Sphingosylphosphorylcholine blocks ovariectomy-induced bone loss by suppressing Ca2+/calmodulin-mediated osteoclast differentiation

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bone mineral density decreases due to abnormal activity of osteoclasts, and is commonly found in post-menopausal women who have decreased levels of female hormones. Sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC) is an important biological lipid that can be converted to sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) by autotaxin. S1P is known to be involved in osteoclast activation by stimulating osteoblasts, but bone regulation by SPC is not well understood. In this study, we found that SPC strongly inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation. SPC-induced inhibitory effects on osteoclast differentiation were not affected by several antagonists of S1P receptors or pertussis toxin, suggesting cell surface receptor independency. However, SPC inhibited RANKL-induced calcineurin activation and subsequent NFATc1 activity, leading to decrease of the expression of Trap and Ctsk. Moreover, we found that bone loss in an experimental osteoporosis mouse model was recovered by SPC injection. SPC also blocked ovariectomy-induced body weight increase and Nfatc1 gene expression in mice. We also found that SPC inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in human macrophages. Since currently available treatments for osteoporosis, such as administration of female hormones or hormone receptor modulators, show serious side effects, SPC has potential as a new agent for osteoporosis treatment.     

Inhibitory effect of oolonghomobisflavan B on osteoclastogenesis by suppressing p38 MAPK activation

Suppression of differentiation and/or function of osteoclasts is considered an effective therapeutic strategy for osteolytic bone diseases such as periodontitis and osteoporosis. Evidence regarding the health benefits of oolong tea consumption is accumulating, and tea polyphenols have various pharmacological properties such as anti-cancer and anti-diabetes effects. In this study, we investigated the effect of oolonghomobisflavan B (OFB), a polyphenolic compound in oolong tea, on osteoclast differentiation. OFB suppressed receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANKL)-induced formation of tartate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinuclear cells without cytotoxicity. OFB also significantly attenuated p38 phosphorylation, which is essential for RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis, and inhibited the expressions of nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) and osteoclast-specific target genes, including dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein and cathepsin K. Our findings suggest that OFB exhibits an anti-osteoclastogenic activity by inhibiting RANKL-mediated p38 activation, which is useful for the prevention and treatment of osteolytic bone diseases.     

Interaction of Fas ligand and Fas expressed on osteoclast precursors increases osteoclastogenesis

We incidentally found that osteoclast precursors and mature osteoclasts express Fas ligand (FasL) as well as Fas, which was confirmed by flow cytometry, immunofluorescent staining, and RT-PCR. The aim of this study was to determine the role of FasL in differentiation and cell death of osteoclasts. To study the role of FasL in osteoclastogenesis, neutralizing anti-FasL mAb or rFasL was added during receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis using bone marrow-derived macrophages. Neutralization of endogenous FasL by anti-FasL mAb decreased osteoclastogenesis, whereas rFasL enhanced osteoclast differentiation in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, rFasL up-regulated the secretion of osteoclastogenic cytokines, such as IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, and the activation of NF-kappaB. Functional blocking of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha using IL-1 receptor antagonist and soluble TNFR confirmed that those cytokines mediated the effect of FasL on osteoclastogenesis. The osteoclast precursors were relatively resistant to rFasL-induced apoptosis especially before RANKL treatment, resulting in minimal cell loss by rFasL treatment during osteoclastogenesis. Although rFasL increased the cell death of mature osteoclasts, growth factor withdrawal induced much more cell death. However, anti-FasL mAb did not affect the survival of mature osteoclasts, suggesting that the endogenous FasL does not have a role in the apoptosis of osteoclasts. Finally, in contrast to the effect on apoptosis, rFasL-assisted osteoclastogenesis was not mediated by caspases. In conclusion, FasL has a novel function in bone homeostasis by enhancing the differentiation of osteoclasts, which was not considered previously.     

