The ADP receptor P2RY12 regulates osteoclast function and pathologic bone remodeling

CX3CR1+/UCHL1+ microglial extracellular vesicles in blood: a potential biomarker for multiple sclerosis

In neuroinflammation, distinguishing microglia from macrophages and identifying microglial-specific biomarkers in peripheral blood pose significant challenges. This study comprehensively profiled the extracellular vesicles (EVs) of microglia and macrophages, respectively, revealing co-expressed EVs with UCHL1 and CX3CR1 as EVs derived specifically from microglia in human blood. After extensive validation, using optimized nano flow cytometry, we evaluated plasma CX3CR1+/UCHL1+ EVs across clinical cohorts [multiple sclerosis (MS), HTLV-1 associated myelopathy (HAM), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD)], along with established neurodegenerative markers (NMDAR2A and NFL). The findings discovered a notable rise in CX3CR1+/UCHL1+ EVs in MS, particularly heightened in HAM, in contrast to controls. Conversely, AD and PD exhibited unaltered or diminished levels of microglial EVs. An integrated model of CX3CR1+/UCHL1+, NMDAR2A+, and NFL+ EVs demonstrated promising diagnostic potential for distinguishing MS from controls and HAM. As to the disease duration, CX3CR1+/UCHL1+ EVs increased in the initial five years of MS, stabilizing thereafter, whereas NMDAR2A+ and NFL+ EVs remained stable initially but increased significantly in the subsequent five years, suggesting their correlation with disease duration. This study uncovers unique blood microglial EVs with potential as biomarkers for MS diagnosis, differentiation from HAM, and correlation with disease duration.

Adenosine diphosphate released from stressed cells triggers mitochondrial transfer to achieve tissue homeostasis

Cell-to-cell mitochondrial transfer has recently been shown to play a role in maintaining physiological functions of cell. We previously illustrated that mitochondrial transfer within osteocyte dendritic network regulates bone tissue homeostasis. However, the mechanism of triggering this process has not been explored. Here, we showed that stressed osteocytes in mice release adenosine diphosphate (ADP), resulting in triggering mitochondrial transfer from healthy osteocytes to restore the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and to alleviate reactive oxygen species accumulation. Furthermore, we identified that P2Y2 and P2Y6 transduced the ADP signal to regulate osteocyte mitochondrial transfer. We showed that mitochondrial metabolism is impaired in aged osteocytes, and there were more extracellular nucleotides release into the matrix in aged cortical bone due to compromised membrane integrity. Conditioned medium from aged osteocytes triggered mitochondrial transfer between osteocytes to enhance the energy metabolism. Together, using osteocyte as an example, this study showed new insights into how extracellular ADP triggers healthy cells to rescue energy metabolism crisis in stressed cells via mitochondrial transfer in tissue homeostasis.

Pharmacological characterization of P2Y receptor subtypes - an update

P2Y receptors are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) for extracellular nucleotides. There are eight mammalian P2Y receptor subtypes (P2Y1, P2Y2, P2Y4, P2Y6, P2Y11, P2Y12, P2Y13, and P2Y14). The widely expressed P2Y receptors play important roles in physiology and pathophysiology. This review summarizes the use of pharmacological tools to characterize the P2Y receptor subtypes involved in these responses. MRS2500 is a potent and selective antagonist acting at the P2Y1 receptor. AR-C118925 is useful for the selective antagonism of the P2Y2 receptor. PSB16133 blocks the P2Y4 receptor, MRS2578 is an antagonist at the P2Y6 receptor and NF157 as well as NF340 block the P2Y11 receptor. ADP-induced platelet aggregation is mediated by P2Y1 and P2Y12 receptors. A number of compounds or their active metabolites reduce ADP-induced platelet aggregation by blocking the P2Y12 receptor. These include the active metabolites of the thienopyridine compounds clopidogrel and prasugrel, the nucleoside analogue ticagrelor and the nucleotide analogue cangrelor. PSB0739 is also a potent antagonist at the P2Y12 receptor useful for both in vitro and in vivo studies. MRS2211 and MRS2603 inhibit P2Y13 mediated responses. PPTN is a very potent antagonist at the P2Y14 receptor.

