Inhibition of microtubule assembly in osteoblasts stimulates bone morphogenetic protein 2 expression and bone formation through transcription factor Gli2

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new class of pyrazoles-dihydropyrimidinone derivatives as bone anabolic agents

This study explores a series of twenty-four newly synthesized pyrzole-dihydropyrimidinone hybrids as potential bone anabolic agents. Initially, an alkaline phosphatase assay, a common marker of bone formation, was used to screen all compounds for their ability to stimulate osteogenic potential. Initial screening identified three promising candidates (5f, 5u and 5w) that were subsequently confirmed to be non-toxic to osteoblasts. Further investigation revealed that compound 5w displayed the most potent osteoanabolic effect, promoting osteoblast differentiation and upregulating mRNAs expression of osteogenic gene. Based on the promising in vitro and in vivo activity, structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis revealed a furan ring on the dihydropyrimidinone unit and electron-donating groups on the N-phenyl ring of the pyrazole moiety to be crucial for osteogenic activity. Additionally, molecular docking, favorable pharmacokinetic properties and In silico ADME predictions suggest potential oral bioavailability. These findings establish the pyrazole-dihydropyrimidinone scaffold as a promising hit for developing a new class of orally active bone anabolic agents.

Role of the cytoskeleton in cellular reprogramming: effects of biophysical and biochemical factors

The cytoskeleton plays a crucial role in regulating cellular behavior, acting as both a structural framework and a mediator of mechanical and biochemical signals that influence cell fate. In the context of cellular reprogramming, modifications to the cytoskeleton can have profound effects on lineage commitment and differentiation efficiency. This review explores the impact of mechanical forces such as substrate stiffness, topography, extracellular fluid viscosity, and cell seeding density on cytoskeletal organization and mechanotransduction pathways, including Rho/ROCK and YAP/TAZ signaling. Additionally, we examine the influence of biochemical agents that modulate cytoskeletal dynamics, such as actin and microtubule polymerization inhibitors, and their effects on stem cell differentiation. By understanding how cytoskeletal remodeling governs cellular identity, this review highlights potential strategies for improving reprogramming efficiency and directing cell fate by manipulating mechanical and biochemical cues.

The role of E3 ubiquitin ligases in bone homeostasis and related diseases

The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) dedicates to degrade intracellular proteins to modulate demic homeostasis and functions of organisms. These enzymatic cascades mark and modifies target proteins diversly through covalently binding ubiquitin molecules. In the UPS, E3 ubiquitin ligases are the crucial constituents by the advantage of recognizing and presenting proteins to proteasomes for proteolysis. As the major regulators of protein homeostasis, E3 ligases are indispensable to proper cell manners in diverse systems, and they are well described in physiological bone growth and bone metabolism. Pathologically, classic bone-related diseases such as metabolic bone diseases, arthritis, bone neoplasms and bone metastasis of the tumor, etc., were also depicted in a UPS-dependent manner. Therefore, skeletal system is versatilely regulated by UPS and it is worthy to summarize the underlying mechanism. Furthermore, based on the current status of treatment, normal or pathological osteogenesis and tumorigenesis elaborated in this review highlight the clinical significance of UPS research. As a strategy possibly remedies the limitations of UPS treatment, emerging PROTAC was described comprehensively to illustrate its potential in clinical application. Altogether, the purpose of this review aims to provide more evidence for exploiting novel therapeutic strategies based on UPS for bone associated diseases.

Zika virus alters osteogenic lineage progression of human mesenchymal stromal cells

Arboviruses target bone forming osteoblasts and perturb bone remodeling via paracrine factors. We previously reported that Zika virus (ZIKV) infection of early-stage human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) inhibited the osteogenic lineage commitment of MSCs. To understand the physiological interplay between bone development and ZIKV pathogenesis, we employed a primary in vitro model to examine the biological responses of MSCs to ZIKV infection at different stages of osteogenesis. Precommitted MSCs were infected at the late stage of osteogenic stimulation (Day 7) with ZIKV (multiplicity of infection of 5). We observe that MSCs infected at the late stage of differentiation are highly susceptible to ZIKV infection similar to previous observations with early stage infected MSCs (Day 0). However, in contrast to ZIKV infection at the early stage of differentiation, infection at a later stage significantly elevates the key osteogenic markers and calcium content. Comparative RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of early and late stage infected MSCs reveals that ZIKV infection alters the mRNA transcriptome during osteogenic induction of MSCs (1251 genes). ZIKV infection provokes a robust antiviral response at both stages of osteogenic differentiation as reflected by the upregulation of interferon responsive genes (n > 140). ZIKV infection enhances the expression of immune-related genes in early stage MSCs while increasing cell cycle genes in late stage MSCs. Remarkably, ZIKA infection in early stage MSCs also activates lipid metabolism-related pathways. In conclusion, ZIKV infection has differentiation stage-dependent effects on MSCs and this mechanistic understanding may permit the development of new therapeutic or preventative measures for bone-related effects of ZIKV infection.

Biomechanical, biophysical and biochemical modulators of cytoskeletal remodelling and emergent stem cell lineage commitment

Across complex, multi-time and -length scale biological systems, redundancy confers robustness and resilience, enabling adaptation and increasing survival under dynamic environmental conditions; this review addresses ubiquitous effects of cytoskeletal remodelling, triggered by biomechanical, biophysical and biochemical cues, on stem cell mechanoadaptation and emergent lineage commitment. The cytoskeleton provides an adaptive structural scaffold to the cell, regulating the emergence of stem cell structure-function relationships during tissue neogenesis, both in prenatal development as well as postnatal healing. Identification and mapping of the mechanical cues conducive to cytoskeletal remodelling and cell adaptation may help to establish environmental contexts that can be used prospectively as translational design specifications to target tissue neogenesis for regenerative medicine. In this review, we summarize findings on cytoskeletal remodelling in the context of tissue neogenesis during early development and postnatal healing, and its relevance in guiding lineage commitment for targeted tissue regeneration. We highlight how cytoskeleton-targeting chemical agents modulate stem cell differentiation and govern responses to mechanical cues in stem cells' emerging form and function. We further review methods for spatiotemporal visualization and measurement of cytoskeletal remodelling, as well as its effects on the mechanical properties of cells, as a function of adaptation. Research in these areas may facilitate translation of stem cells' own healing potential and improve the design of materials, therapies, and devices for regenerative medicine.

Cilia proteins getting to work - how do they commute from the cytoplasm to the base of cilia?

Cilia are multifunctional organelles that originated with the last eukaryotic common ancestor and play central roles in the life cycles of diverse organisms. The motile flagella that move single cells like sperm or unicellular organisms, the motile cilia on animal multiciliated cells that generate fluid flow in organs, and the immotile primary cilia that decorate nearly all cells in animals share many protein components in common, yet each also requires specialized proteins to perform their specialized functions. Despite a now-advanced understanding of how such proteins are transported within cilia, we still know very little about how they are transported from their sites of synthesis through the cytoplasm to the ciliary base. Here, we review the literature concerning this underappreciated topic in ciliary cell biology. We discuss both general mechanisms, as well as specific examples of motor-driven active transport and passive transport via diffusion-and-capture. We then provide deeper discussion of specific, illustrative examples, such as the diverse array of protein subunits that together comprise the intraflagellar transport (IFT) system and the multi-protein axonemal dynein motors that drive beating of motile cilia. We hope this Review will spur further work, shedding light not only on ciliogenesis and ciliary signaling, but also on intracellular transport in general.