Proteome analysis of secreted proteins during osteoclast differentiation using two different methods: two-dimensional electrophoresis and isotope-coded affinity tags analysis with two-dimensional chromatography

Bone is maintained by two cell types, bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-resorbing osteoclasts. Osteoblasts express two factors, osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL), inhibiting and promoting osteoclast differentiation, respectively. In contrast, modulators of bone resorption expressed by osteoclasts have not been so well studied enough. In the present study, we demonstrate proteome analysis of secreted proteins during osteoclast differentiation to elucidate the molecular mechanism of bone resorption and bone remodeling. To achieve this objective, we chose RAW264.7 cells with RANKL as a homogeneous osteoclast differentiation model and used two methods, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and isotope-coded affinity tags (ICAT) analysis with two-dimensional liquid chromatography. We found 23 spots in 2-DE and 19 proteins in ICAT analysis which were expressed differently during osteoclast differentiation. These two methods gave us closely related but different information about proteins, suggesting they are complementary or at least supplementary methods at present. Cathepsins, osteopontin, legumain, macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha, and other proteins were observed as up- or down-regulated proteins and are discussed in the context of osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. In addition to confirming previous observations, this study indicates novel proteins related to osteoclast differentiation which are potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of bone diseases, such as osteoporosis.     

Atp6v1c1 is an essential component of the osteoclast proton pump and in F-actin ring formation in osteoclasts

Bone resorption relies on the extracellular acidification function of V-ATPase (vacuolar-type proton-translocating ATPase) proton pump(s) present in the plasma membrane of osteoclasts. The exact configuration of the osteoclast-specific ruffled border V-ATPases remains largely unknown. In the present study, we found that the V-ATPase subunit Atp6v1c1 (C1) is highly expressed in osteoclasts, whereas subunits Atp6v1c2a (C2a) and Atp6v1c2b (C2b) are not. The expression level of C1 is highly induced by RANKL [receptor activator for NF-kappaB (nuclear factor kappaB) ligand] during osteoclast differentiation; C1 interacts with Atp6v0a3 (a3) and is mainly localized on the ruffled border of activated osteoclasts. The results of the present study show for the first time that C1-silencing by lentivirus-mediated RNA interference severely impaired osteoclast acidification activity and bone resorption, whereas cell differentiation did not appear to be affected, which is similar to a3 silencing. The F-actin (filamentous actin) ring formation was severely defected in C1-depleted osteoclasts but not in a3-depleted and a3(-/-) osteoclasts. C1 co-localized with microtubules in the plasma membrane and its vicinity in mature osteoclasts. In addition, C1 co-localized with F-actin in the cytoplasm; however, the co-localization chiefly shifted to the cell periphery of mature osteoclasts. The present study demonstrates that Atp6v1c1 is an essential component of the osteoclast proton pump at the osteoclast ruffled border and that it may regulate F-actin ring formation in osteoclast activation.     

Antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid inhibits osteoclast differentiation by reducing nuclear factor-kappaB DNA binding and prevents in vivo bone resorption induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand and tumor necrosis factor-alpha

The relationship between oxidative stress and bone mineral density or osteoporosis has recently been reported. As bone loss occurring in osteoporosis and inflammatory diseases is primarily due to increases in osteoclast number, reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be relevant to osteoclast differentiation, which requires receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL). Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) frequently present in inflammatory conditions has a profound synergy with RANKL in osteoclastogenesis. In this study, we investigated the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (alpha-LA), a strong antioxidant clinically used for some time, on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. At concentrations showing no growth inhibition, alpha-LA potently suppressed osteoclastogenesis from bone marrow-derived precursor cells driven either by a high-dose RANKL alone or by a low-dose RANKL plus TNF-alpha (RANKL/TNF-alpha). alpha-LA abolished ROS elevation by RANKL or RANKL/TNF-alpha and inhibited NF-kappaB activation in osteoclast precursor cells. Specifically, alpha-LA reduced DNA binding of NF-kappaB but did not inhibit IKK activation. Furthermore, alpha-LA greatly suppressed in vivo bone loss induced by RANKL or TNF-alpha in a calvarial remodeling model. Therefore, our data provide evidence that ROS plays an important role in osteoclast differentiation through NF-kappaB regulation and the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid has a therapeutic potential for bone erosive diseases.     

NF-kappaB inhibitor dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin suppresses osteoclastogenesis and expression of NFATc1 in mouse arthritis without affecting expression of RANKL, osteoprotegerin or macrophage colony-stimulating factor

