Adenylyl cyclase-cAMP system inhibits thyroid hormone-stimulated osteocalcin synthesis in osteoblasts

HSP90 inhibitors strengthen extracellular ATP-stimulated synthesis of interleukin-6 in osteoblasts: Amplification of p38 MAP kinase

Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is expressed ubiquitously in a variety of cell types including osteoblasts. HSP90 acts as a key driver of proteostasis under pathophysiological conditions. Here, we investigated the involvement of HSP90 in extracellular ATP-stimulated interleukin (IL)-6 synthesis and HSP90 downstream signalling in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. In osteoblasts, extracellular ATP stimulates the synthesis of IL-6, a bone-remodelling agent. Geldanamycin, 17-allylamino-17-demethoxy-geldanamycin (17-AAG) and onalespib, three different HSP90 inhibitors, amplified the ATP-stimulated IL-6 release. Geldanamycin increased IL-6 mRNA expression elicited by ATP. ATP enhanced the triiodothyronine-induced osteocalcin release, but HSP90 inhibitors suppressed the release. Extracellular ATP induced the phosphorylation of p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), p38 MAPK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p70 S6 kinase, Akt, and myosin phosphatase-targeting subunit (MYPT), a Rho-kinase substrate. SB203580, an inhibitor of p38 MAPK, suppressed ATP-stimulated IL-6 release. Inhibitors of MEK1/2 (PD98059), JNK (SP600125), upstream kinase of p70 S6 kinase (rapamycin) and Akt (deguelin), all increased IL-6 release. Y27632, a Rho-kinase inhibitor, failed to affect the IL-6 release stimulated by ATP. Geldanamycin and 17-AAG both amplified ATP-induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation, although geldanamycin inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt induced by ATP. In addition, SB203580 significantly reduced the amplification by geldanamycin of the IL-6 release. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that HSP90 inhibitors up-regulate extracellular ATP-stimulated IL-6 synthesis via amplification of p38 MAPK activation in osteoblasts. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) acts as a key driver of proteostasis under pathophysiological conditions in a variety of cell types. We have previously shown that HSP90 is expressed at high levels in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells, even in their quiescent state, consistent with HSP90 performing an important physiological function in osteoblasts. In the present study, we investigated whether HSP90 is implicated in extracellular ATP-induced interleukin (IL)-6 synthesis in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. Our results strongly suggest that HSP90 inhibitors up-regulate extracellular ATP-stimulated IL-6 synthesis via amplification of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation in osteoblasts.

Wnt3a downregulates thyroid hormone-induced osteocalcin expression in osteoblasts

Wnt3a is a crucial modulator of bone metabolism through the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in bone-forming osteoblasts. We previously reported that the expression of osteocalcin is stimulated by triiodothyronine (T₃) at least in part through the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase but not p44/p42 MAP kinase in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. In the present study, we investigated the effect of Wnt3a on the T₃-induced osteocalcin expression in these cells. Wnt3a suppressed the release of osteocalcin induced by T₃. The inhibitory effect of Wnt3a was dose-dependent between 0.3 and 30 ng/ml. SB216763, an inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase-3β, that reduces the phosphorylation of β-catenin, inhibited the T₃-induced osteocalcin release. Wnt3a, as well as SB216763, reduced the expression of osteocalcin mRNA induced by T₃. The transcriptional activity induced by T₃, assessed by a luciferase activity, was also suppressed by both Wnt3a and SB216763. In contrast, Wnt3a did not markedly affect the T₃-stimulated phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase. These results suggested that Wnt3a downregulates the T₃-stimulated osteocalcin expression in MC3T3-E1 cells, and the suppressive effect of Wnt3a is independent of p38 MAP kinase.

Attenuation by incretins of thyroid hormone-stimulated osteocalcin synthesis in osteoblasts

Incretins, the polypeptide hormone glucose- dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secreted from the small intestine after nutrient ingestion, are generally known to stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. We previously demonstrated that triiodothyronine (T₃) stimulates osteocalcin synthesis at least in part through p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. In the present study, we investigated the effects of GIP and GLP-1 on T₃-stimulated osteocalcin synthesis and the mechanism of action involved in MC3T3-E1 cells. GIP and GLP-1 markedly suppressed the T₃-stimulated osteocalcin release. GIP and GLP-1 significantly attenuated the expression levels of osteocalcin mRNA induced by T₃. The T₃-stimulated transactivation activity of the thyroid hormone-responsive element was reduced by GIP and GLP-1. These results suggest that incretins repressed the T₃-stimulated osteocalcin synthesis in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells, and the suppressive effect of incretins was mediated through transcriptional levels.