Nogo-A Induced Polymerization of Microtubule Is Involved in the Inflammatory Heat Hyperalgesia in Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons

The microtubule, a major constituent of cytoskeletons, was shown to bind and interact with transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily member 1 (TRPV1), and serves a pivotal role to produce thermal hyperalgesia in inflammatory pain. Nogo-A is a modulator of microtubule assembly and plays a key role in maintaining the function of TRPV1 in inflammatory heat pain. However, whether the microtubule dynamics modulated by Nogo-A in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons participate in the inflammatory pain is not elucidated. Here we reported that the polymerization of microtubules in the DRG neurons, as indicated by the acetylated α-tubulin, tubulin polymerization-promoting protein 3 (TPPP3), and microtubule numbers, was significantly elevated in the complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) induced inflammatory pain. Consistent with our previous results, knock-out (KO) of Nogo-A protein significantly attenuated the heat hyperalgesia 72 h after CFA injection and decreased the microtubule polymerization via up-regulation of phosphorylation of collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) in DRG. The colocalization of acetylated α-tubulin and TRPV1 in DRG neurons was also reduced dramatically in Nogo-A KO rats under inflammatory pain. Moreover, the down-regulation of TRPV1 in DRG of Nogo-A KO rats after injection of CFA was reversed by intrathecal injection of paclitaxel, a microtubule stabilizer. Furthermore, intrathecal injection of nocodazole (a microtubule disruptor) attenuated significantly the CFA-induced inflammatory heat hyperalgesia and the mechanical pain in a rat model of spared nerve injury (SNI). In these SNI cases, the Nogo-A and acetylated α-tubulin in DRG were also significantly up-regulated. We conclude that the polymerization of microtubules promoted by Nogo-A in DRG contributes to the development of inflammatory heat hyperalgesia mediated by TRPV1.

E3 Ubiquitin Ligase-Mediated Regulation of Osteoblast Differentiation and Bone Formation

The ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) is an essential pathway that regulates the homeostasis and function of intracellular proteins and is a crucial protein-degradation system in osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Abnormal regulation of ubiquitination leads to osteoblast differentiation disorders, interfering with bone formation and ultimately leading to osteoporosis. E3 ubiquitin ligases (E3) promote addition of a ubiquitin moiety to substrate proteins, specifically recognizing the substrate and modulating tyrosine kinase receptors, signaling proteins, and transcription factors involved in the regulation of osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, survival, and bone formation. In this review, we summarize current progress in the understanding of the function and regulatory effects of E3 ligases on the transcription factors and signaling pathways that regulate osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. A deep understanding of E3 ligase-mediated regulation of osteoblast differentiation provides a scientific rationale for the discovery and development of novel E3-targeting therapeutic strategies for osteoporosis.

MACF1 promotes osteoblast differentiation by sequestering repressors in cytoplasm

Osteoblast differentiation leading to bone formation requires a coordinated transcriptional program. Osteoblastic cells with low level of microtubule actin crosslinking factor 1 (MACF1) show reduced osteoblast differentiation ability, however, the comprehensive mechanism of MACF1's action remains unexplored. In the current study, we found that MACF1 knockdown suppressed osteoblast differentiation by altering the transcriptome dynamics. We further identified two MACF1-interacted proteins, cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) and MYST/Esa1-associated factor 6 (MEAF6), and two MACF1-interacted transcription factors (TFs), transcription factor 12 (TCF12) and E2F transcription factor 6 (E2F6), which repress osteoblast differentiation by altering the expression of osteogenic TFs and genes. Moreover, we found that MACF1 regulated cytoplasmic-nuclear localization of itself, TCF12 and E2F6 in a concentration-dependent manner. MACF1 oppositely regulates the expression of TCF12 and transcription factor 7 (TCF7), two TFs that drive osteoblast differentiation to opposite directions. This study reveals that MACF1, a cytoskeletal protein, acts as a sponge for repressors of osteoblast differentiation to promote osteoblast differentiation and contributes to a novel mechanistic insight of osteoblast differentiation and transcription dynamics.

Heterotopic ossification in lymph node metastasis after rectal cancer resection: a case report and literature review

Background

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the formation of osseous tissue outside the skeleton. HO in malignant tumors of the digestive tract is extremely rare, as is ossification in metastatic lesions from HO-negative digestive tract tumors. Regarding the pathogenesis of HO, two theories have been proposed. The first is that the osteoblastic metaplasia of tumor cells (driven by the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, EMT) results in HO, and the second is that factors secreted by cancer cells lead to the metaplasia of stromal pluripotent cells into osteoblasts. However, the osteogenic mechanisms remain unclear.

Case presentation

An 83-year-old Japanese woman underwent low anterior rectal resection for rectal cancer before presentation at our institution, in June 2018. The final diagnosis was stage IIB rectal adenocarcinoma (T4aN0M0). Histological examination did not reveal HO in the primary tumor. Thirteen months after the operation, a solitary metastatic lesion in the brain 20 mm in size and a solitary metastatic lesion in a right axillary lymph node 20 mm in size were diagnosed. The patient was treated with gamma-knife therapy for the brain metastasis. One month later, she was referred to our institution. She underwent lymph node resection. Histological examination revealed that most portions of the affected lymph node were occupied by metastatic tumor cells and that central necrosis and four small ossified lesions without an osteoblast-like cell rim were present in the peripheral region. Immunohistochemical analysis showed tumor cells positive for BMP-2, osteonectin, osteocalcin, AE1/AE3, TGF-β1, Gli2, Smad2/3, and CDX2 and negative for nestin, CD56, and CK7.

Conclusion

This is the first English case report of HO in a metachronous metastatic lymph node after the curative resection of HO-negative rectal cancer. Unlike HO lesions in past reports, the HO lesion did not show peripheral osteoblast-like cells, and the immunohistochemical findings indicated that the present case resulted from the EMT.

AtOFPs regulate cell elongation by modulating microtubule orientation via direct interaction with TONNEAU2

As a group of plant-specific proteins, OVATE family protein (OFP) members have been shown to function as transcriptional repressors and involve in plant growth regulation in Arabidopsis and rice. It has also been shown that OFPs can interact with TONNEAU1 Recruiting Motif (TRM) proteins to regulate tomato fruit shape. In this study, we show that mutant plants with knock-down expression of OFP1, OFP2, OFP3, and OFP5 exhibit longer hypocotyls and cotyledons due to enhanced cell elongation. Overexpression of OFPs disturb the arrangement of cortical microtubule arrays in pavement cells and promote abnormal pavement cell expansion perpendicular to the direction of petiole growth, resulting in the kidney-shaped cotyledons in transgenic plants. OFP2 and OFP5 interact directly with the microtubule regulating protein TONNEAU2 (TON2), and genetic analysis suggests TON2 is required for the function of OFPs. We also show that altering the expression of OFPs affects light and BR regulated microtubule reorientation. BR treatment reduce the protein accumulation of OFP2, suggesting OFP2 mediates BR regulated microtubule reorientation. Taken together, our study provides evidences showing that OFP family proteins negatively regulate cell expansion by modulating microtubule reorganization, which requires the function of TON2.

