Effects of BMP-2 and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on rat primary osteoblastic cell proliferation and gene expression

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) strongly promote osteoblast differentiation. Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) promote fracture healing in non-union fractures. In this study, we hypothesized that a combined BMP-2 and PEMF stimulation would augment bone formation to a greater degree than treatment with either single stimulus. BMP-2 maximally increased the proliferative activity of rat primary osteoblastic cells at 25 ng/ml concentration. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed that BMP-2 stimulated mRNA levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alpha(1) (I) procollagen, and osteocalcin (OC) in the differentiation phase and only OC mRNA expression in the mineralization phase after 24-h treatment. Both BMP-2 and PEMF (Spinal-Stim) increased cell proliferation, which was additive when both agents were combined. PEMF alone or together with BMP-2 increased only ALP mRNA expression and only during the differentiation phase 24 h after one 4-h treatment. This effect was additive when both agents were combined. Continuous daily 4-h treatment with PEMF alone or together with BMP-2 increased expression of all three osteoblast marker genes during the differentiation phase and increased the mineralized matrix. This effect was additive when both agents were combined, suggesting that the two interventions may be working on different cellular pathways. Thus, a combined effect of BMP-2 and PEMF in vitro could be considered as groundwork for in vivo bone development that may support skeletal therapy.

Determination of dual effects of parathyroid hormone on skeletal gene expression in vivo by microarray and network analysis

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulates bone formation when injected daily but causes severe bone loss with continuous infusion. The mechanism of its paradoxical effects is still elusive. In this study, we compared changes in the gene expression profile in bone induced by intermittent or continuous treatment with three different PTH peptides, PTH-(1-34), -(1-31), and -(3-34), in Sprague-Dawley female rats. PTH-(1-34) regulated numerous genes (approximately 1,000), but differentially, in both regimes. PTH-(1-31) regulated a similar number of genes in the intermittent regimen but fewer in the continuous regimen, consistent with its less potent catabolic effect. PTH-(3-34) regulated very few genes in both regimes, which suggests the protein kinase C pathway plays a limited role in mediating the dual effects of PTH, whereas the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A pathway appears to predominate. In the intermittent treatment, many genes encoding signaling mediators, transcription factors, cytokines, and proteases/protease inhibitors are regulated rapidly and cyclically with each PTH injection; genes associated with skeletal development show a slowly accruing pattern of expression. With continuous treatment, some genes are regulated from 6 h, and the mRNA levels are sustained with a longer infusion, whereas others show a kinetic decrease and then increase later. Significant up-regulation of genes stimulating osteoclastogenesis in the anabolic regime suggests a provocative and paradoxical theme for the anabolic effect of PTH that a full anabolic response requires a transient up-regulation of genes classically associated with a resorptive response. Ingenuity pathway analysis was performed on the microarray data. A novel signaling network was established that is differentially regulated in the two PTH treatment regimes. Key regulators are suggested to be AREG, CCL2, WNT4, and cAMP-responsive element modulator.

Parathyroid hormone regulates histone deacetylases in osteoblasts

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) functions as an essential regulator of calcium homeostasis and as a mediator of bone remodeling. We have already shown that PTH stimulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), which is responsible for degrading components of extracellular matrix. We have hypothesized that histone deacetylases (HDACs) are involved with PTH-induced MMP-13 gene expression in the osteoblastic cell line, UMR 106-01. We have shown that PTH profoundly regulates HDAC4 in UMR 106-01 cells through a PKA-dependent pathway, leading to removal of HDAC4 from the MMP-13 promoter and its enhanced transcription. Understanding the mechanism of how HDACs affect osteoblast differentiation and mineralization will identify new theraupeutic methods for bone diseases, such as osteoporosis and multiple myeloma.

