Functional GABA(B) receptors expressed in cultured calvarial osteoblasts

The emerging role of tranexamic acid and its principal target, plasminogen, in skeletal health

The worldwide burden of skeletal diseases such as osteoporosis, degenerative joint disease and impaired fracture healing is steadily increasing. Tranexamic acid (TXA), a plasminogen inhibitor and anti-fibrinolytic agent, is used to reduce bleeding with high effectiveness and safety in major surgical procedures. With its widespread clinical application, the effects of TXA beyond anti-fibrinolysis have been noticed and prompted renewed interest in its use. Some clinical trials have characterized the effects of TXA on reducing postoperative infection rates and regulating immune responses in patients undergoing surgery. Also, several animal studies suggest potential therapeutic effects of TXA on skeletal diseases such as osteoporosis and fracture healing. Although a direct effect of TXA on the differentiation and function of bone cells in vitro was shown, few mechanisms of action have been reported. Here, we summarize recent findings of the effects of TXA on skeletal diseases and discuss the underlying plasminogen-dependent and -independent mechanisms related to bone metabolism and the immune response. We furthermore discuss potential novel indications for TXA application as a treatment strategy for skeletal diseases.

The brain-bone axis: unraveling the complex interplay between the central nervous system and skeletal metabolism

The brain-bone axis has emerged as a captivating field of research, unveiling the intricate bidirectional communication between the central nervous system (CNS) and skeletal metabolism. This comprehensive review delves into the current state of knowledge surrounding the brain-bone axis, exploring the complex mechanisms, key players, and potential clinical implications of this fascinating area of study. The review discusses the neural regulation of bone metabolism, highlighting the roles of the sympathetic nervous system, hypothalamic neuropeptides, and neurotransmitters in modulating bone remodeling. In addition, it examines the influence of bone-derived factors, such as osteocalcin and fibroblast growth factor 23, on brain function and behavior. The therapeutic potential of targeting the brain-bone axis in the context of skeletal and neurological disorders is also explored. By unraveling the complex interplay between the CNS and skeletal metabolism, this review aims to provide a comprehensive resource for researchers, clinicians, and students interested in the brain-bone axis and its implications for human health and disease.

Novel neuroendocrine role of γ-aminobutyric acid and gastrin-releasing peptide in the host response to influenza infection

Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), an evolutionarily conserved neuropeptide, significantly contributes to influenza-induced lethality and inflammation in rodent models. Because GRP is produced by pulmonary neuroendocrine cells (PNECs) in response to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), we hypothesized that influenza infection promotes GABA release from PNECs that activate GABAB receptors on PNECs to secrete GRP. Oxidative stress was increased in the lungs of influenza A/PR/8/34 (PR8)-infected mice, as well as serum glutamate decarboxylase 1, the enzyme that converts L-glutamic acid into GABA. The therapeutic administration of saclofen, a GABAB receptor antagonist, protected PR8-infected mice, reduced lung proinflammatory gene expression of C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (Ccr2), cluster of differentiation 68 (Cd68), and Toll like receptor 4 (Tlr4) and decreased the levels of GRP and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in sera. Conversely, baclofen, a GABAB receptor agonist, significantly increased the lethality and inflammatory responses. The GRP antagonist, NSC77427, as well as the GABAB antagonist, saclofen, blunted the PR8-induced monocyte infiltration into the lung. Together, these data provide the first report of neuroregulatory control of influenza-induced disease.

γ-Aminobutyric Acid Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Inducing TNFAIP3

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic bone disease. There is still an unmet need for novel therapeutic agents that could be beneficial as osteoporosis treatments. It has been reported that the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) might be associated with human bone formation. However, the precise mechanism remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of GABA on bone metabolism and explore the possible role of TNFAIP3 in this process.

METHODS

GABA had little effect on the proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and RAW 264.7 cells, as indicated by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The results showed that GABA enhanced the intensity of ALP staining, ALP activity, and accumulation of Ca2+ mineralized nodules in hMSCs during osteogenic induction.

RESULTS

The qRT-PCR results indicated that GABA treatment significantly increased the mRNA expression of osteogenic genes in hMSCs. In RAW 264.7 cells, TRAP staining showed that GABA did not alter the number or size of osteoclasts or the expression of osteoclastic genes, which suggests that GABA does not affect osteoclastic differentiation. Mechanistically, GABA treatment significantly induced the sustained expression of TNFAIP3. Furthermore, by knocking down TNFAIP3, the osteogenic effect of GABA was antagonized, which suggests that TNFAIP3 mediates the effects of GABA in hMSCs.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that GABA treatment positively regulated osteogenic differentiation by upregulating TNFAIP3, while no obvious effect on osteoclastic differentiation was detected. Therefore, our results provide a potential gene therapy for the treatment of osteoporosis and low bone mineral density.

Hypoxic Stress Upregulates the Expression of Slc38a1 in Brown Adipocytes via Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α

The availability of amino acid in the brown adipose tissue (BAT) has been shown to be altered under various conditions; however, little is known about the possible expression and pivotal role of amino acid transporters in BAT under physiological and pathological conditions. The present study comprehensively investigated whether amino acid transporters are regulated by obesogenic conditions in BAT in vivo. Moreover, we investigated the mechanism underlying the regulation of the expression of amino acid transporters by various stressors in brown adipocytes in vitro. The expression of solute carrier family 38 member 1 (Slc38a1; gene encoding sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 1) was preferentially upregulated in the BAT of both genetic and acquired obesity mice in vivo. Moreover, the expression of Slc38a1 was induced by hypoxic stress through hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, which is a master transcription factor of the adaptive response to hypoxic stress, in brown adipocytes in vitro. These results indicate that Slc38a1 is an obesity-associated gene in BAT and a hypoxia-responsive gene in brown adipocytes.

