CD97 inhibits osteoclast differentiation via Rap1a/ERK pathway under compression

Acceleration of tooth movement during orthodontic treatment is challenging, with osteoclast-mediated bone resorption on the compressive side being the rate-limiting step. Recent studies have demonstrated that mechanoreceptors on the surface of monocytes/macrophages, especially adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCRs), play important roles in force sensing.However, its role in the regulation of osteoclast differentiation remains unclear. Herein, through single-cell analysis, we revealed that CD97, a novel mechanosensitive aGPCR, was expressed in macrophages. Compression upregulated CD97 expression and inhibited osteoclast differentiation;while knockdown of CD97 partially rescued osteoclast differentiation. It suggests that CD97 may be an important mechanosensitive receptor during osteoclast differentiation. RNA sequencing analysis showed that the Rap1a/ERK signalling pathway mediates the effects of CD97 on osteoclast differentiation under compression. Consistently, we clarified that administration of the Rap1a inhibitor GGTI298 increased osteoclast activity, thereby accelerating tooth movement. In conclusion,our results indicate that CD97 suppresses osteoclast differentiation through the Rap1a/ERK signalling pathway under orthodontic compressive force.

Transcriptional reprogramming during human osteoclast differentiation identifies regulators of osteoclast activity

Enhanced osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast activity contribute to the development of osteoporosis,which is characterized by increased bone resorption and inadequate bone formation.As novel antiosteoporotic therapeutics are needed,understanding the genetic regulation of human osteoclastogenesis could help identify potential treatment targets.This study aimed to provide an overview of transcriptional reprogramming during human osteoclast differentiation.Osteoclasts were differentiated from CD14+monocytes from eight female donors.RNA sequencing during differentiation revealed 8980 differentially expressed genes grouped into eight temporal patterns conserved across donors.These patterns revealed distinct molecular functions associated with postmenopausal osteoporosis susceptibility genes based on RNA from iliac crest biopsies and bone mineral density SNPs.Network analyses revealed mutual dependencies between temporal expression patterns and provided insight into subtype-specific transcriptional networks.The donor-specific expression patterns revealed genes at the monocyte stage,such as filamin B(FLNB)and oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1(OLR1,encoding LOX-1),that are predictive of the resorptive activity of mature osteoclasts.The expression of differentially expressed G-protein coupled receptors was strong during osteoclast differentiation,and these receptors are associated with bone mineral density SNPs,suggesting that they play a pivotal role in osteoclast differentiation and activity.The regulatory effects of three differentially expressed G-protein coupled receptors were exemplified by in vitro pharmacological modulation of complement 5 A receptor 1(C5AR1),somatostatin receptor 2(SSTR2),and free fatty acid receptor 4(FFAR4/GPR120).Activating C5AR1 enhanced osteoclast formation,while activating SSTR2 decreased the resorptive activity of mature osteoclasts,and activating FFAR4 decreased both the number and resorptive activity of mature osteoclasts.In conclusion,we report the occurrence of transcriptional reprogramming during human osteoclast differentiation and identified SSTR2 and FFAR4 as antiresorptive G-protein coupled receptors and FLNB and LOX-1 as potential molecular markers of osteoclast activity.These data can help future investigations identify molecular regulators of osteoclast differentiation and activity and provide the basis for novel antiosteoporotic targets.

RUFY4 deletion prevents pathological bone loss by blocking endo-lysosomal trafficking of osteoclasts

Mature osteoclasts degrade bone matrix by exocytosis of active proteases from secretory lysosomes through a ruffled border.However,the molecular mechanisms underlying lysosomal trafficking and secretion in osteoclasts remain largely unknown.Here,we show with GeneChip analysis that RUN and FYVE domain-containing protein 4(RUFY4)is strongly upregulated during osteoclastogenesis.Mice lacking Rufy4 exhibited a high trabecular bone mass phenotype with abnormalities in osteoclast function in vivo.Furthermore,deleting Rufy4 did not affect osteoclast differentiation,but inhibited bone-resorbing activity due to disruption in the acidic maturation of secondary lysosomes,their trafficking to the membrane,and their secretion of cathepsin K into the extracellular space.Mechanistically,RUFY4 promotes late endosome-lysosome fusion by acting as an adaptor protein between Rab7 on late endosomes and LAMP2 on primary lysosomes.Consequently,Rufy4-deficient mice were highly protected from lipopolysaccharide-and ovariectomy-induced bone loss.Thus,RUFY4 plays as a new regulator in osteoclast activity by mediating endo-lysosomal trafficking and have a potential to be specific target for therapies against bone-loss diseases such as osteoporosis.

