Phenotypic effects of continuous or discontinuous treatment with dexamethasone and/or calcitriol on osteoblasts differentiated from rat bone marrow stromal cells

Osteoblasts are target cells for glucocorticoids and calcitriol, and their phenotype is greatly modified by these hormones. We investigated the effect of continuous or discontinuous hormonal exposure to osteoblasts derived from rat bone marrow stromal cells in long-term subcultures. Stromal cells were grown in primoculture in presence of dexamethasone (dex), but in following subcultures, dex and/or calcitriol were added just after seeding or after a 7-day hormone-free period. Cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) histochemical staining, and enzymatic bioactivity measurement, osteocalcin (OC), ALP and bone sialoprotein (BSP) mRNA expression were used to study the differential effect on osteoblastic phenotype of various conditions of treatment by dex and calcitriol. In primoculture, the osteoblastic differentiation was confirmed by the formation of calcified nodules and by strong expression of ALP, OC, and BSP mRNAs. In subcultures, proliferation of stromal cells was stimulated by dex and inhibited by calcitriol and by both hormones. Cell proliferation was not modified by hormonal lack during 7 days. Continuous hormonal treatment by dex strongly enhanced OC and BSP mRNAs, but apparently did not modified ALP mRNAs expression. Continuous treatment by calcitriol decreased ALP and the dex-induced BSP expression and stimulated the OC mRNAs level, strongly when associated with dex. The population of ALP+ cells and ALP bioactivity were strongly increased by dex, whereas calcitriol or both hormones decreased them. When the subcultures were undergone without hormonal treatment during 7 days, all osteogenic mRNAs strongly decreased even after hormonal recovery. Dex, calcitriol, and both hormones inhibited ALP mRNAs. OC messengers were only weakly detectable with both hormones. ALP+ cell population and ALP bioactivity were decreased after 14 days of hormonal treatment recovery. These results support that continuous presence of glucocorticoids appears as a major key for the permanent expression of the osteoblastic phenotype that is inhibited by calcitriol, in the rat bone marrow.     

Mouse embryo-derived NIH3T3 fibroblasts adopt an osteoblast-like phenotype when treated with 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) and dexamethasone in vitro

This study examines the capability of NIH3T3 fibroblasts to express osteoblastic markers following stimulation with a number of hormones and growth factors in vitro. Of the agents tested, 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) dose-dependently induced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in NIH3T3 cells, and this effect was enhanced by the addition of dexamethasone (Dex), which when administered alone caused no detectable ALP expression. The combined use of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and Dex also stimulated the synthesis of osteocalcin, and osteopontin. Furthermore, cells treated with the both hormones, in the presence of beta-glycerophosphate and l-ascorbic acid, formed mineralized plaques, indicating an osteoblast (OB) phenotype. By contrast, the differentiation induced by 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) or 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) plus Dex was significantly antagonized by transforming growth factor-beta1 and all trans-retinoic acid. These data indicate that NIH3T3 cells have the potential to adopt an OB-like phenotype and may prove to be a convenient model for studying the early events of osteogenic differentiation and the specific interactions of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) with glucocorticoids in controlling this process in vitro.     

Reciprocal control of osteoblast/chondroblast and osteoblast/adipocyte differentiation of multipotential clonal human marrow stromal F/STRO-1(+) cells

The regulation of human bone marrow stromal precursor cell differentiation toward the chondrocyte, osteoblast or adipocyte lineages is not known. In this study, we assessed the lineage-specific differentiation and conversion of immortalized clonal F/STRO-1(+) A human fetal bone marrow stromal cells under the control of dexamethasone (Dex), indomethacin/insulin (Indo/Ins) and linoleic acid (LA). Under basal conditions, F/STRO-1(+) A cells expressed markers mRNAs or proteins of the osteoblast lineage [CBFA1, osteocalcin (OC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), type 1 collagen], of the chondrocyte lineage (aggrecan, types 2, 9 and 10 collagen), and of the adipocyte lineage (PPARgamma2, C/EBPalpha, aP2, G3PDH, lipoprotein lipase, leptin). Treatment with Dex increased CBFA1, OC and ALP mRNA and protein levels. Exposure to LA enhanced expression of adipocytic genes and cytoplasmic triglycerides accumulation, and suppressed the Dex-induced stimulation of osteoblast marker genes. Indo/Ins stimulated the synthesis of aggrecan and type 2 collagen and increased types 9 and 10 collagen mRNA levels, and suppressed both basal and Dex-promoted expression of osteoblast markers. Conversely, stimulation of osteoblastogenesis by Dex suppressed both basal and Indo/Ins-stimulated chondrocyte genes. Thus, the clonal human fetal bone marrow stromal F/STRO-1(+) A cell line is a lineage-unrestricted common progenitor that expresses tripotential adipocyte, osteoblast or chondrocyte characteristics. Our data also show that differentiation towards one pathway in response to Dex, Indo/Ins and LA restricts expression of other lineage-specific genes, and provide evidence for a controlled reciprocal regulation of osteoblast/chondroblast and osteoblast/adipocyte differentiation of clonal F/STRO-1(+) human bone marrow stromal cells.     