EGF-like ligands stimulate osteoclastogenesis by regulating expression of osteoclast regulatory factors by osteoblasts: implications for osteolytic bone metastases

Epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like ligands and their receptors constitute one of the most important signaling networks functioning in normal tissue development and cancer biology. Recent in vivo mouse models suggest this signaling network plays an essential role in bone metabolism. Using a coculture system containing bone marrow macrophage and osteoblastic cells, here we report that EGF-like ligands stimulate osteoclastogenesis by acting on osteoblastic cells. This stimulation is not a direct effect because osteoclasts do not express functional EGF receptors (EGFRs). Further studies reveal that EGF-like ligands strongly regulate the expression of two secreted osteoclast regulatory factors in osteoblasts by decreasing osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression and increasing monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1) expression in an EGFR-dependent manner and consequently stimulate TRAP-positive osteoclast formation. Addition of exogenous OPG completely inhibited osteoclast formation stimulated by EGF-like ligands, while addition of a neutralizing antibody against MCP-1 exhibited partial inhibition. Coculture with bone metastatic breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells had similar effects on the expression of OPG and MCP1 in the osteoblastic cells, and those effects could be partially abolished by the EGFR inhibitor PD153035. Because a high percentage of human carcinomas express EGF-like ligands, our findings suggest a novel mechanism for osteolytic lesions caused by cancer cells metastasizing to bone.

Overexpression of Runx2 directed by the matrix metalloproteinase-13 promoter containing the AP-1 and Runx/RD/Cbfa sites alters bone remodeling in vivo

The activator protein-1 (AP-1) and runt domain binding (Runx/RD/Cbfa) sites and their respective binding proteins, c-Fos/c-Jun and Runx2 (Cbfa1), regulate the rat matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) promoter in both parathyroid hormone (PTH)-treated and differentiating osteoblastic cells in culture. To determine the importance of these regulatory sites in the expression of MMP-13 in vivo, transgenic mice containing either wild-type (-456 or -148) or AP-1 and Runx/RD/Cbfa sites mutated (-148A3R3) MMP-13 promoters fused with the E. coli lacZ reporter were generated. The wild-type transgenic lines expressed higher levels of bacterial beta-galactosidase in bone, teeth, and skin compared to the mutant and non-transgenic lines. Next, we investigated if overexpression of Runx2 directed by the MMP-13 promoter regulated expression of bone specific genes in vivo, and whether this causes morphological changes in these animals. Real time RT-PCR experiments identified increased mRNA expression of bone forming genes and decreased MMP-13 in the tibiae of transgenic mice (14 days and 6 weeks old). Histomorphometric analyses of the proximal tibiae showed increased bone mineralization surface, mineral apposition rate, and bone formation rate in the transgenic mice which appears to be due to decreased osteoclast number. Since MMP-13 is likely to play a role in recruiting osteoclasts to the bone surface, decreased expression of MMP-13 may cause reduced osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, resulting in greater bone formation in transgenic mice. In summary, we show here that the 148 bp upstream of the MMP-13 transcriptional start site is sufficient and necessary for gene expression in bone, teeth, and skin in vivo and the AP-1 and Runx/RD/Cbfa sites are likely to regulate this. Overexpression of Runx2 by these regulatory elements appears to alter the balance between the bone formation-bone resorption processes in vivo.

Understanding parathyroid hormone action

In addition to regulating serum calcium and stimulating bone resorption, parathyroid hormone (PTH) is known to stimulate bone formation under certain conditions. The mechanisms behind this counterintuitive anabolic action are largely unknown. We have set out to identify PTH-regulated genes that might be responsible for each of these contrasting effects of the hormone. This article describes our work on a select number of those genes.

Matrix metalloproteinase-13 influences ERK signalling in articular rabbit chondrocytes

OBJECTIVE

Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) is an extracellular MMP that cleaves type II collagen, the major protein component of cartilage, with high specificity and has been implicated in the pathology of osteoarthritis. The present study aimed to characterize the binding and internalization kinetics of MMP-13 in normal rabbit chondrocytes and whether MMP-13 affected cell signalling.

