Autocrine stimulation of osteoblast activity by Wnt5a in response to TNF-α in human mesenchymal stem cells

Although anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α treatments efficiently block inflammation in ankylosing spondylitis (AS), they are inefficient to prevent excessive bone formation. In AS, ossification seems more prone to develop in sites where inflammation has resolved following anti-TNF therapy, suggesting that TNF-α indirectly stimulates ossification. In this context, our objectives were to determine and compare the involvement of Wnt proteins, which are potent growth factors of bone formation, in the effects of TNF-α on osteoblast function. In human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), TNF-α significantly increased the levels of Wnt10b and Wnt5a. Associated with this effect, TNF-α stimulated tissue-non specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) and mineralization. This effect was mimicked by activation of the canonical β-catenin pathway with either anti-Dkk1 antibodies, lithium chloride (LiCl) or SB216763. TNF-α reduced, and activation of β-catenin had little effect on expression of osteocalcin, a late marker of osteoblast differentiation. Surprisingly, TNF-α failed to stabilize β-catenin and Dkk1 did not inhibit TNF-α effects. In fact, Dkk1 expression was also enhanced in response to TNF-α, perhaps explaining why canonical signaling by Wnt10b was not activated by TNF-α. However, we found that Wnt5a also stimulated TNAP in MSCs cultured in osteogenic conditions, and increased the levels of inflammatory markers such as COX-2. Interestingly, treatment with anti-Wnt5a antibodies reduced endogenous TNAP expression and activity. Collectively, these data suggest that increased levels of Dkk1 may blunt the autocrine effects of Wnt10b, but not that of Wnt5a, acting through non-canonical signaling. Thus, Wnt5a may be potentially involved in the effects of inflammation on bone formation.

Evidences for a role of p38 MAP kinase in the stimulation of alkaline phosphatase and matrix mineralization induced by parathyroid hormone in osteoblastic cells

Increased bone formation by PTH mainly results from activation of osteoblasts, an effect largely mediated by the cAMP-PKA pathway. Other pathways, however, are likely to be involved in this process. In this study we investigated whether PTH can activate p38 MAPK and the role of this kinase in osteoblastic cells. Bovine PTH(1-34) and forskolin markedly increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and doubled osteocalcin (Oc) expression in early differentiating MC3T3-E1 cells. These effects were associated with increase in cellular cAMP and activation of the MAP kinases ERK and p38. Activation of these MAP kinases was detectable after 1 h incubation with 10(-7) M PTH and lasted 1-2 h. Activation of p38 was mimicked by 10 microM forskolin and prevented by H89 suggesting a cAMP-PKA-dependent mechanism of p38 activation. Interestingly, PTH-induced ALP stimulation was dose-dependently inhibited by a specific p38 inhibitor with no change in the generation of cAMP and the production of osteocalcin. Similar inhibitory effect was obtained in cells stably expressing a dominant-negative p38 molecule. Finally, treatment of MC3T3-E1 cells with PTH for 3 weeks significantly enhanced matrix mineralization and this effect was markedly reduced by a selective p38 but not a specific MEK inhibitor. In conclusion, data presented in this study indicate that PTH can activate p38 in early differentiating osteoblastic cells. Activation of p38 is cAMP-PKA-dependent and mediates PTH-induced stimulation of ALP which plays a critical role for the calcification of the bone matrix.

Activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and c-Jun-NH2-terminal kinase by BMP-2 and their implication in the stimulation of osteoblastic cell differentiation

Signaling involved in osteoblastic cell differentiation remains largely unknown. This study further investigates mechanisms involved in BMP-2-induced osteoblastic cell differentiation. We report that BMP-2 can activate JNK and p38 in osteoblastic cells and provide evidences that these MAP kinases have distinct roles in regulating alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin expression.

INTRODUCTION

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 exerts many of its biological effects through activation of the Smad pathway. Cooperative interactions between the Smads and the stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) p38 and c-Jun-NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways have recently been observed in TGF-beta signaling.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases by BMP-2 and the role of these signaling pathways for cell differentiation induced by BMP-2 was investigated in mouse MC3T3-E1 and primary cultured calvaria-derived osteoblastic cells using immunoprecipitation, in vitro kinase assay and Western blot analysis, as well as specific MAP kinase inhibitors.

RESULTS

Associated with the rapid activation of Smads, BMP-2 barely affected extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) activity, whereas it induced a transient activation of p38 and JNK. The role of p38 and JNK in mediating BMP-2-induced stimulation of osteoblastic cell differentiation was evaluated using the respective specific inhibitors SB203580 and SP600125. Inhibition of p38 by SB203580 was mainly associated with decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, whereas inhibition of JNK by SP600125 was associated with a marked reduction in osteocalcin (OC) production induced by BMP-2. Corresponding alterations in ALP and OC mRNA levels were found in cells treated with BMP-2 and inhibitors, suggesting an implication of p38 and JNK pathways in BMP-2-induced osteoblastic cell differentiation at a transcriptional level.

CONCLUSION

Data presented in this study describe p38 and JNK as new signaling pathways involved in BMP-2-induced osteoblastic cell differentiation with evidences for a distinct role of each MAP kinase in the control of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin expression.

Evidence for a role of p38 MAP kinase in expression of alkaline phosphatase during osteoblastic cell differentiation

In the present study, we investigate the implication of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) Erk, p38, and JNK in mediating the effect of fetal calf serum (FCS) on the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells. Erk is stimulated by FCS in proliferating, early-differentiating, as well as in mature cells. Activation of p38 by FCS is not detected in proliferating cells but is observed as the cells differentiate. JNK is activated in response to FCS throughout the entire differentiation process, but a maximal stimulation is observed in early differentiating cells. The roles of Erk and p38 pathways in mediating MC3T3-E1 cell differentiation was determined using specific inhibitors such as U0126 and SB203580, respectively. These experiments confirmed that the Erk pathway is essential for mediating cell proliferation in response to FCS, but indicated that this MAP kinase has little effect in regulating the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. In contrast, p38 only marginally influenced proliferation, but appeared to be critical for the control of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression in differentiating cells. Finally, results obtained with high doses of SB203580, which also affected JNK activity, suggest that p38 and/or JNK are probably also involved in the control of type 1 collagen and osteocalcin expression in differentiating cells. The data indicate that MAPKs regulate different stages of MC3T3-E1 cell development in response to FCS. Distinct MAPK pathways seem to independently modulate osteoblastic cell proliferation and differentiation, with Erk playing an essential role in cell replication, whereas p38 is involved in the regulation of ALP expression during osteoblastic cell differentiation. JNK is also probably involved in the regulation of osteoblastic cell differentiation, but its precise role requires further investigation.

Species-specific mechanisms control the activity of the Pit1/PIT1 phosphate transporter gene promoter in mouse and human

The Pit1 phosphate transporter is involved in regulated phosphate handling in bone forming cells. In this study, we compared the structure of the murine and human Pit1/PIT1 promoters and characterized cis-acting elements controlling Pit1/PIT1 expression. The Pit1/PIT1 promoter sequence and its location relative to the first transcribed exon are conserved and similar transcription factor binding sites are found at identical positions in mouse and human. Luciferase reporter gene assays in transiently transfected mouse ATDC5 chondrocytes and human SaOS-2 osteoblasts indicated that the activity of the mouse Pit1 promoter depends on several cis-acting elements, including ATF/CREB, Sp1 and AP-1 sites, an E-box and a TATA box. In contrast, the activity of the human promoter essentially requires a TATA-like sequence and one single Sp1 site. This Sp1 site binds Sp1, Sp3, as well as unidentified proteins present in SaOS-2 nuclear extracts and co-transfection experiments in SL2 cells indicate that Sp1 and Sp3 activate transcription from the human PIT1 promoter. These data suggest that, despite similarities in promoter structure, changes in the relative importance of conserved transcription factor binding sites cause species-dependent differences in Pit1 promoter function, which allow Sp1-related proteins to play a particularly important role in human.

Stimulation of sodium-dependent inorganic phosphate transport by activation of Gi/o-protein-coupled receptors by epinephrine in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells

Recent data have shown that activation of Gi-protein-coupled receptors in osteoblast-like cells enhances the proliferation and differentiation of these cells. In the present study, we investigated the effect of epinephrine, an agonist of Gi-protein-coupled receptors in MC3T3-E1 cells, on Pi transport, type III Pi transporter expression, and the signaling mechanism(s) involved in this response. Epinephrine time- and dose-dependently stimulated sodium-dependent Pi transport and this effect was dependent on RNA and protein synthesis. This effect was associated with a related time-dependent increase in Pit-1 mRNA expression. Kinetic analysis indicated that the change in Pi transport activity induced by epinephrine was due to alteration in the maximal rate of Pi transport. Investigation of Pi transport stimulation by several adrenergic agonists and its inhibition by spiperone suggest that the effect of epinephrine on Pi transport was mediated by alpha1-adrenergic receptors. Pertussis toxin, which inactivates Gi/o proteins, significantly blunted the stimulatory effect of epinephrine on Pi transport. Analysis of the signaling pathways involved in this response has suggested a major role of protein kinase C and a small contribution from the mitogen-activated protein kinase Erk (MAPK(erk)). The results show that, in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells, activation of Gi/o-protein-coupled receptors induces stimulation of Pi transport. This effect is mediated by activation of protein kinase C and the MAPK(erk) pathway and probably involves the synthesis of Pit-1 transporters.