Skeletal Site-specific Changes in Bone Mass in a Genetic Mouse Model for Human 15q11-13 Duplication Seen in Autism

Children suffering from autism have been reported to have low bone mineral density and increased risk for fracture, yet the cellular origin of the bone phenotype remains unknown. Here we have utilized a mouse model of autism that duplicates 6.3 Mb region of chromosome 7 (Dp/+) corresponding to a region of chromosome 15q11-13, duplication of which is recurrent in humans to characterize the bone phenotype. Paternally inherited Dp/+ (patDp/+) mice showed expected increases in the gene expression in bone, normal postnatal growth and body weight acquisition compared to the littermate controls. Four weeks-old patDp/+ mice develop a low bone mass phenotype in the appendicular but not the axial skeleton compared to the littermate controls. This low bone mass in the mutant mice was secondary to a decrease in the number of osteoblasts and bone formation rate while the osteoclasts remained relatively unaffected. Further in vitro cell culture experiments and gene expression analysis revealed a major defect in the proliferation, differentiation and mineralization abilities of patDp/+ osteoblasts while osteoclast differentiation remained unchanged compared to controls. This study therefore characterizes the structural and cellular bone phenotype in a mouse model of autism that can be further utilized to investigate therapeutic avenues to treat bone fractures in children with autism.

Effects of imatinib and nilotinib on the whole transcriptome of cultured murine osteoblasts

Numerous clinical observations have confirmed that breakpoint cluster region-abelson fusion oncoprotein tyrosine kinase inhibitors used in leukemia treatment alter bone physiology in a complex manner. The aim of the present study was to analyze the whole transcriptome of cultured murine osteoblasts and determine the changes following treatment with imatinib and nilotinib using Sequencing by Oligonucleotide Ligation and Detection next generation RNA sequencing. This study also aimed to identify candidate signaling pathways and network regulators by multivariate Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Based on the right-tailed Fisher's exact test, significantly altered pathways including upstream regulators were defined for each drug. The correlation between these pathways and bone metabolism was also examined. The preliminary results suggest the two drugs have different mechanisms of action on osteoblasts, and imatinib was shown to have a greater effect on gene expression. Data also indicated the potential role of a number of genes and signaling cascades that may contribute to identifying novel targets for the treatment of metabolic bone diseases.

Effects of Long-Term Odanacatib Treatment on Bone Gene Expression in Ovariectomized Adult Rhesus Monkeys: Differentiation From Alendronate

Similar efficacy of the cathepsin K inhibitor odanacatib (ODN) and the bisphosphonate alendronate (ALN) in reducing bone turnover markers and increasing bone mineral density in spine and hip were previously demonstrated in ovariectomized (OVX)-monkeys treated for 20 months in prevention mode. Here, we profiled RNA from tibial metaphysis and diaphysis of the same study using Affymetrix microarrays, and selected 204 probe sets (p < 0.001, three-group ANOVA) that were differentially regulated by ODN or ALN versus vehicle. Both drugs produced strikingly different effects on known bone-related genes and pathways at the transcriptional level. Although ALN either reduced or had neutral effects on bone resorption-related genes, ODN significantly increased the expression of osteoclast genes (eg, APC5, TNFRSF11A, CTSK, ITGB3, and CALCR), consistent with previous findings on the effects of this agent in enhancing the number of nonresorbing osteoclasts. Conversely, ALN reduced the expression of known bone formation-related genes (eg, TGFBR1, SPP1, RUNX2, and PTH1R), whereas ODN either increased or had neutral effects on their expression. These differential effects of ODN versus ALN on bone resorption and formation were highly correlative to the changes in bone turnover markers, cathepsin K (Catk) target engagement marker serum C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide (1-CTP) and osteoclast marker tartrate resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b (TRAP5b) in the same monkeys. Overall, the molecular profiling results are consistent with the known pharmacological actions of these agents on bone remodeling and clearly differentiate the molecular mechanisms of ODN from the bisphosphonates.

Dopaminergic effects on in vitro osteogenesis

Multiple growth factors (e.g., BMP2, TGF-β1, FGF2) and isolated genes have been shown to improve osteoblastic proliferation and mineralization, advancing bone tissue engineering. Among these factors, both polydopamine (PDA) and dopamine (DA) monomer have recently been reported to increase osteoblast proliferation and mineralization in vitro. Although a well-characterized neurotransmitter, DA's role in the bone is unknown. We hypothesize that DA can directly act on osteoblasts, and examined whether osteoblasts express DA receptors that respond to exogenous DA. mRNAs and protein cell lysates were obtained from MC3T3-E1 cells during osteogenic differentiation phase. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were used to examine the expression of DA receptors, D1-D5. Dose-response effect and time course of DA treatment on cell proliferation, mineralization, and osteogenic differentiation were investigated at pre-determined days. Real-time PCR was performed to investigate whether DA affects osteogenic gene expression (ALP, BSP, OC, OSX, RUNX2, and Collagen1a2) with or without receptor antagonists (SCH233390 and GR103691). Two-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. All five DA receptors (D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5) mRNAs and proteins were expressed in MC3T3-E1 cells. DA treatment increased cell proliferation for up to 7 days (P < 0.05). Osteogenic mineralization was significantly greater in the DA-treated group than control group (P < 0.05). Finally, expression of all the osteogenic genes was inhibited by DA receptor antagonists for D1, D3, and D5. Our findings suggest that MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts express functional DA receptors that enhance proliferation and mineralization. PDA is not biologically inert and has important implications in orthopedic applications. Furthermore, osteoblast differentiation might be regulated by the nervous system, presumably during bone development, remodeling, or repair.

