PI15, a novel secreted WNT-signaling antagonist, regulates chondrocyte differentiation

PURPOSE/AIM OF STUDY

During the development of the vertebrate skeleton, the progressive differentiation and maturation of chondrocytes from mesenchymal progenitors is precisely coordinated by multiple secreted factors and signaling pathways. The WNT signaling pathway has been demonstrated to play a major role in chondrogenesis. However, the identification of secreted factors that fine-tune WNT activity has remained elusive. Here, in this study, we have identified PI15 (peptidase inhibitor 15, protease Inhibitor 15, SugarCrisp), a member of the CAP (cysteine rich secretory proteins, antigen 5, and pathogenesis related 1 proteins) protein superfamily, as a novel secreted WNT antagonist dynamically upregulated during chondrocyte differentiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ATDC5 cells, C3H10T1/2 micromass cultures and primary chondrocyte cells were used as in vitro models of chondrogenesis. PI15 levels were stably depleted or overexpressed by viral shRNA or expression vectors. Chondrogenesis was evaluated by qPCR gene expression analysis and Alcian blue staining. Protein interactions were determined by coimmunoprecipitation assays.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

shRNA-mediated knockdown of PI15 in ATDC5 cells, C3H10T1/2 cells or primary chondrocytes inhibits chondrogenesis, whereas the overexpression of PI15 strongly enhances chondrogenic potential. Mechanistically, PI15 binds to the LRP6 WNT co-receptor and blocks WNT-induced LRP6 phosphorylation, thus repressing WNT-induced transcriptional activity and alleviating the inhibitory effect of WNT signaling on chondrogenesis. Altogether, our findings suggest that PI15 acts as a key regulator of chondrogenesis and unveils a mechanism through which chondrocyte-derived molecules can modulate WNT activity as differentiation proceeds, thereby creating a positive feedback loop that further drives differentiation.

Nobiletin, a NF-κB signaling antagonist, promotes BMP-induced bone formation

The NF-κB family of transcription factors plays an important role in skeletal development and bone homeostasis. In osteoblast cells, NF-κB signaling has been shown to suppress survival, proliferation, and differentiation. Furthermore, pharmacological suppression of NF-κB enhances osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Thus, NF-κB antagonists are promising candidates as anabolic agents for enhancing bone mass. In this study, we describe the mechanism by which nobiletin, an inhibitor of NF-κB activity, regulates osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. We found that in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells, nobiletin inhibited a TNF-α responsive NF-κB luciferase reporter and also decreased the induction of classical NF-κB target genes by TNF-α. Consistent with this, nobiletin prevented TNF-α -mediated suppression of osteogenesis and potently enhanced the differentiation and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells. Likewise, in an in vivo BMP2-induced ectopic bone formation assay, nobiletin markedly enhanced ossicle bone volume. Western blotting and SMAD-responsive luciferase assays also demonstrated that NF-κB suppression of BMP signaling could be inhibited by nobiletin. Thus, our data suggest that mechanistically, nobiletin prevents the endogenous repression of BMP signaling by TNF-α, thereby enhancing osteoblast activity. In conclusion, nobiletin is a novel NF-κB antagonist that may be a useful anabolic agent for bone formation.

Plectin promotes tumor formation by B16 mouse melanoma cells via regulation of Rous sarcoma oncogene activity

BACKGROUND

Melanoma is a malignant tumor characterized by high proliferation and aggressive metastasis. To address the molecular mechanisms of the proto-oncogene, Rous sarcoma oncogene (Src), which is highly activated and promotes cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and metastasis in melanoma. Plectin, a cytoskeletal protein, has recently been identified as a Src-binding protein that regulates Src activity in osteoclasts. Plectin is a candidate biomarker of certain tumors because of its high expression and the target of anti-tumor reagents such as ruthenium pyridinecarbothioamide. The molecular mechanisms by which plectin affects melanoma is still unclear. In this study, we examined the role of plectin in melanoma tumor formation.

METHODS

We used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to knock-out plectin in B16 mouse melanoma cells. Protein levels of plectin and Src activity were examined by western blotting analysis. In vivo tumor formation was assessed by subcutaneous injection of B16 cells into nude mice and histological analysis performed after 2 weeks by Hematoxylin-Eosin (H&E) staining. Cell proliferation was evaluated by direct cell count, cell counting kit-8 assays, cyclin D1 mRNA expression and Ki-67 immunostaining. Cell aggregation and adhesion were examined by spheroid formation, dispase-based dissociation assay and cell adhesion assays.