Role of N-cadherin and protein kinase C in osteoblast gene activation induced by the S252W fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 mutation in Apert craniosynostosis

Apert (Ap) syndrome is characterized by premature cranial suture ossification caused by fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR-2) mutations. We studied the role of cadherins and signaling events in the phenotypic alterations induced by the Ap FGFR-2 S252W mutation in mutant immortalized fetal human calvaria osteoblasts. The FGFR-2 mutation caused increased expression of the osteoblast markers alkaline phosphatase (ALP), type 1 collagen (COLIA1), and osteocalcin (OC) in long-term culture. The mutation also increased cell-cell aggregation, which was suppressed by specific neutralizing anti-N- and anti-E-cadherin antibodies. Mutant osteoblasts showed increased N- and E-cadherin, but not N-cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels. This was confirmed in vivo by the abundant immunoreactive N- and E-cadherins in preosteoblasts in the Ap suture whereas N-CAM and alpha- and beta-catenins were unaffected. Neutralizing anti-N-cadherin antibody or N-cadherin antisense (AS) oligonucleotides but not anti-E-cadherin antibody or AS reduced ALP activity as well as ALP, COLIA1, and OC mRNA overexpression in mutant osteoblasts. Analysis of signal transduction revealed increased phospholipase Cgamma (PLCgamma) and protein kinase Calpha (PKCalpha) phosphorylation and increased PKC activity in mutant cells in basal conditions. Inhibition of PKC by calphostin C or the PKCalpha-specific inhibitor Gö6976 suppressed the increased N-cadherin mRNA and protein levels as well as the overexpression of ALP, COLIA1, and OC mRNA in mutant cells. Thus, N-cadherin plays a role in the activation of osteoblast differentiation marker genes in mutant osteoblasts and PKCalpha signaling appears to be involved in the increased N-cadherin and osteoblast gene expression induced by the S252W FGFR-2 mutation in human osteoblasts.

Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) increases N-cadherin expression through protein kinase C and Src-kinase pathways in human calvaria osteoblasts

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are important factors regulating osteogenesis. However, the early mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in FGF actions in osteoblasts are unknown. We investigated the effects of FGF-2 on cell-cell adhesion and cadherin expression and the underlying signaling pathways in immortalized human neonatal calvaria (IHNC) cells. These cells express E- and N-cadherins, as shown by immunocytochemical and Western blot analyses. rhFGF-2 increased cell-cell adhesion at 24-72 h, as measured in a cell aggregation assay, and this effect was blocked by specific neutralizing anti-N-cadherin, but not anti-E-cadherin antibodies. Accordingly, ELISA and Western blot analyses showed that rhFGF-2 (10-100 ng/ml) dose dependently increased N-cadherin but not E-cadherin protein levels. RT-PCR analysis showed that rhFGF-2 transiently increased N-cadherin mRNA levels in IHNC cells. The RNA polymerase II inhibitor 5,6-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosyl benzimidazole prevented the rhFGF-2-induced up-regulation of N-cadherin mRNA, suggesting that transcription is necessary for this effect. Analysis of signaling molecules showed evidence that PLCgamma-PKC, Src, Erk 1/2 and p38 MAPK pathways are activated by rhFGF-2 in IHNC cells. The selective PKC inhibitors calphostin C, Ro-31-8220, Gö6976 and Gö6983 abrogated the stimulatory effect of rhFGF-2 on N-cadherin mRNA levels. The src-family tyrosine kinase inhibitor PP1 also blocked rhFGF-2-promoted N-cadherin expression. In contrast, the p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB 203580 or the MEK inhibitor PD98059 had no effect on rhFGF-2-induced N-cadherin mRNA levels. Our data indicate that FGF-2 increases N-cadherin expression and function in human calvaria osteoblasts via activation of PKC and src-kinase pathways. This study identifies N-cadherin as a previously unrecognized target gene for FGF-2 signaling pathway that regulates cell-cell adhesion in human osteoblasts.

Evidence for the involvement of two pathways in activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) and cell proliferation by Gi and Gq protein-coupled receptors in osteoblast-like cells

The mechanisms by which Gi and Gq protein- coupled receptors mediate mitogenic signaling in osteoblast-like cells are unknown and were investigated in MC3T3-E1 cells using specific receptor agonists such as lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha). In contrast to their implication in epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor tyrosine kinase signaling, the adaptor protein Shc, the Grb2/Sos complex, and the small G protein Ras were not involved in the activation of Erk induced by either LPA or PGF2alpha in MC3T3-E1 cells, suggesting that activation of Erk by Gi and Gq protein-coupled receptors is Ras independent in these cells. Using specific kinase inhibitors and kinetic analyses, we provide evidence for two distinct components in the activation of Erk by Gi and Gq protein-coupled receptors in MC3T3-E1 cells including an Src-like kinase-dependent pathway and a protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent mechanism. Functional analyses suggested that these two components are required for optimal DNA synthesis in response to LPA and PGF2alpha. These results suggest the implication of two pathways in the stimulation of Erk and cell replication by growth factors acting through Gi and Gq protein-coupled receptors in bone-forming cells.

A novel in vitro culture system for analysis of functional role of phosphate transport in endochondral ossification

In vivo expression of the type III sodium-dependent phosphate transporter (NaPiT) Glvr-1 during endochondral ossification, suggests a functional role for inorganic phosphate (Pi) transport in cartilage calcification. For further analysis of this relationship, an in vitro model of endochondral ossification is required. In this context, we investigated the characteristics of Pi transport in the new chondrogenic cell line ATDC5 in relation to extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and mineralization. Pi uptake in ATDC-5 cells and in isolated matrix vesicles (MVs) is mediated by an Na-dependent Pi transporter with a pH dependency characteristic of a type III Pi carrier (lower activity at alkaline pH). Northern blot analysis indicated that ATDC-5 cells express Glvr-1 transcripts during the various stages of their maturation with a maximal level during the proliferating stage. In isolated MVs, Pi transport activity was maximal at day 21, concomitant with the beginning of type X collagen messenger RNA expression. These events preceded the initiation of matrix mineralization, which was apparent at day 25, and then gradually increased until day 47. This temporal relationship between maximal Pi transport activity in MVs and the expression of a marker of mineralizing chondrocytes is compatible with the possible involvement of Pi transport in the ECM calcification observed in ATDC-5 cell cultures. In conclusion, these observations suggest that ATCD-5 cells in culture represent a promising model for the analysis of a functional role of Pi transport in the initial events of endochondral ossification.

Transforming growth factor-beta stimulates inorganic phosphate transport and expression of the type III phosphate transporter Glvr-1 in chondrogenic ATDC5 cells

Members of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta family are important regulators of skeletal development. In this study, we investigated the effect of TGF-beta1 on inorganic phosphate (Pi) transport and on expression of the type III Pi carriers Glvr-1 and Ram-1 in murine ATDC5 chondrocytes. TGF-beta1 induced a selective, dose- and time-dependent increase in sodium-dependent Pi transport in ATDC5 cells. This response was dependent on RNA and protein synthesis and reflected a change in the maximal rate of the transport system, suggesting that TGF-beta1 induces the synthesis of new Pi carriers and their insertion into the plasma membrane. Consistently, Northern blotting analysis showed a dose-dependent increase in Glvr-1 messenger RNA expression in response to TGF-beta1, which preceded the maximal stimulation of Pi transport by several hours. Glvr-1 thus likely mediates at least part of the increase in Pi uptake induced by TGF-beta1. Ram-1 messenger RNA expression was not affected by TGF-beta1. TGF-beta1 activated the Smad signaling pathway and the mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK and p38 in ATDC5 cells. Unlike the regulation of Pi transport by receptor tyrosine kinase agonists in osteoblasts, the effect of TGF-beta1 on Pi uptake in ATDC5 cells did not involve protein kinase C or mitogen-activated protein kinases, suggesting that a specific, possibly Smad-dependent, signal mediates this response. In conclusion, TGF-beta1 stimulates Pi transport and Glvr-1 expression in chondrocytes, suggesting that, like proliferation, differentiation, and matrix synthesis, Pi handling is subject to regulation by TGF-beta3 family members in bone-forming cells.

Structure of the murine Pit1 phosphate transporter/retrovirus receptor gene and functional characterization of its promoter region

The Pit1 phosphate transporter (formerly also called Glvr-1) probably plays an important role in regulated phosphate handling in bone-forming cells. In this study, we describe the structure of the mouse Pit1 gene, as well as some functional characteristics of its promoter region in murine bone cells. Screening of a genomic library led to the isolation of two overlapping lambda clones containing 7kb of 5' flanking region, as well as the 10 exons of the mouse Pit1 gene corresponding to the published cDNA. The translation start site is located within exon I and the stop codon within exon X. The overall structure of the mouse gene is very similar to that of its human homolog, except for the presence of an additional 5' untranslated exon in human. The structure of the 5' untranslated region of the mouse gene was thus further investigated using rapid amplification of cDNA ends in murine ATDC5, MC3T3-E1 and Swiss 3T3 cells. The results indicate that, compared to the published cDNA, the mouse Pit1 gene contains in fact one additional 5' exon, which we named exon IA. Reporter gene assays demonstrate the presence of a functional TATA box containing promoter upstream of exon IA. This description of the murine Pit1 gene and of its promoter region paves the way to more detailed analyses concerning the regulation of Pit1 transcription in mouse cells. Furthermore, a comparison of mouse and human promoters will hopefully allow a better understanding of general mechanisms regulating Pit1 expression in different species.