[Universality of amino acid signaling between diverse plasma cells]

Both glutamic (Glu) and gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) acids are believed to play roles as neurotransmitters released from particular neurons into synaptic clefts in the mammalian central nervous system. Although GABA has been shown to act as an extracellular signal outside the brain, little attention has been paid to the possible expression of machineries required for neuronal glutamatergic signaling in cells other than central neurons. We first demonstrated the presence of Glu receptors in peripheral tissues such as the adrenal and pituitary glands three decades ago. In this review, I will outline our experimental findings accumulated since then on the physiological and pathological significance of neuronal amino acids as an extracellular signal for the maintenance of homeostasis in a variety of plasma cells. For example, Glu is released upon stimulation in a Ca2+-dependent manner for signal output in osteoblasts, where Glu is essential for the expression of the master regulator of osteoblastogenesis through a particular inotropic receptor subtype. In contrast, GABA plays a role in mechanisms underlying the suppression of cellular differentiation and maturation through a particular metabotropic receptor subtype in osteoblasts. Taken together, osteoblastic maturation proceeds as a delicate balancing between excitatory glutamatergic and inhibitory GABAergic signals, as seen in the brain. Re-evaluation of drugs currently used could be beneficial for the efficient discovery and development of innovative drugs useful for the prophylaxis and/or therapy of a variety of diseases relevant to the disturbance of glutamatergic and GABAergic signaling in diverse plasma cells.

Upregulation of genes related to bone formation by γ-amino butyric acid and γ-oryzanol in germinated brown rice is via the activation of GABAB-receptors and reduction of serum IL-6 in rats

Background

Osteoporosis and other bone degenerative diseases are among the most challenging non-communicable diseases to treat. Previous works relate bone loss due to osteoporosis with oxidative stress generated by free radicals and inflammatory cytokines. Alternative therapy to hormone replacement has been an area of interest to researchers for almost three decades due to hormone therapy-associated side effects.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the effects of gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), gamma-oryzanol (ORZ), acylated steryl glucosides (ASG), and phenolic extracts from germinated brown rice (GBR) on the expression of genes related to bone metabolism, such as bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2), secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX-2), osteoblast-specific transcription factor osterix (Osx), periostin, osteoblast specific factor (Postn), collagen 1&2 (Col1&2), calcitonin receptor gene (CGRP); body weight measurement and also serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and osteocalcin, in serum and bone. Rats were treated with GBR, ORZ, GABA, and ASG at (100 and 200 mg/kg); estrogen (0.2 mg/kg), or remifemin (10 and 20 mg/kg), compared to ovariectomized non-treated group as well as non-ovariectomized non-treated (sham) group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the IL-6 and osteocalcin levels at week 2, 4, and 8, while the gene expression in the bone tissue was determined using the Genetic Analysis System (Beckman Coulter Inc., Brea, CA, USA).

Results

The results indicate that groups treated with GABA (100 and 200 mg/kg) showed significant upregulation of SPARC, calcitonin receptor, and BMP-2 genes (P < 0.05), while the ORZ-treated group (100 and 200 mg/kg) revealed significant (P < 0.05) upregulation of Osx, Postn, RUNX-2, and Col1&2. Similarly, IL-6 concentration decreased, while osteocalcin levels increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the treated groups as compared to ovariectomized non-treated groups.

Conclusion

GABA and ORZ from GBR stimulates osteoblastogenesis by upregulation of bone formation genes, possibly via the activation of GABA_B receptors and by inhibiting the activity of inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species. Therefore, it could be used effectively in the management of osteoporosis.

Positive regulation by γ-aminobutyric acid B receptor subunit-1 of chondrogenesis through acceleration of nuclear translocation of activating transcription factor-4

A view that signaling machineries for the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are functionally expressed by cells outside the central nervous system is now prevailing. In this study, we attempted to demonstrate functional expression of GABAergic signaling molecules by chondrocytes. In cultured murine costal chondrocytes, mRNA was constitutively expressed for metabotropic GABA(B) receptor subunit-1 (GABA(B)R1), but not for GABA(B)R2. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the predominant expression of GABA(B)R1 by prehypertrophic to hypertrophic chondrocytes in tibial sections of newborn mice. The GABA(B)R agonist baclofen failed to significantly affect chondrocytic differentiation determined by Alcian blue staining and alkaline phosphatase activity in cultured chondrocytes, whereas newborn mice knocked out of GABA(B)R1 (KO) showed a decreased body size and delayed calcification in hyoid bone and forelimb and hindlimb digits. Delayed calcification was also seen in cultured metatarsals from KO mice with a marked reduction of Indian hedgehog gene (Ihh) expression. Introduction of GABA(B)R1 led to synergistic promotion of the transcriptional activity of activating transcription factor-4 (ATF4) essential for normal chondrogenesis, in addition to facilitating ATF4-dependent Ihh promoter activation. Although immunoreactive ATF4 was negligibly detected in the nucleus of chondrocytes from KO mice, ATF4 expression was again seen in the nucleus and cytoplasm after the retroviral introduction of GABA(B)R1 into cultured chondrocytes from KO mice. In nuclear extracts of KO chondrocytes, a marked decrease was seen in ATF4 DNA binding. These results suggest that GABA(B)R1 positively regulates chondrogenesis through a mechanism relevant to the acceleration of nuclear translocation of ATF4 for Ihh expression in chondrocytes.