RESULTS

In in vivo tumor formation assays, depletion of plectin resulted in low-density tumors with large intercellular spaces. In vitro experiments revealed that plectin-deficient B16 cells exhibit reduced cell proliferation and reduced cell-to-cell adhesion. Since Src activity is reduced in plectin-deficient melanomas, we examined the relationship between plectin and Src signaling. Src overexpression in plectin knockout B16 cells rescued cell proliferation and improved cell-to-cell adhesion and cell to extracellular matrix adhesion.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that plectin plays critical roles in tumor formation by promoting cell proliferation and cell-to-cell adhesion through Src signaling activity in melanoma cells.

Tongue Muscle for the Analysis of Head Muscle Regeneration Dynamics

Tongue muscle damage impairs speaking and eating, thereby degrading overall health and quality of life. Skeletal muscles of the body are diverse in embryonic origin, anatomic location, and gene expression profiles. Responses to disease, atrophy, aging, or drugs vary among different muscles. Currently, most muscle studies are focused on limb muscles and the tongue is neglected. The regenerative ability of tongue muscle remains unknown, and thus there is need for tongue muscle research models. Here, we present a comprehensive characterization of the spatiotemporal dynamics in a mouse model of tongue muscle regeneration and establish a method for the isolation of primary tongue-derived satellite cells. We compare and contrast our observations with the tibialis anterior (TA) limb muscle. Acute injury was induced by intramuscular injection of cardiotoxin, a cytolytic agent, and examined at multiple timepoints. Initially, necrotic myofibers with fragmented sarcoplasm became infiltrated with inflammatory cells. Concomitantly, satellite cells expanded rapidly. Seven days postinjury, regenerated myofibers with centralized nuclei appeared. Full regeneration, as well as an absence of fibrosis, was evident 21 d postinjury. Primary tongue-derived satellite cells were isolated by enzymatic separation of tongue epithelium from mesenchyme followed by magnetic-activated cell sorting. We observed that tongue displays an efficient regenerative response similar to TA but with slightly faster kinetics. In vitro, tongue-derived satellite cells differentiated robustly into mature myotubes with spontaneous contractile behavior and myogenic marker expression. Comparison of gene expression signatures between tongue and TA-derived satellite cells revealed differences in the expression of positional-identity genes, including the HOX family. In conclusion, we have established a model for tongue regeneration useful for investigations of orofacial muscle biology. Furthermore, we showed that tongue is a viable source of satellite cells with unique properties and inherited positional memory.

Inhibition of TET-mediated DNA demethylation suppresses osteoblast differentiation

DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification critical for the regulation of chromatin structure and gene expression during development and disease. The ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzyme family catalyzes the hydroxymethylation and subsequent demethylation of DNA by oxidizing 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). Little is known about TET protein function due to a lack of pharmacological tools to manipulate DNA hydroxymethylation levels. In this study, we examined the role of TET-mediated DNA hydroxymethylation during BMP-induced C2C12 osteoblast differentiation using a novel cytosine-based selective TET enzyme inhibitor, Bobcat339 (BC339). Treatment of C2C12 cells with BC339 increased global 5mC and decreased global 5hmC without adversely affecting cell viability, proliferation, or apoptosis. Furthermore, BC339 treatment inhibited osteoblast marker gene expression and decreased alkaline phosphatase activity during differentiation. Methylated DNA immunoprecipitation and bisulfite sequencing showed that inhibition of TET with BC339 led to increased 5mC at specific CpG-rich regions at the promoter of Sp7, a key osteoblast transcription factor. Consistent with promoter 5mC marks being associated with transcriptional repression, luciferase activity of an Sp7-promoter-reporter construct was repressed by in vitro DNA methylation or BC339. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis confirmed that TET2 does indeed occupy the promoter region of Sp7. Accordingly, forced overexpression of SP7 rescued the inhibition of osteogenic differentiation by BC339. In conclusion, our data suggest that TET-mediated DNA demethylation of genomic regions, including the Sp7 promoter, plays a role in the initiation of osteoblast differentiation. Furthermore, BC339 is a novel pharmacological tool for the modulation of DNA methylation dynamics for research and therapeutic applications.