Identification of WNT16 as a Predictable Biomarker for Accelerated Osteogenic Differentiation of Tonsil-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Vitro

The application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for treating bone-related diseases shows promising outcomes in preclinical studies. However, cells that are isolated and defined as MSCs comprise a heterogeneous population of progenitors. This heterogeneity can produce variations in the performance of MSCs, especially in applications that require differentiation potential in vivo, such as the treatment of osteoporosis. Here, we aimed to identify genetic markers in tonsil-derived MSCs (T-MSCs) that can predict osteogenic potential. Using a single-cell cloning method, we isolated and established several lines of nondifferentiating (ND) or osteoblast-prone (OP) clones. Next, we performed transcriptome sequencing of three ND and three OP clones that maintained the characteristics of MSCs and determined the top six genes that were upregulated in OP clones. Upregulation of WNT16 and DCLK1 expression was confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR, but only WNT16 expression was correlated with the osteogenic differentiation of T-MSCs from 10 different donors. Collectively, our findings suggest that WNT16 is a putative genetic marker that predicts the osteogenic potential of T-MSCs. Thus, examination of WNT16 expression as a selection criterion prior to the clinical application of MSCs may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of stem cell therapy for bone-related complications, including osteoporosis.

Stathmin inhibits proliferation and differentiation of dental pulp stem cells via sonic hedgehog/Gli

The mineralization of dental pulp stem cells is an important factor in the tissue engineering of teeth, but the mechanism is not yet obvious. This study aimed to identify the effect of Stathmin on the proliferation and osteogenic/odontoblastic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and to explore whether the Shh signalling pathway was involved in this regulation. First, Stathmin was expressed in the cytoplasm and on the cell membranes of hDPSCs by cell immunofluorescence. Then, by constructing a lentiviral vector, the expression of Stathmin in hDPSCs was inhibited. Treatment with Stathmin shRNA (shRNA‐Stathmin group) inhibited the ability of hDPSCs to proliferate, as demonstrated by a CCK8 assay and flow cytometry analysis, and suppressed the osteogenic/odontoblastic differentiation ability, as demonstrated by alizarin red S staining and osteogenic/odontoblastic differentiation‐related gene (ALP, BSP, OCN, DSPP) activity, compared to that of hDPSCs from the control shRNA group. Molecular analyses showed that the Shh/GLI1 signalling pathway was inhibited when Stathmin was silenced, and purmorphamine, the Shh signalling pathway activator, was added to hDPSCs in the shRNA‐Stathmin group, real‐time PCR and Western blotting confirmed that expression of Shh and its downstream signalling molecules PTCH1, SMO and GLI1 increased significantly. After activating the Shh signalling pathway, the proliferation of hDPSCs increased markedly, as demonstrated by a CCK8 assay and flow cytometry analysis; osteogenic/odontoblastic differentiation‐related gene (ALP, BSP, OCN, DSPP) expression also increased significantly. Collectively, these findings firstly revealed that Stathmin‐Shh/GLI1 signalling pathway plays a positive role in hDPSC proliferation and osteogenic/odontoblastic differentiation.

Turning Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP2) on and off in Mesenchymal Cells

The concentration, location, and timing of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2, HGNC:1069, GeneID: 650) gene expression must be precisely regulated. Abnormal BMP2 levels cause congenital anomalies and diseases involving the mesenchymal cells that differentiate into muscle, fat, cartilage, and bone. The molecules and conditions that influence BMP2 synthesis are diverse. Understandably, complex mechanisms control Bmp2 gene expression. This review includes a compilation of agents and conditions that can induce Bmp2. The currently known trans-regulatory factors and cis-regulatory elements that modulate Bmp2 expression are summarized and discussed. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2, HGNC:1069, GeneID: 650) is a classical morphogen; a molecule that acts at a distance and whose concentration influences cell behavior. In mesenchymal cells, the concentration of BMP2 influences myogenesis, adipogenesis, chondrogenesis, and osteogenesis. Because the amount, timing, and location of BMP2 synthesis influence the allocation of cells to muscle, fat, cartilage, and bone, the mechanisms that regulate the Bmp2 gene are crucial. Key early mesodermal events that require precise Bmp2 regulation include heart specification and morphogenesis. Originally named for its osteoinductive properties, healing fractures requires BMP2. The human Bmp2 gene also has been linked to osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. In addition, all forms of pathological calcification in the vasculature and in cardiac valves involve the pro-osteogenic BMP2. The diverse tissues, mechanisms, and diseases influenced by BMP2 are too numerous to list here (see OMIM: 112261). However, in all BMP2-influenced pathologies, changes in the behavior and differentiation of pluripotent mesenchymal cells are a recurring theme. Consequently, much effort has been devoted to identifying the molecules and conditions that influence BMP2 synthesis and the complex mechanisms that control Bmp2 gene expression. This review begins with an overview of the Bmp2 gene's chromosomal neighborhood and then summarizes and evaluates known regulatory mechanisms and inducers.

TGF-β and BMP signaling in osteoblast, skeletal development, and bone formation, homeostasis and disease

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and bone morphogenic protein (BMP) signaling has fundamental roles in both embryonic skeletal development and postnatal bone homeostasis. TGF-βs and BMPs, acting on a tetrameric receptor complex, transduce signals to both the canonical Smad-dependent signaling pathway (that is, TGF-β/BMP ligands, receptors, and Smads) and the non-canonical-Smad-independent signaling pathway (that is, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/p38 MAPK) to regulate mesenchymal stem cell differentiation during skeletal development, bone formation and bone homeostasis. Both the Smad and p38 MAPK signaling pathways converge at transcription factors, for example, Runx2 to promote osteoblast differentiation and chondrocyte differentiation from mesenchymal precursor cells. TGF-β and BMP signaling is controlled by multiple factors, including the ubiquitin–proteasome system, epigenetic factors, and microRNA. Dysregulated TGF-β and BMP signaling result in a number of bone disorders in humans. Knockout or mutation of TGF-β and BMP signaling-related genes in mice leads to bone abnormalities of varying severity, which enable a better understanding of TGF-β/BMP signaling in bone and the signaling networks underlying osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. There is also crosstalk between TGF-β/BMP signaling and several critical cytokines’ signaling pathways (for example, Wnt, Hedgehog, Notch, PTHrP, and FGF) to coordinate osteogenesis, skeletal development, and bone homeostasis. This review summarizes the recent advances in our understanding of TGF-β/BMP signaling in osteoblast differentiation, chondrocyte differentiation, skeletal development, cartilage formation, bone formation, bone homeostasis, and related human bone diseases caused by the disruption of TGF-β/BMP signaling.

