Serial passage of MC3T3-E1 cells alters osteoblastic function and responsiveness to transforming growth factor-beta1 and bone morphogenetic protein-2.

The murine-derived clonal MC3T3-E1 cell is a well-studied osteoblast-like cell line. To understand the effects of serial passages on its cellular function, we examined changes in cell morphology, gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC), proliferation, and osteoblastic function between early passage (<20) and late passage (>65) cells. MC3T3-E1 cells developed an elongated, spindle shape after multiple passages. Intercellular communication decreased significantly (33%) in late vs. early passage cells. Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) stimulated cell proliferation in early passage cells and induced c-fos expression, while it inhibited proliferation in late passage cells. Using alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteocalcin (OC) secretion as markers for osteoblastic function and differentiation, we demonstrated that both markers were significantly reduced after multiple cell passages. Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) significantly enhanced ALP activity and OC secretion in early passage cells while TGF-beta1 exerted an opposite effect. Both BMP-2 and TGF-beta1 had minimal effects on late passage cells. We conclude that serial passage alters MC3T3-E1 cell morphology, and significantly diminishes GJIC, osteoblastic function, TGF-beta1-mediated cell proliferation, and responsiveness to TGF-beta1 and BMP-2. Cell passage numbers should be clearly defined in functional studies involving MC3T3-E1 cells.     

Parathyroid hormone-responsive Smad3-related factor, Tmem119, promotes osteoblast differentiation and interacts with the bone morphogenetic protein-Runx2 pathway

The mechanisms whereby the parathyroid hormone (PTH) exerts its anabolic action on bone are incompletely understood. We previously showed that inhibition of ERK1/2 enhanced Smad3-induced bone anabolic action in osteoblasts. These findings suggested the hypothesis that changes in gene expression associated with the altered Smad3-induced signaling brought about by an ERK1/2 inhibitor would identify novel bone anabolic factors in osteoblasts. We therefore performed a comparative DNA microarray analysis between empty vector-transfected mouse osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells and PD98059-treated stable Smad3-overexpressing MC3T3-E1 cells. Among the novel factors, Tmem119 was selected on the basis of its rapid induction by PTH independent of later increases in endogenous TGF-β. The levels of Tmem119 increased with time in cultures of MC3T3-E1 cells and mouse mesenchymal ST-2 cells committed to the osteoblast lineage by BMP-2. PTH stimulated Tmem119 levels within 1 h as determined by Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry in MC3T3-E1 cells. MC3T3-E1 cells stably overexpressing Tmem119 exhibited elevated levels of Runx2, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, and β-catenin, whereas Tmem119 augmented BMP-2-induced Runx2 levels in mesenchymal cells. Tmem119 interacted with Runx2, Smad1, and Smad5 in C2C12 cells. In conclusion, we identified a Smad3-related factor, Tmem119, that is induced by PTH and promotes differentiation in mouse osteoblastic cells. Tmem119 is an important molecule in the pathway downstream of PTH and Smad3 signaling in osteoblasts.     

Pancreatic polypeptide is secreted from and controls differentiation through its specific receptors in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells

Although the neuropeptide Y (NPY) family has been demonstrated to control bone metabolism, the role of pancreatic polypeptide (PP), which has structural homology with NPY and peptide YY (PYY) to share the NPY family receptors, in peripheral bone tissues has remained unknown. In the present study, we studied the regulatory roles of PP and its Y receptors using MC3T3-E1 cells, a murine transformed osteoblastic cell line, as a model for osteoblastic differentiation. We found that (1) PP mRNA was detected and increased during cell-contact-induced differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells; (2) the immunoreactivity of PP was detected by radioimmunoassay and increased in culture medium during differentiation; (3) all the types of NPY family receptor mRNAs (Y1, Y2, Y4, Y5, and y6) were found to increase during differentiation; (4) PP stimulated differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells in terms of ALP mRNA and BMP-2 mRNA. These findings suggested that MC3T3-E1 cells produce and secrete PP, which may in turn stimulate the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 through its specific receptors in an autocrine manner.     

