Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L3 regulates Smad1 ubiquitination and osteoblast differentiation

Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L3 (Uch-L3), a deubiquitinating enzyme, is upregulated in bone morphogenetic protein 2-induced osteoblast differentiation. The mechanism and role of Uch-L3 in the process of osteoblast differentiation is unknown. We found that Uch-L3 physically interacts with Smad1 and dramatically decreases the amount of poly-ubiquitinated Smad1. Osteoblast differentiation was enhanced in the C2C12 cells stably transfected with Uch-L3. Otherwise, the siRNA knock-down of Uch-L3 resulted in the decrease of osteoblast differentiation. These results suggest that Uch-L3 enhances osteoblast differentiation through the stabilization of Smad1 signaling. Thus, Uch-L3 acts to fine-tune the process of Smad1 activation.     

Post-translational modifications of collagen upon BMP-induced osteoblast differentiation

The pattern of collagen cross-linking is tissue specific primarily determined by the extent of hydroxylation and oxidation of specific lysine residues in the molecule. In this study, murine pre-myoblast cell line, C2C12 cells, were transdifferentiated into osteoblastic cells by bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 treatment, and the gene expression of lysyl hydroxylases (LH1, 2a/b, and 3) and lysyl oxidase (LOX)/lysyl oxidase-like proteins (LOXL1-4), and the extent of hydroxylysine were analyzed. After 24 h of treatment, the expression of most isoforms were upregulated up to 96 h whereas LH2a and LOXL2 decreased with time. In the treated cells, both hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine were detected at day 7 and increased at day 14. The ratio of hydroxylysine to hydroxyproline was significantly increased at day 14. The results indicate that LHs and LOX/LOXLs are differentially responsive to BMP-induced osteoblast differentiation that may eventually lead to the specific collagen cross-linking pattern seen in bone.     

Thinning affects Pinus sylvestris needle decomposition rates and chemistry differently depending on site conditions

Changes in mass and chemical composition of Pinus sylvestris senescent needles were studied over a 5 year period in Mediterranean (MF) and Continental forests (CF) in the Pyrenees under varying levels of thinning (P0: reference, no thinning; P20: removal of 20% basal area, P30: removal of 30% basal area). Decomposition rates were higher in MF (k = 0.423 year^?1) than in CF (k = 0.245 year^?1). However, the maximum decomposition limit was higher in MF (87.9%) compared to CF (78.1%). The relative importance and timing of rainfall, and cellulose and lignin abundance on the decomposition process was similar among both sites. However, air temperature and degree-days only affected CF (the colder site) during the initial stages of decomposition, while litter moisture was significant only in MF (the drier site) in the latter stages of decomposition. Nutrient and carbon dynamics showed temporal patterns similar to those reported in higher latitudes (except for Ca), however, indicators of N mineralization such as C/N and lignin/N at the study sites were lower than values reported in the literature. Decreases in decomposition rates after thinning were higher in MF than in CF, indicating that this ecosystem could, in the short term, be more sensitive to human intervention. Thinning had similar temporary qualitative effects at both sites, slowing decomposition, increasing N and P immobilization and decreasing Ca immobilization. However, quantitative effects of thinning were site dependent in that the magnitude of nutrient immobilization was higher in CF. A conceptual model is presented to explain effects of thinning on litter N dynamics. These temporary changes are not trivial as nutrient immobilization and accumulated organic matter losses over a thinning cycle may affect tree growth particularly during short rotations and intensive fast-growing plantations. Under similar nutrient availability conditions, sites where nutrient release occurs faster may show higher post-thinning tree growth rates.     