Low extracellular sodium promotes adipogenic commitment of human mesenchymal stromal cells: a novel mechanism for chronic hyponatremia-induced bone loss

Hyponatremia represents an independent risk factor for osteoporosis and fractures, affecting both bone density and quality. A direct stimulation of bone resorption in the presence of reduced extracellular sodium concentrations ([Na(+)]) has been shown, but the effects of low [Na(+)] on osteoblasts have not been elucidated. We investigated the effects of a chronic reduction of extracellular [Na(+)], independently of osmotic stress, on human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSC) from bone marrow, the common progenitor for osteoblasts and adipocytes. hMSC adhesion and viability were significantly inhibited by reduced [Na(+)], but their surface antigen profile and immuno-modulatory properties were not altered. In low [Na(+)], hMSC were able to commit toward both the osteogenic and the adipogenic phenotypes, as demonstrated by differentiation markers analysis. However, the dose-dependent increase in the number of adipocytes as a function of reduced [Na(+)] suggested a preferential commitment toward the adipogenic phenotype at the expense of osteogenesis. The amplified inhibitory effect on the expression of osteoblastic markers exerted by adipocytes-derived conditioned media in low [Na(+)] further supported this observation. The analysis of cytoskeleton showed that low [Na(+)] were associated with disruption of tubulin organization in hMSC-derived osteoblasts, thus suggesting a negative effect on bone quality. Finally, hMSC-derived osteoblasts increased their expression of factors stimulating osteoclast recruitment and activity. These findings confirm that hyponatremia should be carefully taken into account because of its negative effects on bone, in addition to the known neurological effects, and indicate for the first time that impaired osteogenesis may be involved.

Stress-stiffening-mediated stem-cell commitment switch in soft responsive hydrogels

Bulk matrix stiffness has emerged as a key mechanical cue in stem cell differentiation. Here, we show that the commitment and differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells encapsulated in physiologically soft (∼0.2-0.4 kPa), fully synthetic polyisocyanopeptide-based three-dimensional (3D) matrices that mimic the stiffness of adult stem cell niches and show biopolymer-like stress stiffening, can be readily switched from adipogenesis to osteogenesis by changing only the onset of stress stiffening. This mechanical behaviour can be tuned by simply altering the material's polymer length whilst maintaining stiffness and ligand density. Our findings introduce stress stiffening as an important parameter that governs stem cell fate in a 3D microenvironment, and reveal a correlation between the onset of stiffening and the expression of the microtubule-associated protein DCAMKL1, thus implicating DCAMKL1 in a stress-stiffening-mediated, mechanotransduction pathway that involves microtubule dynamics in stem cell osteogenesis.

Osteoblast-released Matrix Vesicles, Regulation of Activity and Composition by Sulfated and Non-sulfated Glycosaminoglycans

Our aging population has to deal with the increasing threat of age-related diseases that impair bone healing. One promising therapeutic approach involves the coating of implants with modified glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) that mimic the native bone environment and actively facilitate skeletogenesis. In previous studies, we reported that coatings containing GAGs, such as hyaluronic acid (HA) and its synthetically sulfated derivative (sHA1) as well as the naturally low-sulfated GAG chondroitin sulfate (CS1), reduce the activity of bone-resorbing osteoclasts, but they also induce functions of the bone-forming cells, the osteoblasts. However, it remained open whether GAGs influence the osteoblasts alone or whether they also directly affect the formation, composition, activity, and distribution of osteoblast-released matrix vesicles (MV), which are supposed to be the active machinery for bone formation. Here, we studied the molecular effects of sHA1, HA, and CS1 on MV activity and on the distribution of marker proteins. Furthermore, we used comparative proteomic methods to study the relative protein compositions of isolated MVs and MV-releasing osteoblasts. The MV proteome is much more strongly regulated by GAGs than the cellular proteome. GAGs, especially sHA1, were found to severely impact vesicle-extracellular matrix interaction and matrix vesicle activity, leading to stronger extracellular matrix formation and mineralization. This study shows that the regulation of MV activity is one important mode of action of GAGs and provides information on underlying molecular mechanisms.

Genetic risk factors for decreased bone mineral accretion in children with asthma receiving multiple oral corticosteroid bursts

BACKGROUND

Long-term intermittent oral corticosteroid (OCS) use in children with asthma leads to significant decreases in bone mineral accretion (BMA).

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to identify genetic factors influencing OCS dose effects on BMA in children with asthma.

METHODS

We first performed a gene-by-OCS interaction genome-wide association study (GWAS) of BMA in 489 white participants in the Childhood Asthma Management Program trial who took short-term oral prednisone bursts when they experienced acute asthma exacerbations. We selected the top-ranked 2000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the GWAS and determined whether these SNPs also had cis-regulatory effects on dexamethasone-induced gene expression in osteoblasts.

RESULTS

We identified 2 SNPs (rs9896933 and rs2074439) associated with decreased BMA and related to the tubulin γ pathway. The rs9896933 variant met the criteria for genome-wide significance (P = 3.15 × 10(-8) in the GWAS) and is located on the intron of tubulin folding cofactor D (TBCD) gene. The rs2074439 variant (P = 2.74 × 10(-4) in the GWAS) showed strong cis-regulatory effects on dexamethasone-induced tubulin γ gene expression in osteoblasts (P = 8.64 × 10(-4)). Interestingly, we found that BMA worsened with increasing prednisone dose as the number of mutant alleles of the 2 SNPs increased.

CONCLUSIONS

We have identified 2 novel tubulin γ pathway SNPs, rs9896933 and rs2074439, showing independent interactive effects with cumulative corticosteroid dose on BMA in children with asthma receiving multiple OCS bursts.

Connectivity Map-based discovery of parbendazole reveals targetable human osteogenic pathway

Osteoporosis is a common skeletal disorder characterized by low bone mass leading to increased bone fragility and fracture susceptibility. In this study, we have identified pathways that stimulate differentiation of bone forming osteoblasts from human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs). Gene expression profiling was performed in hMSCs differentiated toward osteoblasts (at 6 h). Significantly regulated genes were analyzed in silico, and the Connectivity Map (CMap) was used to identify candidate bone stimulatory compounds. The signature of parbendazole matches the expression changes observed for osteogenic hMSCs. Parbendazole stimulates osteoblast differentiation as indicated by increased alkaline phosphatase activity, mineralization, and up-regulation of bone marker genes (alkaline phosphatase/ALPL, osteopontin/SPP1, and bone sialoprotein II/IBSP) in a subset of the hMSC population resistant to the apoptotic effects of parbendazole. These osteogenic effects are independent of glucocorticoids because parbendazole does not up-regulate glucocorticoid receptor (GR) target genes and is not inhibited by the GR antagonist mifepristone. Parbendazole causes profound cytoskeletal changes including degradation of microtubules and increased focal adhesions. Stabilization of microtubules by pretreatment with Taxol inhibits osteoblast differentiation. Parbendazole up-regulates bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) gene expression and activity. Cotreatment with the BMP-2 antagonist DMH1 limits, but does not block, parbendazole-induced mineralization. Using the CMap we have identified a previously unidentified lineage-specific, bone anabolic compound, parbendazole, which induces osteogenic differentiation through a combination of cytoskeletal changes and increased BMP-2 activity.

