The Physiology and Pathophysiology of the Osteoclast

A novel nano delivery system targeting different stages of osteoclasts

Osteoclast (OC) abnormalities represent osteoporosis's critical mechanism (OP). OCs undergo multiple processes that range from monocytic to functional. Different drugs target OCs at different developmental stages; however, almost no Suitable drug-targeted delivery systems exist. Therefore, we designed two dual-targeting nanoparticles to target OCs at different functional stages. Using the calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor (CGRPR), which OC precursors highly express, and specific TRAPpeptides screened in the bone resorption lacuna, where mature OCs function, respectively, two types of dual-targeted nanoparticles were constructed. Afterwards, nanoparticles were grafted with hyaluronic acid (HA), which specifically binds to CD44 on the surface of the OCs. In vivo and in vitro experiments show that both nanoparticles have noticeable targeting effects on OCs. This suggests that dual-targeting nanoparticles designed for different functional periods of OC can be well targeted to the corresponding OC, and further promote the more precise delivery of drugs used to treat OP.

Mutual Modulation Between Extracellular Vesicles and Mechanoenvironment in Bone Tumors

The bone microenvironment homeostasis is guaranteed by the balanced and fine regulated bone matrix remodeling process. This equilibrium can be disrupted by cancer cells developed in the bone (primary bone cancers) or deriving from other tissues (bone metastatic lesions), through a mechanism by which they interfere with bone cells activities and alter the microenvironment both biochemically and mechanically. Among the factors secreted by cancer cells and by cancer-conditioned bone cells, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are described to exert pivotal roles in the establishment and the progression of bone cancers, by conveying tumorigenic signals targeting and transforming normal cells. Doing this, EVs are also responsible in modulating the production of proteins involved in regulating matrix stiffness and/or mechanotransduction process, thereby altering the bone mechanoenvironment. In turn, bone and cancer cells respond to deregulated matrix stiffness by modifying EV production and content, fueling the vicious cycle established in tumors. Here, we summarized the relationship between EVs and the mechanoenvironment during tumoral progression, with the final aim to provide some innovative perspectives in counteracting bone cancers.

Involvement of the FAK Network in Pathologies Related to Altered Mechanotransduction

Mechanotransduction is a physiological process in which external mechanical stimulations are perceived, interpreted, and translated by cells into biochemical signals. Mechanical stimulations exerted by extracellular matrix stiffness and cell–cell contacts are continuously applied to living cells, thus representing a key pivotal trigger for cell homeostasis, survival, and function, as well as an essential factor for proper organ development and metabolism. Indeed, a deregulation of the mechanotransduction process consequent to gene mutations or altered functions of proteins involved in perceiving cellular and extracellular mechanics can lead to a broad range of diseases, from muscular dystrophies and cardiomyopathies to cancer development and metastatization. Here, we recapitulate the involvement of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in the cellular conditions deriving from altered mechanotransduction processes.

Nuclear Functions of the Tyrosine Kinase Src

Src is the representative member of the Src-family kinases (SFKs), a group of tyrosine kinases involved in several cellular processes. Its main function has been for long confined to the plasma membrane/cytoplasm compartment, being a myristoylated protein anchored to the cell membrane and functioning downstream to receptors, most of them lacking intrinsic kinase activity. In the last decades, new roles for some SFKs have been described in the nuclear compartment, suggesting that these proteins can also be involved in directly regulating gene transcription or nucleoskeleton architecture. In this review, we focused on those nuclear functions specifically attributable to Src, by considering its function as both tyrosine kinase and adapting molecule. In particular, we addressed the Src involvement in physiological as well as in pathological conditions, especially in tumors.

Inflammation in human carotid atheroma plaques

Inflammation in carotid atherosclerotic plaque is linked to plaque rupture and cerebrovascular accidents. The balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators governs development of the plaque, and may mediate enhancement of lesion broadening or, on the contrary, delay progression. In addition to macrophages and endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells (SMCs), which are the dominant cell subset in advanced plaques, are crucial players in carotid atherosclerosis development given their ability to differentiate into distinct phenotypes in reponse to specific signals received from the environment of the lesion. Carotid atheroma SMCs actively contribute to the inflammation in the lesion because of their acquired capacity to produce inflammatory mediators. We review the successive stages of carotid atheroma plaque formation via fatty streak early-stage toward more advanced rupture-prone lesions and document involvement of cytokines and chemokines and their cellular sources and targets in plaque progression and rupture.

V-ATPases Containing a3 Subunit Play a Direct Role in Enamel Development in Mice

Vacuolar H⁺ -ATPases (V-ATPases) are ubiquitous multisubunit proton pumps responsible for organellar pH maintenance. Mutations in the a3 subunit of V-ATPases cause autosomal recessive osteopetrosis, a rare disease due to impaired bone resorption. Patients with osteopetrosis also display dental anomalies, such as enamel defects; however, it is not clear whether these enamel abnormalities are a direct consequence of the a3 mutations. We investigated enamel mineralization, spatiotemporal expression of enamel matrix proteins and the a3 protein during tooth development using an osteopetrotic mouse model with a R740S point mutation in the V-ATPase a3 subunit. Histology revealed aberrations in both crown and root development, whereas SEM analysis demonstrated delayed enamel mineralization in homozygous animals. Enamel thickness and mineralization were significantly decreased in homozygous mice as determined by μCT analysis. The expression patterns of the enamel matrix proteins amelogenin, amelotin, and odontogenic ameloblast-associated protein (ODAM) suggested a delay in transition to the maturation stage in homozygous animals. Protein expression of the a3 subunit was detected in ameloblasts in all three genotypes, suggesting that a3-containing V-ATPases play a direct role in amelogenesis, and mutations in a3 delay transition from the secretory to the maturation stage, resulting in hypomineralized and hypoplastic enamel. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3328-3340, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Bone development: overview of bone cells and signaling

Vertebrates evolved elaborating a structure made up of more than 200 bones and cartilages articulated with one another to form the skeleton, through which locomotion, organ protection, lodging of hematopoiesis, and mineral homeostasis are allowed. Skeletogenesis starts at the fetal stage, along with marrow hematopoiesis, and evolves postnatally through modeling and remodeling processes that permit skeletal mass buildup. Preservation of skeletal mass is then implemented by balanced remodeling, which ensures continuous renovation of the tissue to allow its mechanical, structural, and metabolic properties to remain unaltered until ageing or diseases disrupt this equilibrium. Skeletal homeostasis is fulfilled by specialized bone cells in association with systemic and local regulators. Herein I review landmark discoveries that shed light on the intricate mesh connecting bone cells among themselves and with other systems, thus representing the cellular basis of normal and abnormal bone development and homeostasis.