Osteoblastic γ-aminobutyric acid, type B receptors negatively regulate osteoblastogenesis toward disturbance of osteoclastogenesis mediated by receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand in mouse bone

The prevailing view is that signaling machineries for the neurotransmitter GABA are also expressed by cells outside the CNS. In cultured murine calvarial osteoblasts, mRNA was constitutively expressed for both subunits 1 and 2 of metabotropic GABA(B) receptor (GABA(B)R), along with inhibition by the GABA(B)R agonist baclofen of cAMP formation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and Ca(2+) accumulation. Moreover, baclofen significantly inhibited the transactivation of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) gene in a manner sensitive to a GABA(B)R antagonist, in addition to decreasing mRNA expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2), osteocalcin, and osterix. In osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells stably transfected with GABA(B)R1 subunit, significant reductions were seen in ALP activity and Ca(2+) accumulation, as well as mRNA expression of osteocalcin, osteopontin, and osterix. In cultured calvarial osteoblasts from GABA(B)R1-null mice exhibiting low bone mineral density in tibia and femur, by contrast, both ALP activity and Ca(2+) accumulation were significantly increased together with promoted expression of both mRNA and proteins for BMP2 and osterix. No significant change was seen in the number of multinucleated cells stained for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase during the culture of osteoclasts prepared from GABA(B)R1-null mice, whereas a significant increase was seen in the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinucleated cells in co-culture of osteoclasts with osteoblasts isolated from GABA(B)R1-null mice. These results suggest that GABA(B)R is predominantly expressed by osteoblasts to negatively regulate osteoblastogenesis through down-regulation of BMP2 expression toward disturbance of osteoclastogenesis after down-regulation of RANKL expression in mouse bone.

Positive regulation by GABA(B)R1 subunit of leptin expression through gene transactivation in adipocytes

BACKGROUND

The view that γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) plays a functional role in non-neuronal tissues, in addition to an inhibitory neurotransmitter role in the mammalian central nervous system, is prevailing, while little attention has been paid to GABAergic signaling machineries expressed by adipocytes to date. In this study, we attempted to demonstrate the possible functional expression of GABAergic signaling machineries by adipocytes.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

GABA(B) receptor 1 (GABA(B)R1) subunit was constitutively expressed by mouse embryonic fibroblasts differentiated into adipocytes and adipocytic 3T3-L1 cells in culture, as well as mouse white adipose tissue, with no responsiveness to GABA(B)R ligands. However, no prominent expression was seen with mRNA for GABA(B)R2 subunit required for heteromeric orchestration of the functional GABA(B)R by any adipocytic cells and tissues. Leptin mRNA expression was significantly and selectively decreased in adipose tissue and embryonic fibroblasts, along with drastically reduced plasma leptin levels, in GABA(B)R1-null mice than in wild-type mice. Knockdown by siRNA of GABA(B)R1 subunit led to significant decreases in leptin promoter activity and leptin mRNA levels in 3T3-L1 cells.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

Our results indicate that GABA(B)R1 subunit is constitutively expressed by adipocytes to primarily regulate leptin expression at the transcriptional level through a mechanism not relevant to the function as a partner of heterodimeric assembly to the functional GABA(B)R.

Functional expression of beta2 adrenergic receptors responsible for protection against oxidative stress through promotion of glutathione synthesis after Nrf2 upregulation in undifferentiated mesenchymal C3H10T1/2 stem cells

Adrenaline is believed to play a dual role as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and an adrenomedullary hormone in the peripheral tissues. In contrast to accumulating evidence for the involvement in endochondral ossification, osteoblastogenesis, and osteoclastogenesis, little attention has been paid to the role of adrenergic signals in the mechanisms underlying proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells with self-renewal capacity and multi-potentiality to differentiate into osteoblast, chondrocyte, adipocyte, and myocyte lineages. Expression of mRNA was seen for different adrenergic receptor (AdR) subtypes, including beta(2)AdR, in the mesenchymal stem cell line C3H10T1/2 cells and mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells before differentiation. Exposure to adrenaline not only increased cAMP formation, phosphorylation of cAMP responsive element (CRE) binding protein (CREB) on serine133 and CRE reporter activity in a manner sensitive to propranolol, but also rendered C3H10T1/2 cells resistant to the cytotoxicity of hydrogen peroxide, but not of either 2,4-dinitirophenol or tunicamycin. Adrenaline induced a rapid but transient increase in mRNA expression of the antioxidative gene nuclear factor E2 p45-related factor-2 (Nrf2) along with an increase in the cystine/glutamate antiporter subunit xCT mRNA expression. Hydrogen peroxide was less cytotoxic in cells overexpressing Nrf2, moreover, while adrenaline significantly increased xCT promoter activity with an increase in endogenous glutathione levels. These results suggest that adrenaline may selectively protect mesenchymal C3H10T1/2 cells from oxidative stress through a mechanism related to the promoted biosynthesis of glutathione in association with transient Nrf2 expression after activation of beta(2)AdR.