Role of Thyroid Hormones in Skeletal Development and Bone Maintenance

The skeleton is an exquisitely sensitive and archetypal T3-target tissue that demonstrates the critical role for thyroid hormones during development, linear growth, and adult bone turnover and maintenance. Thyrotoxicosis is an established cause of secondary osteoporosis, and abnormal thyroid hormone signaling has recently been identified as a novel risk factor for osteoarthritis. Skeletal phenotypes in genetically modified mice have faithfully reproduced genetic disorders in humans, revealing the complex physiological relationship between centrally regulated thyroid status and the peripheral actions of thyroid hormones. Studies in mutant mice also established the paradigm that T3 exerts anabolic actions during growth and catabolic effects on adult bone. Thus, the skeleton represents an ideal physiological system in which to characterize thyroid hormone transport, metabolism, and action during development and adulthood and in response to injury. Future analysis of T3 action in individual skeletal cell lineages will provide new insights into cell-specific molecular mechanisms and may ultimately identify novel therapeutic targets for chronic degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the art.

Differential regulatory role of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide in the serum-transfer arthritis model

Objective

Pituitary adenylate cyclase–activating polypeptide (PACAP) expressed in capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons and immune cells has divergent functions in inflammatory and pain processes. This study was undertaken to investigate the involvement of PACAP in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

Arthritis was induced in PACAP^−/− and wild-type (PACAP^+/+) mice by K/BxN serum transfer. General features of the disease were investigated by semiquantitative scoring, plethysmometry, and histopathologic analysis. Mechano- and thermonociceptive thresholds and motor functions were also evaluated. Metabolic activity was assessed by positron emission tomography. Bone morphology was measured by in vivo micro–computed tomography, myeloperoxidase activity and superoxide production by bioluminescence imaging with luminol and lucigenin, respectively, and vascular permeability by fluorescent indocyanine green dye study.

Results

PACAP^+/+ mice developed notable joint swelling, reduced grasping ability, and mechanical (but not thermal) hyperalgesia after K/BxN serum transfer. In PACAP^−/− mice clinical scores and edema were significantly reduced, and mechanical hyperalgesia and motor impairment were absent, throughout the 2-week period of observation. Metabolic activity and superoxide production increased in the tibiotarsal joints of wild-type mice but were significantly lower in PACAP^−/− animals. Myeloperoxidase activity in the ankle joints of PACAP^−/− mice was significantly reduced in the early phase of arthritis, but increased in the late phase. Synovial hyperplasia was also significantly increased, and progressive bone spur formation was observed in PACAP-deficient mice only.

Conclusion

In PACAP-deficient mice with serum-transfer arthritis, joint swelling, vascular leakage, hyperalgesia, and early inflammatory cell accumulation are reduced; in the later phase of the disease, immune cell function and bone neoformation are increased. Elucidation of the underlying pathways of PACAP activity may open promising new avenues for development of therapy in inflammatory arthritis.

Favorable effect of myofibroblasts on collagen synthesis and osteocalcin production in the periodontal ligament

INTRODUCTION

In this study, we aimed to explore the expressions of α-smooth muscle actin, collagen type I, collagen type III, and osteocalcin in the periodontal ligament (PDL) under orthodontic loading, and to investigate the effect of myofibroblasts on collagen synthesis and osteocalcin production.

METHODS

The teeth in the right maxillae of the rats were orthodontically loaded while the contralateral teeth remained unloaded as controls. The total 30 rats were divided into 5 groups, with each group corresponding to a treatment duration (0, 3, 5, 7, or 14 days, respectively). The expressions of α-smooth muscle actin, collagen type I, collagen type III, and osteocalcin in the tension area of the PDL over time were analyzed by immunochemistry staining. For the in-vitro study, the expressions of α-smooth muscle actin, collagen type I, collagen type III, and osteocalcin in the myofibroblasts and human osteoblast-like cells (MG63) coculture and PDL cells-MG63 coculture systems were examined by Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Enhanced expression of α-smooth muscle actin, collagen type I, collagen type III, and osteocalcin in the tension area of the PDL under orthodontic loading were observed in vivo, and increased expressions of α-smooth muscle actin, collagen type I, collagen type III, and osteocalcin in the myofibroblasts-MG63 coculture system were observed compared with the controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Expressions of α-smooth muscle actin, collagen type I, collagen type III, and osteocalcin are up-regulated in the PDL under orthodontic tensile loading. Myofibroblasts have a more positive effect on collagen synthesis and osteocalcin expression than do PDL cells.