New insights into inflammatory osteoclast precursors as therapeutic targets for rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)and periodontitis are chronic inflammatory diseases leading to increased bone resorption.Preventing this inflammatory bone resorption is a major health challenge.Both diseases share immunopathogenic similarities and a common inflammatory environment.The autoimmune response or periodontal infection stimulates certain immune actors,leading in both cases to chronic inflammation that perpetuates bone resorption.Moreover,RA and periodontitis have a strong epidemiological association that could be explained by periodontal microbial dysbiosis.This dysbiosis is believed to be involved in the initiation of RA via three mechanisms.(i)The dissemination of periodontal pathogens triggers systemic inflammation.(ii)Periodontal pathogens can induce the generation of citrullinated neoepitopes,leading to the generation of anti-citrullinated peptide autoantibodies.(iii)Intracellular danger-associated molecular patterns accelerate local and systemic inflammation.Therefore,periodontal dysbiosis could promote or sustain bone resorption in distant inflamed joints.Interestingly,in inflammatory conditions,the existence of osteoclasts distinct from“classical osteoclasts”has recently been reported.They have proinflammatory origins and functions.Several populations of osteoclast precursors have been described in RA,such as classical monocytes,a dendritic cell subtype,and arthritis-associated osteoclastogenic macrophages.The aim of this review is to synthesize knowledge on osteoclasts and their precursors in inflammatory conditions,especially in RA and periodontitis.Special attention will be given to recent data related to RA that could be of potential value in periodontitis due to the immunopathogenic similarities between the two diseases.Improving our understanding of these pathogenic mechanisms should lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets involved in the pathological inflammatory bone resorption associated with these diseases.

IgSF11-mediated phosphorylation of pyruvate kinase M2 regulates osteoclast differentiation and prevents pathological bone loss

Osteoclasts are primary bone-resorbing cells,and receptor-activated NF-k B ligand(RANKL)stimulation is the key driver of osteoclast differentiation.During late-stage differentiation,osteoclasts become multinucleated and enlarged(so-called“maturation”),suggesting their need to adapt to changing metabolic demands and a substantial increase in size.Here,we demonstrate that immunoglobulin superfamily 11(Ig SF11),which is required for osteoclast differentiation through an association with the postsynaptic scaffolding protein PSD-95,regulates osteoclast differentiation by controlling the activity of pyruvate kinase M isoform2(PKM2).By using a system that directly induces the activation of Ig SF11 in a controlled manner,we identified PKM2 as a major Ig SF11-induced tyrosine-phosphorylated protein.Ig SF11 activates multiple Src family tyrosine kinases(SFKs),including c-Src,Fyn,and Hc K,which phosphorylate PKM2 and thereby inhibit PKM2 activity.Consistently,Ig SF11-deficient cells show higher PKM2activity and defective osteoclast differentiation.Furthermore,inhibiting PKM2 activities with the specific inhibitor Shikonin rescues the impaired osteoclast differentiation in Ig SF11-deficient cells,and activating PKM2 with the specific activator TEPP46 suppresses osteoclast differentiation in wild-type cells.Moreover,PKM2 activation further suppresses osteoclastic bone loss without affecting bone formation in vivo.Taken together,these results show that Ig SF11 controls osteoclast differentiation through PKM2 activity,which is a metabolic switch necessary for optimal osteoclast maturation.