Galectin-9 induces osteoblast differentiation through the CD44/Smad signaling pathway

Galectin-9 is a β-galactoside-binding lectin expressed in various tissues. It binds various glycoconjugates and modulates a variety of biological functions in various cell types. Although galectin-9 is expressed in bone, its function in human osteoblasts remains unclear. We demonstrate that galectin-9 induces osteoblast differentiation through the CD44/Smad signaling pathway in the absence of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). Galectin-9 increases alkaline phosphatase activities in human osteoblasts and induces the phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8 and translocation of Smad4 to the nucleus in the absence of BMPs. Galectin-9 also induces binding of Smad4 to the Id1 promoter and increases its activity. Anti-CD44 antibody inhibits Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation by galectin-9. Galectin-9 binds to CD44 and induces the formation of a CD44/BMP receptor complex. Because Smad1 is phosphorylated by BMP receptors, we propose that formation of the CD44/BMP receptor complex induced by galectin-9 may provide a trigger for the activation of Smads.     

The effects of BIG-3 on osteoblast differentiation are not dependent upon endogenously produced BMPs

BMPs play an important role in both intramembranous and endochondral ossification. BIG-3, BMP-2-induced gene 3 kb, encodes a WD-40 repeat protein that accelerates the program of osteoblastic differentiation in vitro. To examine the potential interactions between BIG-3 and the BMP-2 pathway during osteoblastic differentiation, MC3T3-E1 cells stably transfected with BIG-3 (MC3T3E1-BIG-3), or with the empty vector (MC3T3E1-EV), were treated with noggin. Noggin treatment of pooled MC3T3E1-EV clones inhibited the differentiation-dependent increase in AP activity observed in the untreated MC3T3E1-EV clones but did not affect the increase in AP activity in the MC3T3E1-BIG-3 clones. Noggin treatment decreased the expression of Runx2 and type I collagen mRNAs and impaired mineralized matrix formation in MC3T3E1-EV clones but not in MC3T3E1-BIG-3 clones. To determine whether the actions of BIG-3 on osteoblast differentiation converged upon the BMP pathway or involved an alternate signaling pathway, Smad1 phosphorylation was examined. Basal phosphorylation of Smad1 was not altered in the MC3T3E1-BIG-3 clones. However, these clones did not exhibit the noggin-dependent decrease in phosphoSmad1 observed in the MC3T3E1-EV clones, nor did it decrease nuclear localization of phosphoSmad1. These observations suggest that BIG-3 accelerates osteoblast differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells by inducing phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Smad1 independently of endogenously produced BMPs.     

MiR-664-3p suppresses osteoblast differentiation and impairs bone formation via targeting Smad4 and Osterix

Osteoporosis is a metabolic disorder characterized by low bone mass and deteriorated microarchitecture, with an increased risk of fracture. Some miRNAs have been confirmed as potential modulators of osteoblast differentiation to maintain bone mass. Our miRNA sequencing results showed that miR-664-3p was significantly down-regulated during the osteogenic differentiation of the preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells. However, whether miR-664-3p has an impact on bone homeostasis remains unknown. In this study, we identified overexpression of miR-664-3p inhibited the osteoblast activity and matrix mineralization in vitro. Osteoblastic miR-664-3p transgenic mice exhibited reduced bone mass due to suppressed osteoblast function. Target prediction analysis and experimental validation confirmed Smad4 and Osterix (Osx) are the direct targets of miR-664-3p. Furthermore, specific inhibition of miR-664-3p by subperiosteal injection with miR-664-3p antagomir protected against ovariectomy-induced bone loss. In addition, miR-664-3p expression was markedly higher in the serum from patients with osteoporosis compared to that from normal subjects. Taken together, this study revealed that miR-664-3p suppressed osteogenesis and bone formation via targeting Smad4 and Osx. It also highlights the potential of miR-664-3p as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for osteoporotic patients.     

Transglutaminase activity regulates osteoblast differentiation and matrix mineralization in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cultures.

