雄激素和雄激素受体对骨代谢的调控及机制研究进展

骨代谢由成骨细胞介导的骨形成和破骨细胞介导的骨吸收构成。雄激素能调控骨代谢,即促进骨形成、抑制骨吸收,在骨骼生长、骨峰值的获得和骨量维持中起重要作用;且该作用主要通过雄激素受体(androgen receptor,AR)介导。AR调控骨代谢的作用,一方面是通过直接调控骨代谢相关的AR靶基因(如与成骨相关的I型胶原蛋白α1、骨钙素、组织非特异性碱性磷酸酶、小整合素结合配体N-端连接糖蛋白和与破骨相关的核因子κB受体活化因子配体(RANKL)、组织蛋白酶K的表达;另一方面是通过间接调控骨代谢的多个信号通路[如Wnt/β-catenin、骨形态发生蛋白(BMP)/Smads-Runt相关转录因子2(Runx2)、RANKL/骨保护蛋白(OPG)、PI3K/Akt和MAPK信号通路]实现的。该文主要就雄激素/AR在骨代谢调控中的作用及机制作一综述,对丰富AR调控骨代谢的理论认识和骨代谢性疾病的药物研发具有重要意义。     

Wnt/β-catenin信号通路在运动调控骨形成中的机制

骨形成是成骨细胞(osteoblast, OB)合成和分泌骨基质,进而矿化形成新骨的过程。研究表明,运动能够通过外部机械应力、机体内分泌激素水平调节、表观遗传等方式调控骨髓间充质干细胞(bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, BMSCs)分化命运,促进骨形成,在不同生理、病理条件下改善骨量。Wnt/β-catenin信号通路与“运动因子”交互作用,既能通过抑制骨硬化蛋白(osteosclerosis, SOST)和Dickkopf相关蛋白1 (Dickkopf-related protein 1, DKK1),促进Wnt配体及其受体(LRP5/6)基因的表达,激活β-catenin下游信号转导;也能通过促进和(或)抑制相关细胞因子和激素的分泌及调控非编码RNA (non-coding RNA, ncRNA)等方式,间接激活Wnt/β-catenin信号通路。该文系统梳理了不同形式的运动对Wnt/β-catenin通路的调控作用,探讨了该通路在运动调控骨形成过程中的具体作用机制,以期为运动防治骨代谢相关疾病及药物靶点的研发提供理论参考。     

长链非编码RNA介导Wnt/β-catenin信号通路调控骨代谢的研究进展

骨代谢的平衡取决于骨形成及骨吸收之间的动态平衡,Wnt/β-catenin信号通路能够广泛参与骨吸收及骨形成的调控,在维持骨代谢平衡中发挥着重要作用。近年来有研究表明,长链非编码RNA (Long non-coding RNA,lncRNA)也广泛参与骨代谢各阶段的调节,还能通过Wnt/β-catenin信号通路参与骨代谢平衡的调控。目前关于lncRNA介导Wnt/β-catenin信号通路调控骨代谢的综述报道较为鲜见。鉴于此,文中主要以Wnt/β-catenin信号通路为切入点,概述lncRNA在骨代谢中的调控作用,发现lncRNA能够通过靶向作用于miRNA间接调控Wnt/β-catenin信号通路,也能通过Wnt/β-catenin信号通路上的关键因子直接激活或抑制Wnt/β-catenin信号通路,进而发挥其对骨代谢的调控作用,这些发现为lncRNA调控骨代谢作用机制的研究提供了新的思路和方向。     