Inhibition of NF-kappaB is known to be effective in reducing both inflammation and bone destruction in animal models of arthritis. Our previous study demonstrated that a small cell-permeable NF-kappaB inhibitor, dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin (DHMEQ), suppresses expression of proinflammatory cytokines and ameliorates mouse arthritis. It remained unclear, however, whether DHMEQ directly affects osteoclast precursor cells to suppress their differentiation to mature osteoclasts in vivo. The effect of DHMEQ on human osteoclastogenesis also remained elusive. In the present study, we therefore examined the effect of DHMEQ on osteoclastogenesis using a mouse collagen-induced arthritis model, and using culture systems of fibroblast-like synovial cells obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and of osteoclast precursor cells from peripheral blood of healthy volunteers. DHMEQ significantly suppressed formation of osteoclasts in arthritic joints, and also suppressed expression of NFATc1 along the inner surfaces of bone lacunae and the eroded bone surface, while serum levels of soluble receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin and macrophage colony-stimulating factor were not affected by the treatment. DHMEQ also did not suppress spontaneous expression of RANKL nor of macrophage colony-stimulating factor in culture of fibroblast-like synovial cells obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. These results suggest that DHMEQ suppresses osteoclastogenesis in vivo, through downregulation of NFATc1 expression, without significantly affecting expression of upstream molecules of the RANKL/receptor activator of NF-kappaB/osteoprotegerin cascade, at least in our experimental condition. Furthermore, in the presence of RANKL and macrophage colony-stimulating factor, differentiation and activation of human osteoclasts were also suppressed by DHMEQ, suggesting the possibility of future application of NF-kappaB inhibitors to rheumatoid arthritis therapy.     

The molecular scaffold Gab2 is a crucial component of RANK signaling and osteoclastogenesis

Morphogenesis and remodeling of bone involve synthesis of bone matrix by osteoblasts and coordinate resorption of bone by osteoclasts. Defective bone remodeling caused by altered osteoclast activity underlies a multitude of osteopenic disorders. Receptor activator of NF-kappaB (RANK) and its ligand RANKL have been identified as essential factors involved in osteoclast development and bone remodeling, but their mechanism and interacting factors have not been fully characterized. Here we report that the molecular adapter Grb-2-associated binder-2 (Gab2) associates with RANK and mediates RANK-induced activation of NF-kappaB, Akt and Jnk. Inactivation of the gene encoding Gab2 in mice results in osteopetrosis and decreased bone resorption as a result of defective osteoclast differentiation. We also show that Gab2 has a crucial role in the differentiation of human progenitor cells into osteoclasts. We have thus identified a new, key regulatory scaffold molecule, Gab2, that controls select RANK signaling pathways and is essential for osteoclastogenesis and bone homeostasis.     

TGF-beta 1 and IFN-gamma direct macrophage activation by TNF-alpha to osteoclastic or cytocidal phenotype

TNF-related activation-induced cytokine (TRANCE; also called receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL), osteoclast differentiation factor (ODF), osteoprotegerin ligand (OPGL), and TNFSF11) induces the differentiation of progenitors of the mononuclear phagocyte lineage into osteoclasts in the presence of M-CSF. Surprisingly, in view of its potent ability to induce inflammation and activate macrophage cytocidal function, TNF-alpha has also been found to induce osteoclast-like cells in vitro under similar conditions. This raises questions concerning both the nature of osteoclasts and the mechanism of lineage choice in mononuclear phagocytes. We found that, as with TRANCE, the macrophage deactivator TGF-beta(1) strongly promoted TNF-alpha-induced osteoclast-like cell formation from immature bone marrow macrophages. This was abolished by IFN-gamma. However, TRANCE did not share the ability of TNF-alpha to activate NO production or heighten respiratory burst potential by macrophages, or induce inflammation on s.c. injection into mice. This suggests that TGF-beta(1) promotes osteoclast formation not only by inhibiting cytocidal behavior, but also by actively directing TNF-alpha activation of precursors toward osteoclasts. The osteoclast appears to be an equivalent, alternative destiny for precursors to that of cytocidal macrophage, and may represent an activated variant of scavenger macrophage.     

Ebselen Is a Potential Anti-Osteoporosis Agent by Suppressing Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa-B Ligand-Induced Osteoclast Differentiation In vitro and Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Bone Destruction In vivo

Ebselen is a non-toxic seleno-organic drug with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that is currently being examined in clinical trials to prevent and treat various diseases, including atherosclerosis, stroke, and cancer. However, no reports are available for verifying the pharmacological effects of ebselen on major metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis. In this study, we observed that ebselen suppressed the formation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated cells in an osteoblast/osteoclast co-culture by regulating the ratio of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin secreted by osteoblasts. In addition, ebselen treatment in the early stage of osteoclast differentiation inhibited RANKL-dependent osteoclastogenesis by decreasing the phosphorylation of IκB, PI3K, and Akt in early signaling pathways and by subsequently inducing c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T-cells c1. Further, ebselen induced apoptosis of osteoclasts in the late stage of osteoclast differentiation. In addition, ebselen treatment suppressed filamentous actin ring formation and bone resorption activity of mature osteoclasts. Reflecting these in vitro effects, administration of ebselen recovered bone loss and its µ-CT parameters in lipopolysaccharide-mediated mouse model. Histological analysis confirmed that ebselen prevented trabecular bone matrix degradation and osteoclast formation in the bone tissues. Finally, it was proved that the anti-osteoclastogenic action of ebselen is achieved through targeting N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. These results indicate that ebselen is a potentially safe drug for treating metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis.     