Propionate and butyrate attenuate macrophage pyroptosis and osteoclastogenesis induced by CoCrMo alloy particles

Background:Wear particles-induced osteolysis is a major long-term complication after total joint arthroplasty.Up to now,there is no effective treatment for wear particles-induced osteolysis except for the revision surgery,which is a heavy psychological and economic burden to patients.A metabolite of gut microbiota,short chain fatty acids(SCFAs),has been reported to be beneficial for many chronic inflammatory diseases.This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of SCFAs on osteolysis.Methods:A model of inflammatory osteolysis was established by applying CoCrMo alloy particles to mouse calvarium.After two weeks of intervention,the anti-inflammatory effects of SCFAs on wear particle-induced osteolysis were evaluated by micro-CT analysis and immunohistochemistry staining.In vitro study,lipopolysaccharide(LPS)primed bone marrow-derived macrophages(BMDMs)and Tohoku hospital pediatrics-1(THP-1)macrophages were stimulated with CoCrMo particles to activate inflammasome in the presence of acetate(C2),propionate(C3),and butyrate(C4).Western blotting,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,and immunofluorescence were used to detect the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome.The effects of SCFAs on osteoclasts were evaluate by qRT-PCR,Western blotting,immunofluorescence,and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRAP)staining.Additionally,histone deacetylase(HDAC)inhibitors,agonists of GPR41,GPR43,and GPR109A were applied to confirm the underlying mechanism of SCFAs on the inflammasome activation of macrophages and osteoclastogenesis.Results:C3 and C4 but not C2 could alleviate wear particles-induced osteolysis with fewer bone erosion pits(P<0.001),higher level of bone volume to tissue volume(BV/TV,P<0.001),bone mineral density(BMD,P<0.001),and a lower total porosity(P<0.001).C3 and C4 prevented CoCrMo alloy particles-induced ASC speck formation and nucleationinduced oligomerization,suppressing the cleavage of caspase-1(P<0.05)and IL-1β(P<0.05)stimulated by CoCrMo alloy particles.C3 and C4 also inhibited the generation of gasdermin D-N-terminal fragment(GSDMD-NT)to regulate pyroptosis.Besides,C3 and C4 have a negative impact on osteoclast differentiation(P<0.05)and its function(P<0.05),affecting the podosome arrangement and morphologically normal podosome belts formation.Conclusions:Our work showed that C3 and C4 are qualified candidates for the treatment of wear particle-induced osteolysis.

Glycobiology in osteoclast differentiation and function

Glycans,either alone or in complex with glycan-binding proteins,are essential structures that can regulate cell biology by mediating protein stability or receptor dimerization under physiological and pathological conditions.Certain glycans are ligands for lectins,which are carbohydrate-specific receptors.Bone is a complex tissue that provides mechanical support for muscles and joints,and the regulation of bone mass in mammals is governed by complex interplay between bone-forming cells,called osteoblasts,and bone-resorbing cells,called osteoclasts.Bone erosion occurs when bone resorption notably exceeds bone formation.Osteoclasts may be activated during cancer,leading to a range of symptoms,including bone pain,fracture,and spinal cord compression.Our understanding of the role of protein glycosylation in cells and tissues involved in osteoclastogenesis suggests that glycosylation-based treatments can be used in the management of diseases.The aims of this review are to clarify the process of bone resorption and investigate the signaling pathways mediated by glycosylation and their roles in osteoclast biology.Moreover,we aim to outline how the lessons learned about these approaches are paving the way for future glycobiology-focused therapeutics.

Invasive breast carcinoma with osteoclast-like stromal giant cells:A case report

BACKGROUND Invasive breast carcinoma with osteoclast-like stromal giant cells(OGCs) is an extremely rare morphology of breast carcinomas.To the best of our knowledge,the most recent case report describing this rare pathology was published six years ago.The mechanism controlling the development of this unique histological formation is still unknown.Further,the prognosis of patients with OGC involvement is also controversial.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 48-year-old woman,who presented to the outpatient department with a palpable,growing,painless mass in her left breast for about one year.Sonography and mammography revealed a 26.5 mm ×18.8 mm asymmetric,lobular mass with circumscribed margin and the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System was category 4C.Sono-guided aspiration biopsy revealed invasive ductal carcinoma.The patient underwent breast conserving surgery and was diagnosed with invasive breast carcinoma with OGCs,grade Ⅱ,with intermediate grade of ductal carcinoma in situ(ER:80%,3+,PR:80%,3+,HER-2:negative,Ki 67:30%).Adjuvant chemotherapy and post-operation radiotherapy were initiated thereafter.CONCLUSION As a rare morphology of breast cancer,breast carcinoma with OGC occurs most often in relatively young women,has less lymph node involvement,and its occurrence is not racedependent.