METHODS

Rabbit chondrocytes were used in [125I]-MMP-13 binding assays to investigate the MMP-13 binding kinetics and Western analysis allowed for the assessment of intracellular signalling cascades.

RESULTS

Rabbit chondrocytes were found to express the cartilage-specific genes aggrecan and type II collagen throughout their in vitro culture period. Appreciable specific cell-association of [125I]-MMP-13 was detected after 10 min of exposure to the ligand and equilibrium was obtained after 2 h. Binding of [125I]-MMP-13 to chondrocytes was specific and approached saturation at 75 nM. Internalization of MMP-13 was evident after 20 min, reached a maximum at 30 min and had returned to baseline by 90 min. Addition of receptor-associated protein (RAP) inhibited the internalization of MMP-13 indicating a likely role for low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) in this process. Interestingly the presence of MMP-13 induced phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) protein showing that there is initiation of a signalling process in response to MMP-13 being bound and internalized by rabbit chondrocytes. However, this activation does not involve the MMP-13 internalization receptor LRP1.

CONCLUSION

These studies demonstrate and characterize the MMP-13 binding and internalization system in rabbit chondrocytes and indicate that MMP-13 may regulate the phenotype of the chondrocytes through this receptor system.

Stimulation of amphiregulin expression in osteoblastic cells by parathyroid hormone requires the protein kinase A and cAMP response element-binding protein signaling pathway

Parathyroid hormone (PTH), an anabolic agent for bone metabolism, has profound effects on gene expression in the osteoblast. Recently, we identified that amphiregulin (AR), an EGF-like ligand, is an immediate early gene for PTH treatment and has an important role in bone metabolism. In the present report, by using different PTH peptide fragments, protein kinase activators, and inhibitors, we have demonstrated that PTH regulates amphiregulin in a cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent manner both in vitro and in vivo. We found that the phosphorylation of cAMP-response element (CRE)-binding protein (CREB) preceded AR transcription after PTH treatment. Moreover, luciferase reporter assays revealed that the binding of phosphorylated CREB to a conserved CRE site in the AR promoter plays an important role in basal, PTH-induced, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-induced AR expression in osteoblastic cells. In summary, our data suggest that PTH-induced AR mRNA expression is mediated primarily through cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling.

Parathyroid hormone stimulation and PKA signaling of latent transforming growth factor-beta binding protein-1 (LTBP-1) mRNA expression in osteoblastic cells

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulates bone remodeling and calcium homeostasis by acting on osteoblasts. Recently, the gene expression profile changes in the rat PTH (1-34, 10(-8)M)-treated rat osteoblastic osteosarcoma cell line, UMR 106-01, using DNA microarray analysis showed that mRNA for LTBP-1, a latent transforming growth factor (TGF-beta)-binding protein is stimulated by PTH. Latent TGF-beta binding proteins (LTBPs) are required for the proper folding and secretion of TGF-beta, thus modifying the activity of TGF-beta, which is a local factor necessary for bone remodeling. We show here by real time RT-PCR that PTH-stimulated LTBP-1 mRNA expression in rat and mouse preosteoblastic cells. PTH also stimulated LTBP-1 mRNA expression in all stages of rat primary osteoblastic cells but extended expression was found in differentiating osteoblasts. PTH also stimulated TGF-beta1 mRNA expression in rat primary osteoblastic cells, indicating a link between systemic and local factors for intracellular signaling in osteoblasts. An additive effect on LTBP-1 mRNA expression was found when UMR 106-01 cells were treated with PTH and TGF-beta1 together. We further examined the signaling pathways responsible for PTH-stimulated LTBP-1 and TGF-beta1 mRNA expression in UMR 106-01 cells. The PTH stimulation of LTBP-1 and TGF-beta1 mRNA expression was dependent on the PKA and the MAPK (MEK and p38 MAPK) pathways, respectively in these cells, suggesting that PTH mediates its effects on osteoblasts by several intracellular signaling pathways. Overall, we demonstrate here that PTH stimulates LTBP-1 mRNA expression in osteoblastic cells and this is PKA-dependent. This event may be important for PTH action via TGF-beta in bone remodeling.