孤儿核受体SHP敲减抑制BMP9诱导C3H10T1/2细胞的成骨分化

孤儿核受体SHP(small heterodimer partner)是核受体超家族中的一员,具有LXXLL模体及配体结合域,但无经典的DNA结合域.它可与多种转录因子结合,调节细胞的增殖、分化和代谢等生物学过程.但目前关于SHP在BMP9诱导成骨分化中的确切作用却尚不清楚.本研究证明,SHP参与BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞成骨分化. RT-PCR结合Western印迹方法检测蛋白揭示,异位表达BMP9上调了SHP在C3H10T1/2细胞中的表达. 小干扰RNA敲减SHP基因在C3H10T1/2细胞的表达下调了成骨相关基因Runx2、Id1、Id2及CTGF的表达,而过表达BMP9则可上调这些基因的表达.碱性磷酸酶(ALP)活性测定/染色及茜素红染色显示,敲减核受体SHP基因可抑制BMP9的成骨分化作用,而过表达BMP9可部分消除SHP 敲减导致的成骨抑制作用.上述结果提示,核受体SHP为BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞成骨分化所必需. 究竟BMP9如何上调SHP基因表达,以及SHP究竟通过何种机制上调BMP9下游成骨分化相关基因的表达尚待进一步研究.     

维持胚胎干细胞多能性的分子机制

胚胎干细胞（ES细胞）来源于早期发育的胚胎,具有分化为任何细胞类型的多能性,因此具有巨大的基础研究及潜在的应用前景.目前认为ES细胞主要通过一些外源性信号分子的作用及某些重要的内源性转录因子的表达共同起作用来达到其维持多能性的目的.外源性信号分子LIF、BMP4以及Wnt等介导的信号传导通路与内源性转录因子Oct4、Nanog、Sox2、FoxD3等共同起作用来抑制那些促进ES细胞分化的基因表达和激活那些有助于维持ES细胞多能性维持的基因表达,进而形成一个相互调控和依存的基因调控网络共同维持ES细胞的多能性.     

TAZ介导的Wnt/β-catenin信号通路与骨髓基质干细胞的成骨分化

骨质疏松症是由于骨重建过程中骨形成和骨吸收失平衡导致骨总量丢失所致,与成骨细胞分化密切相关。Hippo通路影响着哺乳动物体内细胞增殖、分化和凋亡过程。Wnt/β-catenin通路在成骨细胞分化中扮演重要角色。Hippo下游的靶基因转录共激活因子TAZ脱磷酸化后具有促进骨髓基质干细胞(BMSCs)向成骨细胞分化,调节成骨特异基因骨钙素表达,调节骨、肾发育,激活Wnt/β-catenin通路转录反应的功能;而激活的Wnt/β-catenin通路能通过抑制β-catenin降解进而抑制TAZ的降解。因此,TAZ与Wnt/β-catenin通路相互调控。但是,对TAZ与Wnt/β-catenin通路串话是否影响BMSCs成骨能力尚不清楚。因此,深入研究TAZ介导的Wnt/β-catenin通路在骨代谢中的作用,将为深入了解骨质疏松的发病机制具有重要意义。     

维持胚胎干细胞多能性和自我更新的转录因子Oct-4/ Nanog以及相关的调控网络

Oct-4和Nanog是两种维持干细胞多能性和自我更新的转录因子, 它们通过结合靶基因调控区, 选择性地抑制分化基因表达或促进多能性基因表达。它们通常只在多能干细胞中表达, 在分化细胞中不表达。在不同的发育阶段, 它们的表达量受到特异调控, 并且分别与Sox-2、FoxD3等其他转录因子以及LIF、BMP等胞外信号通路互相作用, 形成一个复杂的转录调节crosstalk网络, 在特异时空激活或抑制靶基因的转录; 通过互相制约最终决定干细胞是保持多能性还是分化, 以及向哪个方向分化。此外, Oct-4和Nanog对体细胞重编程为多能细胞也有重要作用。     