Stimulation of sodium-dependent phosphate transport and signaling mechanisms induced by basic fibroblast growth factor in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells

Physiological and pathological observations indicate that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is an important regulator of osteoblastic cell differentiation and in particular of cranial ossification. Experimental evidence suggests that inorganic phosphate (Pi) transport could be an important function of bone matrix calcification. In the present study, we address the influence of bFGF on Pi transport activity in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells derived from mouse calvaria. The results indicate that bFGF is a potent and selective stimulator of sodium-dependent Pi transport in these cells. The change in Pi transport activity induced by bFGF depends on transcription and translation and corresponds to a change in the maximum velocity of the Pi transport system (Vmax). These observations suggest that enhanced Pi transport activity in response to bFGF may result from insertion of newly synthesized Pi transporters into the plasma membrane. A selective inhibitor of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) tyrosine kinase, SU5402, blunted the stimulation of Pi transport induced by bFGF. It also prevented the increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation induced by bFGF, including phosphorylation of FGFR-1, FGFR-2, phospholipase C-gamma (PLC-gamma), and Shc as well as the recruitment of the Grb2/Sos signaling complex. In addition, bFGF-induced the activation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38, effects that were prevented by SU5402. Both the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor calphostin C and PKC down-regulation suppressed the stimulatory effect of bFGF on Pi transport. Selective inhibitors of ERK and p38 MAP kinases slightly reduced this cellular response with a significant effect observed with the highest concentration of the p38 MAP kinase inhibitor. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that bFGF selectively stimulates Pi transport in calvaria-derived osteoblastic cells. The main signaling mechanism responsible for this effect involves tyrosine phosphorylation of PLC-gamma and activation of PKC, with a possible contribution of the p38 MAP kinase pathway.

Insulin-induced stimulation of Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity in kidney proximal tubule cells depends on phosphorylation of the alpha-subunit at Tyr-10

Phosphorylation of the alpha-subunit of Na+,K(+)-ATPase plays an important role in the regulation of this pump. Recent studies suggest that insulin, known to increase solute and fluid reabsorption in mammalian proximal convoluted tubule (PCT), is stimulating Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity through the tyrosine phosphorylation process. This study was therefore undertaken to evaluate the role of tyrosine phosphorylation of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase alpha-subunit in the action of insulin. In rat PCT, insulin and orthovanadate (a tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor) increased tyrosine phosphorylation level of the alpha-subunit more than twofold. Their effects were not additive, suggesting a common mechanism of action. Insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation was prevented by genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The site of tyrosine phosphorylation was identified on Tyr-10 by controlled trypsinolysis in rat PCTs and by site-directed mutagenesis in opossum kidney cells transfected with rat alpha-subunit. The functional relevance of Tyr-10 phosphorylation was assessed by 1) the abolition of insulin-induced stimulation of the ouabain-sensitive (86)Rb uptake in opossum kidney cells expressing mutant rat alpha1-subunits wherein tyrosine was replaced by alanine or glutamine; and 2) the similarity of the time course and dose dependency of the insulin-induced increase in ouabain-sensitive (86)Rb uptake and tyrosine phosphorylation. These findings indicate that phosphorylation of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase alpha-subunit at Tyr-10 likely participates in the physiological control of sodium reabsorption in PCT.

Regulation of alkaline phosphatase activity by p38 MAP kinase in response to activation of Gi protein-coupled receptors by epinephrine in osteoblast-like cells

The signaling mechanisms responsible for the regulation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity by exogenous factors in osteoblast-like cells remain poorly understood. Among various agents, epinephrine was recently found to increase ALP activity in differentiating MC3T3-E1 cells by stimulating alpha1 adrenergic receptors coupled to Gi proteins. In the present study, we investigated the role of both ERK2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases in mediating this response in MC3T3-E1 cells. Our results indicate that both MAP kinases are transiently stimulated by epinephrine in differentiating cells via a pertussis toxin sensitive mechanism. The role of each MAP kinase pathway in mediating the stimulation of ALP activity by epinephrine was investigated using specific inhibitors. The MEK inhibitor PD98059, blocked ERK2 activity induced by epinephrine but had no effect on the stimulation of ALP activity. In contrast, low concentrations of SB203580, a specific inhibitor of the p38 MAP kinase, completely blunted this cellular response. However, this inhibitor had no influence on the stimulation of ALP activity induced by ascorbic acid. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest distinct roles for ERK and p38 MAP kinase pathways in regulating activity of MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells. The ERK pathway is likely involved in the control of cell proliferation whereas the p38 MAP kinase pathway regulates ALP activity in response to activation of Gi protein-coupled receptors.

Characterization of the human Glvr-1 phosphate transporter/retrovirus receptor gene and promoter region

The cell surface receptor for gibbon ape leukemia virus (Glvr-1) belongs to the type III sodium-dependent phosphate transporter/retrovirus receptor gene family. Several observations have suggested an important role for Glvr-1 in regulated Pi handling in bone forming cells and prompted us to investigate further the molecular mechanisms regulating Glvr-1 gene expression. In addition, the regulation of Glvr-1 gene expression also has potential applications to gene therapy, since retroviral vectors carrying gibbon ape leukemia virus envelope proteins are used for gene delivery into different cell types. The aim of this study was thus to clone the human Glvr-1 gene in order to describe its structure and its promoter region. Our results indicate that the Glvr-1 gene consists of 11 exons and 10 introns spread over 18kb of genomic DNA. The translation initiation site is located within exon II and the translation stop codon within exon XI. Rapid amplification of cDNA ends (5'-RACE) suggests that, in human SaOS-2 osteoblast-like cells, transcription of Glvr-1 is initiated at multiple sites, mostly located between bp 32 and 50 of the published cDNA sequence, which was initially obtained from HL-60 cells. The 5'-flanking region of the gene is characterized by a very high GC content. Reporter gene assays demonstrate the presence of a functional promoter upstream of exon I and indicate that a GC-rich region, containing two potential SP1 binding sites, is required for high promoter activity in transiently transfected SaOS-2 cells. The description of the human Glvr-1 gene structure, as well as the analysis of some structural and functional characteristics of its promoter region, provide a basis for more detailed investigation of the molecular mechanisms controlling expression of the Glvr-1 gene in bone forming cells and in other cell types.

In vivo expression of transcripts encoding the Glvr-1 phosphate transporter/retrovirus receptor during bone development

In vitro observations suggest that inorganic phosphate (Pi) transport plays an important functional role in osteogenic cells and in their matrix vesicles for the initiation of matrix calcification. Recent studies have shown that the type III sodium-dependent Pi transporters, Glvr-1 and Glvr-2, are expressed in human osteoblast-like cells and have suggested a potential role for type III transporters in regulated Pi handling in osteogenic cells. To address the relevance of these findings in the context of bone formation in vivo and, in particular, in relation to matrix calcification, we investigated expression of the Glvr-1 transporter by in situ hybridization in developing embryonic murine metatarsals, using human Glvr-1 cDNA as a probe. In this model of endochondral ossification, expression of transcripts encoding Glvr-1 could be detected from day 17 of embryonic development. A hybridization signal for Glvr-1 was specifically observed in a subset of hypertrophic chondrocytes and could not be detected in osteoblasts. The expression of Glvr-1 mRNA was compared with that of transcripts encoding extracellular matrix proteins. Glvr-1 mRNA expression was confined to a population of early hypertrophic chondrocytes expressing type X collagen and to slightly more mature cells that express transcripts encoding osteopontin but lack type X collagen mRNA. No Glvr-1 transcripts were detected in fully differentiated hypertrophic chondrocytes. This pattern of Glvr-1 mRNA expression was maintained throughout embryonic development until after birth. In conclusion, the Glvr-1 phosphate transporter is selectively expressed in a subset of hypertrophic chondrocytes during endochondral bone formation, in a region where matrix mineralization proceeds. This observation represents the first in vivo evidence consistent with a potential role for this phosphate transporter in matrix calcification.

Catecholamines stimulate the proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity of MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells

A number of factors have been shown to influence osteoblastic proliferation, including fluoride. Recent observations suggest that heterotrimeric G proteins are probably involved in the mitogenic response induced by this agent, further suggesting a role of guanosine 5'-triphosphate (GTP)-binding protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) in the regulation of osteoblastic cell growth. We therefore explored what mitogenic factors known to activate GPCR can influence the replication of mouse osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. Among several candidates, epinephrine was found to be a potent mitogen for these cells, and its effect on the growth and differentiation of these cells was further investigated. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis was dose dependently enhanced by this catecholamine in the concentration range of 1 nmol/L-10 micromol/L. Stimulation of DNA synthesis by catecholamines was in the order of epinephrine > norepinephrine >> isoproterenol, indicating that alpha adrenergic receptors mediated this cellular response. Further analysis with specific adrenergic receptor agonists and antagonists suggested that the mitogenic response induced by epinephrine in MC3T3-E1 cells is mediated by alpha1 adrenergic receptors. In addition to its effect on cell replication, epinephrine also enhanced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in these cells but had little effect on collagen synthesis and osteocalcin production. As for the mitogenic response, the change in ALP activity was found to be mediated by alpha1 adrenergic receptors. Both effects of epinephrine on cell replication and ALP activity were markedly reduced by pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin (PTX), suggesting a role of Gi proteins. These effects were also completely blocked by pretreatment of the cells with 50 micromol/L genistein, a nonselective inhibitor of tyrosine kinase. In conclusion, the results indicate that epinephrine enhances replication and ALP activity of MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells via alpha1 adrenergic receptors coupled to Gi proteins. The signaling mechanism probably involves a tyrosine phosphorylation mechanism. These observations suggest that PTX-sensitive G proteins are potent mediators of cell proliferation and ALP activity of osteoblast-like cells in response to factors acting through G protein-coupled receptors.