Semaphorin 3B is a 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3-induced gene in osteoblasts that promotes osteoclastogenesis and induces osteopenia in mice

The vitamin D endocrine system is important for skeletal homeostasis. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)] impacts bone indirectly by promoting intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate and directly by acting on osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Despite the direct actions of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) in bone, relatively little is known of the mechanisms or target genes that are regulated by 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) in skeletal cells. Here, we identify semaphorin 3B (SEMA3B) as a 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-stimulated gene in osteoblastic cells. Northern analysis revealed strong induction of SEMA3B mRNA by 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) in MG-63, ST-2, MC3T3, and primary osteoblastic cells. Moreover, differentiation of these osteogenic cells enhanced SEMA3B gene expression. Biological effects of SEMA3B in the skeletal system have not been reported. Here, we show that osteoblast-derived SEMA3B alters global skeletal homeostasis in intact animals and osteoblast function in cell culture. Osteoblast-targeted expression of SEMA3B in mice resulted in reduced bone mineral density and aberrant trabecular structure compared with nontransgenic littermates. Histomorphometry studies indicated that this was likely due to increased osteoclast numbers and activity. Indeed, primary osteoblasts obtained from SEMA3B transgenic mice stimulated osteoclastogenesis to a greater extent than nontransgenic osteoblasts. This study establishes that SEMA3B is a 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-induced gene in osteoblasts and that osteoblast-derived SEMA3B impacts skeletal biology in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, these studies support a putative role for SEMA3B as an osteoblast protein that regulates bone mass and skeletal homeostasis.     

Dexamethasone, BMP-2, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D enhance a more differentiated osteoblast phenotype: validation of an in vitro model for human bone marrow-derived primary osteoblasts

In vitro models of bone cells are important for the study of bone biology, including the regulation of bone formation and resorption. In this study, we have validated an in vitro model of human osteoblastic cells obtained from bone marrow biopsies from healthy, young volunteers, aged 20-31 years. Osteoblast phenotypes were induced by either dexamethasone (Dex) or bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). Bone marrow was obtained from biopsies at the posterior iliac spine. Cells were isolated by gradient centrifugation and grown to confluence. Cells were treated with 1 nM 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (vitamin D), 100 nM Dex, and/or 100 ng/ml BMP-2. The osteoblast phenotype was assessed as alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity/staining, production of osteocalcin and procollagen type 1 (P1NP), parathyroid hormone (PTH)-induced cyclic adenosine mono-phosphate (cAMP) production, and in vitro mineralization. AP activity was increased by Dex, but not by BMP-2 treatment. P1NP production was decreased after Dex treatment, while BMP-2 had no effect on P1NP levels. Osteocalcin production was low in cultures not stimulated with vitamin D. Dex or BMP-2 treatment alone did not affect the basic osteocalcin levels, but in combination with vitamin D, BMP-2 increased the osteocalcin production, while Dex treatment completely suppressed osteocalcin production. Further, PTH-induced cAMP production was greatly enhanced by Dex treatment, whereas BMP-2 did not affect cAMP production. Finally, in vitro mineralization was greatly enhanced in cultures enriched with either BMP-2 or Dex. Cell proliferation was only increased significantly by Dex treatment. In conclusion, the model described produces cells with an osteoblastic phenotype, and both Dex and BMP-2 can be used as osteoblast inducers. However, the two treatments produce osteoblastic cells with different phenotypic characteristics, and a selective activation of some of the most important genes and functions of the mature osteoblast can thus be performed in vitro.     