Neferine suppresses osteoclast differentiation through suppressing NF-κB signal pathway but not MAPKs and promote osteogenesis

Osteoporosis is an ageing disease characterized by elevated osteoclastic bone resorption resulting in bone loss, decrease bone strength, and elevated incidence of fractures. Neferine, a natural compound isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus), has been reported exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. However, its effect on bone remains to be determined. Here we showed that Neferine inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast formation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, Neferine also demonstrated antiresorptive properties by effectively ameliorating the bone resorptive activity of mature osteoclasts. Mechanistically, Neferine suppressed RANKL-induced activation of NF-κB signaling pathway. This in turn hindered the induction and activation of NFATc1 resulting in downregulation of osteoclast marker genes closely related to differentiation, fusion as well as bone resorption. Interestingly, we found Neferine enhanced the differentiation and bone mineralization activity of MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells. Finally, mice treated with Neferine was protected against ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone loss. The Neferine treatment improved bone volume following ovariectomy and also exhibited less TRAP-positive osteoclasts on bone surface. Collectively our data provide promising evidence that Neferine could be a potential therapeutic application for against osteolytic bone conditions such as osteoporosis.     

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha induces differentiation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells into osteoclasts through the induction of p21(WAF1/Cip1)

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a multifunctional cytokine that mediates inflammation and induces bone loss caused by excessive bone resorption by osteoclasts. The interaction of TNF-alpha with its receptor activates several signal transduction pathways, including those of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases (p38, JNK, and ERK) and NF-kappaB. Signaling from these molecules has been shown to play an important role in osteoclastogenesis. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism of TNF-alpha-induced osteoclast differentiation in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We found that TNF-alpha alone greatly induced differentiation of PBMCs into osteoclasts. The osteoclast differentiation induced by TNF-alpha was independent of RANKL binding to its receptor RANK on PBMCs. Furthermore, TNF-alpha potently activated p38 MAPK, JNK, and NF-kappaB. Western blotting analysis revealed that p21(WAF1/Cip1), a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor, is significantly induced upon TNF-alpha stimulation. The induction of p21(WAF1/Cip1) during differentiation is responsible for arrest at G(0)/G(1) phase and associated with the JNK pathway. These results suggest that TNF-alpha regulates osteoclast differentiation through p21(WAF1/Cip1) expression and further shows that these events require JNK activity.     

RANKing intracellular signaling in osteoclasts

RANKL plays a pivotal role in the differentiation, function and survival of osteoclasts, the principal bone-resorbing cells. RANKL exerts the effects by binding RANK, the receptor activator of NF-kappaB, in osteoclasts and its precursors. Upon binding RANKL, RANK activates six major signaling pathways: NFATc1, NF-kappaB, Akt/PKB, JNK, ERK and p38, which play distinct roles in osteoclast differentiation, function and survival. Recent studies have not only provided more insights into RANK signaling but have also revealed that several factors, including INF-gamma, IFN-beta, and ITAM-activated costimulatory signals, regulate osteoclastogenesis via direct crosstalk with RANK signaling. It was recently shown that RANK contains three functional motifs capable of mediating osteoclastogenesis. Moreover, although both IFN-gamma and IFN-beta inhibit osteoclastogenesis, they exert the inhibitory effects by distinct mechanisms. Whereas IFN-gamma has been shown to block osteoclastogenesis by promoting degradation of TRAF6, IFN-beta inhibits osteoclastogenesis by down-regulating c-fos expression. In contrast, the ITAM-activated costimulatory signals positively regulate osteoclastogenesis by mediating the activation of NFATc1 through two ITAM-harboring adaptors: FcRgamma and DAP12. This review is focused on discussing the current understanding of RANK signaling and signaling crosstalk between RANK and the various factors in osteoclasts.