The Inactivation of ERK1/2, p38 and NF-kB Is Involved in the Down-Regulation of Osteoclastogenesis and Function by A2B Adenosine Receptor Stimulation

CGK733 alleviates ovariectomy-induced bone loss through blocking RANKL-mediated Ca2+ oscillations and NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways

Osteoporosis is a prevalent systemic metabolic disease in modern society, in which patients often suffer from bone loss due to over-activation of osteoclasts. Currently, amelioration of bone loss through modulation of osteoclast activity is a major therapeutic strategy. Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) inhibitor CGK733 (CG) was reported to have a sensitizing impact in treating malignancies. However, its effect on osteoporosis remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of CG on osteoclast differentiation and function, as well as the therapeutic effects of CG on osteoporosis. Our study found that CG inhibits osteoclast differentiation and function. We further found that CG inhibits the activation of NFATc1 and ultimately osteoclast formation by inhibiting RANKL-mediated Ca2+ oscillation and the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway. Next, we constructed an ovariectomized mouse model and demonstrated that CG improved bone loss in ovariectomized mice. Therefore, CG may be a potential drug for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Electroacupuncture stimulating Zusanli (ST36), Sanyinjiao (SP6) in mice with collagen-induced arthritis leads to adenosine A2A receptor-mediated alteration of p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and inhibition of osteoclastogenesis

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulating Zusanli (ST36), Sanyinjiao (SP6) on inhibition of osteoclastogenesis and the role of the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) and the p38α Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in mediating this effect.

METHODS

Mice with collagen induced arthritis (CIA) received different treatments. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to determine the levels of multiple signaling molecules in these joints [receptor activator of nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL), receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK), tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6), p38α, NF-κB, and nuclear factor of activated T cells C1 (NFATc1)]. Osteoclasts were identified using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining.

RESULTS

The immunohistochemistry results indicated upregulation of p38α, NF-κB, and NFATc1 in the CIA-control and CIA-EA-SCH58261 groups, but reduced levels in the CIA-EA group. Western blotting indicated upregulation of RANKL, RANK, TRAF6, p38α, NF-κB, and NFATc1 in the CIA-control and CIA-EA-SCH58261 groups, but reduced expression in the CIA-EA group. Osteoclasts were more abundant in the CIA-control and CIA-EA-SCH58261 groups than in the CIA-EA group.

CONCLUSIONS

EA treatment enhanced the A2AR activity and inhibited osteoclast formation by inhibition of RANKL, RANK, TRAF6, p38α, NF-κB, and NFATc1. SCH58261 reversed the effect of EA. These results suggest that EA regulated p38α-MAPK signaling by increasing A2AR activity, which inhibited osteoclastogenesis.

Assembling the Puzzle Pieces. Insights for in Vitro Bone Remodeling

As a highly dynamic organ, bone changes during throughout a person's life. This process is referred to as 'bone remodeling' and it involves two stages - a well-balanced osteoclastic bone resorption and an osteoblastic bone formation. Under normal physiological conditions bone remodeling is highly regulated that ensures tight coupling between bone formation and resorption, and its disruption results in a bone metabolic disorder, most commonly osteoporosis. Though osteoporosis is one of the most prevalent skeletal ailments that affect women and men aged over 40 of all races and ethnicities, currently there are few, if any safe and effective therapeutic interventions available. Developing state-of-the-art cellular systems for bone remodeling and osteoporosis can provide important insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in skeletal homeostasis and advise better therapies for patients. This review describes osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis as two vital processes for producing mature, active bone cells in the context of interactions between cells and the bone matrix. In addition, it considers current approaches in bone tissue engineering, pointing out cell sources, core factors and matrices used in scientific practice for modeling bone diseases and testing drugs. Finally, it focuses on the challenges that bone regenerative medicine is currently facing.

Small-molecule amines: a big role in the regulation of bone homeostasis

Numerous small-molecule amines (SMAs) play critical roles in maintaining bone homeostasis and promoting bone regeneration regardless of whether they are applied as drugs or biomaterials. On the one hand, SMAs promote bone formation or inhibit bone resorption through the regulation of key molecular signaling pathways in osteoblasts/osteoclasts; on the other hand, owing to their alkaline properties as well as their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory features, most SMAs create a favorable microenvironment for bone homeostasis. However, due to a lack of information on their structure/bioactivity and underlying mechanisms of action, certain SMAs cannot be developed into drugs or biomaterials for bone disease treatment. In this review, we thoroughly summarize the current understanding of SMA effects on bone homeostasis, including descriptions of their classifications, biochemical features, recent research advances in bone biology and related regulatory mechanisms in bone regeneration. In addition, we discuss the challenges and prospects of SMA translational research.