Dexamethasone-induced cellular tension requires a SGK1-stimulated Sec5-GEF-H1 interaction

Dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid, is often used to induce osteoblast commitment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and this process requires RhoA-dependent cellular tension. The underlying mechanism is unclear. In this study, we show that dexamethasone stimulates expression of fibronectin and integrin α5 (ITGA5), accompanied by an increase in the interaction of GEF-H1 (also known as ARHGEF2) with Sec5 (also known as EXOC2), a microtubule (MT)-regulated RhoA activator and a component of the exocyst, respectively. Disruption of this interaction abolishes dexamethasone-induced cellular tension and GEF-H1 targeting to focal adhesion sites at the cell periphery without affecting dexamethasone-induced levels of ITGA5 and fibronectin, and the extracellular deposition of fibronectin at adhesion sites is specifically inhibited. We demonstrate that dexamethasone stimulates the expression of serum-glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase 1 (SGK1), which is necessary and sufficient for the induction of the Sec5-GEF-H1 interaction. Given the function of SGK1 in suppressing MT growth, our data suggest that the induction of SGK1 through treatment with dexamethasone alters MT dynamics to increase Sec5-GEF-H1 interactions, which promote GEF-H1 targeting to adhesion sites. This mechanism is essential for the formation of fibronectin fibrils and their attachment to integrins at adhesion sites in order to generate cellular tension.

Environmental physical cues determine the lineage specification of mesenchymal stem cells

BACKGROUND

Physical cues of cellular environment affect cell fate and differentiation. For example, an environment with high stiffness drives mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to undergo osteogenic differentiation, while low stiffness leads to lipogenic differentiation. Such effects could be independent of chemical/biochemical inducers.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

Stiffness and/or topography of cellular environment can control MSC differentiation and fate determination. In addition, physical factors such as tension, which resulted from profound cytoskeleton reorganization during MSC differentiation, affect the gene expression essential for the differentiation. Although physical cues control MSC lineage specification probably by reorganizing and tuning cytoskeleton, the full mechanism is largely unclear. It also remains elusive how physical signals are sensed by cells and transformed into biochemical and biological signals. More importantly, it becomes pivotal to define explicitly the physical cue(s) essential for cell differentiation and fate decision. With a focus on MSC, we present herein current understanding of the interplay between i) physical cue and factors and ii) MSC differentiation and fate determination.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

Biophysical cues can initiate or strengthen the biochemical signaling for MSC fate determination and differentiation. Physical properties of cellular environment direct the structural adaptation and functional coupling of the cells to their environment.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

These observations not only open a simple avenue to engineer cell fate in vitro, but also start to reveal the physical elements that regulate and determine cell fate.

Coleusin factor, a novel anticancer diterpenoid, inhibits osteosarcoma growth by inducing bone morphogenetic protein-2-dependent differentiation

Coleusin factor is a diterpenoid compound isolated from the root of a tropical plant, Coleus forskohlii. Although Coleusin factor has been reported to suppress proliferation of and induce apoptosis in several types of cancer cells, the effects of Coleusin factor on osteosarcoma and the underlying mechanism are still not fully understood. In this study, we show that Coleusin factor treatment potently inhibits the growth of osteosarcoma cells associated with G(1) cell-cycle arrest. Interestingly, apoptosis and cell death are not induced. Instead, Coleusin factor causes osteosarcoma cells to exhibit typical properties of differentiated osteoblasts, including a morphologic alteration resembling osteoblasts, the expression of osteoblast differentiation markers, elevated alkaline phosphatase activity, and increased cellular mineralization. Coleusin factor treatment significantly increases the expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), a crucial osteogenic regulator, and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), one of the key transcription factors of the BMP pathway. When BMP-2 signaling is blocked, Coleusin factor fails to inhibit cell proliferation and to induce osteoblast differentiation. Thus, upregulation of BMP-2 autocrine is critical for Coleusin factor to induce osteoblast differentiation and exert its anticancer effects on osteosarcoma. Importantly, administration of Coleusin factor inhibits the growth of osteosarcoma xenografted in nude mice without systemic or immunologic toxicity. Osteosarcoma is a highly aggressive cancer marked by the loss of normal differentiation. Coleusin factor represents a new type of BMP-2 inducer that restores differentiation in osteosarcoma cells. It may provide a promising therapeutic strategy against osteosarcoma with minimal side effects.

Icariin Augments Bone Formation and Reverses the Phenotypes of Osteoprotegerin-Deficient Mice through the Activation of Wnt/ β -Catenin-BMP Signaling

Icariin has been mostly reported to enhance bone fracture healing and treat postmenopausal osteoporosis in ovariectomized animal model. As another novel animal model of osteoporosis, there is few publication about the effect of Icariin on osteoprotegerin-deficient mice. Therefore, the goal of this study is to find the effect on bone formation and underlying mechanisms of Icariin in osteoprotegerin (OPG) knockout (KO) mice. We found that Icariin significantly stimulated new bone formation after local injection over the surface of calvaria at the dose of 5 mg/kg per day. With this dose, Icariin was also capable of significantly reversing OPG-deficient-induced bone loss and bone strength reduction. Real-time PCR analysis showed that Icariin significantly upregulated the expression of BMP2, BMP4, RUNX2, OC, Wnt1, and Wnt3a in OPG KO mice. Icariin also significantly increased the expression of AXIN2, DKK1, TCF1, and LEF1, which are the direct target genes of β -catenin signaling. The in vitro studies showed that Icariin induced osteoblast differentiation through the activation of Wnt/ β -catenin-BMP signaling by in vitro deletion of the β -catenin gene using β -catenin(fx/fx) mice. Together, our findings demonstrate that Icariin significantly reverses the phenotypes of OPG-deficient mice through the activation of Wnt/ β -catenin-BMP signaling.

FGF-2 enhances Runx-2/Smads nuclear localization in BMP-2 canonical signaling in osteoblasts

Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) is one of the most potent regulators of osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. R-Smads (Smads 1/5/8) are the major transducers for BMPs receptors and, once activated, they are translocated in the nucleus regulating transcription target genes by interacting with various transcription factors. Runx-2 proteins have been shown to interact through their C-terminal segment with Smads and this interaction is required for in vivo osteogenesis. In particular, recruitment of Smads to intranuclear sites is Runx-2 dependent, and Runx-2 factor may accommodate the dynamic targeting of signal transducer to active transcription sites. Previously, we have shown, by in vitro and in vivo experiments, that BMP-2 up-regulated FGF-2 which is important for the maximal responses of BMP-2 in bone. In this study, we found that endogenous FGF2 is necessary for BMP-2 induced nuclear accumulation and co-localization of Runx-2 and phospho-Smads1/5/8, while Runx/Smads nuclear accumulation and co-localization was reduced in Fgf2-/- osteoblasts. Based on these novel data, we conclude that the impaired nuclear accumulation of Runx-2 in Fgf2-/- osteoblasts reduces R-Smads sub-nuclear targeting with a consequent decreased expression of differentiating markers and impaired bone formation in Fgf2 null mice.