Characterization of unique functionalities in c-Src domains required for osteoclast podosome belt formation

Deletion of c-Src, a ubiquitously expressed tyrosine kinase, results in osteoclast dysfunction and osteopetrosis, in which bones harden into "stone." In contrast, deletion of the genes encoding other members of the Src family kinase (SFK) fails to produce an osteopetrotic phenotype. This suggests that c-Src performs a unique function in the osteoclast that cannot be compensated for by other SFKs. We aimed to identify the molecular basis of this unique role in osteoclasts and bone resorption. We found that c-Src, Lyn, and Fyn were the most highly expressed SFKs in WT osteoclasts, whereas Hck, Lck, Blk, and Fgr displayed low levels of expression. Formation of the podosome belt, clusters of unique actin assemblies, was disrupted in src^-/- osteoclasts; introduction of constitutively activated SFKs revealed that only c-Src and Fyn could restore this process. To identify the key structural domains responsible, we constructed chimeric Src-Hck and Src-Lyn constructs in which the unique, SH3, SH2, or catalytic domains had been swapped. We found that the Src unique, SH3, and kinase domains were each crucial to establish Src functionality. The SH2 domain could however be substituted with Lyn or Hck SH2 domains. Furthermore, we demonstrate that c-Src's functionality is, in part, derived from an SH3-proximal proline-rich domain interaction with c-Cbl, leading to phosphorylation of c-Cbl Tyr700. These data help clarify Src's unique functionality in the organization of the cytoskeleton in osteoclasts, required for efficient bone resorption and explain why c-Src cannot be replaced, in osteoclasts, by other SFKs.

Biological stenciling of mineralization in the skeleton: Local enzymatic removal of inhibitors in the extracellular matrix

Biomineralization is remarkably diverse and provides myriad functions across many organismal systems. Biomineralization processes typically produce hardened, hierarchically organized structures usually having nanostructured mineral assemblies that are formed through inorganic-organic (usually protein) interactions. Calcium‑carbonate biomineral predominates in structures of small invertebrate organisms abundant in marine environments, particularly in shells (remarkably it is also found in the inner ear otoconia of vertebrates), whereas calcium-phosphate biomineral predominates in the skeletons and dentitions of both marine and terrestrial vertebrates, including humans. Reconciliation of the interplay between organic moieties and inorganic crystals in bones and teeth is a cornerstone of biomineralization research. Key molecular determinants of skeletal and dental mineralization have been identified in health and disease, and in pathologic ectopic calcification, ranging from small molecules such as pyrophosphate, to small membrane-bounded matrix vesicles shed from cells, and to noncollagenous extracellular matrix proteins such as osteopontin and their derived bioactive peptides. Beyond partly knowing the regulatory role of the direct actions of inhibitors on vertebrate mineralization, more recently the importance of their enzymatic removal from the extracellular matrix has become increasingly understood. Great progress has been made in deciphering the relationship between mineralization inhibitors and the enzymes that degrade them, and how adverse changes in this physiologic pathway (such as gene mutations causing disease) result in mineralization defects. Two examples of this are rare skeletal diseases having osteomalacia/odontomalacia (soft bones and teeth) - namely hypophosphatasia (HPP) and X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) - where inactivating mutations occur in the gene for the enzymes tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP, TNSALP, ALPL) and phosphate-regulating endopeptidase homolog X-linked (PHEX), respectively. Here, we review and provide a concept for how existing and new information now comes together to describe the dual nature of regulation of mineralization - through systemic mineral ion homeostasis involving circulating factors, coupled with molecular determinants operating at the local level in the extracellular matrix. For the local mineralization events in the extracellular matrix, we present a focused concept in skeletal mineralization biology called the Stenciling Principle - a principle (building upon seminal work by Neuman and Fleisch) describing how the action of enzymes to remove tissue-resident inhibitors defines with precision the location and progression of mineralization.