The Effect of Clopidogrel and Ticagrelor on Human Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cell Osteogenic Differentiation Potential: In Vitro Comparative Study

Ticagrelor (TICA) and clopidogrel (CLP) are extensively used antiplatelet drugs that act by antagonizing the P2Y12 receptors that are found on platelets in addition to bone cells. Aim. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of clopidogrel and ticagrelor on stem cells osteogenic differentiation in vitro. Methods. Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAd-MSCs) were divided into (1) control group, (2) osteogenic group (osteo group), (3) clopidogrel group (CLP group), and (4) ticagrelor group (TICA group). The osteogenic differentiation potential was determined by mineralization nodule formation using Alizarin Red S staining, measuring ALP enzyme activity by alkaline phosphatase assay. Quantitative determination for osteogenic markers included osteocalcin (OC); runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) performed using western blot; osteoprotegerin (OPG) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and inflammatory markers; and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction quantitative (RT-PCR) and ELISA. Results. In comparison to all study groups, the TICA group showed significant increase in the mineralized extracellular matrix, ALP enzyme activity, and bone markers expression as RUNX2 (P < 0.0001), OC, and OPG (P < 0.05). The expression of IL-6 and TNF-α was determined by RT-qPCR and ELISA techniques. TICA and CLP significantly decreased both markers compared to the control group. The TICA group showed statistically significant lower levels of both markers (P < 0.0001) than the CLP and control groups via the ELISA technique. Conclusion. TICA may possess a positive effect on hAd-MSCs osteogenic differentiation compared to CLP.

Increased expression of the P2Y12 receptor is involved in the failure of autogenous arteriovenous fistula caused by stenosis

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the role of the P2Y12 receptor in autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure resulting from stenosis.

METHODS

Stenotic venous tissues and blood samples were obtained from patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) together with AVF stenosis, while venous tissues and blood samples were collected from patients with ESRD undergoing initial AVF surgery as controls. Immunohistochemistry and/or immunofluorescence techniques were utilized to assess the expression of P2Y12, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), and CD68 in the venous tissues. The expression levels of P2Y12, TGFβ1, and MCP-1 were quantified using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses. Double and triple immunofluorescence staining was performed to precisely localize the cellular localization of P2Y12 expression.

RESULTS

Expression levels of P2Y12, TGFβ1, MCP-1, and CD68 were significantly higher in stenotic AVF venous tissues than in the control group tissues. Double and triple immunofluorescence staining of stenotic AVF venous tissues indicated that P2Y12 was predominantly expressed in α-SMA-positive vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and, to a lesser extent, in CD68-positive macrophages, with limited expression in CD31-positive endothelial cells. Moreover, a subset of macrophage-like VSMCs expressing P2Y12 were observed in both stenotic AVF venous tissues and control venous tissues. Additionally, a higher number of P2Y12+/TGF-β1+ double-positive cells were identified in stenotic AVF venous tissues than in the control group tissues.

CONCLUSION

Increased expression of P2Y12 in stenotic AVF venous tissues of patients with ESRD suggests its potential involvement in the pathogenesis of venous stenosis within AVFs.

The Signaling Pathway of the ADP Receptor P2Y12 in the Immune System: Recent Discoveries and New Challenges

P2Y12 is a G-protein-coupled receptor that is activated upon ADP binding. Considering its well-established role in platelet activation, blocking P2Y12 has been used as a therapeutic strategy for antiplatelet aggregation in cardiovascular disease patients. However, receptor studies have shown that P2Y12 is functionally expressed not only in platelets and the microglia but also in other cells of the immune system, such as in monocytes, dendritic cells, and T lymphocytes. As a result, studies were carried out investigating whether therapies targeting P2Y12 could also ameliorate inflammatory conditions, such as sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, neuroinflammation, cancer, COVID-19, atherosclerosis, and diabetes-associated inflammation in animal models and human subjects. This review reports what is known about the expression of P2Y12 in the cells of the immune system and the effect of P2Y12 activation and/or inhibition in inflammatory conditions. Lastly, we will discuss the major problems and challenges in studying this receptor and provide insights on how they can be overcome.