Arginine increases insulin-like growth factor-I production and collagen synthesis in osteoblast-like cells

Protein-energy malnutrition, which is common in elderly patients with osteoporotic hip fractures, is associated with reduced plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). IGF-I is an important regulator of bone metabolism, particularly of osteoblastic bone formation both in vivo and in vitro. Pharmacological doses of arginine (Arg) increase growth hormone (GH) and IGF-I serum levels. Whether amino acids, particularly Arg, can directly modulate the production of IGF-I by osteoblasts is not known. We investigated the effects of increasing concentrations of Arg on IGF-I expression and production, alpha1(I) collagen expression and collagen synthesis, and cell proliferation and cell differentiation, as assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteocalcin (OC) release, in confluent mouse osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. The addition of Arg (7.5-7500 micromol/L, equivalent to 0.1- to 100-fold human plasma concentration) for 48 h increased IGF-I production (adjusted for cell number) in a concentration-dependent manner with a maximum of 2.3 +/- 0.3-fold at 7500 micromol/L Arg [x +/- standard error of the mean (SEM), n = 3 experiments, p < 0.01]. Arg (7.5-7500 micromol/L) increased the percentage of de novo collagen synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner (2.1 +/- 0.4-fold with 7500 micromol/L Arg, p < 0.001) and ALP activity with a maximal stimulation of 144% +/- 13% plateauing at 750 micromol/l Arg (p = 0.002). The steady state level of IGF-I messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and alpha1(I) collagen mRNA (both normalized to cyclophilin mRNA) of cells incubated with Arg at high (100-fold) or low (0.1-fold) human plasma concentrations, was 1.4 +/- 0.2, 1.2 +/- 0.2, and 1.1 +/- 0.2 after 24 h for the 7.5, 1.8, and 0.9 kb IGF-I mRNA transcripts, respectively (n = 3 experiments) and 1.5 +/- 0.2 and 3.1 +/- 0.7 after 24 and 48 h, respectively, for the combined analysis of the 5.6 and 4.7 kb alpha1(I) collagen mRNA transcripts (n = 3 experiments). A maximal mitogenic effect (cell number) of +21% +/- 3% (p < 0.01) was obtained with 1000 micromol/L Arg. In contrast, Arg (7.5-7500 micromol/L) induced a reduction of OC production, which reached 30% +/- 3% with 7500 micromol/L Arg (p = 0.02). In conclusion, Arg stimulated IGF-I production and collagen synthesis in osteoblast-like cells. Thus, Arg may influence bone formation by enhancing local IGF-I production.

Fluoride potentiates the osteogenic effects of IGF-I in aged ovariectomized rats

The molecular mechanisms whereby fluoride stimulates osteogenic cell proliferation are not clearly established. However, fluoride has been shown to enhance the protein tyrosine phosphorylation of various constituents of intracellular signaling cascades in osteoblastic cells following stimulation of growth factor receptors such as the insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) receptor. Such in vitro findings provided the rationale for testing whether the administration of fluoride could enhance IGF-I effects on bone mass in vivo. Adult ovariectomized osteopenic rats were treated with sodium fluoride at a dose of 6 mg/kg per day in drinking water for 8 weeks in association with IGF-I either at a dose of 2 mg/kg per day, which is capable of increasing bone mass, or at a lower dose without detectable skeletal effects. Bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC) were evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the levels of the lumbar spine and proximal, midshaft, and total tibia before and after 8 weeks of treatment. During this period, fluoride alone did not significantly influence BMD/BMC at any skeletal site. However, it potentiated the effect of the higher dose of IGF-I on bone mass at the level of the proximal tibia. When administered in combination with the lower dose of IGF-I, which per se did not modify bone mass, it appeared to sensitize tibial bone to the effects of IGF-I. These changes were associated with a concomitant increase in osteocalcin, taken as a reflection of bone formation. These results indicate that fluoride could potentiate the osteogenic effects of IGF-I on bone in adult ovariectomized rats.

Mechanism of the mitogenic effect of fluoride on osteoblast-like cells: evidences for a G protein-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation process

Recent results indicate that a fluoroalumino complex (AlFx) is probably the molecule responsible for the mitogenic effect of fluoride in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells. Initial analysis suggested that a tyrosine phosphorylation (tyr phos) process similar to that induced by thrombin and activation of the p42 MAP kinase (ERK 2) mediate this cellular response. In the present study, the signaling mechanism activated by AlFx was further investigated. The results indicated that AlFx dose-dependently enhanced the tyr phos of the cell adhesion proteins FAK and paxillin, as well as of the adaptor molecules p46shc, p52shc, and p66shc and their association with GRB2. Pretreatment of MC3T3-E1 cells with cytochalasin D completely prevented FAK and paxillin tyr phos without any alteration in the tyr phos of Shc proteins and activation of ERK2 induced by AlFx. This observation suggests that in confluent MC3T3-E1 cells, there is no link between the activation of FAK induced by AlFx and the stimulation of ERK2. Pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin inhibited Shc phosphorylation, activation of ERK2, and markedly reduced cell replication induced by AlFx. This toxin also significantly reduced the stimulation of Pi transport activity induced by AlFx in these cells. Alteration in tyr phos induced by AlFx was not associated with any detectable inhibition of tyrosine phosphatase activity in MC3T3-E1 cell homogenates, suggesting that enhanced tyr phos induced by AlFx probably resulted from activation of a tyrosine kinase. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the mitogenic effect of fluoride in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells is mediated by the activation of a pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi/o protein and suggest an important role for these heterotrimeric G proteins in controlling the growth and differentiation of bone-forming cells.

Expression of a newly identified phosphate transporter/retrovirus receptor in human SaOS-2 osteoblast-like cells and its regulation by insulin-like growth factor I

The cell surface receptor for gibbon ape leukemia virus (Glvr-1) was recently demonstrated to serve normal cellular functions as a sodium-dependent phosphate (NaPi) transporter. This protein belongs to a newly identified phosphate transporter/retrovirus receptor gene family distinct from renal type I and II NaPi transporters. Although inorganic phosphate (Pi) transport is an important function of osteoblasts and of the matrix vesicles produced by these cells in the context of bone matrix calcification, the molecular identity of the NaPi transport system(s) present in this cell type is still unknown. In contrast to Pi uptake mediated by renal NaPi transporters, the activities of both the osteoblastic transport system and Glvr-1 are decreased at alkaline pH, and this observation led us to investigate expression of this transporter in human SaOS-2 osteosarcoma cells. Northern blotting analysis revealed the presence of a 4-kilobase Glvr-1 transcript. The expression of Glvr-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) was increased in response to insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). Associated with this effect, a selective, dose- and time-dependent stimulation of NaPi transport was observed. Actinomycin D and cycloheximide abolished the increase in NaPi transport, which thus appeared to be dependent on RNA and protein synthesis. The increase in Glvr-1 mRNA induced by IGF-I was dose dependent and transient, peaking after 4 h (approximately 4-fold increase in response to 10(-7) M IGF-I). It preceded the maximal expression of NaPi transport stimulation (173-235% of control), which was observed after 18-24 h. Induction of Glvr-1 mRNA expression by IGF-I was inhibited by actinomycin D, suggesting that this effect was related to an increase in gene transcription. The stability of Glvr-1 mRNA was not altered by IGF-I, and Glvr-1 mRNA induction did not require the synthesis of new proteins. These data demonstrate for the first time regulated expression of mRNA encoding the type III NaPi transporter Glvr-1 in osteoblast-like cells. They also suggest that this new transporter family may be involved in Pi handling in osteogenic cells and in its regulation by osteotropic factors.

Platelet-derived growth factor stimulates sodium-dependent Pi transport in osteoblastic cells via phospholipase Cgamma and phosphatidylinositol 3' -kinase

Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is a major regulator of cell metabolism. The Pi transport activity in the plasma membrane is a main determinant of the intracellular level of this ion. In bone-forming cells, Pi transport is important for the calcification of the bone matrix. In this study, the effect of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) on Pi transport activity and the signaling mechanism involved in this cellular response were analyzed. The results indicate that PDGF is a potent and selective stimulator of sodium-dependent Pi transport in the mouse calvaria-derived MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells. The change in Pi transport induced by PDGF-BB was dependent on translational processes and affected the Vmax of the Pi transport system. These observations suggested that enhanced Pi transport activity in response to PDGF resulted from insertion of newly synthesized Pi transporters in the plasma membrane. The role of activation of mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase, phospholipase C (PLC)gamma or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3-kinase), in mediating this effect of PDGF, was investigated. A selective inhibitor of the PDGF receptor tyrosine kinase activity (CGP 53716) completely blocked PDGF-induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins including the PDGF receptor, PLCgamma, MAP kinase, and association of the p85 subunit of PI-3'-kinase. Associated with this effect, the increase in Pi transport induced by PDGF was completely blunted by 5 microM CGP 53716. Inhibition of MAP kinase activity by cAMP agonists did not influence Pi transport stimulation induced by PDGF. However, inhibitors of protein kinase C completely blocked this response. A selective inhibitor of PI-3-kinase, LY294002, also significantly reduced this effect of PDGF. In summary, these results indicate that PDGF is a potent and selective stimulator of Pi transport in osteoblastic cells. The mechanism responsible for this effect is not mediated by MAP kinase but involves tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent activation of PLCgamma and PI-3-kinase.