Effect of triiodothyronine on the maxilla and masseter muscles of the rat stomatognathic system

The maxilla and masseter muscles are components of the stomatognathic system involved in chewing, which is frequently affected by physical forces such as gravity, and by dental, orthodontic and orthopedic procedures. Thyroid hormones (TH) are known to regulate the expression of genes that control bone mass and the oxidative properties of muscles; however, little is known about the effects of TH on the stomatognathic system. This study investigated this issue by evaluating: i) osteoprotegerin (OPG) and osteopontine (OPN) mRNA expression in the maxilla and ii) myoglobin (Mb) mRNA and protein expression, as well as fiber composition of the masseter. Male Wistar rats (~250 g) were divided into thyroidectomized (Tx) and sham-operated (SO) groups (N = 24/group) treated with T3 or saline (0.9%) for 15 days. Thyroidectomy increased OPG (~40%) and OPN (~75%) mRNA expression, while T3 treatment reduced OPG (~40%) and OPN (~75%) in Tx, and both (~50%) in SO rats. Masseter Mb mRNA expression and fiber type composition remained unchanged, despite the induction of hypo- and hyperthyroidism. However, Mb content was decreased in Tx rats even after T3 treatment. Since OPG and OPN are key proteins involved in the osteoclastogenesis inhibition and bone mineralization, respectively, and that Mb functions as a muscle store of O2 allowing muscles to be more resistant to fatigue, the present data indicate that TH also interfere with maxilla remodeling and the oxidative properties of the masseter, influencing the function of the stomatognathic system, which may require attention during dental, orthodontic and orthopedic procedures in patients with thyroid diseases.

Regulation by heat shock protein 27 of osteocalcin synthesis in osteoblasts

We have previously reported that various stimuli, including sphingosine 1-phosphate, are able to induce heat shock protein (HSP) 27 in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. However, the precise role of HSP27 in bone metabolism has not been satisfactory clarified. In this study, we investigated the effect of HSP27 on osteocalcin synthesis induced by bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-4 or T₃ in these cells. In MC3T3-E1 cells, pretreatment with sphingosine 1-phosphate, sodium arsenite, or heat stress caused the attenuation of osteocalcin synthesis induced by BMP-4 or T₃ with concurrent HSP27 induction. To further investigate the effect of HSP27, we established stable HSP27-transfected cells. The osteocalcin synthesis was significantly reduced in the stable HSP27-transfected MC3T3-E1 cells and normal human osteoblasts compared with empty-vector transfected cells. On the other hand, anisomycin, a p38 MAPK activator, caused the phosphorylation of HSP27 in both sphingosine 1-phosphate-stimulated untransfected MC3T3-E1 cells and HSP27-transfected MC3T3-E1 cells. An immunofluorescence microscopy study showed that the phosphorylated HSP27 induced by anisomycin concentrated perinuclearly in these cells, in which it colocalized with the endoplasmic reticulum. We also established stable mutant-HSP27-transfected cells. Osteocalcin synthesis induced by either BMP-4 or T₃ was markedly suppressed in the nonphosphorylatable HSP27-overexpressing MC3T3-E1 cells compared with the phosphomimic HSP27-overexpressing cells. In contrast, the matrix mineralization was more obvious in nonphosphorylatable HSP27-overexpressing cells than that in phosphomimic HSP27-overexpressing cells. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that unphosphorylated HSP27 has an inhibitory effect on osteocalcin synthesis, but has a stimulatory effect on mineralization, in osteoblasts.

cAMP/PKA signaling inhibits osteogenic differentiation and bone formation in rodent models