The Function and Regulation of Platelet P2Y12 Receptor

In addition to the key role in hemostasis and thrombosis, platelets have also been wildly acknowledged as immune regulatory cells and involving in the pathogenesis of inflammation-related diseases. Since purine receptor P2Y12 plays a crucial role in platelet activation, P2Y12 antagonists such as clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor have been widely used in cardiovascular diseases worldwide in recent decades due to their potent antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects. Meanwhile, the role of P2Y12 in inflammatory diseases has also been extensively studied. Relatively, there are few studies on the regulation of P2Y12. This review first summarizes the various roles of P2Y12 in the process of platelet activation, as well as downstream effects and signaling pathways; then introduces the effects of P2Y12 in inflammatory diseases such as sepsis, atherosclerosis, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and asthma; and finally reviews the current researches on P2Y12 regulation.

Evaluation of the Effects of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy on Guided Bone Regeneration in Peri-Implant Bone Defect

In this study, the authors aim to investigate the effect of dual antiplatelet agents on peri-implant-guided bone regeneraation by studying a sample of rats with titanium implants in their tibias. The rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) (n=10), treated with 20 mg/kg of ASA; ASA+CLPD (Clopidogrel): (n=10), treated with 20 mg/kg of ASA and 30 mg/kg of clopidogrel; ASA+PRSG (Prasugrel): (n=10), treated with 20 mg/kg of ASA and 15 mg/kg of prasugrel; ASA+TCGR (Ticagrelor): (n=10), treated with 20 mg/kg of ASA and 300 mg/kg of ticagrelor; and a control group (n=10) received no further treatment after implant surgery. Bone defects created half of the implant length circumferencial after implant insertion and defects filled with bone grafts. After 8 weeks experimental period, the rats sacrified and implants with surrounding bone tissues were collected to histologic analysis; bone filling ratios of defects (%) and blood samples collected to biochemical analysis (urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, phosphorus, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, and parathormone). A statistically significant difference was not detected between the groups for all parameters (P>0.05). When the percentage of new bone formation was examined, it was found that there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (P>0.05). Antiplatelet therapy may not adversely affect guided bone regeneration in peri-implant bone defects.

Protective Effects of Higher Exposure to Aspirin and/or Clopidogrel on the Occurrence of Hip Fracture among Diabetic Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Aspirin and clopidogrel are commonly prescribed alone or together among the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, and both agents could affect bone metabolism. This study aimed at demonstrating the effects of the dosage and the duration of aspirin and/or clopidogrel alone or together on the occurrence of hip fracture among T2DM patients. We chose the patients newly diagnosed with T2DM and divided them into four subgroups which are under aspirin monotherapy (78,522 patients), clopidogrel monotherapy (12,752 patients), dual therapy (7209 patients), and patients not taking antiplatelet drugs (401,686 patients). We found that only higher dosage (>360 cumulative daily defined dose (cDDD)) and longer duration (≥3 years) of antiplatelet agents could be associated with lower fracture risk. Compared with the subjects taking <1-year dual agents, the risk of hip fracture was 0.38-fold for the patients taking ≥3-year dual agents. Lower dosage (28−179 cDDD) and shorter duration (1~2 years) could even be associated with higher fracture risk. Overall, the best regimen to fend off the hip fracture was the use of aspirin and clopidogrel for ≥3 years.

Modulation of osteoblast differentiation and function by the P2X4 receptor

Bone cells are known to express multiple P2 receptor subtypes, and the functional effects of receptor activation have been described for many of these. One exception is the P2X4 receptor, which despite strong expression in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, has no defined functional activity. This study used the selective P2X4 receptor antagonists, 5-BDBD and PSB-12062, to investigate the role of this receptor in bone. Both antagonists (≥ 0.1 μM) dose-dependently decreased bone formation by 60-100%. This was accompanied by a ≤ 70% decrease in alkaline phosphatase activity, a ≤ 40% reduction in cell number, and a ≤ 80% increase in the number of adipocytes present in the culture. The analysis of gene expression showed that levels of osteoblast marker genes (e.g. Alpl, Bglap) were decreased in 5-BDBD treated cells. Conversely, expression of the adipogenic transcription factor PPARG was increased 10-fold. In osteoclasts, high doses of both antagonists were associated with a reduction in osteoclast formation and resorptive activity by ≤ 95% and ≤ 90%, respectively. Taken together, these data suggest that the P2X4 receptor plays a role in modulating bone cell function. In particular, it appears to influence osteoblast differentiation favouring the osteogenic lineage over the adipogenic lineage.