Stimulation of inorganic phosphate transport by insulin-like growth factor I and vanadate in opossum kidney cells is mediated by distinct protein tyrosine phosphorylation processes

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) stimulates sodium-dependent inorganic phosphate (Pi) transport across the apical plasma membrane of confluent opossum kidney (OK) cells. Previous studies indicated that vanadate, at doses known to inhibit protein tyrosine phosphatases, mimicked the effect of IGF-I and suggested the involvement of tyrosine phosphorylation processes in Pi transport regulation. In this study, protein tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of several cellular signaling pathways were investigated in confluent OK cells in response to IGF-I and vanadate. We report that IGF-I and vanadate induced tyrosine phosphorylation of distinct proteins. Tyrosine phosphorylation of p95 (IGF-I receptor beta-subunit) was rapidly and dose dependently increased in response to IGF-I. Associated with phosphorylation of the receptor, the increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of a protein of 50 kDa was observed. Vanadate did not mimic the effect of IGF-I, but increased phosphorylation of seven major proteins of 170, 140, 100, 83, 70-82, 60, and 35 kDa. Among the different tyrosine kinase inhibitors tested, only staurosporine affected Pi transport up-regulation by IGF-I and vanadate, attenuating the effect of IGF-I and completely blocking the response to vanadate. Staurosporine decreased tyrosine phosphorylation of several constitutively phosphorylated proteins and interfered with the increase in tyrosine phosphorylation induced by vanadate. Phosphorylation of p95 in response to IGF-I was not affected. Staurosporine also markedly decreased constitutive association of the adapter protein Nck with tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins and attenuated increases in phosphotyrosine-associated Nck induced by IGF-I and vanadate. In contrast, signaling to other downstream effectors common to IGF-I and vanadate, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, was not affected by staurosporine. In conclusion, our results suggest that although IGF-I and vanadate induce distinct protein tyrosine phosphorylation in OK cells, they activate an overlapping set of signaling molecules, among which Nck appears as an interesting candidate to link activation of tyrosine kinases to the stimulation of Pi transport.

Aluminum potentiates P(i) transport stimulation induced by fluoride in osteoblast-like cells

The effect of aluminum (AI) on inorganic phosphate (P(i)) transport stimulation induced by fluoride (F) was investigated in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells. Al potentiated the increase in P(i) transport activity induced by F in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Results obtained with deferoxamine mesylate, an Al chelator, suggest that a fluoroalumino complex is probably the active F molecule responsible for the change in P(i) transport observed in this study. The signaling pathway responsible for the stimulation of P(i) transport by F+Al likely involves a tyrosine phosphorylation process but neither a protein kinase C nor a mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. As previously found in UMR-106 cells for F alone, F+Al potentiated the change in P(i) transport induced by fetal calf serum. A similar interaction was found between F+Al and thrombin acting through a G protein-coupled receptor. These observations are compatible with the hypothesis that F+Al could interact with G protein-coupled receptors associated with a signaling tyrosine phosphorylation process involved in the regulation of P(i), transport in osteoblast-like cells.

Functional Role of Pi Transport in Osteogenic Cells

Vesicles released into the bone matrix by growth plate chondrocytes and osteoblasts are considered important organelles for the development of primary calcification of bone. The Pi transport system in these structures plays an essential role in initial events responsible for accumulation of Ca2+ and Pi and calcification of these structures.

Characteristics and regulation of Pi transport in osteogenic cells for bone metabolism

Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is an essential element in the development of osteogenic cells. The translocation of Pi from the systemic to the skeletal extracellular compartment appears to be an important function of osteoblastic cells. The plasma membrane of osteogenic cells is endowed with a sodium-dependent Pi transport system that is regulated by osteotropic factors such as parathyroid hormone (PTH), parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and fluoride. A similar Pi transport system has been recently identified in matrix vesicles derived from the plasma membrane of osteogenic cells, such as epiphyseal chondrocytes or osteoblastic cells. Matrix vesicles are extracellular structures which are considered to play an important role in endochondral and membranous calcification. Pi transport appears to be the driving force responsible for the accumulation of mineral inside the matrix vesicles and thereby can be considered as a pivotal determinant in the induction of the calcification process. Furthermore, modulation of the activity of the Pi transport at the level of the plasma membrane of osteogenic cells by osteotropic factors is transferred to the matrix vesicles derived from these cells. This notion implies that hormonal and other environmental factors, such as Pi itself and calcium, which have a direct impact on the Pi transport activity of osteogenic cells can also influence the capacity of the matrix vesicles to initiate the mineralization of the bone matrix. The cellular mechanisms involved in the regulation of Pi transport by osteotropic factors have been recently investigated. For the PTH/PTHrP regulatory effect, cAMP appears to be the main mediator and the response does not require the de novo synthesis of proteins. For the effects of IGF-1, PDGF and fluoride, tyrosine phosphorylation processes are involved and responses are dependent upon the de novo synthesis of proteins. The molecules responsible for activation of these signaling pathways are currently under investigation. Such an investigation may improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the differentiation processes of osteogenesis such as the calcification of the extracellular matrix.

Aluminum potentiates the effect of fluoride on tyrosine phosphorylation and osteoblast replication in vitro and bone mass in vivo

Osteosclerosis in workers exposed to fluoride (F) and aluminum (Al) (industrial fluorosis) led to the use of F as a treatment to increase bone mass in osteoporosis patients. Because the influence of traces of Al on the effects of F on bone formation is heretofore unknown, we have investigated this issue both in vitro and in vivo. We have found that minute amounts of Al (< or = 10(-5) M) potentiate the effects of F in vitro such that osteoblast proliferation increased by 15 +/- 2.7% at 50 microM (p < 0.001) and by 117.6 +/- 5.1% at 750 microM (p < 0.001), concentrations of F with no mitogenic effect alone. F + Al time-dependently modulated a growth factor signaling pathway(s) associated with enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation (TyrP) of several proteins (p90 [2.9x], p77 [4.9x], p68 [9.6x], and mitogen activated protein kinases [3x]). TyrP was only slightly or not at all changed by F and Al alone, respectively. The effects of F + Al on TyrP and cell proliferation were markedly reduced by 100 microM tyrphostin-51, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC) pathways were not involved in this response. In vivo, F + Al administered for 8 months, at doses that had no effect when the minerals were administered individually, significantly enhanced proximal tibia bone mineral density (BMD) by 6.3 +/- 1% compared with initial values and by 2-fold compared with control ovariectomized rats (p < 0.0001). These effects are consistent with a crucial role of Al in osteosclerosis observed in industrial fluorosis. The results suggest that the combination of F + Al modulates a growth factor-dependent TyrP pathway enhancing mitogen-activated protein kinase and osteoblastic proliferation and bone mass.

Tiludronate: bone pharmacology and safety

The pharmacological properties of tiludronate (4-chlorophenyl)thiomethylene bisphosphonate), a sulfured bisphosphonate, have been characterized in a series of preclinical in vivo and in vitro studies. In vivo, tiludronate exerts a dose-dependent inhibitory activity on bone resorption. This property was demonstrated in several animal models, including rats, ewes, and dogs, when bone resorption was induced by administration of retinoid acid or parathyroid hormone, or by immobilization, ovariectomy or orchidectomy. By uncoupling bone resorption from bone formation, tiludronate can induce a positive calcium and phosphate balance. When administered either continuously or intermittently to ovariectomized osteoporotic rats, tiludronate promotes a significant increase in bone mass. This positive effect is associated with an increase in mechanical resistance. Bone tolerance studies indicate that tiludronate is a safe compound with an appreciable therapeutic margin since it can effectively inhibit bone resorption without reducing bone mineralization and strength. In vitro, tiludronate added to bone tissue culture inhibits calcium release, lysosomal enzyme secretion and collagen matrix degradation when induced by various stimulators of bone resorption. At the cellular level, tiludronate does not appear to exert its inhibitory effect on bone resorption by impairing either the recruitment, the migration or the fusion of osteoclast precursors. Tiludronate could act on mature osteoclasts by reducing their capacity to secrete proton into the resorption space and also by favoring their detachment from the bone matrix. The available preclinical data indicate that tiludronate should be an efficacious bisphosphonate in the management of clinical conditions characterized by excessive bone resorption.

Potential role of IGF-1 in parathyroid hormone-related renal growth induced by high protein diet in uninephrectomized rats

Recent studies indicate that parathyroidectomy (PTX) prevents the progression of kidney damage due to high protein diet in the subtotal nephrectomized rat model of chronic renal failure. Associated with this protection, the difference in the renal "compensatory" growth induced by high (HPr) as compared to normal protein diet (NPr) is completely abolished by PTX. To understand the physiological mechanism responsible for this protection, the changes in both circulating level and kidney content of IGF-1, a growth factor capable of influencing renal "compensatory" growth, was analyzed after unilateral nephrectomy (UNX). In UNX rats, HPr as compared to NPr diet given for five days significantly increased the kidney/body weight ratio (0.48 +/- 0.01%, N = 11 vs. 0.44 +/- 0.01%, N = 11, P < 0.005) and the plasma level of IGF-1 (365 +/- 10 ng/ml vs. 306 +/- 10 ng/ml, P < 0.001). In UNX rats fed HPr, PTX completely abolished the renal "compensatory" growth (0.38 +/- 0.02%, N = 7, P < 0.001) and the increased plasma level of IGF-1 (246 +/- 14 ng/ml, N = 7, P < 0.001). In PTX-UNX rats treated with physiological doses of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 which nearly normalized the calcemia, the renal growth and the increased plasma level of IGF-1 induced by HPr were restored towards those recorded in SHAM-UNX rats fed the HPr diet. Similar effects were observed in PTX-UNX rats in which the plasma calcium concentration was increased by the chronic administration of a retinoid derivative, used as an agent where the calcemic effect is essentially mediated by a stimulation of bone resorption.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Expression and regulation of Na-dependent P(i) transport in matrix vesicles produced by osteoblast-like cells

