10 μM DMSO to a mean of 18,994 pixels. With serial addition of DMSO over 5 d, a significant increase in mean surface area, and number of nuclei/cell was also observed, while the opposite was true when DMSO was serially removed from culture. These findings show that DMSO exerts a marked effect on osteoclast differentiation. Since many investigators use DMSO to solubilize compounds for treatment of osteoclasts, caution is warranted as altering DMSO concentrations may have a profound effect on the final data, especially if osteoclast differentiation is being assessed.

Lysophosphatidic acid signals through multiple receptors in osteoclasts to elevate cytosolic calcium concentration, evoke retraction, and promote cell survival

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive phospholipid whose functions are mediated by multiple G protein-coupled receptors. We have shown that osteoblasts produce LPA, raising the possibility that it mediates intercellular signaling among osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Here we investigated the expression, signaling and function of LPA receptors in osteoclasts. Focal application of LPA elicited transient increases in cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)), with 50% of osteoclasts responding at approximately 400 nm LPA. LPA-induced elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) was blocked by pertussis toxin or the LPA(1/3) receptor antagonist VPC-32183. LPA caused sustained retraction of osteoclast lamellipodia and disrupted peripheral actin belts. Retraction was insensitive to VPC-32183 or pertussis toxin, indicating involvement of a distinct signaling pathway. In this regard, inhibition of Rho-associated kinase stimulated respreading after LPA-induced retraction. Real-time reverse transcription-PCR revealed transcripts encoding LPA(1) and to a lesser extent LPA(2), LPA(4), and LPA(5) receptor subtypes. LPA induced nuclear translocation of NFATc1 and enhanced osteoclast survival, effects that were blocked by VPC-32183 or by a specific peptide inhibitor of NFAT activation. LPA slightly reduced the resorptive activity of osteoclasts in vitro. Thus, LPA binds to at least two receptor subtypes on osteoclasts: LPA(1), which couples through G(i/o) to elevate [Ca(2+)](i), activate NFATc1, and promote survival, and a second receptor that likely couples through G(12/13) and Rho to evoke and maintain retraction through reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. These findings reveal a signaling axis in bone through which LPA, produced by osteoblasts, acts on multiple receptor subtypes to induce pleiotropic effects on osteoclast activity and function.

TRPV-5 mediates a receptor activator of NF-kappaB (RANK) ligand-induced increase in cytosolic Ca2+ in human osteoclasts and down-regulates bone resorption

Most of the signaling effectors located downstream of receptor activator of NF-kappaB (RANK) activation are calcium-sensitive. However, the early signaling events that lead to the mobilization of intracellular calcium in human osteoclasts are still poorly understood. The Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent probe Fura2 was used to detect changes in the intracellular concentration of Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) in a model of human osteoclasts. Stimulating these cells with receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) induced a rapid and significant increase in [Ca(2+)](i). Adding extracellular Ca(2+) chelators, depleting intracellular stores, and the use of a phospholipase C inhibitor all indicated that the Ca(2+) was of extracellular origin, suggesting the involvement of a Ca(2+) channel. We showed that none of the classical Ca(2+) channels (L-, T-, or R-type) were involved in the RANKL-induced Ca(2+) spike. However, the effect of high doses of Gd(3+) did suggest that TRP family channels were present in human osteoclasts. The TRPV-5 channel was expressed in osteoclasts and was mainly located in the cellular area in contact with the bone surface. Furthermore, the RNA inactivation of TRPV-5 channel completely inhibited the RANKL-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i), which was accompanied in the long term by marked activation of bone resorption. Overall, our results show that RANKL induced a significant increase in [Ca(2+)](i) of extracellular origin, probably as a result of the opening of TRPV-5 calcium channels on the surface of human osteoclasts. Our findings suggest that TRPV-5 contributes to maintaining the homeostasis of the human skeleton via a negative feedback loop in RANKL-induced bone resorption.