DLX1对BMP9诱导的间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2成骨分化的影响

目的:分析和确认转录因子DLX1在骨形态发生蛋白9(bone morphogenetic protein 9,BMP9)诱导的间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2成骨分化中的作用。方法:首先,BMP9腺病毒感染C3H10T1/2细胞,RT-PCR和Western blot检测DLX1表达变化;随后,利用重组腺病毒技术分别过表达DLX1和RNA干扰(RNA Intenference,RNAi)抑制DLX1的表达,并利用碱性磷酸酶(Alkaline Phosphatase,ALP)染色、钙盐沉积实验(茜素红染色),免疫细胞化学检测骨钙素(osteocalcin,OCN)表达和裸鼠皮下异位成骨实验分析DLX1对于BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞成骨分化的影响。荧光素酶报告基因实验和Western blot分析DLX1对于BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞Smad1/5/8信号途径的影响。结果:BMP9可以促进C3H10T1/2细胞中DLX1基因和蛋白表达水平;过表达DLX1在体外可进一步促进BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞的ALP活性、钙盐沉积以及OCN的表达,过表达DLX1亦可促进BMP9诱导的裸鼠皮下异位成骨;反之,RNAi抑制DLX1表达后,由BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞的ALP活性、钙盐沉积、OCN表达和裸鼠皮下异位成骨均相应受到抑制。过表达DLX1可进一步增强BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞中Smad/1/5/8的转录调控活性,RNAi降低DLX1表达则可抑制BMP9诱导Smad/1/5/8的转录调控活性。但是,无论过表达DLX1和RNAi降低DLX1表达均不会对BMP9诱导的Smad/1/5/8磷酸化造成影响。结论:DLX1可以调节BMP9诱导的间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2细胞成骨分化,其调节作用可能是通过影响Smad1/5/8信号的转录调控活性而实现的。     

Wnt 信号通路与骨髓间充质干细胞成骨之间的关系

Wnt信号通路是由Wnts诱发的一系列相互作用的分子组成。Wnt信号对骨髓间充质干细胞的影响在所有研究中均证实有明显作用,其可调节干细胞增殖、分化及凋亡。研究表明,抑制Wnt信号通路转导可使成骨细胞分化进程受阻,从而抑制骨形成;若诱导Wnt家族成员表达则可使成骨细胞特异性基因表达增加,促进骨形成。本文就Wnt信号通路的作用过程及其与骨髓间充质干细胞成骨诱导的关系做一综述。     

骨形态发生蛋白2通过Smad途径上调Osterix的表达

Osterix（Osx）是一种重要的调控成骨细胞分化的具有锌指结构的转录因子．骨形态发生蛋白2（bone morphogenetic protein 2, BMP2）能够上调Osx的表达,但其分子机制并不清楚．采用实时定量RT-PCR方法检测到BMP2诱导成骨相关细胞C3H10T1/2, MC3T3-E1, C2C12中Osx的转录水平显著上调,并且与成骨分化指标Col1a1, osteocalcin具有相似的表达动力学特征．而且,在C3H10T1/2细胞中过表达负显性（dominant negative, DN）Osx基因,能够有效抑制BMP2诱导的成骨分化．过表达BMP/Smad信号通路抑制蛋白Smad6,能够抑制Osx转录水平的上调．但是通过荧光素酶报告载体对Osx的启动子-1254～+85区域进行分析后未发现接受BMP通路调控的启动子区域．上述结果表明,BMP2能够通过Smad途径上调Osx的表达,并对成骨分化的过程具有十分重要的作用．     

Sclerostin inhibition of Wnt-3a-induced C3H10T1/2 cell differentiation is indirect and mediated by bone morphogenetic proteins

High bone mass diseases are caused both by activating mutations in the Wnt pathway and by loss of SOST, a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist, leading to the activation of BMP signaling. Given the phenotypic similarity between mutations that activate these signaling pathways, it seems likely that BMPs and Wnts operate in parallel or represent components of the same pathway, modulating osteoblast differentiation. In this study, we show that in C3H10T1/2 cells, Wnt-3A and BMP-6 proteins were inducers of osteoblast differentiation, as measured by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) induction. Surprisingly, sclerostin, noggin, and human BMP receptor 1A (BMPR1A)-FC fusion proteins blocked Wnt-3A-induced ALP as well as BMP-6-induced ALP activity. Dkk-1, a Wnt inhibitor, blocked Wnt-induced ALP activity but not BMP-induced ALP activity. Early Wnt-3A signaling as measured by beta-catenin accumulation was not affected by the BMP antagonists but was blocked by Dkk-1. Wnt-3A induced the appearance of BMP-4 mRNA 12 h prior to that of ALP in C3H10T1/2 cells. We propose that sclerostin and other BMP antagonists do not block Wnt signaling directly. Sclerostin blocks Wnt-induced ALP activity by blocking the activity of BMP proteins produced by Wnt treatment. The expression of BMP proteins in this autocrine loop is essential for Wnt-3A-induced osteoblast differentiation.     