Culture and behavior of osteoblastic cells isolated from normal trabecular bone surfaces

Summary We report the characterization of human osteoblastic cells that were derived from the surface of trabecular bone fragments. After removal of bone marrow cells, the bone lining osteoblastic cells lining the bone surface were obtained by migration and proliferation from the trabecular surface onto a nylon mesh. The isolated population proliferated in culture and exhibited osteoblastic phenotype. Cultured cells show a regular arrangment in vitro and exhibited multiple interconnecting junctions on scanning electron microscopic examination. Immunocytochemical staining showed that the cells produced almost exclusively type I collagen. Bone-surface-derived cells responded to 1–34 human parathyroid hormone by increasing intracellular cyclic AMP. Cell cultures exhibited high alkaline phosphatase activity, which was unaffected by 1,25 (OH)₂ vitamin D. Untreated cells produced high levels of osteocalcin, a bone-specific protein, and they responded to 1,25(OH) vitamin D by increasing osteocalcin synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. Although cells cultured for up to 5 mo. still produced osteocalcin, the response to 1,25(OH)₂D decreased after multiple passages. This study shows that the bone cell populations isolated from trabecular bone surface are enriched in osteoblast precursors and mature osteoblstic cells.     

Leptin stimulates human osteoblastic cell proliferation, de novo collagen synthesis, and mineralization: Impact on differentiation markers, apoptosis, and osteoclastic signaling

Anabolic hormones, mechanical loading, and the obese protein leptin play separate roles in maintaining bone mass. We have previously shown that leptin, as well as its receptor, are expressed by normal human osteoblasts. Consequently, we have investigated how leptin affects proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of human osteoblasts. Iliac crest osteoblasts, incubated with either leptin (100 ng/ml), calcitriol (1,25(OH)(2)D(3); 10(-9) M) or 1-84 human parathyroid hormone (PTH; 10(-8) M), were cultured for 35 consecutive days and assayed for expression of various differentiation-related marker genes (as estimated by RT-PCR), de novo collagen synthesis, proliferation, in vitro mineralization, and osteoclast signaling. The effects of leptin on protection against retinoic acid (RA; 10(-7) M) induced apoptosis, as well as transition into preosteocytes, were also tested. Leptin exposure enhanced cell proliferation and collagen synthesis over both control condition and PTH exposure. Leptin inhibited in vitro calcified nodule production after 1-2 weeks in culture, however, subsequent to 4-5 weeks, leptin significantly stimulated mineralization. The mineralization profile throughout the entire incubation period was almost undistinguishable from the one induced by PTH. In comparison, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) generally reduced proliferation and collagen production rates, whereas mineralization was markedly enhanced. Leptin exposure (at 2 and 5 weeks) significantly enhanced the expression of TGFbeta, IGF-I, collagen-Ialpha, ALP, and osteocalcin mRNA. Leptin also protected against RA-induced apoptosis, as estimated by soluble DNA fractions and DNA laddering patterns subsequent to 10 days of culture. The expression profiles of Bax-alpha and Bcl-2 mRNAs indicated that leptin per se significantly protected against apoptosis throughout the entire incubation period. Furthermore, the osteoblast marker OSF-2 was diminished, whereas the CD44 osteocyte marker gene expression was stimulated, indicating a transition into preosteocytes. In terms of osteoclastic signaling, leptin significantly augmented the mRNA levels of both interleukin-6 (IL-6) and osteoprotegerin (OPG). In summary, continuous leptin exposure of iliac crest osteoblasts, promotes collagen synthesis, cell differentiation and in vitro mineralization, as well as cell survival and transition into preosteocytes. Leptin may also facilitate osteoblastic signaling to the osteoclast.     