Adenosine A1 receptors (A1Rs) play a critical role in osteoclast formation and function

Adenosine regulates a wide variety of physiological processes via interaction with one or more G-protein-coupled receptors (A(1)R, A(2A)R, A(2B)R, and A(3)R). Because A(1)R occupancy promotes fusion of human monocytes to form giant cells in vitro, we determined whether A(1)R occupancy similarly promotes osteoclast function and formation. Bone marrow cells (BMCs) were harvested from C57Bl/6 female mice or A(1)R-knockout mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates and differentiated into osteoclasts in the presence of colony stimulating factor-1 and receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand in the presence or absence of the A(1)R antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentyl xanthine (DPCPX). Osteoclast morphology was analyzed in tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase or F-actin-stained samples, and bone resorption was evaluated by toluidine blue staining of dentin. BMCs from A(1)R-knockout mice form fewer osteoclasts than BMCs from WT mice, and the A(1)R antagonist DPCPX inhibits osteoclast formation (IC(50)=1 nM), with altered morphology and reduced ability to resorb bone. A(1)R blockade increased ubiquitination and degradation of TRAF6 in RAW264.7 cells induced to differentiate into osteoclasts. These studies suggest a critical role for adenosine in bone homeostasis via interaction with adenosine A(1)R and further suggest that A(1)R may be a novel pharmacologic target to prevent the bone loss associated with inflammatory diseases and menopause.

Breast cancer-derived factors stimulate osteoclastogenesis through the Ca2+/protein kinase C and transforming growth factor-beta/MAPK signaling pathways

Breast cancer commonly metastasizes to bone where its growth depends on the action of bone-resorbing osteoclasts. We have previously shown that breast cancer cells secrete factors able to directly stimulate osteoclastogenesis from receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand (RANKL)-primed precursors and that transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) plays a permissive role in this process. Now, we evaluate the signaling events triggered in osteoclast precursors by soluble factors produced by MDA-MB-231 human breast carcinoma cells. In mouse bone marrow cultures and RAW 264.7 murine monocytic cells, MDA-MB-231-derived factors increased osteoclast number, size, and nucleation. These factors failed to induce Smad2 phosphorylation, and short interfering RNAs against Smad4 did not affect their ability to induce osteoclastogenesis. In contrast, MDA-MB-231 factors induced phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2, and pharmacological inhibitors against p38 (SB203580) and MEK1/2 (PD98059) impeded the osteoclastogenic effects of cancer-derived factors. Neutralizing antibodies against TGFbeta attenuated p38 activation, whereas activation of ERK1/2 was shortened in duration, but not decreased in amplitude. ERK1/2 phosphorylation induced by cancer-derived factors was blocked by MEK1/2 inhibitor, but not by Ras (manumycin A) or Raf (GW5074) inhibitors. Inhibition of protein kinase Calpha using Gö6976 prevented both ERK1/2 phosphorylation and osteoclast formation in response to MDA-MB-231-derived factors. Using microspectrofluorimetry of fura-2-AM-loaded osteoclast precursors, we have found that cancer-derived factors, similar to RANKL, induced sustained oscillations in cytosolic free calcium. The calcium chelator BAPTA prevented calcium elevations and osteoclast formation in response to MDA-MB-231-derived factors. Thus, we have shown that breast cancer-derived factors induce osteoclastogenesis through the activation of calcium/protein kinase Calpha and TGFbeta-dependent ERK1/2 and p38 signaling pathways.

Extracellular acidification enhances osteoclast survival through an NFAT-independent, protein kinase C-dependent pathway