Extracellular ATP and its derivatives provide spatiotemporal guidance for bone adaptation to wide spectrum of physical forces

ATP is a ubiquitous intracellular molecule critical for cellular bioenergetics. ATP is released in response to mechanical stimulation through vesicular release, small tears in cellular plasma membranes, or when cells are destroyed by traumatic forces. Extracellular ATP is degraded by ecto-ATPases to form ADP and eventually adenosine. ATP, ADP, and adenosine signal through purinergic receptors, including seven P2X ATP-gated cation channels, seven G-protein coupled P2Y receptors responsive to ATP and ADP, and four P1 receptors stimulated by adenosine. The goal of this review is to build a conceptual model of the role of different components of this complex system in coordinating cellular responses that are appropriate to the degree of mechanical stimulation, cell proximity to the location of mechanical injury, and time from the event. We propose that route and amount of ATP release depend on the scale of mechanical forces, ranging from vesicular release of small ATP boluses upon membrane deformation, to leakage of ATP through resealable plasma membrane tears, to spillage of cellular content due to destructive forces. Correspondingly, different P2 receptors responsive to ATP will be activated according to their affinity at the site of mechanical stimulation. ATP is a small molecule that readily diffuses through the environment, bringing the signal to the surrounding cells. ATP is also degraded to ADP which can stimulate a distinct set of P2 receptors. We propose that depending on the magnitude of mechanical forces and distance from the site of their application, ATP/ADP profiles will be different, allowing the relay of information about tissue level injury and proximity. Lastly, ADP is degraded to adenosine acting via its P1 receptors. The presence of large amounts of adenosine without ATP, indicates that an active source of ATP release is no longer present, initiating the transition to the recovery phase. This model consolidates the knowledge regarding the individual components of the purinergic system into a conceptual framework of choreographed responses to physical forces.

•

Cellular bioenergetic molecule ATP is released when cell is mechanically stimulated.

•

ATP release is proportional to the amount of cellular damage.

•

ATP diffusion and transformation to ADP indicates the proximity to the damage.

•

Purinergic receptors form a network choreographing cell response to physical forces.

•

Complete transformation of ATP to adenosine initiates the recovery phase.

Purinergic receptors modulators: An emerging pharmacological tool for disease management

Purinergic signaling is mediated through extracellular nucleotides (adenosine 5'-triphosphate, uridine-5'-triphosphate, adenosine diphosphate, uridine-5'-diphosphate, and adenosine) that serve as signaling molecules. In the early 1990s, purines and pyrimidine receptors were cloned and characterized drawing the attention of scientists toward this aspect of cellular signaling. This signaling pathway is comprised of four subtypes of adenosine receptors (P1), eight subtypes of G-coupled protein receptors (P2YRs), and seven subtypes of ligand-gated ionotropic receptors (P2XRs). In current studies, the pathophysiology and therapeutic potentials of these receptors have been focused on. Various ligands, modulating the functions of purinergic receptors, are in current clinical practices for the treatment of various neurodegenerative disorders and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, several purinergic receptors ligands are in advanced phases of clinical trials as a remedy for depression, epilepsy, autism, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, and cancers. In the present study, agonists and antagonists of purinergic receptors have been summarized that may serve as pharmacological tools for drug design and development.

Antiplatelet Agents Affecting GPCR Signaling Implicated in Tumor Metastasis

Metastasis requires that cancer cells survive in the circulation, colonize distant organs, and grow. Despite platelets being central contributors to hemostasis, leukocyte trafficking during inflammation, and vessel stability maintenance, there is significant evidence to support their essential role in supporting metastasis through different mechanisms. In addition to their direct interaction with cancer cells, thus forming heteroaggregates such as leukocytes, platelets release molecules that are necessary to promote a disseminating phenotype in cancer cells via the induction of an epithelial-mesenchymal-like transition. Therefore, agents that affect platelet activation can potentially restrain these prometastatic mechanisms. Although the primary adhesion of platelets to cancer cells is mainly independent of G protein-mediated signaling, soluble mediators released from platelets, such as ADP, thromboxane (TX) A2, and prostaglandin (PG) E2, act through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to cause the activation of more additional platelets and drive metastatic signaling pathways in cancer cells. In this review, we examine the contribution of the GPCRs of platelets and cancer cells in the development of cancer metastasis. Finally, the possible use of agents affecting GPCR signaling pathways as antimetastatic agents is discussed.