Effects of acupotomy on the activity of osteoclasts and osteoblasts in the subchondral bone of rabbits with early and mid-stage knee osteoarthritis models

Objective:To investigate whether acupotomy could inhibit subchondral bone remodeling in knee osteoarthritis(KOA)rabbits by regulating the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts.Methods:KOA rabbits were prepared by immobilization for 6 and 9 weeks by Videman method.Nine groups of rabbits(control,6 weeks and 9 weeks model,6 weeks and 9 weeks acupotomy,6 weeks and 9 weeks electroacupuncture,and 6 weeks and 9 weeks drug groups)received acupotomy,electroacupuncture and risedronate sodium intervention,respectively,for 3 weeks.Results:Acupotomy can inhibit the activity of osteoclasts and osteoblasts in subchondral bone by reducing the proteins expression of cathepsin K(CK)and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRAP)and decreasing the proteins expression of osteocalcin(OCN)and alkaline phosphatase(ALP),to intercept the abnormal bone resorption and bone formation of subchondral bone in 6-week and 9-week immobilization-induced KOA rabbits.Conclusion:These findings indicated that acupotomy may be more advantageous than risedronate sodium intervention in modulating subchondral bone remodeling in KOA rabbits,especially in 9-week immobilization-induced KOA rabbits.

Research progress of bone sialoprotein in osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption

Bone sialoprotein(BSP)is an important non-collagen extracellular matrix protein(EMC)that promotes bone formation and induces bone resorption.BSP is secreted by odontoblasts,it plays an important role in cementum,alveolar bone formation and mineralization,and periodontal function.Bone resorption is controlled by a complex molecular network,and BSP can promote osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption.It is also associated with the metastasis of a range of malignancies.Osteoclasts(OC)are thought to be the only cells involved in bone resorption and play an important role in bone formation and late developmental remodeling.Osteoporosis and periodontal disease are caused by excessive bone resorption.This article will summarize the osteoclasts differentiation,the biological function of bone resorption,and explore the progress of the prevention and treatment of the related bone resorption diseases such as osteoporosis and periodontal disease through the regulation of osteoclasts.

miR-483-5p regulates osteoclast generation by targeting Timp2

Objective:To investigate whether miR-483-5p regulates osteoclast generation by targeting Timp2.miR-483-5p can promote osteoclast differentiation and bone destruction.Methods:Target genes of miR-483-5p were predicted by miRNAs target gene prediction software TargetScan8.0,and wild type and mutant 3'UTR plasmids were constructed.Dual luciferase reporter genes were used to verify whether target genes had a targeted regulatory relationship with miR-483-5p.Western blotting was used to detect the corresponding changes in the expression level of target protein after adjusting the level of miR-483-5p in cells.Cells were transfected or infected with target gene siRNA or target protein lentivirus,and TRAP staining and q-PCR assays were performed.In addition,for osteoclast induction experiment,RAW264.7 cells were co-transfected with ago-miR-483-5p and target protein-overexpressed lentiviruses q-PCR and TRAP staining were performed respectively.Results:Bioinformatics software was used to predict the target gene of miR-483-5p,and the Timp2 gene was found to regulate osteoclasts,and the dual luciferase reporter detection system found that miR-483-5p could be associated with the 3-UTR of the predicted target gene Timp2 gene.There are complementary loci and targeted regulatory relationship between them.Subsequently,we upregulated miR-483-5p in RAW264.7 cells to reduce the expression of Timp2.Compared with the normal group,the number of osteoclasts and the expression of osteoclast-specific genes increased significantly after the induction of Timp2 in knockdown cells.After co-transfection of target gene and miR-483-5p into cells,the number of osteoclasts and the expression of specific genes decreased significantly compared with the normal group.Conclusion:Timp2 is a downstream target gene of miR-483-5p and is involved in and inhibits osteoclast generation.

A Simplified Method for Purifying Osteoclasts from Human Giant Cell Tumor of Bone

Objective: To purify and identify the osteoclasts from the tissue of humangiant cell tumor of bone. Methods: We have developed a new method that allows the purification oflarge numbers of authentic osteoclasts (OCs). The OCs were isolated from tissue of human giant celltumor of bone by 0.25% trypsin and collagenase. We characterized OCs in terms of the expression ofdifferent phenotypic markers of OCs. The phenotypic markers of OC included Tartrate-resistant acidphosphatase staining (TRAP). The expression of calcitonin receptor (CTR), cathepsin K and receptoractivator of necrosis factor κB (RANK) mRNA were examined by RT-PCR. Results: The OC cell purifiedby above method functioned normally in vitro. The purity was about 79.7%. They showed the normalosteoclast phenotypes markers of OC. Conclusion: The method provides a system for performingbiochemical and molecular studies of OCs. The study indicates that the method of purifying theosteoclasts from human GCT cell can be used for research of bone metabolism.