Systemic acidosis has detrimental effects on the skeleton and local acidosis is associated with bone destruction in inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. However, the mechanisms by which acidosis enhances osteoclastic bone resorption are poorly understood. Our aim was to examine the effects of acid on osteoclast survival and the involvement of cytosolic Ca(2+) in mediating these effects. Osteoclasts were isolated from long bones of newborn rats, and multinucleated osteoclast-like cells were generated from RAW 264.7 cells. Cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) was monitored using fura-2. Survival of rat osteoclasts over a period of 18 h was significantly enhanced by acidification of the medium from 40+/-10% at pH 7.6 to 83+/-4% at pH 7.0. Consistent with its effects on survival, acidosis suppressed osteoclast apoptosis at 6 h. We examined the possible involvement of the proton-sensing receptor ovarian cancer G protein-coupled receptor 1 (OGR1) in mediating the effects of acid. Acid-induced rise of [Ca(2+)](i) was inhibited by the OGR1 antagonist Cu(2+) and was suppressed in osteoclast-like cells in which OGR1 transcripts were depleted using RNA interference. These findings support an essential role for OGR1 in acid-induced Ca(2+) signaling in osteoclasts. Addition of Cu(2+) or chelation of cytosolic Ca(2+) with BAPTA abolished the ability of acidification to enhance osteoclast survival. Inhibition of NFAT activation with the cell-permeable peptide 11R-VIVIT did not alter the ability of acid to promote survival; however, it suppressed the increase in survival induced by RANKL. In contrast, inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) blocked the effect of acid on osteoclast survival. Thus, this study reveals that extracellular acidification enhances osteoclast survival through an NFAT-independent, PKC-dependent pathway. Increased osteoclast survival may contribute to bone loss in systemic and local acidosis.

On allosteric control model of bone turnover cycle containing osteocyte regulation loop

One approach to developing a mathematical model that predicts osteoactivity both in bio-scaffolds, as well as the in bone tissue in vivo, is based on a bio-cybernetic vision of basic multicellular unit (BMU) action. In the case of the model presented in this paper, some of the loops of regulation have been modified to reflect the range of allosteric control mechanisms: Michaelis-Menten, Hill, Adair, Koshland-Nemethy-Filmer (KNF), Monod-Wyman-Changeux (MWC). This approach has resulted in a four-dimensional system that shows steady cyclic behaviour using a range of constants with clear biological meaning. The initial findings suggesting that a steady state appears as a cycle in multidimensional phase space and this is discussed in this paper. The existence of this cycle in the osteoclasts-osteoblasts-osteocytes-bone subspace indicates that there is a conservative value along steady trajectories for this dynamic system. Biophysical interpretation of this conservative value has been proposed as a kind of substrate-energy regenerative potential of the bone remodelling system with a similarity to the classical physical value-energy. Such a recovery "potential" is directed against both mechanical and biomechanical damage to the bone. The current model has credibility when compared to the normal bone remodelling process. In the framework of widely recognised Michaelis-Menten mechanisms of allosteric regulation the cyclic attractor, described formerly for a pure cellular model, prevails for different forms of feedback control. This finding demonstrates the viability of the suggestion of the subsistence of conservative value (analogous to energy) that characterises the recovery potential of the bone remodelling cycle. The results indicate that the robust behaviour of the model is maintained from the simple cellular level to the molecular biochemical level of regulation.

Improved intestinal delivery of salmon calcitonin by Lys18-amine specific PEGylation: stability, permeability, pharmacokinetic behavior and in vivo hypocalcemic efficacy

Peptides like salmon calcitonin (sCT) are subjected to aggressive proteolytic attack by various intestinal enzymes, and fractions that enter the systemic circulation via the intestinal route are rapidly inactivated by tissue accumulation and glomerular filtration. Here, we describe the beneficial effects of the Lys(18)-amine specific PEGylation of sCT on the intestinal delivery of sCT. Two key properties were enhanced by the PEGylation process: (i) the resistance of sCT to intestinal enzymes and (ii) the systemic clearance of sCT that had entered the circulation. Initially, we evaluated the cAMP-secreting activities of PEG(2K)-sCT isomers substituted at Cys(1)-, Lys(11)- or Lys(18)-amine position in T47D cells, and found that sCT PEGylated at Lys(18)-amine (Lys(18)-PEG(2K)-sCT) had the highest bioactivity. We then investigated the stability of Lys(18)-PEG(2K)-sCT in the presence of intestinal enzymes, its abilities to traverse the intestinal membrane, its pharmacokinetic behavior and in vivo hypocalcemic efficacy. Results show that Lys(18)-PEG(2K)-sCT has significantly increased resistance to pancreatic peptidases and brush-border peptidases. Despite the molecular size increase caused by PEGylation, Lys(18)-PEG(2K)-sCT was found to have an intestinal permeability similar to that of unmodified sCT (p>0.59) over an apical concentration range 12.5-100 microM in a Caco-2 cell monolayer transport system. In particular, tissue distribution results showed that (125)I-labeled Lys(18)-PEG(2K)-sCT markedly resists liver accumulation and glomerular filtration; levels were reduced by 75% and 50% vs. sCT. Finally, the hypocalcemic efficacy of intestinally administered Lys(18)-PEG(2K)-sCT, measured as total serum calcium in a rat model, was 5.8 and 3.0 times that of sCT at 100 and 200 IU/kg (p<0.025). Our findings suggest that this site-specific conjugation of peptides with PEG of proper size enhances pharmacokinetic properties by increasing their abilities to resist both proteolysis and systemic clearance without significantly reducing their membrane permeabilities or bioactivities. We believe that this concept, namely, dual effects by PEGylation, has great potential value because it presents a practical means of enhancing the efficacies of the peroral/intestinal pharmacologic route.