Plectin stabilizes microtubules during osteoclastic bone resorption by acting as a scaffold for Src and Pyk2

Osteoclasts are multinuclear cells which maintain bone homeostasis by resorbing bone. During bone resorption, osteoclasts attach to the bone matrix via a sealing zone formed by an actin ring. Rous sarcoma oncogene (Src) is essential for actin ring formation and bone resorption. Recently, we demonstrated that plectin, a cytolinker protein, is a Src-binding protein in osteoclasts. However, the function of plectin in osteoclasts remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that shRNA knockdown of plectin in RAW 264.7 cells resulted in tartrate resistant acid phosphatase positive multinuclear cells (TRAP (+) MNCs) with impaired actin ring formation and bone resorption activity. Moreover, we found that in plectin-silenced TRAP (+) MNCs, Src and protein tyrosine kinase 2 beta (Pyk2), two critical kinases in osteoclastic bone resorption, were inactivated and microtubule polarity was disturbed. These results suggest that plectin plays a critical role in osteoclast biology by acting as a scaffold to facilitate Src and Pyk2 activation during microtubule organization.

Zfp423 Regulates Skeletal Muscle Regeneration and Proliferation

Satellite cells (SCs) are skeletal muscle stem cells that proliferate in response to injury and provide myogenic precursors for growth and repair. Zfp423 is a transcriptional cofactor expressed in multiple immature cell populations, such as neuronal precursors, mesenchymal stem cells, and preadipocytes, where it regulates lineage allocation, proliferation, and differentiation. Here, we show that Zfp423 regulates myogenic progression during muscle regeneration. Zfp423 is undetectable in quiescent SCs but becomes expressed during SC activation. After expansion, Zfp423 is gradually downregulated as committed SCs terminally differentiate. Mice with satellite-cell-specific Zfp423 deletion exhibit severely impaired muscle regeneration following injury, with aberrant SC expansion, defective cell cycle exit, and failure to transition efficiently from the proliferative stage toward commitment. Consistent with a cell-autonomous role of Zfp423, shRNA-mediated knockdown of Zfp423 in myoblasts inhibits differentiation. Surprisingly, forced expression of Zfp423 in myoblasts induces differentiation into adipocytes and arrests myogenesis. Affinity purification of Zfp423 in myoblasts identified Satb2 as a nuclear partner of Zfp423 that cooperatively enhances Zfp423 transcriptional activity, which in turn affects myoblast differentiation. In conclusion, by controlling SC expansion and proliferation, Zfp423 is essential for muscle regeneration. Tight regulation of Zfp423 expression is essential for normal progression of muscle progenitors from proliferation to differentiation.

Dephosphorylation of the transcriptional cofactor NACA by the PP1A phosphatase enhances cJUN transcriptional activity and osteoblast differentiation

The transcriptional cofactor nascent polypeptide-associated complex and co-regulator α (NACA) regulates osteoblast maturation and activity. NACA functions, at least in part, by binding to Jun proto-oncogene, AP-1 transcription factor subunit (cJUN) and potentiating the transactivation of AP-1 targets such as osteocalcin (Bglap) and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (Mmp9). NACA activity is modulated by phosphorylation carried out by several kinases, but a phosphatase regulating NACA's activity remains to be identified. Here, we used affinity purification with MS in HEK293T cells to isolate NACA complexes and identified protein phosphatase 1 catalytic subunit α (PP1A) as a NACA-associated Ser/Thr phosphatase. NACA interacted with multiple components of the PP1A holoenzyme complex: the PPP1CA catalytic subunit and the regulatory subunits PPP1R9B, PPP1R12A and PPP1R18. MS analysis revealed that NACA co-expression with PPP1CA causes dephosphorylation of NACA at Thr-89, Ser-151, and Thr-174. NACA Ser/Thr-to-alanine variants displayed increased nuclear localization, and NACA dephosphorylation was associated with specific recruitment of novel NACA interactants, such as basic transcription factor 3 (BTF3) and its homolog BTF3L4. NACA and PP1A cooperatively potentiated cJUN transcriptional activity of the AP-1-responsive MMP9-luciferase reporter, which was abolished when Thr-89, Ser-151, or Thr-174 were substituted with phosphomimetic aspartate residues. We confirmed the NACA-PP1A interaction in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells and observed that NACA phosphorylation status at PP1A-sensitive sites is important for the regulation of AP-1 pathway genes and for osteogenic differentiation and matrix mineralization. These results suggest that PP1A dephosphorylates NACA at specific residues, impacting cJUN transcriptional activity and osteoblast differentiation and function.