Prolonged culture of HOS 58 human osteosarcoma cells with 1,25-(OH)2-D3, TGF-beta, and dexamethasone reveals physiological regulation of alkaline phosphatase, dissociated osteocalcin gene expression, and protein synthesis and lack of mineralization

Cultured rodent osteoblastic cells reiterate the phenotypic differentiation and maturation of osteoblasts seen in vivo. As previously shown, the human osteosarcoma cell line HOS 58 represents a differentiated stage of osteoblast development. The potential of HOS 58 for still further in vitro differentiation suggests the line can serve as a model of osteoblast maturation. Using this cell line, we have investigated the influence of 1,25-(OH)2-D3 (D3), TGF-beta and Dexamethasone (Dex) on proliferation and on the protein and mRNA levels of alkaline phosphatase (AP), procollagen 1 (Col 1), and osteocalcin (Oc), as well as mineralization during 28 days in culture. AP mRNA and protein were highly expressed throughout the culture period with further increase of protein AP activity at constant gene expression levels. A differentiation inhibiting effect of either TGF-beta or Dex was seen. Col 1 was investigated without the use of ascorbic acid and showed only minor changes during culture time or stimulation. The gene expression for Oc increased continually whereas protein synthesis peaked at confluence and decreased thereafter. TGF-beta and Dex treatments decreased Oc mRNA and protein levels. Stimulation by D3 was maximal at day 7 with a decrease thereafter. HOS 58 cells showed no mineralization capacity when stimulated with different agents, as measured by energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis. This was not due to absence of Cbfa1 expression. In conclusion, the HOS 58 osteosarcoma cell line represents a differentiated cell line with highly expressed and physiologically regulated AP expression during further differentiation in culture. We observed a dissociation between osteocalcin gene expression and protein secretion which may contribute to the lack of mineralization in this cell line.     

Species difference exists in the effects of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) and its analogue 2-methylene-19-nor-(20S)-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (2MD) on osteoblastic cells

The direct effect of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) on osteoblasts remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro effects of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) and its analogue, 2-methylene-19-nor-(20S)-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (2MD), on osteoblasts from three different species, i.e. bone marrow stromal cells from the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat, from the C57BL/6 mouse, as well as human osteoblast NHOst cells and human osteosarcoma derived MG-63 cells. We found that in rat cells, both compounds increased cell proliferation, inhibited cell apoptosis and increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. In mouse cells, however, both compounds initiated cell apoptosis and inhibited ALP activity. In human cells, although cell proliferation was inhibited by both compounds, cell apoptosis was inhibited and ALP activity was enhanced. In each species, 2MD was much more potent than 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3). To summarize, species differences should be taken into account in studies of vitamin D effects. However, in all tested species - rat, mouse and human - 2MD is considerably more potent in its effects on osteoblastic cells in vitro than 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3).     

Dihydroxy-cholecalciferol stimulates adipocytic differentiation of porcine mesenchymal stem cells

Dihydroxy-cholecalciferol [1,25(OH)2D3] has been shown to have pleiotropic effects on the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) based on species and culture conditions. We have examined the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 on the differentiation of porcine MSC under culture conditions designed to promote proliferation in order to attempt to mimic the conditions in young, rapidly growing animals. The MSC were isolated from bone marrow of a young pig and grown in basal media (BM) containing DMEM+10% fetal bovine serum and antibiotics. Cells received either BM, BM+10(-8) M 1,25(OH)2D3 or BM+10(-7) M 1,25(OH)2D3 with complete media changes every 3 days for a total of 12 days of culture. On days 3, 6, 9 and 12, viable cell numbers were determined, and samples were collected for gene expression analysis and cytochemical staining. There was a treatment-based reduction in cell numbers on 6, 9 and 12 days (P<.05). The concentrations of mRNAs encoding peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, lipoprotein lipase, and adipocyte-binding protein 2 were increased (P<.05) in a manner indicative of adipocytic differentiation by treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 in a dose-dependent manner. However, the mRNA levels of osteocalcin, a late stage marker of osteoblastic differentiation, was also increased (P<.05) by treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3. An increased percentage of lipid filling, based on Oil Red O staining, and decreased alkaline phosphatase activity, was also seen with 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment. These data suggest that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) stimulates the differentiation of porcine MSC towards an adipocytic phenotype.     

Vitamin D and skin cancer: a problem in gene regulation

The skin is the major source of Vitamin D(3) (cholecalciferol), and ultraviolet light (UV) is critical for its formation. Keratinocytes, the major cell in the epidermis, can further convert Vitamin D(3) to its hormonal form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)] (calcitriol). 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) in turn stimulates the differentiation of keratinocytes, raising the hope that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) may prevent the development of malignancies in these cells. Skin cancers (squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and melanomas) are the most common cancers afflicting humans. UV exposure is linked to the incidence of these cancers-UV is thus good and bad for epidermal health. Our focus is on the mechanisms by which 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) regulates the differentiation of keratinocytes, and how this regulation breaks down in transformed cells. Skin cancers produce 1,25(OH)(2)D(3), contain ample amounts of the Vitamin D receptor (VDR), and respond to 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) with respect to induction of the 24-hydroxylase, but fail to differentiate in response to 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). Why not? The explanation may lie in the overexpression of the DRIP complex, which by interfering with the normal transition from DRIP to SRC as coactivators of the VDR during differentiation, block the induction of genes required for 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-induced differentiation.     