A novel autosomal recessive GJA1 missense mutation linked to Craniometaphyseal dysplasia

Craniometaphyseal dysplasia (CMD) is a rare sclerosing skeletal disorder with progressive hyperostosis of craniofacial bones. CMD can be inherited in an autosomal dominant (AD) trait or occur after de novo mutations in the pyrophosphate transporter ANKH. Although the autosomal recessive (AR) form of CMD had been mapped to 6q21-22 the mutation has been elusive. In this study, we performed whole-exome sequencing for one subject with AR CMD and identified a novel missense mutation (c.716G>A, p.Arg239Gln) in the C-terminus of the gap junction protein alpha-1 (GJA1) coding for connexin 43 (Cx43). We confirmed this mutation in 6 individuals from 3 additional families. The homozygous mutation cosegregated only with affected family members. Connexin 43 is a major component of gap junctions in osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts and chondrocytes. Gap junctions are responsible for the diffusion of low molecular weight molecules between cells. Mutations in Cx43 cause several dominant and recessive disorders involving developmental abnormalities of bone such as dominant and recessive oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD; MIM #164200, 257850) and isolated syndactyly type III (MIM #186100), the characteristic digital anomaly in ODDD. However, characteristic ocular and dental features of ODDD as well as syndactyly are absent in patients with the recessive Arg239Gln Cx43 mutation. Bone remodeling mechanisms disrupted by this novel Cx43 mutation remain to be elucidated.

The microtubule-associated protein DCAMKL1 regulates osteoblast function via repression of Runx2

Deficiency of the microtubule-associated protein DCAMKL1 results in elevated bone mass via repression of osteoblast activation through Runx2 antagonization.

Osteoblasts are responsible for the formation and mineralization of the skeleton. To identify novel regulators of osteoblast differentiation, we conducted an unbiased forward genetic screen using a lentiviral-based shRNA library. This functional genomics analysis led to the identification of the microtubule-associated protein DCAMKL1 (Doublecortin-like and CAM kinase–like 1) as a novel regulator of osteogenesis. Mice with a targeted disruption of Dcamkl1 displayed elevated bone mass secondary to increased bone formation by osteoblasts. Molecular experiments demonstrated that DCAMKL1 represses osteoblast activation by antagonizing Runx2, the master transcription factor in osteoblasts. Key elements of the cleidocranial dysplasia phenotype observed in Runx2^+/− mice are reversed by the introduction of a Dcamkl1-null allele. Our results establish a genetic linkage between these two proteins in vivo and demonstrate that DCAMKL1 is a physiologically relevant regulator of anabolic bone formation.

Wnt/β-catenin signaling activates bone morphogenetic protein 2 expression in osteoblasts

The BMP and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways cooperatively regulate osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Although BMP signaling regulates gene expression of the Wnt pathway, much less is known about whether Wnt signaling modulates BMP expression in osteoblasts. Given the presence of putative Tcf/Lef response elements that bind β-catenin/TCF transcription complex in the BMP2 promoter, we hypothesized that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway stimulates BMP2 expression in osteogenic cells. In this study, we showed that Wnt/β-catenin signaling is active in various osteoblast or osteoblast precursor cell lines, including MC3T3-E1, 2T3, C2C12, and C3H10T1/2 cells. Furthermore, crosstalk between the BMP and Wnt pathways affected BMP signaling activity, osteoblast differentiation, and bone formation, suggesting Wnt signaling is an upstream regulator of BMP signaling. Activation of Wnt signaling by Wnt3a or overexpression of β-catenin/TCF4 both stimulated BMP2 transcription at promoter and mRNA levels. In contrast, transcription of BMP2 in osteogenic cells was decreased by either blocking the Wnt pathway with DKK1 and sFRP4, or inhibiting β-catenin/TCF4 activity with FWD1/β-TrCP, ICAT, or ΔTCF4. Using a site-directed mutagenesis approach, we confirmed that Wnt/β-catenin transactivation of BMP2 transcription is directly mediated through the Tcf/Lef response elements in the BMP2 promoter. These results, which demonstrate that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is an upstream activator of BMP2 expression in osteoblasts, provide novel insights into the nature of functional cross talk integrating the BMP and Wnt/β-catenin pathways in osteoblastic differentiation and maintenance of skeletal homeostasis.

Local injection of lovastatin in biodegradable polyurethane scaffolds enhances bone regeneration in a critical-sized segmental defect in rat femora

Statins, a class of naturally-occurring compounds that inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, are known to increase endogenous bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) expression. Local administration of statins has been shown to stimulate fracture repair in in vivo animal experiments. However, the ability of statins to heal more challenging critical-sized defects at the mid-diaphyseal region in long bones has not been investigated. In this study, we examined the potential of injectable lovastatin microparticles combined with biodegradable polyurethane (PUR) scaffolds in preclinical animal models: metaphyseal small plug defects and diaphyseal segmental bone defects in rat femora. Sustained release of lovastatin from the lovastatin microparticles was achieved over 14 days. The released lovastatin was bioactive, as evidenced by its ability to stimulate BMP-2 gene expression in osteoblastic cells. Micro-computed tomography (CT) and histological examinations showed that lovastatin microparticles, injected into PUR scaffolds implanted in femoral plug defects, enhanced new bone formation. Furthermore, bi-weekly multiple injections of lovastatin microparticles into PUR scaffolds implanted in critical-sized femoral segmental defects resulted in increased new bone formation compared to the vehicle control. In addition, bridging of the defect with newly formed bone was observed in four of nine defects in the lovastatin microparticle treatment group, whereas none of the defects in the vehicle group showed bridging. These observations suggest that local delivery of lovastatin combined with PUR scaffold can be an effective approach for treatment of orthopaedic bone defects and that multiple injections of lovastatin may be useful for large defects.

Functional redundancy of type II BMP receptor and type IIB activin receptor in BMP2-induced osteoblast differentiation

Signaling pathways for bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are important in osteoblast differentiation. Although the precise function of type I BMP receptors in mediating BMP signaling for osteoblast differentiation and bone formation has been characterized previously, the role of type II BMP receptors in osteoblasts is to be well clarified. In this study, we investigated the role of type II BMP receptor (BMPR-II) and type IIB activin receptor (ActR-IIB) in BMP2-induced osteoblast differentiation. While osteoblastic 2T3 cells expressed BMPR-II and ActR-IIB, loss-of-function studies, using dominant negative receptors and siRNAs, showed that BMPR-II and ActR-IIB compensated each other functionally in mediating BMP2 signaling and BMP2-induced osteoblast differentiation. This was evidenced by two findings. First, unless there was loss of function of both type II receptors, isolated disruption of either BMPR-II or ActR-IIB did not remove BMP2 activity. Second, in cells with loss of function of both receptors, restoration of function of either BMPR-II or ActR-IIB by transfection of the wild-type forms, restored BMP2 activity. These findings suggest a functional redundancy between BMPR-II and ActR-IIB in osteoblast differentiation. Results from experiments to test the effects of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), activin, and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation suggest that inhibition of receptor signaling by double-blockage of BMPR-II and ActR-IIB is BMP-signaling specific. The observed functional redundancy of type II BMP receptors in osteoblasts is novel information about the BMP signaling pathway essential for initiating osteoblast differentiation.