In vitro Comparison of Clodronate, Pamidronate and Zoledronic Acid Effects on Rat Osteoclasts and Human Stem Cell-Derived Osteoblasts

In the present study we compared the first generation non-nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, clodronate with second and third generation nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates, pamidronate and zoledronic acid in dynamic rat osteoclast resorption and apoptosis assays and in human mesenchymal stem cell-derived osteoblast assay. We found that due to high bisphosphonate-bone binding affinity, bone surface exposure to clodronate for 3 min. had maximal resorption inhibition. The mechanism of action of both clodronate and zoledronic acid involved osteoclast apoptosis, whereas pamidronate had only minor apoptotic effect at dosages, which readily inhibited resorption. Zoledronic acid was not metabolised into an intracellular ATP-analogue in vitro in contrast to clodronate. All bisphosphonates had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC)-derived osteoblast calcium deposition. None of the compounds had inhibitory effect on hMSC differentiation. Zoledronic acid was the most potent of all three bisphosphonates in terms of both apoptosis induction and resorption inhibition. Zoledronic acid efficacy might thus use its capacity to trigger osteoclast apoptosis in an unknown, but similar manner to that of the non-nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates. It appears that zoledronic acid has properties of both bisphosphonate classes and could well be the first member of a new class of bisphosphonates, by definition.

Osteoclast signalling pathways

The osteoclast is a monocyte-derived cell with complex regulatory control due to its role, balancing calcium homeostasis with skeletal modelling and repair. Normal differentiation requires tyrosine kinase- and tumor necrosis-family receptors, normally fms and RANK. Ligands for these receptors plus unidentified serum or cell-presented factor(s) are needed for in vitro differentiation, possibly signalling via an immune-like tyrosine kinase acceptor molecule. Osteoclast development and activity are increased by cytokines signalling through GP130, such as IL-6, by TGF-beta, and by IL-1, although these cannot replace serum. Other tyrosine kinase receptors including kit and met can augment fms signalling, and TNFs other than RANKL, including TNFalpha and TRAIL, modify RANK signalling, which is also susceptible to interference by interferons. The situation is further complicated by G-protein coupled receptors including the calcitonin receptor, by integrin or calcium-mediated signals, and by estrogen receptors, which operate in bone largely via NO downstream signals. Differentiation, activity, and survival signals merge in intracellular second messengers. These include cytoplasmic kinases of several families; differentiation pathways often terminate in Erk/Jun kinases or NF-kappaB. Key regulatory intermediates include TRAF6, src, Smad3, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, Jak/Stat, and the cGMP-dependent protein kinase I. There are substantial uncertainties regarding how intracellular agents connect to primary signals. The frontier includes characterization of how scaffolding/adapter proteins, such as cbl, gab, grb, p130Cas, and shc, as well as itam-containing proteins and nonreceptor tyrosine kinase adapters of the src and syk families, delimit and integrate signals of multiple receptors to bring about specific outcomes.