Paracrine and endocrine actions of bone——the functions of secretory proteins from osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts

The skeleton is a dynamic organ that is constantly remodeled. Proteins secreted from bone cells, namely osteoblasts, osteocytes,and osteoclasts exert regulation on osteoblastogenesis, osteclastogenesis, and angiogenesis in a paracrine manner. Osteoblasts secrete a range of different molecules including RANKL/OPG, M-CSF, SEMA3A, WNT5A, and WNT16 that regulate osteoclastogenesis. Osteoblasts also produce VEGFA that stimulates osteoblastogenesis and angiogenesis. Osteocytes produce sclerostin（SOST） that inhibits osteoblast differentiation and promotes osteoclast differentiation. Osteoclasts secrete factors including BMP6, CTHRC1, EFNB2, S1P, WNT10B, SEMA4D, and CT-1 that act on osteoblasts and osteocytes, and thereby influencea A osteogenesis. Osteoclast precursors produce the angiogenic factor PDGF-BB to promote the formation of Type H vessels, which then stimulate osteoblastogenesis. Besides, the evidences over the past decades show that at least three hormones or ＂osteokines＂from bone cells have endocrine functions. FGF23 is produced by osteoblasts and osteocytes and can regulate phosphate metabolism. Osteocalcin（OCN） secreted by osteoblasts regulates systemic glucose and energy metabolism, reproduction, and cognition. Lipocalin-2（LCN2） is secreted by osteoblasts and can influence energy metabolism by suppressing appetite in the brain.We review the recent progresses in the paracrine and endocrine functions of the secretory proteins of osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts, revealing connections of the skeleton with other tissues and providing added insights into the pathogenesis of degenerative diseases affecting multiple organs and the drug discovery process.

Osteoclasts:New Insights

Osteoclasts, the bone-resorbing cells, play a pivotal role in skeletal development and adult bone remodeling. They also participate in the pathogenesis of various bone disorders. Osteoclasts differentiate from cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage upon stimulation of two essential factors, the monocyte/ macrophage colony stimulating factor （M-CSF） and receptor activation of NF-κB ligand （RANKL）. M-CSF binds to its receptor c-Fms to activate distinct signaling pathways to stimulate the proliferation and survival of osteoclast precursors and the mature cell. RANKL, however, is the primary osteoclast differentiation factor, and promotes osteoclast differentiation mainly through controlling gene expression by activating its receptor, RANK. Osteoclast function depends on polarization of the cell, induced by integrin avβ3, to form the resorptive machinery characterized by the attachment to the bone matrix and the formation of the bone-apposed ruffled border. Recent studies have provided new insights into the mechanism of osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. In particular, c-Fms and RANK signaling have been shown to regulate bone resorption by cross-talking with those activated by integrin avβ3. This review discusses new advances in the understanding of the mechanisms of osteoclast differentiation and function.