ERK Inhibition Increases RANKL-Induced Osteoclast Differentiation in RAW 264.7 Cells by Stimulating AMPK Activation and RANK Expression and Inhibiting Anti-Osteoclastogenic Factor Expression

Bone absorption is necessary for the maintenance of bone homeostasis. An osteoclast (OC) is a monocyte-macrophage lineage cell that absorbs bone tissue. Extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) are known to play important roles in regulating OC growth and differentiation. In this study, we examined specific downstream signal pathways affected by ERK inhibition during OC differentiation. Our results showed that the ERK inhibitors PD98059 and U0126 increased receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced OC differentiation in RAW 264.7 cells, implying a negative role in OC differentiation. This is supported by the effect of ERK2-specific small interfering RNA on increasing OC differentiation. In contrast to our findings regarding the RAW 264.7 cells, the ERK inhibitors attenuated the differentiation of bone marrow-derived cells into OCs. The ERK inhibitors significantly increased the phosphorylation of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) but not the activation of p38 MAPK, Lyn, and mTOR. In addition, while the ERK inhibition increased the expression of the RANKL receptor RANK, it decreased the expression of negative mediators of OC differentiation, such as interferon regulatory factor-8, B-cell lymphoma 6, and interferon-γ. These dichotomous effects of ERK inhibition suggest that while ERKs may play positive roles in bone marrow-derived cells, ERKs may also play negative regulatory roles in RAW 264.7 cells. These data provide important information for drug development utilizing ERK inhibitors in OC-related disease treatment.

Curcuminoid (CRE-Ter)/Liposome as delivery platform for anti-osteoclastogenesis via NF-κB/ERK pathways in RANKL-induced RAW 264.7 cells through PLA foams

AIMS

Curcuminoid (CRE-Ter) is the active component of turmeric, and is widely understood to offer anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The drawbacks, however, include rapid metabolism and systemic elimination as well as minimal bioavailability. In an attempt to address the issue of bioavailability, this study seeks to encapsulate CRE-Ter in a liposome before its incorporation on PLA foams in order to inhibit the process of osteoclastogenesis which takes place in RANKL-induced RAW 264.7 cells.

MAIN METHODS

Having encapsulated the CRE-Ter into the liposomes, the influence of the release of liposomal CRE-Ter from PLA foams in order to inhibit the process of osteoclastogenesis in the case of RANKL-induced RAW 264.7 cells was investigated. By measuring the decline in tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) content it was possible to evaluate the influence of CRE-Ter/Liposome upon osteoclastogenesis in vitro. Immunocytochemistry was employed to assess the marker for the monocyte/macrophage cells F4/80 content, while Western blots were used to evaluate the underlying mechanisms involved.

KEY FINDINGS

The findings demonstrate a novel method which employs tissue engineering scaffolds, which are produced to work alongside advanced additive manufacturing techniques with their basis in concepts from the field of alternative medicine. Initially, it was confirmed that CRE-Ter/Liposome at 20 μg/ml is able to inhibit the creation of multinucleated osteoclasts which are induced by the receptor activator of the nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) in RAW 264.7 cells. It was shown that the CRE-Ter/liposome was able to increase the F4/80 content (F4/80 immunohistochemistry) in the RANKL treated RAW 264.7 cells. The TRAP content was lowered by the CRE-Ter/liposome along with the osteoclast-specific gene content such as cathepsin K, via the use of liposome-encapsulated PLA foams. When treated with CRE-Ter/liposome, RANKL-induced NF-κB and ERK components such as NF-κB-p65, ERK, phospho-NF-κB-p65, and phospho-ERK pathways were all suppressed.

SIGNIFICANCE

The successful encapsulation of CRE-Ter into the liposomes offered a new opportunity to provide a new inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis and offers the possibility of developing treatments capable of addressing diseases which concern abnormal bone lysis.