The combination of high glucose and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) inhibits the mineralization of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells through glucose-induced increase in the receptor for AGEs.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is known to be associated with reduced bone mass and increased bone fractures. This is thought to be due to a decrease in osteoblastic bone formation rather than an increase in osteoclastic bone resorption, but the precise mechanism is unknown. In this study, we examined whether or not high glucose or advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which play key roles in the pathogenesis and complications of diabetes, affect the differentiation of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. First, MC3T3-E1 cells were incubated in media containing either 22 mM glucose, 22 mM mannitol, 300 microg/ml AGE2, or 300 microg/ml AGE3. Each of these agents alone did not affect the mineralization of the cells by von Kossa staining and Alizarin red staining. However, high glucose but not mannitol or AGEs markedly increased mRNA expression of AGE receptor (RAGE) by real-time PCR. Next, we examined the combined effects of high glucose and AGEs on the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. The combination of 22 mM glucose and 300 microg/ml AGE2 significantly inhibited the mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells, and 22 mM glucose in combination with either 300 microg/ml AGE2 or AGE3 apparently decreased osteocalcin mRNA expression. These results suggest that high glucose or AGEs alone might have no effect on osteoblastic differentiation, but their combination could additionally or synergistically inhibit osteoblastic mineralization through glucose-induced increase in RAGE expression.     

Chemotactic responses of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells toward zinc chloride

Although zinc (Zn) is known to participate in bone formation, its exact role in the remodeling of this tissue has not been fully clarified. The present study was designed to investigate whether Zn has a role at the resorptive sites in vitro. We investigated the migration of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells in response to Zn using a Boyden chamber assay. Exposure of MC3T3-E1 cells to Zn stimulated the migration of MC3T3-E1 cells. Checkerboard analysis revealed that the migration of MC3T3-E1 cells toward Zn was a directional (chemotaxis) rather than a random (chemokinesis) motion. Pretreatment of MC3T3-E1 cells with pertussis toxin completely blocked the chemotactic response of cells to Zn, indicating that it is mediated by G-protein-coupled receptors. Because the bone is one of the major Zn storage sites, we suggest that Zn released from bone-resorptive sites plays an important role in the recruitment of osteoblasts and bone renewal.     

Smad3 differently affects osteoblast differentiation depending upon its differentiation stage.

Smad3, a critical component of the TGF-beta signaling pathways, plays an important role in the regulation of bone formation. However, how Smad3 affects osteoblast at the different differentiation stage remains still unknown. In the present study, we examined the effects of Smad3 on osteoblast phenotype by employing mouse bone marrow ST-2 cells and mouse osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells at the different differentiation stage. Smad3 overexpression significantly inhibited bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2)-induced ALP activity in ST-2 cells, indicating that Smad3 suppresses the commitment of pluripotent mesenchymal cells into osteoblastic cells. Smad3 increased the levels of COLI and ALP mRNA at 7 day cultures in MC3T3-E1 cells, and its effects on COL1 were decreased as the culture periods progress, although its effects on ALP were sustained during 21 day cultures. Smad3 overexpression enhanced the level of Runx2 and OCN mRNA at 14 day and 21 day cultures. Smad3 increased the levels of MGP and NPP-1 mRNA, although the extent of increase in MGP and NPP-1 was reduced and enhanced during the progression of culture period, respectively. Smad3 did not affect the level of ANK mRNA. On the other hand, Smad3 enhanced the level of MEPE mRNA at 14 and 21 day cultures, although Smad3 decreased it at 7 day cultures. In conclusion, Smad3 inhibits the osteoblastic commitment of ST-2 cells, while promotes the early stage of differentiation and maturation of osteoblastic committed MC3T3-E1 cells. Also, Smad3 enhanced the expression of mineralization-related genes at the maturation phase of MC3T3-E1 cells.     

Collagen, type V, alpha1 (COL5A1) is regulated by TGF-beta in osteoblasts.

Bone matrix contains high concentrations of growth factors that are known to play important regulatory roles during osteogenesis, particularly transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). Divergent effects of TGF-beta on bone formation have been reported both in vitro and in vivo depending upon experimental conditions, cells employed and their stage of maturation. In this study, we have used a clonal osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1, derived from newborn mouse calvaria, as an in vitro model of bone development. These cells undergo an ordered, time-dependent developmental sequence characterized by three stages (proliferation, differentiation and mineralization), over a 30-35-day period. In this study, cDNA microarray technology was used to study the expression profile of 8470 genes, in the presence of TGF-beta1 during osteoblast development. Microarray analysis revealed 120 cDNAs to be differentially expressed in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts that had been treated with TGF-beta1. From the 120 differentially expressed genes, we selected Collagen, type V, alpha1 (COL5A1) {differential expression=+4.9} for further studies since it represents a previously uncharacterized component of the bone matrix. Using Northern blotting, we found that, when MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with TGF-beta1, COL5A1 was up-regulated during the proliferation and differentiation phases of osteogenesis. Furthermore, by a combination of RNA in situ hybridization and Northern blotting, we found COL5A1 mRNA to be expressed in the calvaria and developing bone of the E17.5 mouse embryos. Lastly, significant COL5A1 protein expression was observed by immunohistochemistry in the developing bone of the E17.5 mouse embryos. In conclusion, by the use of in vitro and in vivo approaches, we have discovered that the COL5A1 gene is a target of TGF-beta during osteogenesis.     