Disruption of Kif3a in osteoblasts results in defective bone formation and osteopenia

We investigated whether Kif3a in osteoblasts has a direct role in regulating postnatal bone formation. We conditionally deleted Kif3a in osteoblasts by crossing osteocalcin (Oc; also known as Bglap)-Cre with Kif3a(flox/null) mice. Conditional Kif3a-null mice (Kif3a(Oc-cKO)) had a 75% reduction in Kif3a transcripts in bone and osteoblasts. Conditional deletion of Kif3a resulted in the reduction of primary cilia number by 51% and length by 27% in osteoblasts. Kif3a(Oc-cKO) mice developed osteopenia by 6 weeks of age unlike Kif3a(flox/+) control mice, as evidenced by reductions in femoral bone mineral density (22%), trabecular bone volume (42%) and cortical thickness (17%). By contrast, Oc-Cre;Kif3a(flox/+) and Kif3a(flox/null) heterozygous mice exhibited no skeletal abnormalities. Loss of bone mass in Kif3a(Oc-cKO) mice was associated with impaired osteoblast function in vivo, as reflected by a 54% reduction in mineral apposition rate and decreased expression of Runx2, osterix (also known as Sp7 transcription factor 7; Sp7), osteocalcin and Dmp1 compared with controls. Immortalized osteoblasts from Kif3a(Oc-cKO) mice exhibited increased cell proliferation, impaired osteoblastic differentiation, and enhanced adipogenesis in vitro. Osteoblasts derived from Kif3a(Oc-cKO) mice also had lower basal cytosolic calcium levels and impaired intracellular calcium responses to fluid flow shear stress. Sonic hedgehog-mediated Gli2 expression and Wnt3a-mediated β-catenin and Axin2 expression were also attenuated in Kif3a(Oc-cKO) bone and osteoblast cultures. These data indicate that selective deletion of Kif3a in osteoblasts disrupts primary cilia formation and/or function and impairs osteoblast-mediated bone formation through multiple pathways including intracellular calcium, hedgehog and Wnt signaling.

Microtubule assembly affects bone mass by regulating both osteoblast and osteoclast functions: stathmin deficiency produces an osteopenic phenotype in mice

Cytoskeleton microtubules regulate various cell signaling pathways that are involved in bone cell function. We recently reported that inhibition of microtubule assembly by microtubule-targeting drugs stimulates osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. To further elucidate the role of microtubules in bone homeostasis, we characterized the skeletal phenotype of mice null for stathmin, an endogenous protein that inhibits microtubule assembly. In vivo micro-computed tomography (µCT) and histology revealed that stathmin deficiency results in a significant reduction of bone mass in adult mice concurrent with decreased osteoblast and increased osteoclast numbers in bone tissues. Phenotypic analyses of primary calvarial cells and bone marrow cells showed that stathmin deficiency inhibited osteoblast differentiation and induced osteoclast formation. In vitro overexpression studies showed that increased stathmin levels enhanced osteogenic differentiation of preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells and mouse bone marrow-derived cells and attenuated osteoclast formation from osteoclast precursor Raw264.7 cells and bone marrow cells. Results of immunofluorescent studies indicated that overexpression of stathmin disrupted radial microtubule filaments, whereas deficiency of stathmin stabilized the microtubule network structure in these bone cells. In addition, microtubule-targeting drugs that inhibit microtubule assembly and induce osteoblast differentiation lost these effects in the absence of stathmin. Collectively, these results suggest that stathmin, which alters microtubule dynamics, plays an essential role in maintenance of postnatal bone mass by regulating both osteoblast and osteoclast functions in bone. \

Transcriptional regulation of BMP2 expression by the PTH-CREB signaling pathway in osteoblasts

Intermittent application of parathyroid hormone (PTH) has well established anabolic effects on bone mass in rodents and humans. Although transcriptional mechanisms responsible for these effects are not fully understood, it is recognized that transcriptional factor cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) mediates PTH signaling in osteoblasts, and that there is a communication between the PTH-CREB pathway and the BMP2 signaling pathway, which is important for osteoblast differentiation and bone formations. These findings, in conjunction with putative cAMP response elements (CREs) in the BMP2 promoter, led us to hypothesize that the PTH-CREB pathway could be a positive regulator of BMP2 transcription in osteoblasts. To test this hypothesis, we first demonstrated that PTH signaling activated CREB by phosphorylation in osteoblasts, and that both PTH and CREB were capable of promoting osteoblastic differentiation of primary mouse osteoblast cells and multiple rodent osteoblast cell lines. Importantly, we found that the PTH-CREB signaling pathway functioned as an effective activator of BMP2 expression, as pharmacologic and genetic modulation of PTH-CREB activity significantly affected BMP2 expression levels in these cells. Lastly, through multiple promoter assays, including promoter reporter deletion, mutation, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), we identified a specific CRE in the BMP2 promoter which is responsible for CREB transactivation of the BMP2 gene in osteoblasts. Together, these results demonstrate that the anabolic function of PTH signaling in bone is mediated, at least in part, by CREB transactivation of BMP2 expression in osteoblasts.

Psoralen stimulates osteoblast differentiation through activation of BMP signaling

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. In order to improve the treatment of osteoporosis, identification of anabolic and orally available agents with minimal side effects is highly desirable. Psoralen is a coumarin-like derivative extracted from Chinese herbs, which have been used to treat bone diseases for thousands of years. However, the role of Psoralen in osteoblast function and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we found that Psoralen promoted osteoblast differentiation in primary mouse calvarial osteoblasts in a dose-dependent manner, demonstrated by up-regulation of expressions of osteoblast-specific marker genes including type I collagen, osteocalcin and bone sialoprotein and enhancement of alkaline phosphatase activity. We further demonstrated that Psoralen up-regulated the expression of Bmp2 and Bmp4 genes, increased the protein level of phospho-Smad1/5/8, and activated BMP reporter (12xSBE-OC-Luc) activity in a dose-dependent manner, as well as enhanced the expression of Osx, the direct target gene of BMP signaling. Deletion of the Bmp2 and Bmp4 genes abolished the stimulatory effect of Psoralen on the expression of osteoblast marker genes, such as Col1, Alp, Oc and Bsp. Our results suggest that Psoralen acts through the activation of BMP signaling to promote osteoblast differentiation and demonstrate that Psoralen could be a potential anabolic agent to treat patients with bone loss-associated diseases such as osteoporosis.

Kif3a deficiency reverses the skeletal abnormalities in Pkd1 deficient mice by restoring the balance between osteogenesis and adipogenesis

Pkd1 localizes to primary cilia in osteoblasts and osteocytes. Targeted deletion of Pkd1 in osteoblasts results in osteopenia and abnormalities in Runx2-mediated osteoblast development. Kif3a, an intraflagellar transport protein required for cilia function, is also expressed in osteoblasts. To assess the relationship between Pkd1 and primary cilia function on bone development, we crossed heterozygous Pkd1- and Kif3a-deficient mice to create compound Pkd1 and Kif3a-deficient mice. Pkd1 haploinsufficiency (Pkd1(+/Δ)) resulted in osteopenia, characterized by decreased bone mineral density, trabecular bone volume, and cortical thickness. In addition, deficiency of Pkd1 resulted in impaired osteoblastic differentiation and enhanced adipogenesis in both primary osteoblasts and/or bone marrow stromal cell cultures. These changes were associated with decreased Runx2 expression, increased PPARγ expression, and impaired hedgehog signaling as evidenced by decreased Gli2 expression in bone and osteoblast cultures. In contrast, heterozygous Kif3a(+/Δ) mice display no abnormalities in skeletal development or osteoblast function, but exhibited decreased adipogenic markers in bone and impaired adipogenesis in vitro in association with decreased PPARγ expression and upregulation of Gli2. Superimposed Kif3a deficiency onto Pkd1(+/Δ) mice paradoxically corrected the effects of Pkd1 deficiency on bone mass, osteoblastic differentiation, and adipogenesis. In addition, Runx2, PPARγ and Gli2 expression in bone and osteoblasts were normalized in compound double Pkd1(+/Δ) and Kif3a(+/Δ) heterozygous mice. The administration of sonic hedgehog, overexpression of Gli2, and the PC1 C-tail construct all increased Gli2 and Runx2-II expression, but decreased PPARγ2 gene expression in C3H10T1/2 cells. Our findings suggest a role for Pkd1 and Kif3a to counterbalance the regulation of osteogenesis and adipogenesis through differential regulation of Runx2 and PPARγ by Gli2.