Long-Lasting Activity of ERK Kinase Depends on NFATc1 Induction and Is Involved in Cell Migration-Fusion in Murine Macrophages RAW264.7

Macrophages are mononuclear cells that become osteoclasts (OCs) in the presence of two cytokines, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL). RANKL binding to its specific receptor RANK leads to OCs differentiation mainly by nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1). In our previous study, the analysis of the protein network in NFATc1-knockdown cells, using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), showed a link between NFATc1 and Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)-extracellular receptor kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. Therefore, this study aimed to extend our knowledge of the relationship between NFATc1 and the ERK. Here, we demonstrate that delayed ERK1/2 phosphorylation in pre-OC RANKL-induced depends on NFATc1. Indeed, the knockdown of NFATc1 reduced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 (60%) and the pharmacological inhibition of the ERK1/2 kinase activity impairs the expression of NFATc1 without preventing its translocation into the nucleus. Furthermore, silencing of NFATc1 significantly reduced RANKL-induced migration (p < 0.01), and most pre-OCs are still mononuclear after 48 h (80 ± 5%), despite the presence of actin rings. On the other hand, the inhibitors FR180204 and PD98059 significantly reduced RANKL-induced cell migration (p < 0.01), leading to a reduction in the number of multinucleated cells. Finally, we suggest that long-lasting ERK activity depends on NFATc1 induction and is likely linked to cell migration, fusion, and OC differentiation.

Spi-C positively regulates RANKL-mediated osteoclast differentiation and function

Spi-C is an SPI-group erythroblast transformation-specific domain transcription factor expressed during B-cell development. Here, we report that Spi-C is a novel receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-inducible protein that positively regulates RANKL-mediated osteoclast differentiation and function. Knockdown of Spi-C decreased the expression of RANKL-induced nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), resulting in a marked decrease in the number of TRAP-positive multinucleated cells. Spi-C-transduced bone marrow-derived monocytes/macrophages (BMMs) displayed a significant increase in osteoclast formation in the presence of RANKL. In addition, Spi-C-depleted cells failed to show actin ring formation or bone resorption owing to a marked reduction in the expression of RANKL-mediated dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein and the d2 isoform of vacuolar (H+) ATPase V0 domain, which are known osteoclast fusion-related genes. Interestingly, RANKL stimulation induced the translocation of Spi-C from the cytoplasm into the nucleus during osteoclastogenesis, which was specifically blocked by inhibitors of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) or PI3 kinase. Moreover, Spi-C depletion prevented RANKL-induced MAPK activation and the degradation of inhibitor of κB-α (IκBα) in BMMs. Collectively, these results suggest that Spi-C is a novel positive regulator that promotes both osteoclast differentiation and function.

A gene-controlling protein called Spi-C promotes the development of bone-processing cells called osteoclasts; details of the molecular mechanisms involved will aid understanding of Spi-C’s role in bone health and disease. Osteoclasts degrade bone during the normal process of bone remodeling, balanced by the activity of osteoblast cells that form new bone. Excessive osteoclast activity can cause the bone loss associated with various bone diseases including early-onset osteoporosis. Researchers in South Korea led by Soo Young Lee at Ewha Womans University and Na Kyung Lee at Soonchunhyang University, Asan, found that Spi-C promotes osteoclast development by activating genes that code for key proteins of a signaling pathway known to be crucial for bone health. Drugs that interfere with Spi-C activity may therefore offer a new approach for treating bone disease.

Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase: A Regulator of Cell Growth, Inflammation, Chondrocyte and Bone Cell Receptor-Mediated Gene Expression

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) is a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family of signaling molecules. ERK is predominantly found in two forms, ERK1 (p44) and ERK2 (p42), respectively. There are also several atypical forms of ERK, including ERK3, ERK4, ERK5 and ERK7. The ERK1/2 signaling pathway has been implicated in many and diverse cellular events, including proliferation, growth, differentiation, cell migration, cell survival, metabolism and transcription. ERK1/2 is activated (i.e., phosphorylated) in the cytosol and subsequently translocated to the nucleus, where it activates transcription factors including, but not limited to, ETS, c-Jun, and Fos. It is not surprising that the ERK1/2 signaling cascade has been implicated in many pathological conditions, namely, cancer, arthritis, chronic inflammation, and osteoporosis. This narrative review examines many of the cellular events in which the ERK1/2 signaling cascade plays a critical role. It is anticipated that agents designed to inhibit ERK1/2 activation or p-ERK1/2 activity will be developed for the treatment of those diseases characterized by dysregulated gene expression through ERK1/2 activation.