Expression of GABAergic system in pulmonary neuroendocrine cells and airway epithelial cells in GAD67-GFP knock-in mice

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, is also located in many peripheral nonneuronal tissues. The glutamate decarboxylase 67-green fluorescent protein (GAD67-GFP) knock-in mouse is a useful model for studying the distribution of GABAergic cells in many tissues and organs. The lungs of these mice contain cells with an intense GFP signal exclusively in the airway epithelium. We aimed to characterize the GFP-positive cells and to clarify their relationship with the GABAergic system. We identified the GFP-positive cells as pulmonary neuroendocrine cells (PNECs) by immunohistochemistry for the protein gene product 9.5 and calcitonin gene-related peptide and by ultrastructural analysis. Immunohistochemistry for GADs and GABA revealed GAD65/67 and GABA in GFP-positive PNECs. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed mRNAs encoding the GABA(B) receptor subunits necessary for the assembly of functional receptors, R1 and R2, in the lung. GABA(B) receptor subunit R1 and R2 proteins were expressed in many airway epithelial cells including alveolar epithelial cells other than GFP-positive PNECs. The present findings demonstrated that PNECs in the airway epithelium have a GABA production system and indicated that GABA plays functional roles in airway epithelial cells through GABA(B) receptors.

Functional expression of GABAB receptors in airway epithelium

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system and exerts its actions via both ionotropic (GABA(A)) and metabotropic (GABA(B)) receptors. The GABA(B) receptor is a dimer composed of R1 and R2 components and classically couples to the heterotrimeric G(i) protein. In addition to their location on neurons, GABA and functional GABA(B) receptors have been detected in peripheral tissue such as airway smooth muscle. We questioned whether airway epithelium expresses receptors that could respond to GABA. We detected the mRNA encoding multiple-splice variants of the GABA(B)R1 and GABA(B)R2 in total RNA isolated from native human and guinea pig airway epithelium and human airway epithelial cell lines (BEAS-2B and H441). Immunoblots identified the GABA(B)R1 and GABA(B)R2 proteins in both guinea pig airway epithelium and BEAS-2B cells. The expression of GABA(B)R1 protein was immunohistochemically localized to basal mucin-secreting and ciliated columnar epithelial cells in guinea pig trachea. Baclofen inhibited adenylyl cyclase activity, induced ERK phosphorylation and cross-regulated phospholipase C, leading to increased inositol phosphates in BEAS-2B cells in a pertussis toxin-sensitive manner, implicating G(i) protein coupling. Thus, these receptors couple to G(i) and cross-regulate the phospholipase C/inositol phosphate pathway. The second messengers of these pathways, cyclic AMP and calcium, play pivotal roles in airway epithelial cell primary functions of mucus clearance. Furthermore, the enzyme that synthesizes GABA, glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65/67), was also localized to airway epithelium. GABA may modulate an uncharacterized signaling cascade via GABA(B) receptors coupled to G(i) protein in airway epithelium.

Type B gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors modulate the function of the extracellular Ca2+-sensing receptor and cell differentiation in murine growth plate chondrocytes

Extracellular calcium-sensing receptors (CaRs) and metabotropic or type B gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABA-B-Rs), two closely related members of family C of the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily, dimerize in the formation of signaling and membrane-anchored receptor complexes. We tested whether CaRs and two GABA-B-R subunits (R1 and R2) are expressed in mouse growth plate chondrocytes (GPCs) by PCR and immunocytochemistry and whether interactions between these receptors influence the expression and function of the CaR and extracellular Ca(2+)-mediated cell differentiation. Both CaRs and the GABA-B-R1 and -R2 were expressed in the same zones of the growth plate and extensively colocalized in intracellular compartments and on the membranes of cultured GPCs. The GABA-B-R1 co-immunoprecipitated with the CaR, confirming a physical interaction between the two receptors in GPCs. In vitro knockout of GABA-B-R1 genes, using a Cre-lox recombination strategy, blunted the ability of high extracellular Ca(2+) concentration to activate phospholipase C and ERK1/2, suppressed cell proliferation, and enhanced apoptosis in cultured GPCs. In GPCs, in which the GABA-B-R1 was acutely knocked down, there was reduced expression of early chondrocyte markers, aggrecan and type II collagen, and increased expression of the late differentiation markers, type X collagen and osteopontin. These results support the idea that physical interactions between CaRs and GABA-B-R1s modulate the growth and differentiation of GPCs, potentially by altering the function of CaRs.

Upregulation of the glutamine transporter through transactivation mediated by cAMP/protein kinase A signals toward exacerbation of vulnerability to oxidative stress in rat neocortical astrocytes

In the present study, we have evaluated the possible functionality in astrocytes of the glutamine (Gln) transporter (GlnT) known to predominate in neurons for the neurotransmitter pool of glutamate. Sustained exposure to the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin for 24 h led to a significant increase in mRNA expression of GlnT among different membrane transporters capable of transporting Gln, with an increase in [(3)H]Gln accumulation sensitive to a system A transporter inhibitor, in cultured rat neocortical astrocytes, but not neurons. Forskolin drastically stimulated GlnT promoter activity in a manner sensitive to a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor in rat astrocytic C6 glioma cells, while deletion mutation analysis revealed that the stimulation was mediated by a cAMP responsive element (CRE)/activator protein-1 (AP-1) like site located on GlnT gene promoter. Forskolin drastically stimulated the promoter activity in a fashion sensitive to a PKA inhibitor in C6 glioma cells transfected with a CRE or AP-1 reporter plasmid, in association with the phosphorylation of CRE binding protein on serine133. Transient overexpression of GlnT significantly exacerbated the cytotoxicity of hydrogen peroxide in cultured astrocytes. These results suggest that GlnT expression is upregulated by cAMP/PKA signals for subsequent exacerbation of the vulnerability to oxidative stress in astrocytes.