Mutant huntingtin alters cell fate in response to microtubule depolymerization via the GEF-H1-RhoA-ERK pathway

Cellular responses to drug treatment show tremendous variations. Elucidating mechanisms underlying these variations is critical for predicting therapeutic responses and developing personalized therapeutics. Using a small molecule screening approach, we discovered how a disease causing allele leads to opposing cell fates upon pharmacological perturbation. Diverse microtubule-depolymerizing agents protected mutant huntingtin-expressing cells from cell death, while being toxic to cells lacking mutant huntingtin or those expressing wild-type huntingtin. Additional neuronal cell lines and primary neurons from Huntington disease mice also showed altered survival upon microtubule depolymerization. Transcription profiling revealed that microtubule depolymerization induced the autocrine growth factor connective tissue growth factor and activated ERK survival signaling. The genotype-selective rescue was dependent upon increased RhoA protein levels in mutant huntingtin-expressing cells, because inhibition of RhoA, its downstream effector, Rho-associated kinase (ROCK), or a microtubule-associated RhoA activator, guanine nucleotide exchange factor-H1 (GEF-H1), all attenuated the rescue. Conversely, RhoA overexpression in cells lacking mutant huntingtin conferred resistance to microtubule-depolymerizer toxicity. This study elucidates a novel pathway linking microtubule stability to cell survival and provides insight into how genetic context can dramatically alter cellular responses to pharmacological interventions.

CYR61 regulates BMP-2-dependent osteoblast differentiation through the {alpha}v{beta}3 integrin/integrin-linked kinase/ERK pathway

Osteoporosis is one of the most common bone pathologies. A number of novel molecules have been reported to increase bone formation including cysteine-rich protein 61 (CYR61), a ligand of integrin receptor, but mechanisms remain unclear. It is known that bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), especially BMP-2, are crucial regulators of osteogenesis. However, the interaction between CYR61 and BMP-2 is unclear. We found that CYR61 significantly increases proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts and primary cultured osteoblasts. CYR61 enhances mRNA and protein expression of BMP-2 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, CYR61-mediated proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation are significantly decreased by knockdown of BMP-2 expression or inhibition of BMP-2 activity. In this study we found integrin α(v)β(3) is critical for CYR61-mediated BMP-2 expression and osteoblastic differentiation. We also found that integrin-linked kinase, which is downstream of the α(v)β(3) receptor, is involved in CYR61-induced BMP-2 expression and subsequent osteoblastic differentiation through an ERK-dependent pathway. Taken together, our results show that CYR61 up-regulates BMP-2 mRNA and protein expression, resulting in enhanced cell proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation through activation of the α(v)β(3) integrin/integrin-linked kinase/ERK signaling pathway.

Osthole stimulates osteoblast differentiation and bone formation by activation of beta-catenin-BMP signaling

Osteoporosis is defined as reduced bone mineral density with a high risk of fragile fracture. Current available treatment regimens include antiresorptive drugs such as estrogen receptor analogues and bisphosphates and anabolic agents such as parathyroid hormone (PTH). However, neither option is completely satisfactory because of adverse effects. It is thus highly desirable to identify novel anabolic agents to improve future osteoporosis treatment. Osthole, a coumarin-like derivative extracted from Chinese herbs, has been shown to stimulate osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, but its effect on bone formation in vivo and underlying mechanism remain unknown. In this study, we found that local injection of Osthole significantly increased new bone formation on the surface of mouse calvaria. Ovariectomy caused evident bone loss in rats, whereas Osthole largely prevented such loss, as shown by improved bone microarchitecture, histomorphometric parameters, and biomechanical properties. In vitro studies demonstrated that Osthole activated Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, increased Bmp2 expression, and stimulated osteoblast differentiation. Targeted deletion of the beta-catenin and Bmp2 genes abolished the stimulatory effect of Osthole on osteoblast differentiation. Since deletion of the Bmp2 gene did not affect Osthole-induced beta-catenin expression and the deletion of the beta-catenin gene inhibited Osthole-regulated Bmp2 expression in osteoblasts, we propose that Osthole acts through beta-catenin-BMP signaling to promote osteoblast differentiation. Our findings demonstrate that Osthole could be a potential anabolic agent to stimulate bone formation and prevent estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss.

Gli2 trafficking links Hedgehog-dependent activation of Smoothened in the primary cilium to transcriptional activation in the nucleus

Stimulation by the extracellular Hedgehog (Hh) protein signal has been shown to alter ciliary localization of the mammalian Hh receptor components Smoothened (Smo) and Patched (Ptc), and mutations that disrupt the structure and function of the cilium also disrupt Hh-induced changes in gene expression. But how ciliary events affect gene expression in the nucleus is not known, and to address this question we have characterized the cellular trafficking of Gli2, the principal mediator of Hh-dependent transcriptional activation. From a combination of pharmacological and genetic manipulations we find in resting cells that both Gli2 and Smo appear to shuttle in and out of the cilium, with Gli2 but not Smo requiring intact cytoplasmic microtubules for ciliary entry and both requiring the ciliary retrograde motor, cytoplasmic dynein 2, for ciliary exit. We also find that changes in ciliary and nuclear trafficking of Gli2 are triggered by the Hh-dependent accumulation of activated Smo in the cilium, resulting in a shift from primarily cytoplasmic localization to accumulation at the distal tip of the cilium and within the nucleus. Gli2 thus functions as a dynamic monitor of Smo activity in the cilium and thereby links Hh pathway activation in the cilium to transcriptional activation in the nucleus.

Control of BMP gene expression by long-range regulatory elements

Much evidence suggests that "developmental regulator" genes, like those encoding transcription factors and signaling molecules, are typically controlled by many modular, tissue-specific cis-regulatory elements that function during embryogenesis. These elements are often far from gene coding regions and promoters. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) drive many processes in development relating to organogenesis and differentiation. Four BMP family members, Bmp2, Bmp4, Bmp5, and Gdf6, are now known to be under the control of distant cis-regulatory elements. BMPs are thus firmly placed in the category of genes prone to this phenomenon. The analysis of distant BMP regulatory elements has provided insight into the many pleiotropic effects of BMP genes, and underscores the biological importance of non-coding genomic DNA elements.