Geranylgeraniol Induces PPARγ Expression and Enhances the Biological Effects of a PPARγ Agonist in Adipocyte Lineage Cells

BACKGROUND

The global incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) has risen precipitously, even in middle- and low-income countries. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) plays an important role in the control of cellular glucose metabolism. Activation of PPARγ beneficially results in increased insulin sensitivity. However, the expression of PPARγ is reduced by obesity and several nutritional factors. Here we examined the effect of geranylgeraniol (GGOH), a bioactive compound found naturally in fruits, vegetables, and grains, on the expression and activation of PPARγ.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

C3H10T1/2 mouse embryonic fibroblasts and 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes were used as in vitro models of adipocyte differentiation and function. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, Oil Red O staining, and luciferase assay were performed to respectively assess mRNA expression, protein levels, lipid droplet formation and transcriptional activity.

RESULTS

GGOH increased the expression of PPARγ in adipocyte lineage cells. GGOH also enhanced adipogenesis induced by rosiglitazone, a thiazolidinedione class PPARγ agonist.

CONCLUSION

GGOH induces PPARγ expression and enhances the biological effects of a PPARγ agonist in adipocyte lineage cells.

Geranylgeraniol-induced Myogenic Differentiation of C2C12 Cells

BACKGROUND

Geranylgeraniol (GGOH) is a C20 isoprenoid found in fruits, vegetables, and grains, including rice. As a food substance, GGOH is categorized as 'Generally Recognized as Safe'. GGOH is an intermediate product in the mevalonate pathway and acts as a precursor to geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

C2C12 mouse myoblasts derived from muscle satellite cells were used. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, western blotting analysis, and immunocytochemical analysis were performed to respectively assess mRNA expression, protein levels, and the number of myofibers.

RESULTS

GGOH reduced the expression levels of skeletal muscle atrophy-related ubiquitin ligases in myofibers derived from C2C12 cells. GGOH induced myogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells via geranylgeranylation. GGOH did not adversely affect the proliferation of C2C12 cells.

CONCLUSION

GGOH induces myoblast differentiation in C2C12 cells.

Transducin-like enhancer of split 3 regulates proliferation of melanoma cells via histone deacetylase activity

Melanoma, one of the most aggressive neoplasms, is characterized by rapid cell proliferation. Transducin-like Enhancer of Split (TLE) is an important regulator of cell proliferation via Histone deacetylase (HDAC) recruitment. Given that HDAC activity is associated with melanoma progression, we examined the relationship between TLE3, a TLE family member, and melanoma. TLE3 expression was increased during the progression of human patient melanoma (p < 0.05). Overexpression of Tle3 in B16 murine melanoma cells led to an increase in cell proliferation (p < 0.01) as well as the number of cyclinD1-positive cells. in vivo injection of mice with B16 cells overexpressing Tle3 resulted in larger tumor formation than in mice injected with control cells (p < 0.05). In contrast, siRNA-mediated knockdown of Tle3 in B16 cells or TLE3 in HMV-II human melanoma cells decreased proliferation (p < 0.01). Treatment of B16 cells with trichostatin A (2.5 μM), a class I and II HDAC inhibitor, prevented the effect s of Tle3 on proliferation. In conclusion, these data indicate that Tle3 is required, at least in part, for proliferation in the B16 mouse melanoma model.

The transcriptional co-repressor TLE3 regulates myogenic differentiation by repressing the activity of the MyoD transcription factor

Satellite cells are skeletal muscle stem cells that provide myonuclei for postnatal muscle growth, maintenance, and repair/regeneration in adults. Normally, satellite cells are mitotically quiescent, but they are activated in response to muscle injury, in which case they proliferate extensively and exhibit up-regulated expression of the transcription factor MyoD, a master regulator of myogenesis. MyoD forms a heterodimer with E proteins through their basic helix-loop-helix domain, binds to E boxes in the genome and thereby activates transcription at muscle-specific promoters. The central role of MyoD in muscle differentiation has increased interest in finding potential MyoD regulators. Here we identified transducin-like enhancer of split (TLE3), one of the Groucho/TLE family members, as a regulator of MyoD function during myogenesis. TLE3 was expressed in activated and proliferative satellite cells in which increased TLE3 levels suppressed myogenic differentiation, and, conversely, reduced TLE3 levels promoted myogenesis with a concomitant increase in proliferation. We found that, via its glutamine- and serine/proline-rich domains, TLE3 interferes with MyoD function by disrupting the association between the basic helix-loop-helix domain of MyoD and E proteins. Our findings indicate that TLE3 participates in skeletal muscle homeostasis by dampening satellite cell differentiation via repression of MyoD transcriptional activity.