Extracellular matrix vesicles (MV) are the loci of initial mineralization in several calcifying tissues. We recently reported that MV isolated from chicken epiphyseal cartilage are equipped with a Na-dependent P(i) transport (NaPiT) system. The activity of the NaPiT system appeared to be crucial for the development of MV-mediated calcification. In the present study we investigated the expression of NaPiT activity in MV produced by the osteoblast-like cells MC3T3-E1. The relationship between changes in NaPiT activity in the intact cells and in the released MV was also examined. NaPiT activity in MV harvested from cultured MC3T3-E1 cells was transiently expressed. It was markedly increased between Days 8 and 10 (5- to 6-fold), and then gradually decreased. NaPiT activity was enriched in MV as compared with the parent osteoblast-like cells, while the Na-dependent transport system for alanine (NaAlaT) was not. When NaPiT activity was enhanced in osteoblast-like cells by fetal calf serum (FCS) or P(i) depletion, P(i) transport stimulation was observed in the derived MV as well. Alkaline phosphatase (AP) was differentially expressed and regulated in MV from MC3T3-E1 cell cultures, as compared with NaPiT. In contrast to the transient expression of NaPiT, AP activity in MV increased continuously with time in culture. It was stimulated by FCS treatment of the parent cells, but decreased in MV obtained from P(i)-depleted cultures. These results suggest that the presence in osteogenic cells of selective regulatory mechanisms for the insertion and enrichment of P(i) transport activity in released MV.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Fluoride increases tyrosine kinase activity in osteoblast-like cells: regulatory role for the stimulation of cell proliferation and Pi transport across the plasma membrane

Fluoride is one of the most effective agents for the treatment of vertebral osteoporosis because of its ability to increase osteoblast proliferation. The present study further investigates the role of protein tyrosine phosphorylation previously suggested to mediate the mitogenic effect of fluoride on bone-forming cells. The activity of the plasma membrane Na-coupled Pi transport system was monitored to assess the relationship between alterations in tyrosine phosphorylation and osteoblast activity induced by fluoride. The results indicate that vanadate, a selective inhibitor of tyrosine phosphatase, mimicked the stimulatory effect of fluoride on Pi transport. The change in Pi transport induced by fluoride was dose dependently inhibited by genistein, a potent inhibitor of tyrosine kinase. Genistein also inhibited the change in cell proliferation induced by fluoride. Associated with these observations, tyrosine phosphorylation activity was significantly increased in subcellular fractions isolated from UMR-106 cells treated with fluoride as compared with those isolated from vehicle-treated cells. This change in tyrosine phosphorylation activity was markedly blunted when genistein was added to the kinase assay buffer. It was not associated with any alteration in specific tyrosine phosphatase activity. There was also no evidence of a direct effect of fluoride on tyrosine phosphatase activity in isolated plasma membrane of UMR-106 cells. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that fluoride enhances protein tyrosine phosphorylation in osteoblast-like cells by enhancing tyrosine kinase activity. The results further support the hypothesis that this signal transduction mechanism is involved in the osteogenic effects of fluoride.

Pi transport regulation by chicken growth plate chondrocytes

Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is a key element for the growth and mineralization of the epiphyseal cartilage. In this study, the characteristics of the transport of Pi in growth plate chondrocytes have been determined using primary cultures of chicken growth plate cartilage cells. The uptake of Pi was significantly increased in the presence of extracellular sodium. The kinetic parameters of the saturable sodium-dependent Pi transport (NaPiT) were determined. The Michaelis constant for Pi was 0.443 +/- 0.095 mM, and the concentration of sodium with which half-maximal Pi transport was observed was 48.0 +/- 8.7 mM. Stoichiometric analysis suggested that more than one sodium ion was cotransported with each Pi molecule. NaPiT was sensitive to inhibition by Pi analogues such as phosphonoformic acid and arsenate. These data strongly suggest that Pi uptake by chicken growth plate chondrocytes is a carrier-mediated process driven by the transmembrane electrochemical gradient of sodium. Two important regulators of biosynthetic activities of growth plate chondrocytes, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and parathyroid hormone (PTH), selectively regulated Pi transport. With IGF-I, maximal stimulation (117 +/- 7% above control) was observed at doses > 5 nM, with an half-maximal effective concentration of 0.46 +/- 0.18 nM. A significant effect was observed after 1 h of exposure and was maintained for up to 24 h. PTH increased Pi transport with a biphasic dose-response curve. The change in NaPiT was transient, being maximally observed after 8 h (58 +/- 8%) and unexpressed after 24 h.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Phosphate transport by osteoblasts from X-linked hypophosphatemic mice

Hypophosphatemic vitamin D-resistant rickets is characterized by impaired renal reabsorption of Pi. The underlying mechanism of this abnormality remains unknown. Because the osteoblast is likely a target for the HYP mutation, we investigated the Pi transport activity in osteoblasts isolated from the murine homologue for the human disease, the Hyp mouse. Kinetic analysis of sodium-dependent Pi uptake in quiescent normal and Hyp osteoblasts indicated no significant differences in apparent maximal capacity (Vmax) and apparent affinity (Km) of the carrier for Pi. In rapidly growing cells, higher levels of Pi uptake were observed in mutants cells associated with a 1.4- to 1.7-fold increase in Vmax and no change in Km for Pi. This increase in Pi uptake seemed related to changes in the sodium electrochemical gradient inasmuch as a similar increase was observed in alanine uptake. The adaptive response of sodium-dependent Pi transport to Pi deprivation was not altered in mutant cells relative to normal cells. To test whether the expression of a Pi transport defect was dependent on a humoral factor for its expression, we evaluated the activity of the serum from Hyp mice on Pi transport in osteoblasts from both genotypes. No difference in activity was observed between sera from normal and mutant mice. In summary, cultured osteoblasts derived from Hyp mice did not express impaired sodium-dependent Pi transport when compared with cells from normal mice.

Growth factors and renal regulation of phosphate transport

During the development of vertebrates, the extracellular concentration of inorganic phosphate (Pi) is maintained at a higher level than during adult life. This elevation is probably essential for both cellular growth and mineralization of the skeleton. A high tubular Pi transport capacity (maxTRPi/GFR) and a high plasma level of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 are considered to play a major role in the high Pi retention observed during growth. Experimental studies have shown that the high maxTRPi/GFR observed in growing young compared with adult individuals is not associated with differences in other renal functions, suggesting the existence of a selective homeostatic process. Growth hormone (GH) had no direct effect on renal Pi reabsorption, indicating that GH stimulation of renal Pi transport in various physiological and pathophysiological conditions is induced by insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), the mediator of the anabolic effects of GH. In hypophysectomized rats, administration of IGF-1 mimicked the stimulatory effects of GH on maxTRPi per milliliter glomerular filtrate and on plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. As for GH, the change in maxTRPi per milliliter glomerular filtrate induced by IGF-1 was mediated by a parathyroid hormone-independent mechanism and was selectively expressed at the level of the luminal membrane of proximal tubules. These observations are evidence that IGF-1 mediates the effect of GH on the renal handling of Pi and production of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and might play a significant role in the control of Pi metabolism during growth. Recent observations suggest that other growth factors might be involved in the regulation of tubular Pi transport.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of the bisphosphonate tiludronate on bone resorption, calcium balance, and bone mineral density

Bone resorption inhibitors, such as bisphosphonates, are potentially useful in treatments aimed at increasing bone mass. Among bisphosphonates, tiludronate has proven efficacious in preventing bone loss in postmenopausal women. However, it is not clearly established whether bisphosphonates are more potent when given intermittently or continuously. We investigated the effects of tiludronate on (1) retinoid-stimulated bone resorption in thyroparathyroidectomized rats, (2) calcium balance in intact rats, and (3) bone mineral density (BMD) as measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at the levels of the lumbar spine, tail, and tibia in 6-month-old rats made osteoporotic by ovariectomy (OVX), in which an intermittent cyclic schedule of treatment was compared to continuous administration. Tiludronate induced a dose-dependent decrease in retinoid-stimulated bone resorption. It increased the intestinal absorption and body retention of calcium. In OVX rats it caused a time- and dose-dependent increase in BMD at the level of the three investigated sites, the effects being maintained for at least 8 weeks after the end of therapy. Continuous and intermittent cyclic regimens appeared to induce similar increases in BMD. These results indicate that tiludronate is efficacious in decreasing bone resorption and increasing calcium balance and bone mineral density in rats.

Stimulation by interleukin-1 of renal calcium reabsorption in thyroparathyroidectomized rats

Recombinant human interleukin-1 (rhIL-1) can induce an elevation in calcium that has been ascribed exclusively to the stimulation of bone resorption. In the present study, we investigated whether rhIL-1 could also enhance the renal tubular reabsorption of calcium. The chronic influence of recombinant human rhIL-1 on renal calcium transport was investigated in thyroparathyroidectomized rats. Administration of rhIL-1 at the dose of 1.5 micrograms/day sc for 6 days induced a significant elevation in plasma calcium that was associated with a slight but significant decrease in the urinary excretion of calcium. Recording of the urinary calcium excretion expressed per ml glomerular filtrate at various plasma calcium levels, as achieved by acutely infusing calcium gluconate, indicates that rhIL-1 enhanced the tubular reabsorption of calcium. The calculated index of the tubular reabsorption of calcium (TRCal) was significantly increased by rhIL-1 (2.18 +/- 0.14 versus 1.79 +/- 0.07 mmol/l GFR, p < 0.05, in vehicle-treated rats). The change in the renal handling of calcium was not associated with stimulation of the tubular reabsorption of magnesium. Acute administration of a large dose (24 micrograms given in a bolus IV injection) of rhIL-1 enhanced within minutes the urinary excretion of prostaglandin E2. This effect was followed by a significant increase in urinary cAMP excretion and associated with a lower urinary calcium excretion. In conclusion, the results presented in this study indicate that rhIL-1 administered chronically selectively stimulated the tubular reabsorption of calcium. Experimental evidence suggests that this effect is mediated by prostaglandin-induced cAMP generation. These data strongly suggest that changes in the tubular handling of calcium could contribute to rhIL-1-induced hypercalcemia.