Transglutaminase (TG) enzymes and protein crosslinking have long been implicated in the formation of mineralized tissues. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression, activity and function of TGs in differentiating osteoblasts to gain further insight into the role of extracellular matrix protein crosslinking in bone formation. MC3T3-E1 (subclone 14) pre-osteoblast cultures were treated with ascorbic acid and beta-glycerophosphate to induce cell differentiation and matrix mineralization. Expression of TG isoforms was analyzed by RT-PCR. TG activity was assessed during osteoblast differentiation by in vitro biochemical assays and by in situ labeling of live cell cultures. We demonstrate that MC3T3-E1/C14 osteoblasts express two TG isoforms--TG2 and FXIIIA. Abundant TG activity was observed during cell differentiation which increased significantly after thrombin treatment, a result confirming the presence of FXIIIA in the cultures. Ascorbic acid treatment, which stimulated collagen secretion and assembly, also stimulated externalization of TG activity, likely from FXIIIA which was externalized upon this treatment as analyzed by immunofluoresence microscopy. Inhibition of TG activity in the cultures by cystamine resulted in complete abrogation of mineralization, attributable to decreased matrix accumulation and an arrested state of osteoblast differentiation as measured by decreased levels of bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase. Additional functional studies and substrate characterization showed that TG activity was required for the formation of a fibronectin-collagen network during the early stages of matrix formation and assembly. This network, in turn, appeared to be essential for further matrix production and progression of the osteoblast differentiation program, and ultimately for mineralization.     

Human monocyte differentiation stage affects response to arachidonic acid

AA-induced cell death mechanisms acting on human monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM), U937 promonocytes and PMA-differentiated U937 cells were studied. Arachidonic acid induced apoptosis and necrosis in monocytes and U937 cells but only apoptosis in MDM and U937D cells. AA increased both types of death in Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected cells and increased the percentage of TNFα+ cells and reduced IL-10+ cells. Experiments blocking these cytokines indicated that AA-mediated death was TNFα- and IL-10-independent. The differences in AA-mediated cell death could be explained by high ROS, calpain and sPLA-2 production and activity in monocytes. Blocking sPLA-2 in monocytes and treatment with antioxidants favored M. tuberculosis control whereas AA enhanced M. tuberculosis growth in MDM. Such evidence suggested that AA-modulated effector mechanisms depend on mononuclear phagocytes’ differentiation stage.     

Roles of bone morphogenetic protein type I receptors and Smad proteins in osteoblast and chondroblast differentiation

The biological effects of type I serine/threonine kinase receptors and Smad proteins were examined using an adenovirus-based vector system. Constitutively active forms of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) type I receptors (BMPR-IA and BMPR-IB; BMPR-I group) and those of activin receptor-like kinase (ALK)-1 and ALK-2 (ALK-1 group) induced alkaline phosphatase activity in C2C12 cells. Receptor-regulated Smads (R-Smads) that act in the BMP pathways, such as Smad1 and Smad5, also induced the alkaline phosphatase activity in C2C12 cells. BMP-6 dramatically enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity induced by Smad1 or Smad5, probably because of the nuclear translocation of R-Smads triggered by the ligand. Inhibitory Smads, i.e., Smad6 and Smad7, repressed the alkaline phosphatase activity induced by BMP-6 or the type I receptors. Chondrogenic differentiation of ATDC5 cells was induced by the receptors of the BMPR-I group but not by those of the ALK-1 group. However, kinase-inactive forms of the receptors of the ALK-1 and BMPR-I groups blocked chondrogenic differentiation. Although R-Smads failed to induce cartilage nodule formation, inhibitory Smads blocked it. Osteoblast differentiation induced by BMPs is thus mediated mainly via the Smad-signaling pathway, whereas chondrogenic differentiation may be transmitted by Smad-dependent and independent pathways.     