Extracellular matrix mineralization in murine MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cultures: an ultrastructural, compositional and comparative analysis with mouse bone

Bone cell culture systems are essential tools for the study of the molecular mechanisms regulating extracellular matrix mineralization. MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cell cultures are the most commonly used in vitro model of bone matrix mineralization. Despite the widespread use of this cell line to study biomineralization, there is as yet no systematic characterization of the mineral phase produced in these cultures. Here we provide a comprehensive, multi-technique biophysical characterization of this cell culture mineral and extracellular matrix, and compare it to mouse bone and synthetic apatite mineral standards, to determine the suitability of MC3T3-E1 cultures for biomineralization studies. Elemental compositional analysis by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) showed calcium and phosphorus, and trace amounts of sodium and magnesium, in both biological samples. X-ray diffraction (XRD) on resin-embedded intact cultures demonstrated that similar to 1-month-old mouse bone, apatite crystals grew with preferential orientations along the (100), (101) and (111) mineral planes indicative of guided biogenic growth as opposed to dystrophic calcification. XRD of crystals isolated from the cultures revealed that the mineral phase was poorly crystalline hydroxyapatite with 10 to 20nm-sized nanocrystallites. Consistent with the XRD observations, electron diffraction patterns indicated that culture mineral had low crystallinity typical of biological apatites. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed apatitic carbonate and phosphate within the biological samples. With all techniques utilized, cell culture mineral and mouse bone mineral were remarkably similar. Scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy showed that the cultures had a dense fibrillar collagen matrix with small, 100nm-sized, collagen fibril-associated mineralization foci which coalesced to form larger mineral aggregates, and where mineralized sites showed the accumulation of the mineral-binding protein osteopontin. Light microscopy, confocal microscopy and three-dimensional reconstructions showed that some cells had dendritic processes and became embedded within the mineral in an osteocyte-like manner. In conclusion, we have documented characteristics of the mineral and matrix phases of MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cultures, and have determined that the structural and compositional properties of the mineral are highly similar to that of mouse bone.

Extracellular matrix mineralization in periodontal tissues: Noncollagenous matrix proteins, enzymes, and relationship to hypophosphatasia and X-linked hypophosphatemia

As broadly demonstrated for the formation of a functional skeleton, proper mineralization of periodontal alveolar bone and teeth - where calcium phosphate crystals are deposited and grow within an extracellular matrix - is essential for dental function. Mineralization defects in tooth dentin and cementum of the periodontium invariably lead to a weak (soft or brittle) dentition in which teeth become loose and prone to infection and are lost prematurely. Mineralization of the extremities of periodontal ligament fibers (Sharpey's fibers) where they insert into tooth cementum and alveolar bone is also essential for the function of the tooth-suspensory apparatus in occlusion and mastication. Molecular determinants of mineralization in these tissues include mineral ion concentrations (phosphate and calcium), pyrophosphate, small integrin-binding ligand N-linked glycoproteins and matrix vesicles. Amongst the enzymes important in regulating these mineralization determinants, two are discussed at length here, with clinical examples given, namely tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase and phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases on the X chromosome. Inactivating mutations in these enzymes in humans and in mouse models lead to the soft bones and teeth characteristic of hypophosphatasia and X-linked hypophosphatemia, respectively, where the levels of local and systemic circulating mineralization determinants are perturbed. In X-linked hypophosphatemia, in addition to renal phosphate wasting causing low circulating phosphate levels, phosphorylated mineralization-regulating small integrin-binding ligand N-linked glycoproteins, such as matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein and osteopontin, and the phosphorylated peptides proteolytically released from them, such as the acidic serine- and aspartate-rich-motif peptide, may accumulate locally to impair mineralization in this disease.