Parathyroid removal prevents the progression of chronic renal failure induced by high protein diet

The influence of PTH in the progression of renal failure induced by a high protein diet was investigated in either sham operated (SHAM) or parathyroidectomized (PTX) and subtotally nephrectomized (NX) rats. NX-SHAM rats were pair-fed either a high (HPr, 40% casein) or a normal (NPr, 20% casein) protein diet and NX-PTX rats a HPr diet. The results indicate that PTX markedly improved the survival rate and prevented the deterioration of renal function induced by the HPr diet. The number of rats alive after 33 weeks was 0 of 11, 6 of 10, and 9 of 10 in NX-SHAM-HPr, NX-PTX-HPr and NX-SHAM-NPr, respectively. The increases in plasma urea and creatinine were consistently delayed or prevented in NX-PTX as compared to NX-SHAM rats fed the HPr diet. The increment in the mass and calcium content of the kidney remnant induced by HPr was prevented by parathyroidectomy. In addition, PTX completely prevented the rise in the circulating level of cholesterol observed in response to HPr. Normalization of plasma calcium in NX-PTX rats with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 restored the increment in the renal mass and calcium content and reduced the protective effect of PTX on the progression of renal failure induced by high protein diet. In conclusion, in the subtotal nephrectomized rat model of chronic renal failure, the progression of kidney damage induced by a high protein diet can be prevented by removal of the parathyroid glands. This observation suggests that PTH could be implicated in the mechanism whereby a high protein regimen accelerates the course of chronic renal failure.

Phosphate homeostasis, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamm D(3), and hyperparathyroidism in early chronic renal failure

In early chronic renal failure, low plasma levels of calcitriol (1,25[OH](2)D(3)) do not seem to be merely the consequence of a reduced mass of functional nephrons. Indeed, this alteration can be considered as a compensatory mechanism, as analyzed according to a new concept of inorganic phosphate (P(i)) homeostasis that integrates both 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) production and renal P(i) reabsorption as essential regulating elements. Accordingly, the observed reduction in the renal production of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) that occurs concomitantly with a decrease in tubular P(i) reabsorptive capacity (TmP(i)/GFR) may well represent a secondary adaptive response to a primary alteration in P(i) homeostasis. This crucial alteration in P(i) homeostasis would consist of an overload of a putative regulated intracellular P(i) pool, the localization of which remains to be determined. The observed hypophosphatemia, hypocalcemia, and PTH hypersecretion would represent alterations secondary to a low TmP(i)/GFR and to reduced 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) production. According to this pathophysiologic sequence, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3), rather than PTH as proposed in a former theory, would be "traded off" to preserve P(i) homeostasis in early chronic renal failure. Both theories predict that dietary P(i) restriction represents a logical preventive therapy at least until the nature of the primary defect in P(i) homeostasis is understood. However, assuming that low 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) levels in early chronic renal failure represent a compensatory phenomenon, this new theory suggests that calcitriol should be only administered at a later stage of the disease, when the production of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) becomes inappropriately low to maintain mineral homeostasis.

Resistance to parathyroid hormone-induced inhibition of inorganic phosphate transport in opossum kidney cells cultured in low inorganic phosphate medium

Renal resistance to the phosphaturic action of parathyroid hormone (PTH) is observed during dietary deprivation of inorganic phosphate (Pi) in vivo. In the present work, the influence of short (3 h)- or long (72 h)-term deprivation of Pi on the effect of bovine PTH (bPTH(1-34)) on both Na-dependent Pi transport and cyclic AMP(cAMP) production was examined in cultured opossum kidney epithelium. Na-dependent Pi transport increased by 100% in cells exposed to low Pi medium containing no Pi (LPM) for 3 h, as compared with transport in high Pi medium containing 2 mmolPi/l (HPM). In response to a submaximal dose (1 nmol/l) of bPTH(1-34), Na-dependent Pi transport was similarly inhibited by about 40% in LPM and HPM. This inhibition was preceded by increased cAMP production which was identical in LPM and HPM. In opossum kidney cells exposed for 72 h to LPM, Na-dependent Pi transport was also increased by 100% compared with that in HPM. However, bPTH(1-34) added at 1 nmol/l did not induce any significant change in Na-dependent Pi transport or cAMP. Stimulation of cAMP could only be elicited at bPTH(1-34) concentrations higher than 1 nmol/l. Such a reduced cAMP response was also observed with forskolin in cells incubated for 72 h in LPM. The cellular resistance to the generation of cAMP was associated with a significantly lower level of ATP in cells cultured for 72 h in LPM compared with ATP levels in HPM.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Tyrosine phosphorylation selectively regulates renal cellular phosphate transport. Evidence that it mediates the stimulatory effect of insulin-like growth factor-1

The signal transduction mechanism responsible for the stimulation of the transport of inorganic phosphate (Pi) in response to mitogens is not known. In the present study, the changes in both Pi transport and tyrosine phosphorylation activity were determined in response to orthovanadate (VO4), an insulin-like agent and genistein, a specific inhibitor of tyrosine kinase activity. The results indicate that in opossum kidney epithelia, VO4 stimulated and genistein inhibited Pi transport dose dependently. The characteristics of the VO4 effect were quite similar to those described for insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in terms of time course, selectivity (no effect on the Na-alanine transport), and dependency of the de novo synthesis of proteins. The effects of VO4 and IGF-1 on Pi transport, when tested at submaximal and maximal concentrations, respectively, were not additive suggesting that these two agents act through a common regulatory mechanism. As previously shown with IGF-1, the VO4 effect on Pi transport was additive to that of the maximal effect of Pi deprivation. Changes in tyrosine phosphorylation activity were tested in purified plasma membrane isolated from confluent OK cells using the polymer Glu:Tyr (4:1) as exogenous substrate. VO4 markedly enhanced whereas genistein inhibited the tyrosine kinase activity. The VO4 effect was dose dependent (0.1-1.0 mM), a concentration range similar to that eliciting the Pi transport response. The change in Pi transport was highly correlated with the variation in the tyrosine kinase activity induced by either vanadate (R = 0.969 P less than 0.01) or genistein (R = 0.992, P less than 0.01). In conclusion, VO4, an insulin-like agent and genistein, a specific inhibitor of tyrosine kinase activity selectively altered cellular Pi transport. These changes in Pi transport were associated with a dose-related alteration in tyrosine kinase activity measured in purified plasma membrane. The characteristics of the vanadate effects on Pi transport are similar to those reported for IGF-1 suggesting an important role of this signal transduction mechanism in mediating changes in Pi transport in response to mitogenic factors such as IGF-1.

Actions of parathyroid hormone and parathyroid hormone-related protein

By interacting with a structurally identical receptor, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) display a common spectrum of action on the transport of mineral elements in bone and kidney. In vivo, PTH/PTHrP similarly reduce the renal tubular reabsorption of inorganic phosphate (Pi) and increase that of calcium. The hypercalcemic effect of PTHrP is due to an increase in both bone resorption and renal calcium reabsorption, the latter through a sodium-independent mechanism. The PTHrP-stimulated bone resorption can be totally inhibited by bisphosphonate therapy. Despite that, the fall in calcemia is moderate, indicating that the PTHrP main hypercalcemic action is due to the stimulation of the renal transport of calcium. For identical effects on renal ionic transports, PTHrP appears to less stimulate bone formation than PTH. These experimental findings are similar to clinical observations in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism or with solid malignant tumors. In vitro, the effects of PTH(1-34), PTHrP(1-34) and PTHrP(1-141) on cAMP production and sodium-dependent phosphate transport (NaPiT) are similar in kidney cells, where NaPiT is specifically inhibited by either peptide. This effect is attenuated by the competitive inhibitor [D-Trp12,Tyr34]bPTH(7-34)amide. Transforming growth factor-alpha similarly modulates the cAMP and NaPiT responses to PTH/PTHrP. In cultured mammary cells isolated from lactating rats, PTHrP elicits a 2-fold increase of cAMP production. Various products of bone and stromal cells, and of leukocytes, such as Interleukin-6 or Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, as well as high extracellular calcium concentration enhance PTHrP production by cultured lung squamous cell carcinoma and Leydig tumor cells, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Inhibition of bone resorption by the bisphosphonate BM 21.0955 is not associated with an alteration of the renal handling of calcium in rats infused with parathyroid hormone-related protein

Hypercalcaemia of malignancy is determined by an increase of bone resorption and/or renal tubular reabsorption of calcium (Ca). However, this latter component has been found to vary in certain patients during therapy with bone resorption inhibitors such as bisphosphonates. We investigated the possible effects of the highly potent bisphosphonate BM 21.0955 on the renal handling of Ca in thyroparathyroidectomized rats made hypercalcaemic by the stimulation of both bone resorption and renal tubular reabsorption of Ca induced by the chronic infusion of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP). Dose-dependent inhibition of bone resorption by BM 21.0955, as indicated by the decrease in fasting urinary Ca excretion from 64.0 +/- 7.3 to 6.7 +/- 3.1 nmol/ml GFR, was associated with a change in plasma Ca from 2.97 +/- 0.10 to 2.63 +/- 0.16 mmol/l. However, the relationship between urinary Ca excretion and plasma Ca was not altered, either at endogenous plasma Ca concentration or during the acute infusion of Ca. Similarly, an index of renal tubular reabsorption of Ca calculated from the slope of the linear portion of the relationship between urinary Ca and plasma Ca, which was increased by PTHrP administration, was not influenced by BM 21.0955 therapy (2.59 +/- 0.15 vs. 2.55 +/- 0.11 mmol/l GFR). These results indicate that BM 21.0955, which is one of the most potent bisphosphonates inhibiting bone resorption, did not affect the renal tubular reabsorption of Ca enhanced by PTHrP.