We previously demonstrated that cAMP-mediated protein kinase A (PKA) activation induces in vitro osteogenesis and in vivo bone formation by human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). To analyze the species-specific response of this phenomenon and to translate our findings into a clinical trial, suitable animal models and cell lines are desirable. In this report, we assessed whether PKA plays a similar proosteogenic role played by two commonly used PKA activators-N6,2'-O-dibutyryl-cAMP (db-cAMP) and 8-bromo cAMP (8b-cAMP)-in a number of model systems. To this end, we treated MC3T3-E1 cells, mouse calvarial osteoblasts, mouse MSCs, and rat MSCs with cAMP. We demonstrate that cAMP inhibits osteogenesis in rodent cell types, evidenced by inhibition of osteogenic markers such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (BGLAP), and collagen type 1 (COL1A1). In support of this, ex vivo-cultured mouse calvaria exposed to db-cAMP showed a reduction in bone volume. Interestingly, cAMP even stimulated adipogenic differentiation in rat MSCs. Taken together, our data demonstrate that cAMP inhibits osteogenesis in vitro and bone formation ex vivo in rodent models in contrast to our earlier findings in hMSCs. The species discrepancy in response to various osteogenic signals is a critical need to be tested in clinically relevant models to translate the fundamental findings in lower species level to clinical applications.

cAMP activation by PACAP/VIP stimulates IL-6 release and inhibits osteoblastic differentiation through VPAC2 receptor in osteoblastic MC3T3 cells

The neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), a member of the glucagon/vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) superfamily, stimulates cyclic AMP accumulation initiating a variety of biological processes such as: neurotropic actions, immune and pituitary function, learning and memory, catecholamine biosynthesis and regulation of cardiopulmonary function. Both osteoclasts and osteoblasts have been shown to express receptors for PACAP/VIP implicated in their role in bone metabolism. To further understand the role of PACAP/VIP family in controlling bone metabolism, we investigated differentiation model of MC3T3-E1 cells, an osteoblastic cell line derived from mouse calvaria. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that MC3T3-E1 cells expressed only VPAC2 receptor and its expression was upregulated during osteoblastic differentiation, whereas VPAC1 and PAC1 receptors were not expressed. Consistent with expression of receptor subtype, both PACAP and VIP stimulate cAMP accumulation in a time- and dose-dependent manner with the similar potency in undifferentiated and differentiated cells, while Maxadilan, a specific agonist for PAC1-R, did not. Furthermore, downregulation of VPAC2-R by siRNA completely blocked cAMP response mediated by PACAP and VIP. Importantly, PACAP/VIP as well as forskolin markedly suppressed the induction of alkaline phosphatase mRNA upon differentiation and the pretreatment with 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine, a cAMP inhibitor, restored its inhibitory effect of PACAP. We also found that PACAP and VIP stimulated IL-6 release, a stimulator of bone resorption, and VPAC2-R silencing inhibited IL-6 production. Thus, PACAP/VIP can activate adenylate cyclase response and regulate IL-6 release through VPAC2 receptor with profound functional consequences for the inhibition of osteoblastic differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells.

Interleukin-6 and cyclic AMP stimulate release of cathepsin B in human osteoblasts

Previous studies have suggested that cathepsin B participates in the joint destruction associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study examined the activity of cathepsin B (a lysosomal cysteine protease) in human osteoblasts along with its regulation by cyclic AMP and Interleukin-6 (IL-6). Cyclic AMP elevating agents activate cathepsin B and stimulate the secretion of cathepsin B via the secretion of IL-6, a potent mediator of RA. This study investigated the induction of cathepsin B using the proinflammatory cytokine in human osteoblasts (MG-63) in relation to p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B transcription factor. When added to MG-63 cells, IL-6 stimulated the production of cathepsin B, which was reduced significantly by the addition of SB203580, a specific p38 MAPK inhibitor. In addition, the release of IL-6 was also inhibited by either pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) or NF-kappaB SN50, which are potent NF-kappaB inhibitors. Both NF-kappaB inhibitors had a larger inhibitory effect on the activity of cathepsin B in the presence of SB203580. IL-6 stimulated the NF-kappaB binding affinity as well as the activation of p38 MAP kinase, leading to the release of cathepsin B. However, SB203580 had no effect on the IL-6-induced activation of NF-kappaB, and neither of the NF-kappaB inhibitors decreased the level of p38 MAPK activation in the IL-6-stimulated osteoblasts. Moreover, IL-6 increased the activity of urokinase type plasminogen activator (uPA) in MG-63 cells, which was inhibited by SB203580, PDTC and NF-kappaB SN50. This strongly suggests that p38 MAPK and NF-kappaB are essential to the IL-6-induced activation of cathepsin B or uPA and that these two IL-6-activated pathways can act independently.