A Prunus mume extract stimulated the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells

Osteoporosis is a serious disease caused by decreased bone mass. There is constant matrix remodeling in bones, by which bone formation is performed by osteoblastic cells, whereas bone resorption is accomplished by osteoclast cells. We investigated the effect of a Japanese apricot (Prunus mume SIBE. et ZUCC.) extract on the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation in pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. An alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, cell proliferation assay, alizarin red staining and expression analysis of osteoblastic genes were carried out to assess the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation. The water-soluble fraction of Prunus mume (PWF) increased the ALP activity, cell proliferation and mineralization. The gene expression of osteopontin and bone morphogenetic protein-2, which are markers in the early period of osteoblastic differentiation, were significantly enhanced by the PWF treatment. PWF therefore stimulated the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of cells and may have potential to prevent osteoporosis.     

Mechanical stimulation of osteopontin mRNA expression and synthesis in bone cell cultures

We have shown earlier that mechanical stimulation by intermittent hydrostatic compression (IHC) promotes alkaline phosphatase and procollagen type I gene expression in calvarial bone cells. The bone matrix glycoprotein osteopontin (OPN) is considered to be important in bone matrix metabolism and cell-matrix interactions, but its role is unknown. Here we examined the effects of IHC (13 kPa) on OPN mRNA expression and synthesis in primary calvarial cell cultures and the osteoblast-like cell line MC3T3-E1. OPN mRNA expression declined during control culture of primary calvarial cells, but not MC3T3-E1 cells. IHC upregulated OPN mRNA expression in late released osteoblastic cell cultures, but not in early released osteoprogenitor-like cells. Also, in both proliferating and differentiating MC3T3-E1 cells, OPN mRNA expression and synthesis were enhanced by IHC, differentiating cells being more responsive than proliferating cells. These results suggest a role for OPN in the reaction of bone cells to mechanical stimuli. The severe loss of OPN expression in primary bone cells cultured without mechanical stimulation suggests that disuse conditions down-regulate the differentiated osteoblastic phenotype. J. Cell. Physiol. 170:174–181, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Induction of osteoblast differentiation indices by statins in MC3T3-E1 cells

Statins inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, which catalyzes conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, a rate-limiting step in cholesterol synthesis. The present study was undertaken to understand the events of osteoblast differentiation induced by statins. Simvastatin at 10(-7) M markedly increased mRNA expression for bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen, bone sialoprotein, and osteocalcin (OCN) in nontransformed osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1), while suppressing gene expression for collagenase-1, and collagenase-3. Extracellular accumulation of proteins such as VEGF, OCN, collagenase-digestive proteins, and noncollagenous proteins was increased in the cells treated with 10(-7) M simvastatin, or 10(-8) M cerivastatin. In the culture of MC3T3-E1 cells, statins stimulated mineralization; pretreating MC3T3-E1 cells with mevalonate, or geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (a mevalonate metabolite) abolished statin-induced mineralization. Statins stimulate osteoblast differentiation in vitro, and may hold promise drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis in the future.     

TWEAK/Fn14 interaction regulates RANTES production, BMP-2-induced differentiation, and RANKL expression in mouse osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), a member of the TNF family, is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates cell growth, migration, and survival principally through a TWEAK receptor, fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14). However, its physiological roles in bone are largely unknown. We herein report various effects of TWEAK on mouse osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. MC3T3-E1 cells expressed Fn14 and produced RANTES (regulated upon activation, healthy T cell expressed and secreted) upon TWEAK stimulation through PI3K-Akt, but not nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), pathway. In addition, TWEAK inhibited bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2-induced expression of osteoblast differentiation markers such as alkaline phosphatase through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) Erk pathway. Furthermore, TWEAK upregulated RANKL (receptor activation of NF-kappaB ligand) expression through MAPK Erk pathway in MC3T3-E1 cells. All these effects of TWEAK on MC3T3-E1 cells were abolished by mouse Fn14-Fc chimera. We also found significant TWEAK mRNA or protein expression in osteoblast- and osteoclast-lineage cell lines or the mouse bone tissue, respectively. Finally, we showed that human osteoblasts expressed Fn14 and induced RANTES and RANKL upon TWEAK stimulation. Collectively, TWEAK/Fn14 interaction regulates RANTES production, BMP-2-induced differentiation, and RANKL expression in MC3T3-E1 cells. TWEAK may thus be a novel cytokine that regulates several aspects of osteoblast function.