Stimulation by parathyroid hormone-related protein and transforming growth factor-alpha of phosphate transport in osteoblast-like cells

Parathyroid hormone (1-34) [PTH-(1-34)] has been shown to stimulate sodium-dependent phosphate transport (NaPiT) in UMR-106 osteoblast-like cells through a cAMP-dependent mechanism. Whether a synthetic amino-terminal fragment of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) or the full-length molecule, which are recognized to interact with the same receptor as PTH, affect NaPiT in the same way is not known. We investigated and compared the effects of bPTH-(1-34), PTHrP-(1-34), and PTHrP-(1-141) on NaPiT and cAMP production in the osteoblastic cell line UMR-106. Each of the three peptides increased cAMP production and exerted a concentration-dependent stimulation of NaPiT after incubation for 4-6 h. We also studied the effect of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha), which is another tumoral product secreted by certain hypercalcemia-associated tumors, on NaPiT and the TGF-alpha-induced modulation of the response to PTHrP or PTH. TGF-alpha caused a 30% stimulation of NaPiT, which remained stable from 6 to 24 h, by a cAMP-independent mechanism. In contrast, TGF-alpha attenuated cAMP production stimulated by PTH, PTHrP-(1-34), or PTHrP-(1-141). PTHrP or PTH did not further increase NaPiT in TGF-alpha-treated cells. These results indicate that NaPiT, a possibly important function of osteoblastic cells, was similarly affected by PTH and PTHrP. TGF-alpha increased NaPiT and modulated in a similar way the effects of both PTH and PTHrP.

IGF-I, a Key Regulator of Renal Phosphate Transport and 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Production During Growth

During development of vertebrates the extracellular concentration of Pi and, consequently, the amount of Pi available for cellular growth and bone mineral deposition is maintained at a higher level than during adult life. Insulin-like growth factor I plays a specific role in this Pi economy.

Characterization of a Pi transport system in cartilage matrix vesicles. Potential role in the calcification process

The mechanisms by which calcium (Ca2+) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) accumulate into matrix vesicles (MV) have not been elucidated. In the present study the characteristics of Pi uptake into MV isolated from mildly rachitic chicken growth plate cartilage have been investigated. The results indicate that Pi accumulates into MV mainly via a Na(+)-dependent Pi transport system. In the absence of NaCl in the extravesicular medium, Pi uptake was a nonsaturable process. In the presence of 150 mM NaCl, the initial rate of Pi uptake was 4.38 +/- 1.02-fold higher than with 150 mM choline chloride (mean +/- S.E., n = 8, p less than 0.005). Other cations showed partial activity to drive Pi into MV as compared to Na+:Li+ (64.4%) greater than K+ (39.8%) greater than choline (39.0%) greater than tetramethylammonium (30.0%) greater than N-methylglucamine (26.3%). Na(+)-dependent Pi transport activity displayed saturability towards increasing extra-vesicular concentrations of Na+ and Pi. The apparent Km for Pi was 0.68 +/- 0.16 mM. The Na+ concentration producing half-maximum Pi transport activity was 106.2 +/- 11.0 mM. Kinetic analysis suggests that Na+ interacts with the Pi carrier with a stoichiometry of more than one Na+ ion with one Pi molecule. In MV isolated from normal chicken growth plate cartilage, this Na(+)-dependent Pi transport system was barely expressed. In contrast to the effect on Pi uptake by MV, the activity of alkaline phosphatase was not changed when NaCl was substituted for choline chloride in the assay medium. In addition to this observation which suggests that this enzyme is not related to the Pi transport activity described in this study, levamisole, which inhibited alkaline phosphatase activity did not affect the Na(+)-dependent uptake of Pi. Both arsenate and phosphonoformic acid, two inhibitors of the epithelial Na(+)-dependent Pi transport systems, were active inhibitors of the Na(+)-dependent Pi uptake by MV with a higher potency for phosphonoformic acid. Associated with the expression of a facilitated Na(+)-coupled Pi transport in MV, in vitro calcification assessed by 45Ca2+ uptake also showed a marked dependence on extravesicular sodium. This relationship was markedly attenuated in MV isolated from normal chicken growth plate cartilage expressing a weak Na(+)-facilitated Pi transport activity. In conclusion, a saturable Na(+)-dependent Pi carrier has been characterized which facilitates Pi transport in MV. Its potential role for Ca-Pi accumulation into MV and subsequent development of vesicular calcification followed by mineralization of the osteogenic matrix is proposed and remains to be further investigated.

Fluoride selectively stimulates Na-dependent phosphate transport in osteoblast-like cells

The influence of fluoride (F) on the transport of Pi was investigated in the osteoblast-like cell line UMR-106. Exposure of cells to F induced a dose-related stimulation of the Na-coupled Pi transport. Pi transport was significantly increased 6 h after 1 mM F incubation, with maximal response observed at 24 h (F 38.0 +/- 2.3, vehicle 19.8 +/- 1.2 pmol.micrograms DNA-1.4 min-1; P less than 0.001). Na-dependent alanine transport was not changed by F. The selective effect of F on Pi transport was not associated with changes in adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, cell proliferation, or alkaline phosphatase activity. However, it was completely blunted by inhibiting translational processes with cycloheximide. Furthermore, F enhanced the stimulatory effect on Pi transport of various mitogens such as fetal calf serum, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor I. In conclusion, F can selectively enhance the activity of the Pi transport system present in the plasma membrane of UMR 106 osteoblast-like cells by a mechanism that probably involves newly synthetized proteins.

Effect of transforming growth factor-alpha and parathyroid hormone-related protein on phosphate transport in renal cells

The decrease in plasma Pi concentration and in Pi tubular reabsorption that is often encountered in malignant hypercalcemia may be ascribed to a tumor-produced parathyroid hormone (PTH)-related protein. However, tumors are known to synthesize a variety of substances, among which is transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha). We investigated the effects of TGF-alpha on Na-dependent Pi transport and on the response to PTH-related protein in cultured opossum renal epithelial cells. TGF-alpha caused a concentration- and time-dependent decrease in Na-dependent Pi transport. The inhibition of Na-dependent Pi transport was detectable by 14 h of incubation and maximal by 24 h. At that time, a concentration of 10 ng/ml of TGF-alpha produced a 35 +/- 1% inhibition. This was not associated with any change in prostaglandin production. The adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) response to PTH-related protein, PTH, prostaglandin E2 or forskolin, but not to pertussis toxin, was diminished in cells treated with TGF-alpha for 24 h. Similar effects on Na-dependent Pi transport and cAMP production were observed in cells incubated with epidermal growth factor. The inhibition of Na-dependent Pi transport induced by either PTH-related protein or PTH was reduced after incubation with TGF-alpha. Thus two different tumoral products, TGF-alpha and PTH-related protein, are each capable of inhibiting Na-dependent Pi transport in cultured renal cells. Both peptides may also interact and influence the effects of each other on renal Pi transport.

Stimulatory effect of insulin-like growth factor-1 on renal Pi transport and plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

Administration of GH increases both the tubular reabsorption of inorganic phosphate (Pi) and the plasma level of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3]. These two effects could be induced by a common mediator, possibly the GH-generated insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). In the present work, the influence of recombinant human IGF-1 on renal Pi transport and plasma 1,25-(OH)2D3 was examined in hypophysectomized (HPX) rats. IGF-1, infused by miniosmotic pump at the dose of 10 micrograms/h for 6 days, significantly increased the maximal tubular reabsorption of Pi per unit volume of glomerular filtrate (max TRPi/m1GFR): IGF-1 3.50 +/- 0.16; vehicle: 2.78 +/- 0.14 mumol/m1GFR, P less than 0.005. The response was associated with a marked stimulation of plasma 1,25-(OH)2D3 (IGF-1; 409 +/- 23; vehicle: 208 +/- 22 pmol/liter, P less than 0.001). As previously reported for GH, IGF-1 also increased GFR and reduced urinary sodium excretion. In brush border membrane vesicles isolated from renal cortex of HPX rats, the Na-dependent Pi transport was stimulated by IGF-1. Neither the Na-dependent glucose transport nor that of alanine was affected by the growth factor. The stimulatory effect of IGF-1 on maxTRPi/m1GFR was also expressed in thyroparathyroidectomized (TPTX) HPX rats (IGF-1: 5.20 +/- 0.29; vehicle: 3.88 +/- 0.37 mumol/m1GFR, P less than 0.025). In conclusion, administration of IGF-1 in HPX rats mimics the stimulatory effects of GH on maxTRPi/m1GFR and on plasma 1,25-(OH)2D3. As described for GH the change in maxTRPi/m1GFR is mediated by a PTH independent mechanism and is expressed at the level of the luminal membrane of proximal tubules. These results suggest that IGF-1 could be an important factor in the control of Pi metabolism, particularly during growth, and might play a significant role in mediating the effect of GH on the renal handling of Pi and production of 1,25-(OH)2D3.