Proteolytic processing of osteopontin by PHEX and accumulation of osteopontin fragments in Hyp mouse bone, the murine model of X-linked hypophosphatemia

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH/HYP)-with renal phosphate wasting, hypophosphatemia, osteomalacia, and tooth abscesses-is caused by mutations in the zinc-metallopeptidase PHEX gene (phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidase on the X chromosome). PHEX is highly expressed by mineralized tissue cells. Inactivating mutations in PHEX lead to distal renal effects (implying accumulation of a secreted, circulating phosphaturic factor) and accumulation in bone and teeth of mineralization-inhibiting, acidic serine- and aspartate-rich motif (ASARM)-containing peptides, which are proteolytically derived from the mineral-binding matrix proteins of the SIBLING family (small, integrin-binding ligand N-linked glycoproteins). Although the latter observation suggests a local, direct matrix effect for PHEX, its physiologically relevant substrate protein(s) have not been identified. Here, we investigated two SIBLING proteins containing the ASARM motif-osteopontin (OPN) and bone sialoprotein (BSP)-as potential substrates for PHEX. Using cleavage assays, gel electrophoresis, and mass spectrometry, we report that OPN is a full-length protein substrate for PHEX. Degradation of OPN was essentially complete, including hydrolysis of the ASARM motif, resulting in only very small residual fragments. Western blotting of Hyp (the murine homolog of human XLH) mouse bone extracts having no PHEX activity clearly showed accumulation of an ∼35 kDa OPN fragment that was not present in wild-type mouse bone. Immunohistochemistry and immunogold labeling (electron microscopy) for OPN in Hyp bone likewise showed an accumulation of OPN and/or its fragments compared with normal wild-type bone. Incubation of Hyp mouse bone extracts with PHEX resulted in the complete degradation of these fragments. In conclusion, these results identify full-length OPN and its fragments as novel, physiologically relevant substrates for PHEX, suggesting that accumulation of mineralization-inhibiting OPN fragments may contribute to the mineralization defect seen in the osteomalacic bone characteristic of XLH/HYP.

Inositol hexakisphosphate inhibits mineralization of MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cultures

Inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6, phytic acid) is an endogenous compound present in mammalian cells and tissues. Differentially phosphorylated forms of inositol are well-documented to have important roles in signal transduction, cell proliferation and differentiation, and IP6 in particular has been suggested to inhibit soft tissue calcification (specifically renal and vascular calcification) by binding extracellularly to calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate crystals. However, the effects of IP6 on bone mineralization are largely unknown. In this study, we used MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cultures to examine the effects of exogenous IP6 on osteoblast function and matrix mineralization. IP6 at physiologic concentrations caused a dose-dependent inhibition of mineralization without affecting cell viability, proliferation or collagen deposition. Osteoblast differentiation markers, including tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase activity, bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin mRNA levels, were not adversely affected by IP6 treatment. On the other hand, IP6 markedly increased protein and mRNA levels of osteopontin, a potent inhibitor of crystal growth and matrix mineralization. Inositol alone (without phosphate), as well as inositol hexakis-sulphate, a compound with a high negative charge similar to IP6, had no effect on mineralization or osteopontin induction. Binding of IP6 to mineral crystals from the osteoblast cultures, as well as to synthetic hydroxyapatite crystals, was confirmed by a colorimetric assay for IP6. In summary, IP6 inhibits mineralization of osteoblast cultures by binding to growing crystals through negatively charged phosphate groups and by induction of inhibitory osteopontin expression. These data suggest that IP6 may regulate physiologic bone mineralization by directly acting extracellularly, and by serving as a specific signal at the cellular level for the regulation of osteopontin gene expression.

ATP-mediated mineralization of MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cultures