Amphiregulin Is a Novel Growth Factor Involved in Normal Bone Development and in the Cellular Response to Parathyroid Hormone Stimulation

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is the major mediator of calcium homeostasis and bone remodeling and is now known to be an effective drug for osteoporosis treatment. Yet the mechanisms responsible for its functions in bone are largely unknown. Here we report that the expression of amphiregulin (AR), a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family, is rapidly and highly up-regulated by PTH in several osteoblastic cell lines and bone tissues. Other osteotropic hormones (1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and prostaglandin E2) also strongly stimulate AR expression. We found all EGF-like ligands and their receptors are expressed in osteoblasts, but AR is the only member that is highly regulated by PTH. Functional studies demonstrated that although AR is a potent growth factor for preosteoblasts, it completely inhibits further differentiation. AR also strongly and quickly stimulated Akt and ERK phosphorylation and c-fos and c-jun expression in an EGF receptor-dependent manner. Moreover, AR null mice displayed significantly less tibial trabecular bone than wild-type mice. Taken together, we have identified a novel growth factor that is PTH-regulated and appears to have an important role in bone metabolism.

Parathyroid hormone uses multiple mechanisms to arrest the cell cycle progression of osteoblastic cells from G1 to S phase

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) plays a major role in bone remodeling and has the ability to increase bone mass if administered daily. In vitro, PTH inhibits the growth of osteoblastic cell lines, arresting them in G(1) phase. Here, we demonstrate that PTH regulates the expression of at least three genes to achieve the following: inducing expression of MAPK phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) and p21(Cip1) and decreasing expression of cyclin D1 at both mRNA and protein levels. The induction of MKP-1 causes the dephosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and therefore the decrease in cyclin D1. Overexpression of MKP-1 arrests UMR cells in G(1) phase. The mechanisms involved in PTH regulation of these genes were studied. Most importantly, PTH administration produces similar effects on expression of these genes in rat femoral metaphyseal primary spongiosa. Analyses of p21(Cip1) expression levels in bone indicate that repeated daily PTH injections make the osteoblast more sensitive to successive PTH treatments, and this might be an important feature for the anabolic functions of PTH. In summary, our data suggest that one mechanism for PTH to exert its anabolic effect is to arrest the cell cycle progression of the osteoblast and hence increase its differentiation.

Nmp4/CIZ regulation of matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13) response to parathyroid hormone in osteoblasts

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) expression in osteoblasts contributes to normal bone turnover. The PTH response region of the rat MMP-13 gene spans nucleotides (nt) -148 to -38 and supports binding of numerous transcription factors, including Runx2, necessary for osteoblast differentiation, c-Fos/c-Jun, and Ets-1. These trans-acting proteins mediate hormone induction via incompletely defined combinatorial interactions. Within this region, adjacent to the distal Runx2 site, is a homopolymeric(dA:dT) element (-119/-110 nt) that conforms to the consensus site for the novel transcription factor nuclear matrix protein-4/cas interacting zinc finger protein (Nmp4/CIZ). This protein regulates bone cell expression of type I collagen and suppresses BMP2-enhanced osteoblast differentiation. The aim of this study was to determine whether Nmp4/CIZ contributes to MMP-13 basal transcription and PTH responsiveness in osteoblasts. Electrophoretic mobility shift analysis confirms Nmp4/CIZ binding within the MMP-13 PTH response region. Mutation of the Nmp4/CIZ element decreases basal activity of an MMP-13 promoter-reporter construct containing the first 1329 nt of the 5'-regulatory region, and overexpression of Nmp4/CIZ protein enhances the activity of the wild-type promoter. The same mutation of the homopolymeric(dA:dT) element enhances the MMP-13 response to PTH and PGE(2). Overexpression of Nmp4/CIZ diminishes hormone induction. Mutation of both the homopolymeric(dA:dT) element and the adjacent Runx2 site further augments the PTH response. On the basis of these data and previous studies, we propose that Nmp4/CIZ is a component of a multiprotein assemblage or enhanceosome within the MMP-13 PTH response region and that, within this context, Nmp4/CIZ promotes both basal expression and hormonal synergy.