Osteoclast fusion and regulation by RANKL-dependent and independent factors

Osteoclasts are the bone resorbing cells essential for bone remodeling.Osteoclasts are formed from hematopoietic progenitors in the monocyte/macrophage lineage.Osteoclastogenesis is composed of several steps including progenitor survival,differentiation to mononuclear pre-osteoclasts,fusion to multi-nuclear mature osteoclasts,and activation to bone resorbing osteoclasts.The regulation of osteoclastogenesis has been extensively studied,in which the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand(RANKL)-mediated signaling pathway and downstream transcription factors play essential roles.However,less is known about osteoclast fusion,which is a property of mature osteoclasts and is required for osteoclasts to resorb bone.Several proteins that affect cell fusion have been identified.Among them,dritic cell-specific transmembrane protein(DC-STAMP)is directly associated to osteoclast fusion in vivo.Cytokines and factors influence osteoclast fusion through regula-tion of DC-STAMP.Here we review the recently discovered new factors that regulate osteoclast fusion with specific focus on DC-STAMP.A better understanding of the mechanistic basis of osteoclast fusion will lead to the development of a new therapeutic strategy for bone disorders due to elevated osteoclast bone resorption.Cell-cell fusion is essential for a variety of cellular biological processes.In mammals,there is a limited number of cell types that fuse to form multinucleated cells,such as the fusion of myoblasts for the formation of skeletal muscle and the fusion of cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage for the formation of multinucleated osteoclasts and giant cells.In most cases,cellcell fusion is beneficial for cells by enhancing function.Myoblast fusion increases myofiber size and diameter and thereby increases contractile strength.Multinucleated osteoclasts have far more bone resorbing activity than their mono-nuclear counterparts.Multinucleated giant cells are much more efficient in the removal of implanted materials and bacteria due to chronic infection than macrophages.Therefore,they are also called foreign-body giant cells.Cell fusion is a complicated process involving cell migration,chemotaxis,cell-cell recognition and attachment,as well as changes into a fusion-competent status.All of these steps are regulated by multiple factors.In this review,we will discuss osteoclast fusion and regulation.

New roles of osteoblasts involved in osteoclast differentiation

Bone-resorbing osteoclasts are formed from a monocyte/macrophage lineage under the strict control o bone-forming osteoblasts. So far,macrophage colonystimulating factor(M-CSF),receptor activator o nuclear factor-κB ligand(RANKL),and osteoprotegerin(OPG) produced by osteoblasts play major roles in the regulation of osteoclast differentiation. Recent studies have shown that osteoblasts regulate osteoclastogenesis through several mechanisms independent o M-CSF,RANKL,and OPG production. Identification o osteoclast-committed precursors in vivo demonstrated that osteoblasts are involved in the distribution o osteoclast precursors in bone. Interleukin 34(IL-34)a novel ligand for c-Fms,plays a pivotal role in maintaining the splenic reservoir of osteoclast-committed precursors in M-CSF deficient mice. IL-34 is also able to act as a substitute for osteoblast-producing M-CSF in osteoclastogenesis. Wnt5 a,produced by osteoblasts,enhances osteoclast differentiation by upregulating RANK expression through activation of the noncanonical Wnt pathway. Semaphorin 3A produced by osteoblasts inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation through the suppression of immunoreceptortyrosine-based activation motif signals. Thus,recent findings show that osteoclast differentiation is tightly regulated by osteoblasts through several different mechanisms. These newly identified molecules are expected to be promising targets of therapeutic agents in bone-related diseases.

Osteoclastic and pleomorphic giant cell tumors of the pancreas:A review of clinical,endoscopic,and pathologic features

Giant cell tumors of the pancreas come in three varieties-osteoclastic,pleomorphic,and mixed histology.These tumors have distinctive endoscopic,clinical,and cytological features.Giant cell tumors have a controversial histogenesis,with some authors favoring an epithelial origin and others favoring a mesenchymal origin.The true origin of these lesions remains unclear at this time.These are also very rare tumors but proper identification and differentiation from more common pancreatic adenocarcinoma is important.The risk factors of these tumors and the prognosis may be different from those associated with standard pancreatic adenocarcinoma.Recognition of these differences can significantly affect patient care.These lesions have a unique appearance when imaged with endoscopic ultrasound(EUS),and these lesions can be diagnosed via EUS guided Fine Needle Aspiration(FNA).This manuscript will review the endoscopic,clinical,and pathologic features of these tumors.