Complex Formation with the Type B γ-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Affects the Expression and Signal Transduction of the Extracellular Calcium-sensing Receptor

We co-immunoprecipitated the Ca(2+)-sensing receptor (CaR) and type B gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABA-B-R) from human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells expressing these receptors and from brain lysates where both receptors are present. CaRs extensively co-localized with the two subunits of the GABA-B-R (R1 and R2) in HEK-293 cell membranes and intracellular organelles. Coexpressing CaRs and GABA-B-R1s in HEK-293 cells suppressed the total cellular and cell surface expression of CaRs and inhibited phospholipase C activation in response to high extracellular [Ca(2+)] ([Ca(2+)](e)). In contrast, coexpressing CaRs and GABA-B-R2s enhanced CaR expression and signaling responses to raising [Ca(2+)](e). The latter effects of the GABA-B-R2 on the CaR were blunted by coexpressing the GABA-B-R1. Coexpressing the CaR with GABA-B-R1 or R2 enhanced the total cellular and cell surface expression of the GABA-B-R1 or R2, respectively. Studies with truncated CaRs indicated that the N-terminal extracellular domain of the CaR participated in the interaction of the CaR with the GABA-B-R1 and R2. In cultured mouse hippocampal neurons, CaRs co-localized with the GABA-B-R1 and R2. CaRs and GABA-B-R1s also co-immunoprecipitated from brain lysates. The expression of the CaR was increased in lysates from GABA-B-R1 knock-out mouse brains and in cultured hippocampal neurons with their GABA-B-R1 genes deleted in vitro. Thus, CaRs and GABA-B-R subunits can form heteromeric complexes in cells, and their interactions affect cell surface expression and signaling of CaR, which may contribute to extracellular Ca(2+)-dependent receptor activation in target tissues.

Activator protein-1 responsive to the group II metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype in association with intracellular calcium in cultured rat cortical neurons

Activation of ionotropic glutamate (Glu) receptors, such as N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors, is shown to modulate the gene transcription mediated by the transcription factor activator protein-1 (AP1) composed of Fos and Jun family proteins in the brain, while little attention has been paid to the modulation of AP1 expression by metabotropic Glu receptors (mGluRs). In cultured rat cortical neurons, where constitutive expression was seen with all groups I, II and III mGluR subtypes, a significant and selective increase was seen in the DNA binding activity of AP1 120 min after the brief exposure to the group II mGluR agonist (2S,2'R,3'R)-2-(2',3'-dicarboxycyclopropyl)glycine (DCG-IV) for 5 min. In cultured rat cortical astrocytes, by contrast, a significant increase was induced by a group I mGluR agonist, but not by either a group II or III mGluR agonist. The increase by DCG-IV was significantly prevented by a group II mGluR antagonist as well as by either an intracellular Ca(2+) chelator or a voltage-sensitive Ca(2+) channel blocker, but not by an intracellular Ca(2+) store inhibitor. Moreover, DCG-IV significantly prevented the increase of cAMP formation by forskolin in cultured neurons. Western blot analysis revealed differential expression profiles of Fos family members in neurons briefly exposed to DCG-IV and NMDA. Prior or simultaneous exposure to DCG-IV led to significant protection against neuronal cell death by NMDA. These results suggest that activation of the group II mGluR subtype would modulate the gene expression mediated by AP1 through increased intracellular Ca(2+) levels in cultured rat cortical neurons.

Functional expression of the GABAB receptor in human airway smooth muscle

gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system and exerts its actions via both ionotropic (GABA(A)/GABA(C)) and metabotropic (GABA(B)) receptors (R). In addition to their location on neurons, GABA and functional GABA(B) receptors have been detected in nonneuronal cells in peripheral tissue. Although the GABA(B)R has been shown to function as a prejunctional inhibitory receptor on parasympathetic nerves in the lung, the expression and functional coupling of GABA(B) receptors to G(i) in airway smooth muscle itself have never been described. We detected the mRNA encoding multiple-splice variants of the GABA(B)R1 and GABA(B)R2 in total RNA isolated from native human and guinea pig airway smooth muscle and from RNA isolated from cultured human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells. Immunoblots identified the GABA(B)R1 and GABA(B)R2 proteins in human native and cultured airway smooth muscle. The GABA(B)R1 protein was immunohistochemically localized to airway smooth muscle in guinea pig tracheal rings. Baclofen, a GABA(B)R agonist, elicited a concentration-dependent stimulation of [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding in HASM homogenates that was abrogated by the GABA(B)R antagonist CGP-35348. Baclofen also inhibited adenylyl cyclase activity and induced ERK phosphorylation in HASM. Another GABA(B)R agonist, SKF-97541, mimicked while pertussis toxin blocked baclofen's effect on ERK phosphorylation, implicating G(i) protein coupling. Functional GABA(B) receptors are expressed in HASM. GABA may modulate an uncharacterized signaling cascade via GABA(B) receptors coupled to the G(i) protein in airway smooth muscle.

Possible expression of a particular gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter isoform responsive to upregulation by hyperosmolarity in rat calvarial osteoblasts

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, but widely distributed in different peripheral organs. We have previously shown the functional expression of GABA(B) receptors required for GABAergic signal input by cultured rat calvarial osteoblasts. This study focused on the possible functional expression of the machinery required for GABAergic signal termination such as GABA transporters. In rat calvarial osteoblasts cultured for 7 days, [(3)H]GABA accumulation was observed in a temperature-, sodium- and chloride-dependent manner, consisting of a single component with a K(m) value of 789.6+/-9.0 microM and a V(max) value of 4.4+/-0.1 nmol/min/mg protein, respectively. Both nipecotic and L-2,4-diaminobutyric acids significantly inhibited [(3)H]GABA accumulation in a concentration-dependent manner. Constitutive expression was seen with mRNA for the betaine/GABA transporter-1 (BGT-1) and taurine transporter (TauT), while hyperosmotic cultivation led to significant increases in both [(3)H]GABA accumulation and BGT-1 mRNA expression without affecting TauT mRNA expression. Highly immunoreactive cells were detected for the BGT-1 isoform at the surface of trabecular bone of neonatal rat tibias. Sustained exposure to GABA significantly inhibited alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, but not cellular viability, at concentrations above 0.1 mM in osteoblasts cultured for 3 to 28 days. Nipecotic acid not only decreased ALP activity alone, but also further decreased ALP activity in osteoblasts cultured in the presence of GABA. These results suggest that the BGT-1 isoform may be functionally expressed by rat calvarial osteoblasts to play a hitherto unidentified role in mechanisms underlying hyperosmotic regulation of osteoblastogenesis.