Smad3 Interacts with JunB and Cbfa1/Runx2 for Transforming Growth Factor-β1-stimulated Collagenase-3 Expression in Human Breast Cancer Cells

We have previously shown that transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, a crucial molecule in metastatic bone cancer, stimulates collagenase-3 expression in the human breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB231. To understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for TGF-beta1 response on collagenase-3 promoter activity, a functional analysis of the promoter region of the collagenase-3 gene was carried out, and we identified the distal runt domain (RD) and proximal RD/activator protein-1 (AP-1) sites as necessary for full TGF-beta1-stimulated collagenase-3 promoter activity. Gel shift, real time reverse transcriptase-PCR, and Western blot analyses showed increased levels of c-Jun, JunB, and Cbfa1/Runx2 upon TGF-beta1 treatment in MDA-MB231 cells. Co-immunoprecipitation in vitro studies identified no physical interaction between JunB and Cbfa1/Runx2, whereas Smad3 interacted with both. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed interaction of Smad3 with JunB and Cbfa1/Runx2. Under basal conditions, Cbfa1/Runx2 bound to both the proximal RD/AP-1 and distal RD sites. In response to TGF-beta1, Cbfa1/Runx2 was seen only at the distal RD site, whereas JunB occupied the proximal RD/AP-1 site. An assemblage of Smad3, JunB, and Cbfa1/Runx2 at the distal RD site of the collagenase-3 promoter occurred in response to TGF-beta1 in MDA-MB231 cells. Co-transfection of Smad3, JunB, and Cbfa1/Runx2 constructs along with a constitutively active TGF-beta type I receptor construct identified functional interaction of these proteins and transcriptional activation of the collagenase-3 gene by TGF-beta1. Taken together, our results suggest that TGF-beta1 stimulated JunB and Cbfa1/Runx2 to bind to their respective DNA consensus sites and that Smad3 is likely to stabilize their interaction to confer functional TGF-beta1-stimulation of collagenase-3 expression in MDA-MB231 cells.

Parathyroid hormone: a double-edged sword for bone metabolism

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is the major hormone regulating calcium metabolism. It is also the only FDA-approved drug for osteoporosis treatment that stimulates bone formation when injected daily. However, continuous infusion of PTH causes severe bone loss in line with its known catabolic effects. Many studies to understand the dual effects of PTH have been carried out, and in recent years a growing number of molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these effects have emerged. Here, we outline the present knowledge and conclude that the kinetics of administration and subsequent signaling probably account for the divergent actions of the hormone.

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 regulation of collagenase-3 expression in osteoblastic cells by cross-talk between the Smad and MAPK signaling pathways and their components, Smad2 and Runx2