Possible involvement of protein kinase C in the induction of adipose differentiation-related protein by Sterol ester in RAW 264.7 macrophages

We studied the effects of BMP-7/OP-1 on growth and differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells. BMS2, a mouse bone marrow stromal cell line capable of differentiating into adipocytes and osteoblasts, were treated in a serum-free medium containing differentiation agents that favor the expression of both lineages. BMP-7/OP-1 stimulated cell proliferation and differentiation concomitantly. These effects were dose- and growth phase-dependent. Cells were more sensitive to the treatment early in the culture (30-40% confluence) with a significant increase in cell proliferation and markers of differentiation at low concentrations. When treated later in the growth phase (90-100% confluence), no significant increase in cell proliferation was seen. The concentration requirement for cells later in the culture to reach an equivalent degree of differentiation was 3-10- fold higher than for cells treated early. In both cases, the effects on adipocyte differentiation were biphasic; low concentrations stimulated adipocyte differentiation which was inhibited at higher concentrations where stimulation of osteoblast markers were observed. We conclude that cell proliferation and cell differentiation into adipocyte/osteoblast can occur simultaneously under BMP-7/OP-1 treatment.     

Effect of dexamethasone withdrawal on osteoblastic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells

Dexamethasone is capable of directing osteoblastic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) in vitro, but its effects are not lineage-specific, and sustained exposure has been shown to down-regulate collagen synthesis and induce maturation of an adipocyte subpopulation within BMSC cultures. Such side effects might be reduced if dexamethasone is applied in a regimented manner, but the discrete steps in osteoblastic maturation that are stimulated by dexamethasone are not known. To examine this, dexamethasone was added to medium to initiate differentiation of rat BMSCs cultures and then removed after a varying number of days. Cell layers were analyzed for cell number, rate of collagen synthesis, expression of osteocalcin (OC), bone sialoprotein (BSP) and lipoprotein lipase (LpL), and matrix mineralization. Withdrawal of dexamethasone at 3 and 10 days was found to enhance cell number relative to continuous exposure, but did not affect to decrease collagen synthesis slightly. Late markers of osteoblastic differentiation, BSP expression and matrix mineralization, were also sensitive to dexamethasone and increased systematically with exposure while LpL systematically decreased. These results indicate that dexamethasone acts at both early and late stages to direct proliferative osteoprogenitor cells toward terminal maturation.     

1alpha,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 inhibits HGF synthesis and secretion from MG-63 human osteosarcoma cells

Several mesenchymally derived cells, including osteoblasts, secrete hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). 1alpha,25(OH)(2)-vitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)] inhibits proliferation and induces differentiation of MG-63 osteoblastic cells. Here we show that MG-63 cells secrete copious amounts of HGF and that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) inhibits HGF production. MG-63 cells also express HGF receptor (c-Met) mRNA, suggesting an autocrine action of HGF. Indeed, although exogenous HGF failed to stimulate cellular proliferation, neutralizing endogenous HGF with a neutralizing antibody inhibited MG-63 cell proliferation; moreover, inhibiting HGF synthesis with 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) followed by addition of HGF rescued hormone-induced inhibition of proliferation. Nonneutralized cells displayed constitutive phosphorylation of c-Met and the mitogen-activated protein kinases mitogen/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK) 1 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) 1/2, which were inhibited by anti-HGF antibody. Constitutive phosphorylation of Erk1/2 was also abolished by 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). Addition of HGF to MG-63 cells treated with neutralizing HGF antibody induced rapid phosphorylation of c-Met, MEK1, and Erk1/2. Thus endogenous HGF induces a constitutively active, autocrine mitogenic loop in MG-63 cells. The known antiproliferative effect of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) on MG-63 cells can be accounted for by the concomitant 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-induced inhibition of HGF production.