The Adenosine A2B Receptor Drives Osteoclast-Mediated Bone Resorption in Hypoxic Microenvironments

Osteoclast-mediated bone destruction is amplified in the hypoxic synovial microenvironment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This increased bone resorption is driven by the hypoxia-inducible transcription factor HIF. We identified hypoxic induction of the HIF-regulated adenosine A_2B receptor in primary human osteoclasts (mRNA, 3.8-fold increase, p < 0.01) and sought to identify the role(s) of purinergic signaling via this receptor in the bone resorption process. Primary human osteoclasts were differentiated from CD14+ monocytes and exposed to hypoxia (2% O₂) and A_2B receptor inhibitors (MRS1754, PSB603). The hypoxic increase in bone resorption was prevented by the inhibition of the A_2B receptor, at least partly by the attenuation of glycolytic and mitochondrial metabolism via inhibition of HIF. A_2B receptor inhibition also reduced osteoclastogenesis in hypoxia by inhibiting early cell fusion (day 3–4, p < 0.05). The A_2B receptor is only functional in hypoxic or inflammatory environments when the extracellular concentrations of adenosine (1.6-fold increase, p < 0.05) are sufficient to activate the receptor. Inhibition of the A_2B receptor under normoxic conditions therefore did not affect any parameter tested. Reciprocal positive regulation of HIF and the A_2B receptor in a hypoxic microenvironment thus enhances glycolytic and mitochondrial metabolism in osteoclasts to drive increased bone resorption. A_2B receptor inhibition could potentially prevent the pathological osteolysis associated with hypoxic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Small Molecules Enhance Scaffold-Based Bone Grafts via Purinergic Receptor Signaling in Stem Cells

The need for bone grafts is high, due to age-related diseases, such as tumor resections, but also accidents, risky sports, and military conflicts. The gold standard for bone grafting is the use of autografts from the iliac crest, but the limited amount of accessible material demands new sources of bone replacement. The use of mesenchymal stem cells or their descendant cells, namely osteoblast, the bone-building cells and endothelial cells for angiogenesis, combined with artificial scaffolds, is a new approach. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be obtained from the patient themselves, or from donors, as they barely cause an immune response in the recipient. However, MSCs never fully differentiate in vitro which might lead to unwanted effects in vivo. Interestingly, purinergic receptors can positively influence the differentiation of both osteoblasts and endothelial cells, using specific artificial ligands. An overview is given on purinergic receptor signaling in the most-needed cell types involved in bone metabolism-namely osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and endothelial cells. Furthermore, different types of scaffolds and their production methods will be elucidated. Finally, recent patents on scaffold materials, as wells as purinergic receptor-influencing molecules which might impact bone grafting, are discussed.

Roles of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases in Osteoclast Biology

Bone undergoes continuous remodeling, which is homeostatically regulated by concerted communication between bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-degrading osteoclasts. Multinucleated giant osteoclasts are the only specialized cells that degrade or resorb the organic and inorganic bone components. They secrete proteases (e.g., cathepsin K) that degrade the organic collagenous matrix and establish localized acidosis at the bone-resorbing site through proton-pumping to facilitate the dissolution of inorganic mineral. Osteoporosis, the most common bone disease, is caused by excessive bone resorption, highlighting the crucial role of osteoclasts in intact bone remodeling. Signaling mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38, has been recognized to be critical for normal osteoclast differentiation and activation. Various exogenous (e.g., toll-like receptor agonists) and endogenous (e.g., growth factors and inflammatory cytokines) stimuli contribute to determining whether MAPKs positively or negatively regulate osteoclast adhesion, migration, fusion and survival, and osteoclastic bone resorption. In this review, we delineate the unique roles of MAPKs in osteoclast metabolism and provide an overview of the upstream regulators that activate or inhibit MAPKs and their downstream targets. Furthermore, we discuss the current knowledge about the differential kinetics of ERK, JNK, and p38, and the crosstalk between MAPKs in osteoclast metabolism.