SOST is a ligand for LRP5/LRP6 and a Wnt signaling inhibitor

Sclerosteosis is an autosomal recessive disease that is characterized by overgrowth of bone tissue and is linked to mutations in the gene encoding the secreted protein SOST. Sclerosteosis shares remarkable similarities with "high bone mass" diseases caused by "gain-of-function" mutations in the LRP5 gene, which encodes a coreceptor for Wnt signaling proteins. We show here that SOST antagonizes Wnt signaling in Xenopus embryos and mammalian cells by binding to the extracellular domain of the Wnt coreceptors LRP5 and LRP6 and disrupting Wnt-induced Frizzled-LRP complex formation. Our findings suggest that SOST is an antagonist for Wnt signaling and that the loss of SOST function likely leads to the hyperactivation of Wnt signaling that underlies bone overgrowth seen in sclerosteosis patients.     

BMP‐2 modulates β‐catenin signaling through stimulation of Lrp5 expression and inhibition of β‐TrCP expression in osteoblasts

Canonical BMP and Wnt signaling pathways play critical roles in regulation of osteoblast function and bone formation. Recent studies demonstrate that BMP‐2 acts synergistically with β‐catenin to promote osteoblast differentiation. To determine the molecular mechanisms of the signaling cross‐talk between canonical BMP and Wnt signaling pathways, we have used primary osteoblasts and osteoblast precursor cell lines 2T3 and MC3T3‐E1 cells to investigate the effect of BMP‐2 on β‐catenin signaling. We found that BMP‐2 stimulates Lrp5 expression and inhibits the expression of β‐TrCP, the F‐box E3 ligase responsible for β‐catenin degradation and subsequently increases β‐catenin protein levels in osteoblasts. In vitro deletion of the β‐catenin gene inhibits osteoblast proliferation and alters osteoblast differentiation and reduces the responsiveness of osteoblasts to the BMP‐2 treatment. These findings suggest that BMP‐2 may regulate osteoblast function in part through modulation of the β‐catenin signaling. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 896–905, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Osteocyte control of bone formation via sclerostin, a novel BMP antagonist

There is an unmet medical need for anabolic treatments to restore lost bone. Human genetic bone disorders provide insight into bone regulatory processes. Sclerosteosis is a disease typified by high bone mass due to the loss of SOST expression. Sclerostin, the SOST gene protein product, competed with the type I and type II bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptors for binding to BMPs, decreased BMP signaling and suppressed mineralization of osteoblastic cells. SOST expression was detected in cultured osteoblasts and in mineralizing areas of the skeleton, but not in osteoclasts. Strong expression in osteocytes suggested that sclerostin expressed by these central regulatory cells mediates bone homeostasis. Transgenic mice overexpressing SOST exhibited low bone mass and decreased bone strength as the result of a significant reduction in osteoblast activity and subsequently, bone formation. Modulation of this osteocyte-derived negative signal is therapeutically relevant for disorders associated with bone loss.     