Increased GABA Transport Activity in Rat Calvarial Osteoblasts Cultured under Hyperglycemic Conditions

Several independent lines of evidence indicate the direct impairment by extracellular glucose at high concentrations of different osteoblastic functions with a marked decrease in bone mass toward osteoporosis, while the underlying mechanisms are not well clarified to date. We have previously demonstrated the functional expression of the neural amino acid gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling system including betaine/GABA transporter-1 (BGT-1) with a temperature-, sodium- and chloride-dependent activity of [(3)H]GABA accumulation in cultured rat calvarial osteoblasts. In this study, therefore, we attempted to demonstrate the possible involvement of BGT-1 isoform in bone dysfunctions due to impaired mineralization in rat calvarial osteoblasts cultured under hyperglycemic conditions. No significant change was seen in [(3)H]GABA accumulation in osteoblasts cultured for 7 d in vitro (DIV) under hyperglycemic conditions (glucose=25.5-50.5 mM) compared to those cultured in normoglycemic (glucose=5.5 mM) and hyperosmotic (mannitol=25.5-50.5 mM) conditions. In osteoblasts cultured for 14 DIV under hyperglycemic conditions, however, [(3)H]GABA accumulation was significantly increased compared to those cultured under normoglycemic and hyperosmotic conditions. Kinetic analysis revealed that hyperglycemic cultivation resulted in a significant increase in V(max) values from 2.85 nmol/min/mg protein for normoglycemic conditions to 4.17 nmol/min/mg protein for hyperglycemic conditions without affecting K(m) values. However, experimental hyperglycemia did not significantly affect the expression of mRNA for BGT-1 isoform by osteoblasts. These results suggest that GABA transport system may at least in part play a role in pathological malfunctions and abnormalities through a mechanism not directly related to gene expression in osteoblasts under hyperglycemia.

Pharmacological and clinical properties of calcimimetics: calcium receptor activators that afford an innovative approach to controlling hyperparathyroidism

Circulating levels of calcium ion (Ca2+) are maintained within a narrow physiological range mainly by the action of parathyroid hormone (PTH) secreted from parathyroid gland (PTG) cells. PTG cells can sense small fluctuations in plasma Ca2+ levels by virtue of a cell surface Ca2+ receptor (CaR) that belongs to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). Compounds that activate the CaR and inhibit PTH secretion are termed 'calcimimetics' because they mimic or potentiate the effects of extracellular Ca2+ on PTG cell function. Preclinical studies with NPS R-568, a first generation calcimimetic compound that acts as a positive allosteric modulator of the CaR, have demonstrated that oral administration decreases serum levels of PTH and calcium, with a leftward shift in the set-point for calcium-regulated PTH secretion in normal rats. NPS R-568 also suppresses the elevation of serum PTH levels and PTG hyperplasia and can improve bone mineral density (BMD) and strength in rats with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI). Clinical trials with cinacalcet hydrochloride (cinacalcet), a compound with an improved metabolic profile, have shown that long-term treatment continues to suppress the elevation of serum levels of calcium and PTH in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (1HPT). Furthermore, clinical trials in patients with uncontrolled secondary hyperparathyroidism (2HPT) have demonstrated that cinacalcet not only lowers serum PTH levels, but also the serum phosphorus and calcium x phosphorus product; these are a hallmark of an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in dialysis patients with end-stage renal disease. Indeed, cinacalcet has already been approved for marketing in several countries. Calcimimetic compounds like cinacalcet have great potential as an innovative medical approach to manage 1HPT and 2HPT.

Expression of GABAA and GABAB receptors in rat growth plate chondrocytes: Activation of the GABA receptors promotes proliferation of mouse chondrogenic ATDC5 cells

Our previous study showed the local production of gamma-aminobutyrate (GABA) in hypertrophic-zone chondrocytes of the rat tibial growth plate, an important long bone growth site. The aim of this study was to identify the presence of GABA receptors in growth plate chondrocytes by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Chondrocytes expressed both GABA(A) and GABA(B) receptor subunit mRNAs as well as the corresponding proteins necessary for the assembly of functional receptors. The GABA(A) receptor subunits detected included alpha1-alpha4, alpha6, beta1-beta3, and delta, and both R1 and R2 subunits of GABA(B) receptors were detected. All receptor subunits were expressed in chondrocytes of the proliferative and hypertrophic zones. These results suggest that GABA is an autocrine/paracrine factor that regulates the physiological state of the growth plate. Subsequent studies with the mouse chondrogenic cell line ATDC5 showed the presence of mRNAs and the corresponding proteins for GABA(A) receptor alpha1, beta2, and beta3 subunits and GABA(B) receptor R1 and R2 subunits. GABA, muscimol (a GABA(A) receptor agonist), and baclofen (a GABA(B) receptor agonist) increased 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation into ATDC5 cells. The effect of muscimol was blocked by bicuculline (a GABA(A) receptor antagonist), and the effect of baclofen was blocked by CGP 35348 (a GABA(B) receptor antagonist). These results suggest that GABA contributes to the ATDC5 cell proliferation via GABA(A) and GABA(B) receptors and these mechanisms may be involved in cartilaginous cell growth.