While bone is hypomineralized in hypophosphatemia patients and in tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (Tnsalp)-deficient mice, the extensive mineralization that nevertheless occurs suggests involvement of other phosphatases in providing phosphate ions for mineral deposition. Although the source of phosphate liberated by these phosphatases is unknown, pyrophosphate, ATP, pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP) and phoshoethanolamine (PEA) are likely candidates. In this study, we have induced mineralization of MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cultures using ATP, and have investigated potential phosphatases involved in this mineralization process. MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts were cultured for 12 days and treated either with beta-glycerophosphate (betaGP) or ATP. Matrix and mineral deposition was examined by biochemical, cytochemical, ultrastructural and X-ray microanalytical methods. ATP added at levels of 4-5 mM resulted in mineral deposition similar to that following conventional treatment with betaGP. Collagen levels were similarly normal in ATP-mineralized cultures and transmission electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis confirmed hydroxyapatite mineral deposition along the collagen fibrils in the ECM. Phosphate release from 4 mM ATP into the medium was rapid and resulted in approximately twice the phosphate levels than after release from 10 mM betaGP. ATP treatment did not affect mineralization by altering the expression of mineral-regulating genes such as Enpp1, Ank, and Mgp, nor phosphatase genes indicating that ATP induces mineralization by serving as a phosphate source for mineral deposition. Levamisole, an inhibitor of TNSALP, completely blocked mineralization in betaGP-treated cultures, but had minor effects on ATP-mediated mineralization, indicating that other phosphatases such as plasma membrane Ca2+ transport ATPase 1 (PMCA1) and transglutaminase 2 (TG2) are contributing to ATP hydrolysis. To examine their involvement in ATP-mediated mineralization, the inhibitors cystamine (TG2 inhibitor) and ortho-vanadate (PMCA inhibitor) were added to the cultures - both inhibitors significantly reduced mineralization whereas suppression of the phosphate release by ortho-vanadate was minor comparing to other two inhibitors. The contribution of PMCA1 to mineralization may occur through pumping of calcium towards calcification sites and TG2 can likely act as an ATPase in the ECM. Unlike the GTPase activity of TG2, its ATPase function was resistant to calcium, demonstrating the potential for participation in ATP hydrolysis and mineral deposition within the ECM at elevated calcium concentrations.

Pyrophosphate inhibits mineralization of osteoblast cultures by binding to mineral, up-regulating osteopontin, and inhibiting alkaline phosphatase activity

Inorganic pyrophosphate (PP(i)) produced by cells inhibits mineralization by binding to crystals. Its ubiquitous presence is thought to prevent "soft" tissues from mineralizing, whereas its degradation to P(i) in bones and teeth by tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (Tnap, Tnsalp, Alpl, Akp2) may facilitate crystal growth. Whereas the crystal binding properties of PP(i) are largely understood, less is known about its effects on osteoblast activity. We have used MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cultures to investigate the effect of PP(i) on osteoblast function and matrix mineralization. Mineralization in the cultures was dose-dependently inhibited by PP(i). This inhibition could be reversed by Tnap, but not if PP(i) was bound to mineral. PP(i) also led to increased levels of osteopontin (Opn) induced via the Erk1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. Opn regulation by PP(i) was also insensitive to foscarnet (an inhibitor of phosphate uptake) and levamisole (an inhibitor of Tnap enzymatic activity), suggesting that increased Opn levels did not result from changes in phosphate. Exogenous OPN inhibited mineralization, but dephosphorylation by Tnap reversed this effect, suggesting that OPN inhibits mineralization via its negatively charged phosphate residues and that like PP(i), hydrolysis by Tnap reduces its mineral inhibiting potency. Using enzyme kinetic studies, we have shown that PP(i) inhibits Tnap-mediated P(i) release from beta-glycerophosphate (a commonly used source of organic phosphate for culture mineralization studies) through a mixed type of inhibition. In summary, PP(i) prevents mineralization in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cultures by at least three different mechanisms that include direct binding to growing crystals, induction of Opn expression, and inhibition of Tnap activity.

Hierarchies of Extracellular Matrix and Mineral Organization in Bone of the Craniofacial Complex and Skeleton

Structural hierarchies are common in biologic systems and are particularly evident in biomineralized structures. In the craniofacial complex and skeleton of vertebrates, extracellular matrix and mineral of bone are structurally ordered at many dimensional scales from the macro level to the nano level. Indeed, the nanocomposite texture of bone, with nanocrystals of apatitic mineral embedded within a crosslinked matrix of fibrillar and nonfibrillar proteins, imparts to bone the very mechanical properties and toughness it needs to function in vital organ protection, musculoskeletal movement and mastication. This article focuses on how hierarchies of extracellular matrix protein organization influence bone cell behavior, tissue architecture and mineralization. Additional attention is given to recent work on the molecular determinants of mineral induction in bone, and how the mineralization process is subsequently regulated by inhibitory proteins.