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) plays a key role in osteoblast differentiation and bone development and remodeling. Collagenase-3 (matrix metalloproteinase-13) is expressed by osteoblasts and seems to be involved in osteoclastic bone resorption. Here, we show that TGF-beta 1 stimulates collagenase-3 expression in the rat osteoblastic cell line UMR 106-01 and requires de novo protein synthesis. Dominant-negative Smad2/3 constructs indicated that Smad signaling is essential for TGF-beta 1-stimulated collagenase-3 promoter activity. Inhibitors of the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK pathways, but not the JNK pathway, reduced TGF-beta 1-stimulated collagenase-3 expression, indicating that the p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 pathways are also required for TGF-beta 1-stimulated collagenase-3 expression in UMR 106-01 cells. These inhibitors did not prevent nuclear localization of Smad proteins, but they inhibited Smad-mediated transcriptional activation. We have shown for the first time that Runx2 (a bone transcription factor and a potential substrate for the MAPK pathway) is phosphorylated in response to TGF-beta 1 treatment in osteoblastic cells. Cotransfection of Smad2 and Runx2 constructs had a cooperative effect on TGF-beta 1-stimulated collagenase-3 promoter activity in these cells. We further identified ligand-independent physical interaction between Smad2 and Runx2. Taken together, our results provide an important role for cross-talk between the Smad and MAPK pathways and their components in expression of collagenase-3 following TGF-beta 1 treatment in UMR 106-01 cells.

Impairment of the collagenase-3 endocytotic receptor system in cells from patients with osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

Collagenase-3, a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-13) that can degrade collagen II and aggrecan, is produced by osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes and may contribute to matrix destruction in this disease. Our laboratory has previously identified a specific endocytotic receptor for collagenase-3 on osteoblastic and fibroblastic cells, which couples with the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP1) to mediate the internalization and degradation of this enzyme. We hypothesized that the activity of this receptor system is reduced in OA chondrocytes which may lead to increased local extracellular levels of collagenase-3 and increased destruction of the cartilage matrix at pericellular sites.

METHODS

Human chondrocytes and synoviocytes were obtained from OA knees at the time of joint replacement surgery and from non-arthritic control specimens following autopsy or surgery. Enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) was used to measure collagenase-3 secreted from primary cultures. Iodinated collagenase-3 was used to analyze the cell-surface binding, internalization and intracellular degradation of collagenase-3. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to confirm chondrocyte phenotype and the expression of collagenase-3 and LRP1 mRNAs.

RESULTS

OA chondrocytes and synoviocytes demonstrated significantly reduced (75-77%) binding of recombinant 125I collagenase-3. Internalization and degradation of the ligand was also significantly reduced (64-72%) in OA cells. Collagenase-3 removal was inhibited by the LRP1 receptor-associated protein (RAP).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest a mechanism whereby impaired receptor-mediated removal of collagenase-3 in OA chondrocytes may lead to enhanced local degradation of the cartilage matrix. This work also implicates an LRP family member in endocytotic receptor-mediated collagenase-3 processing and suggests a novel therapeutic target for OA.

Gene expression profiles and transcription factors involved in parathyroid hormone signaling in osteoblasts revealed by microarray and bioinformatics

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) binds to its receptor PTH1R (parathyroid hormone 1 receptor) in osteoblastic cells to regulate bone remodeling and calcium homeostasis. While prolonged exposure to PTH causes increased bone resorption, intermittent injections of PTH have an anabolic effect on bone. The molecular mechanisms regulating these processes are still largely unknown. Here, we present our results on gene expression profile changes in the PTH-treated osteoblastic cell line, UMR 106-01, using DNA microarray analysis. A total of 125 known genes and 30 unknown expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were found to have at least 2-fold expression changes after PTH treatment at 4, 12, and 24 h. 14 genes were previously known to be PTH-regulated but many were unknown to be regulated by PTH prior to our experiments. Real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR confirmed that 90 and 50% of the genes are regulated more than 2-fold by PTH in UMR 106-01 and rat primary osteoblastic cells, respectively. Most genes belong to the following protein families: hormones, growth factors, and receptors; signal transduction pathway proteins; transcription factors; proteases; metabolic enzymes; structural and matrix proteins; transporters; etc. These results provide a comprehensive and deeper knowledge about PTH regulation of osteoblastic gene expression. Next, we designed a computational method to extract information about transcription factors likely involved in regulating these genes. These factors include those previously known to be involved in PTH signaling (AP-1 and the cAMP response element-binding protein), those that were identified by microarray data (C/EBP), and some novel transcription factors (AP-2, AP-4, SP1, FoxD3, etc.). Our results suggest that a reliable bioinformatics approach can be easily applied for other systems.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors as immunomodulators: potential use in transplant rejection