Chondroitin sulfate-E fine-tunes osteoblast differentiation via ERK1/2, Smad3 and Smad1/5/8 signaling by binding to N-cadherin and cadherin-11

Bone formation in the vertebrate skeleton occurs via the processes of endochondral and membranous ossification. Bone matrices contain chondroitin sulfate (CS) chains that regulate endochondral ossification. However, the function of CS in membranous ossification is unclear. Here, using preosteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells we demonstrate that chondroitin sulfate-E (CS-E) promotes osteoblast differentiation by binding to both N-cadherin and cadherin-11. Differentiated MC3T3-E1 cells exhibited an increase in the total amount of CS and of E-disaccharide units of CS over time. In addition, CS-E polysaccharide, but not CS-A polysaccharide, bound to N-cadherin and cadherin-11 and enhanced osteoblast differentiation. In contrast, osteoblast differentiation was inhibited in chondroitinase ABC-digested MC3T3-E1 cells. Notably, CS-E polysaccharide and hexasaccharide activated intracellular signaling during osteoblast differentiation in non-contacting MC3T3-E1 cells, decreased ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and activated Smad3 and Smad1/5/8; these reactions were blocked by neutralizing antibodies against N-cadherin or cadherin-11, even though cell-cell adhesion is reported to be required for initiation of MC3T3-E1 cell differentiation. Furthermore, CS-E-unit overexpression in MC3T3-E1 cells increased adhesion of the cells to N-cadherin and cadherin-11, and promoted osteoblast differentiation. Collectively, these results suggest that CS-E is a selective ligand for the potential CS receptors, N-cadherin and cadherin-11, leading to osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells.     

Expression of human CD81 differently affects host cell susceptibility to malaria sporozoites depending on the Plasmodium species

Plasmodium sporozoites can enter host cells by two distinct pathways, either through disruption of the plasma membrane followed by parasite transmigration through cells, or by formation of a parasitophorous vacuole (PV) where the parasite further differentiates into a replicative exo-erythrocytic form (EEF). We now provide evidence that following invasion without PV formation, transmigrating Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium yoelii sporozoites can partially develop into EEFs inside hepatocarcinoma cell nuclei. We also found that rodent P. yoelii sporozoites can infect both mouse and human hepatocytes, while human P. falciparum sporozoites infect human but not mouse hepatocytes. We have previously reported that the host tetraspanin CD81 is required for PV formation by P. falciparum and P. yoelii sporozoites. Here we show that expression of human CD81 in CD81-knockout mouse hepatocytes is sufficient to confer susceptibility to P. yoelii but not P. falciparum sporozoite infection, showing that the narrow P. falciparum host tropism does not rely on CD81 only. Also, expression of CD81 in a human hepatocarcinoma cell line is sufficient to promote the formation of a PV by P. yoelii but not P. falciparum sporozoites. These results highlight critical differences between P. yoelii and P. falciparum sporozoite infection, and suggest that in addition to CD81, other molecules are specifically required for PV formation during infection by the human malaria parasite.     

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.     

Mycophenolic acid differentially impacts B cell function depending on the stage of differentiation

Production of pathogenic Abs contributes to disease progression in many autoimmune disorders. The immunosuppressant agent mycophenolic acid (MPA) has shown clinical efficacy for patients with autoimmunity. The goal of these studies was to elucidate the mechanisms of action of MPA on B cells isolated from healthy individuals and autoimmune patients. In this study, we show that MPA significantly inhibited both proliferation and differentiation of primary human B cells stimulated under various conditions. Importantly, MPA did not globally suppress B cell responsiveness or simply induce cell death, but rather selectively inhibited early activation events and arrested cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. Furthermore, MPA blocked expansion of both naive and memory B cells and prevented plasma cell (PC) differentiation and Ab production from healthy controls and individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Finally, whereas MPA potently suppressed Ig secretion from activated primary B cells, terminally differentiated PCs were not susceptible to inhibition by MPA. The target of MPA, IMPDH2, was found to be downregulated in PCs, likely explaining the resistance of these cells to MPA. These results suggest that MPA provides benefit in settings of autoimmunity by directly preventing activation and PC differentiation of B cells; however, MPA is unlikely to impact autoantibody production by preexisting, long-lived PCs.