PGE2 activates EP4 in subchondral bone osteoclasts to regulate osteoarthritis

Prostaglandin E2(PGE2), a major cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) product, is highly secreted by the osteoblast lineage in the subchondral bone tissue of osteoarthritis(OA) patients. However, NSAIDs, including COX-2 inhibitors, have severe side effects during OA treatment. Therefore, the identification of novel drug targets of PGE2 signaling in OA progression is urgently needed. Osteoclasts play a critical role in subchondral bone homeostasis and OA-related pain. However, the mechanisms by which PGE2 regulates osteoclast function and subsequently subchondral bone homeostasis are largely unknown. Here, we show that PGE2 acts via EP4 receptors on osteoclasts during the progression of OA and OA-related pain. Our data show that while PGE2 mediates migration and osteoclastogenesis via its EP2 and EP4 receptors, tissue-specific knockout of only the EP4 receptor in osteoclasts(EP4 Lys M) reduced disease progression and osteophyte formation in a murine model of OA. Furthermore, OA-related pain was alleviated in the EP4 Lys M mice, with reduced Netrin-1 secretion and CGRP-positive sensory innervation of the subchondral bone. The expression of plateletderived growth factor-BB(PDGF-BB) was also lower in the EP4 Lys Mmice, which resulted in reduced type H blood vessel formation in subchondral bone. Importantly, we identified a novel potent EP4 antagonist, HL-43, which showed in vitro and in vivo effects consistent with those observed in the EP4 Lys Mmice. Finally, we showed that the Gαs/PI3 K/AKT/MAPK signaling pathway is downstream of EP4 activation via PGE2 in osteoclasts. Together, our data demonstrate that PGE2/EP4 signaling in osteoclasts mediates angiogenesis and sensory neuron innervation in subchondral bone, promoting OA progression and pain, and that inhibition of EP4 with HL-43 has therapeutic potential in OA.

LncRNA Nron regulates osteoclastogenesis during orthodontic bone resorption

Activation of osteoclasts during orthodontic tooth treatment is a prerequisite for alveolar bone resorption and tooth movement.However,the key regulatory molecules involved in osteoclastogenesis during this process remain unclear.Long noncoding RNAs(lnc RNAs)are a newly identified class of functional RNAs that regulate cellular processes,such as gene expression and translation regulation.Recently,lnc RNAs have been reported to be involved in osteogenesis and bone formation.However,as the most abundant noncoding RNAs in vivo,the potential regulatory role of lnc RNAs in osteoclast formation and bone resorption urgently needs to be clarified.We recently found that the lnc RNA Nron(long noncoding RNA repressor of the nuclear factor of activated T cells)is highly expressed in osteoclast precursors.Nron is downregulated during osteoclastogenesis and bone ageing.To further determine whether Nron regulates osteoclast activity during orthodontic treatment,osteoclastic Nron transgenic(Nron c TG)and osteoclastic knockout(Nron CKO)mouse models were generated.When Nron was overexpressed,the orthodontic tooth movement rate was reduced.In addition,the number of osteoclasts decreased,and the activity of osteoclasts was inhibited.Mechanistically,Nron controlled the maturation of osteoclasts by regulating NFATc1 nuclear translocation.In contrast,by deleting Nron specifically in osteoclasts,tooth movement speed increased in Nron CKO mice.These results indicate that lnc RNAs could be potential targets to regulate osteoclastogenesis and orthodontic tooth movement speed in the clinic in the future.

Interleukin-1βinduces human cementoblasts to support osteoclastogenesis

Injury of the periodontium followed by inflammatory response often leads to mot resorption. Resorption is accomplished by osteoclasts and their generation may depend on an interaction with the cells in direct contact with the root, the cementoblasts. Our study aimed to investigate the role of human cementoblasts in the formation of osteoclasts and the effect of interleukin （IL）- 1β hereupon. Extracted teeth from healthy volunteers were subjected to sequential digestion by type I collagenase and trypsin. The effect of enzymatic digestion on the presence of cells on the root surface was analyzed by histology. Gene expression of primary human cementoblasts （pHCB） was compared with a human cementoblast cell line （HCEM）. The pHCBs were analyzed for their expression of IL-1 receptors as well as of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand （RANKL） and osteoprotegerin （OPG）. In a co-culture system consisting of osteoclast precursors （blood monocytes） and pHCBs, the formation of osteoclasts and their resorptive activity was assessed by osteo-assay and ivory slices. The cells obtained after a 120 min enzyme digestion expressed the highest level of bone sialoprotein, similar to that of HCEM. This fraction of isolated cells also shared a similar expression pattern of IL-1 receptors （ILl-R1 and ILl-R2）. Treatment with IL-11~ potently upregulated RANKL expression but not of OPG. pHCBs were shown to induce the formation of functional osteoclasts. This capacity was significantly stimulated by pretreating the pHCBs with IL-1β prior to their co-culture with human blood monocytes. Our study demonstrated that cementoblasts have the capacity to induce osteoclastogenesis, a capacity strongly promoted by IL-1β. These results may explain why osteoclasts can be formed next to the root of teeth.