The benefit of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) to the cardiovascular system is now well established and these drugs are being used extensively to treat hypercholesterolaemia clinically. However, as clinical outcomes become available it appears that statins are proving more beneficial than expected and thus it is being proposed that the actions of statins go beyond their ability to lower serum cholesterol levels. The report that statins can interact directly with lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA)-1 and prevent it engaging with the intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 receptor on T cells is a novel mechanism of statin action and provides convincing evidence that these compounds can regulate biological systems other than by the cholesterol synthesis pathway. Immunosuppression to prevent organ transplant rejection is one application for which statins are currently being assessed. The clinical evidence is conflicting and does not convincingly reflect whether statins are beneficial as immunomodulators. However, in vivo studies investigating the cellular actions of statins have identified two mechanisms by which statins can potentially modulate an in vivo immune response. Firstly, statins regulate inducible class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) expression on macrophages and endothelial cells. Secondly, statins can inhibit LFA-1 adhesion to ICAM-1 and thus regulate T cell activation. These findings suggest that statins have the potential to regulate an immune response in vivo and that more investigation is essential in order to explain the opposing clinical data.

Comparative promoter analysis and its application in analysis of PTH-regulated gene expression

Taking advantage of the "working draft" of the human genome and the MIT shotgun assembly of the mouse genome, we performed a comparative promoter analysis of human RefSeq mRNA (sequences from GenBank's RefSeq database). By combining this analysis with a transcription factor (TF) binding site analysis using a TRANSFAC position weight matrix (PWM) search, 86% of non-specific TF sites were removed. Using a set of genes that are regulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH), a statistical analysis was performed on the conserved TF binding sites among a set of eight human and mouse genes. From among the eight genes tested, we obtained a set of 31 TFs, suggesting possible roles for associated genes in PTH-mediated pathways. All three known PTH-responsive TFs (AP1, RUNX2, CREB) were correctly predicted by this analysis as well as two other potential TFs (VDR and CEBP Delta). Additionally, a model was made to describe the TF site characteristic module of PTH-regulated genes. This model was then used to search all human RefSeq gene promoters with established human-mouse ortholog relationships to identify other PTH-regulated genes. This comparative approach combined with statistical analysis proved to be sufficiently specific to decipher critical TFs involved in PTH-regulated pathways.

Transcriptional activation of collagenase-3 by transforming growth factor-beta1 is via MAPK and Smad pathways in human breast cancer cells

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, a crucial molecule in metastatic bone cancer, stimulates collagenase-3 expression in the human breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB231. Cycloheximide inhibited this stimulation, indicating that de novo protein synthesis was essential for this response. We examined whether mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and/or Smad pathways are involved in TGF-beta1-stimulated collagenase-3 expression in MDA-MB231 cells. Biochemical blockade of extracellular regulated kinase-1/2 and p38 MAPK pathways partially abolished TGF-beta1-stimulated collagenase-3 mRNA expression; whereas overexpression of a dominant negative form of Smad3 completely blocked the TGF-beta1-response. These data indicate that TGF-beta1-induced MAPK and Smad pathways are involved in TGF-beta1-stimulated collagenase-3 expression in MDA-MB231 cells.