cDNA microarray analysis of lactoferrin expression in non-neoplastic human hepatocyte PH5CH8 cells

Lactoferrin (LF), a milk protein belonging to the iron transporter transferrin family, is known as a primary defense protein against pathogenic microorganisms. Previously, we found that bovine and human LFs prevented hepatitis C virus infection in cultured human hepatocytes by a direct interaction with the virus. Since LF is proposed to have transcriptional regulatory activity in addition to its antimicrobial function, we sought to identify the target genes that these two types of LF have in common. To this end, we were the first to perform microarray analysis (9970 genes) using human hepatocytes that expressed bovine or human LF by retrovirus-mediated gene transfer. In the results, LF could give a variety of expression profiles in the human hepatocytes, and showed that 9 and 19 genes were commonly up-regulated (more than 2.0-fold) and down-regulated (less than 0.50-fold), respectively, in both bovine and human LF-expressing cells compared with control cells. Among these genes, we found that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-B receptor 2 was transcriptionally down-regulated by bovine and human LFs, but not by human transferrin. Furthermore, we obtained the suggestive result that LF may modulate the level of intracellular cAMP. This modulation is one of the cellular responses that the GABA-B receptor modifies. This is the first report of microarray analysis applied to search inclusively for the target genes of LF.

Emerging neuroskeletal signalling pathways: a review

Recent work has demonstrated that neurotransmitters, signalling molecules primarily associated with the nervous system, can have profound effects on the skeleton. Bone cells express a broad range of neurotransmitter receptors and transporters, and respond to receptor activation by initiating diverse intracellular signalling pathways, which modulate cellular function. Evidence of neuronal innervation in skeletal tissues, neurotransmitter release directly from bone cells and functional effects of pharmacological manipulation support the existence of a complex and functionally significant neurotransmitter-mediated signalling network in bone. This review aims to concisely summarise our current understanding of how neurotransmitters affect the skeletal system, focusing on their origin, cellular targets and functional effects in bone.

Benzodiazepines and risk of hip fractures in older people: a review of the evidence

A hip fracture epidemic is occurring in developed countries in association with population aging. The increasing number of people with a hip fracture has major implications for clinicians and health service managers. More importantly, a hip fracture is a devastating event in the life of an older person, as it often leads to loss of independence and death. Identification of risk factors for hip fracture is an essential first step towards prevention. The use of psychotropic medications is an established risk factor for hip fracture. The purpose of this article is to systematically review epidemiological studies of the relationship between use of benzodiazepines and risk of hip fracture and, then, to see how the findings of these studies fit with what is known about the pharmacology of benzodiazepines. Eleven primary epidemiological studies were identified. The results of these studies were not consistent; however, the inconsistency appeared to be almost entirely explained by research design. The studies that did not show an association between increased hip fracture risk and benzodiazepine use were nearly all hospital-based case-control studies, a type of study that often lacks validity because of the difficulty of finding an appropriate control group. After excluding the hospital-based case-control studies, all but one of the remaining seven studies found that use of benzodiazepines was associated with an increased risk of hip fracture that varied between 50% and 110%. The only higher quality study that did not find an association between benzodiazepine use and hip fracture was also the only study conducted entirely in nursing homes. There was no evidence that the risk of hip fracture differed between short- and long-acting benzodiazepines. People using higher doses of benzodiazepines and those who had recently started using benzodiazepines were at the highest risk of hip fracture. In very old people, there was some preliminary evidence that benzodiazepines that undergo oxidation in the liver may be associated with a higher risk of hip fracture than other benzodiazepines. The epidemiological evidence strongly suggests that the use of benzodiazepines by older people increases their risk of hip fracture by at least 50%. The benefits of benzodiazepines for older people are unclear. Given the high morbidity and mortality of hip fracture, it can be concluded that older people should rarely be prescribed benzodiazepines and that many older people already taking these drugs should have them withdrawn under appropriate supervision.

Modulation of cellular differentiation by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in osteoblasts

N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors for the central neurotransmitter l-glutamate (Glu) have been shown to be present in both osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Sustained exposure to the NMDA channel antagonist dizocilpine (MK-801) significantly prevented increases in both alkaline phosphatase activity and Ca2+ accumulation in a concentration-dependent manner in osteoblasts cultured for 7-28 days in vitro (DIV), without significantly affecting cell survivability. Osteocalcin expression was markedly reduced in the presence of MK-801 in osteoblasts cultured for 28 DIV. Both an NMDA domain antagonist and a glycine domain antagonist similarly prevented Ca2+ accumulation in osteoblasts exposed for 28 consecutive DIV. MK-801 was effective in significantly inhibiting Ca2+ accumulation determined at 28 DIV in osteoblasts exposed before 7 DIV but was ineffective in cells exposed after 11-21 DIV. Sustained exposure to MK-801 significantly inhibited DNA binding activity and expression of core binding factor alpha-1 (CBFA1) in osteoblasts exposed after 7 DIV up to 28 DIV, but not in those exposed before 7 DIV. These results suggest that heteromeric NMDA receptor channels may be functionally expressed to regulate mechanisms underlying cellular differentiation rather than proliferation and/or maturation through modulation of expression of CBFA1 in cultured rat calvarial osteoblasts.