TGF-β and BMP signaling in osteoblast differentiation and bone formation

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/bone morphogenic protein (BMP) signaling is involved in a vast majority of cellular processes and is fundamentally important throughout life. TGF-β/BMPs have widely recognized roles in bone formation during mammalian development and exhibit versatile regulatory functions in the body. Signaling transduction by TGF-β/BMPs is specifically through both canonical Smad-dependent pathways (TGF-β/BMP ligands, receptors and Smads) and non-canonical Smad-independent signaling pathway (e.g. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, MAPK). Following TGF-β/BMP induction, both the Smad and p38 MAPK pathways converge at the Runx2 gene to control mesenchymal precursor cell differentiation. The coordinated activity of Runx2 and TGF-β/BMP-activated Smads is critical for formation of the skeleton. Recent advances in molecular and genetic studies using gene targeting in mice enable a better understanding of TGF-β/BMP signaling in bone and in the signaling networks underlying osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. This review summarizes the recent advances in our understanding of TGF-β/BMP signaling in bone from studies of genetic mouse models and human diseases caused by the disruption of TGF-β/BMP signaling. This review also highlights the different modes of cross-talk between TGF-β/BMP signaling and the signaling pathways of MAPK, Wnt, Hedgehog, Notch, and FGF in osteoblast differentiation and bone formation.     

Wnt and BMP signaling pathways co-operatively induce the differentiation of multiple myeloma mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts by upregulating EMX2

Osteoblast differentiation, defined as the process whereby a relatively unspecialized cell acquires the specialized features of an osteoblast, is directly linked to multiple myeloma (MM) bone disease. Wnt and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) are proved to be implicated in the pathological or defective osteoblast differentiation process. This study aims to test the involvement of Wnt, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) pathways, and empty spiracles homeobox 2 (EMX2) in osteoblast differentiation and MM development. Initially, differentially expressed genes in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from MM patients and healthy donors were identified using microarray-based gene expression profiling. The functional role of Wnt and BMP in MM was determined. Next, we focused on the co-operative effects of Wnt and BMP on calcium deposition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, the number of mineralized nodules, and osteocalcin (OCN) content in MSCs. The expression patterns of Wnt and BMP pathway–related genes, EMX2 and osteoblast differentiation-related factors were determined to assess their effects on osteoblast differentiation. Furthermore, regulation of Wnt and BMP in ectopic osteogenesis was also investigated in vivo. An integrated genomic screen suggested that Wnt and BMP regularly co-operate to regulate EMX2 and affect MM. EMX2 was downregulated in MSCs. The activated Wnt and BMP resulted in more calcium salt deposits, mineralized nodules, and a noted increased in ALP activity and OCN content by upregulating EMX2, leading to induced differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts. Collectively, this study demonstrated that Wnt and BMP pathways could co-operatively stimulate differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts and inhibit MM progression, representing potential targets for MM treatment.     

BMP signaling negatively regulates bone mass through sclerostin by inhibiting the canonical Wnt pathway

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are known to induce ectopic bone. However, it is largely unknown how BMP signaling in osteoblasts directly regulates endogenous bone. This study investigated the mechanism by which BMP signaling through the type IA receptor (BMPR1A) regulates endogenous bone mass using an inducible Cre-loxP system. When BMPR1A in osteoblasts was conditionally disrupted during embryonic bone development, bone mass surprisingly was increased with upregulation of canonical Wnt signaling. Although levels of bone formation markers were modestly reduced, levels of resorption markers representing osteoclastogenesis were severely reduced, resulting in a net increase in bone mass. The reduction of osteoclastogenesis was primarily caused by Bmpr1a-deficiency in osteoblasts, at least through the RANKL-OPG pathway. Sclerostin (Sost) expression was downregulated by about 90% and SOST protein was undetectable in osteoblasts and osteocytes, whereas the Wnt signaling was upregulated. Treatment of Bmpr1a-deficient calvariae with sclerostin repressed the Wnt signaling and restored normal bone morphology. By gain of Smad-dependent BMPR1A signaling in mice, Sost expression was upregulated and osteoclastogenesis was increased. Finally, the Bmpr1a-deficient bone phenotype was rescued by enhancing BMPR1A signaling, with restoration of osteoclastogenesis. These findings demonstrate that BMPR1A signaling in osteoblasts restrain endogenous bone mass directly by upregulating osteoclastogenesis through the RANKL-OPG pathway, or indirectly by downregulating canonical Wnt signaling through sclerostin, a Wnt inhibitor and a bone mass mediator.