Induction of transcriptional activity of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein by parathyroid hormone and epidermal growth factor in osteoblastic cells

Previously, we have shown that parathyroid hormone (PTH) transactivation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB) requires both serine 129 (S129) and serine 133 (S133) in rat osteosarcoma cells UMR 106-01 (UMR) cells. Furthermore, although protein kinase A (PKA) is responsible for phosphorylation at S133, glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK-3beta) activity is required and may be responsible for phosphorylation of CREB at S129. Here, we show, using the GAL4-CREB reporter system, that epidermal growth factor (EGF) can transactivate CREB in UMR cells in addition to PTH. Additionally, treatment of UMR cells with both PTH and EGF results in greater than additive transactivation of CREB. Furthermore, using mutational analysis we show that S129 and S133 are required for EGF-induced transcriptional activity. EGF activates members of the MAPK family including p38 and extracellular signal-activated kinases (ERKs), and treatment of UMR cells with either the p38 inhibitor (SB203580) or the MEK inhibitor (PD98059) prevents phosphorylation of CREB at S133 by EGF but not by PTH. Treatment of cells with either SB203580 or PD98059 alone or together significantly inhibits transactivation of CREB by EGF but not by PTH, indicating that EGF regulates CREB phosphorylation and transactivation through p38 and ERKs and PTH does not. Finally, the greater than additive transactivation of CREB by PTH and EGF is significantly inhibited by the PKA inhibitor H-89 or by cotreatment with SB203580 and PD98059. Thus, several different signaling pathways in osteoblastic cells can converge on and regulate CREB activity. This suggests, in vivo, that circulating agents such as PTH and EGF are acting in concert to exert their effects.

Regulation of collagenase-3 and osteocalcin gene expression by collagen and osteopontin in differentiating MC3T3-E1 cells

Both collagenase-3 and osteocalcin mRNAs are expressed maximally during the later stages of osteoblast differentiation. Here, we demonstrate that collagenase-3 mRNA expression in differentiating MC3T3-E1 cells is dependent upon the presence of ascorbic acid, is inhibited in the presence of the collagen synthesis inhibitor, 3,4-dehydroproline, and is stimulated by growth on collagen in the absence of ascorbic acid. Transient transfection studies show that collagenase-3 promoter activity increases during cell differentiation and requires the presence of ascorbic acid. Additionally, we show that, in differentiating MC3T3-E1 cells, collagenase-3 gene expression increases in the presence of an anti-osteopontin monoclonal antibody that binds near the RGD motif of this protein, whereas osteocalcin expression is inhibited. Furthermore, an RGD peptidomimetic compound, designed to block interaction of ligands to the alpha(v) integrin subunit, increases osteocalcin expression and inhibits collagenase-3 expression, suggesting that the RGD peptidomimetic initiates certain alpha(v) integrin signaling in osteoblastic cells. Overall, these studies demonstrate that stimulation of collagenase-3 expression during osteoblast differentiation requires synthesis of a collagenous matrix and that osteopontin and alpha(v) integrins exert divergent regulation of collagenase-3 and osteocalcin expression during osteoblast differentiation.

Parathyroid hormone inhibits c-Jun N-terminal kinase activity in rat osteoblastic cells by a protein kinase A-dependent pathway

Treatment of osteoblastic cells with PTH initiates dual signaling cascades resulting in activation of both PKA and PKC. It has been shown that PTH either inhibits or stimulates ERKs depending on dose of the hormone; nevertheless, the ability of PTH to regulate other members of the MAPK family is unknown. Another member of this family, c-Jun-NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK), is preferentially activated by cytokines and cellular stresses and plays a key role in regulating the activity of various transcription factors. We demonstrate that treatment of UMR 106-01 cells and rat calvarial osteoblasts with PTH (10(-8) M), N-terminal peptides of PTH that selectively activate PKA, or 8-bromo-cAMP (activates PKA) results in the inhibition of JNK activity from high basal levels. Examination of the upstream members of the JNK cascade revealed that both stress-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-related kinase kinase 1/MAPK kinase 4 and MAPK/extracellular signal-related kinase kinase kinase 1 activities were also inhibited after treatment with PTH (10(-8) M). We conclude that treatment of osteoblastic cells with PTH is sufficient to inhibit high basal JNK activity by activation of the PKA signaling cascade.