The effect of P2X7R- mediated Ca2+ and MAPK signaling in OPG-induced duck embryo osteoclasts differentiation and adhesive structure damage

Various factors cause animal bone malnutrition disease during intensive culture. Osteoclasts play an important role in regulating bone metabolism disease. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) modulates osteoclast function; however, the mechanism underlying this effect is unknown. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore whether OPG affects duck embryo osteoclast function via purinergic receptor P2X7. OPG significantly inhibited duck embryo osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption, and suppressed F-actin formation. In addition, OPG remarkably impaired duck embryo osteoclasts' adhesive structure. After OPG treatment, the expression of P2X7R significantly reduced, the ATP level and Ca²⁺-ATPase activity decreased rapidly, and concomitantly suppressed calcium and MAPK signaling. A438079 (a selective P2X7R inhibitor) significantly inhibited duck embryo osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption, and the phosphorylation of Ca²⁺ regulated proteins (CAM, CAMKII, CAMKIV) and MAPKs (ERK, JNK, and P38) were markedly suppressed. Pretreatment of duck embryo osteoclasts with BzATP, a P2X7R agonist, activated Ca²⁺ and MAPK signaling. BzATP alleviated OPG-induced duck embryo osteoclast differentiation and adhesive structure damage, and recovered the distribution of adhesion-related proteins in mature duck embryo osteoclasts. Thus, P2RX7-mediated Ca²⁺ and MAPK signaling has a key function in OPG-induced duck embryo osteoclast differentiation and adhesive structure damage. P2X7R might be an ideal target to treat bone diseases through regulating bone cell activation.

P2Y12-dependent activation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells promotes emergency hematopoiesis after myocardial infarction

Emergency hematopoiesis is the driving force of the inflammatory response to myocardial infarction (MI). Increased proliferation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (LSK) after MI enhances cell production in the bone marrow (BM) and replenishes leukocyte supply for local cell recruitment to the infarct. Decoding the regulation of the inflammatory cascade after MI may provide new avenues to improve post-MI remodeling. In this study, we describe the influence of adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-dependent P2Y₁₂-mediated signaling on emergency hematopoiesis and cardiac remodeling after MI. Permanent coronary ligation was performed to induce MI in a murine model. BM activation, inflammatory cell composition and cardiac function were assessed using global and platelet-specific gene knockout and pharmacological inhibition models for P2Y₁₂. Complementary in vitro studies allowed for investigation of ADP-dependent effects on LSK cells. We found that ADP acts as a danger signal for the hematopoietic BM and fosters emergency hematopoiesis by promoting Akt phosphorylation and cell cycle progression. We were able to detect P2Y₁₂ in LSK, implicating a direct effect of ADP on LSK via P2Y₁₂ signaling. P2Y₁₂ knockout and P2Y₁₂ inhibitor treatment with prasugrel reduced emergency hematopoiesis and the excessive inflammatory response to MI, translating to lower numbers of downstream progeny and inflammatory cells in the blood and infarct. Ultimately, P2Y₁₂ inhibition preserved cardiac function and reduced chronic adverse cardiac remodeling after MI. P2Y₁₂-dependent signaling is involved in emergency hematopoiesis after MI and fuels post-ischemic inflammation, proposing a novel, non-canonical value for P2Y₁₂ antagonists beyond inhibition of platelet-mediated atherothrombosis.

Nucleotides modulate synoviocyte proliferation and osteoclast differentiation in macrophages with potential implications for rheumatoid arthritis

P2 receptors are nucleotide-activated receptors involved in inflammation, cell proliferation osteoblastogenesis, osteoclastogenesis and their function. They can be potential role players in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our analysis of gene expression datasets of synovial tissue biopsy from the GEO database shows changes in the expression levels of P2 receptors. HIG-82, a synovial fibroblast cell line and RAW 264.7, a macrophage cell line are good in vitro models to study RA. Nucleotide addition experiments showed UDP Glucose significantly increased the proliferation of synovial fibroblasts (HIG-82). Similarly, nucleotides such as Adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP), Adenosine di-phosphate (ADP), Uridine tri-phosphate (UTP), Uridine di-phosphate (UDP) and Uridine diphosphoglucose (UDPG) induced elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and tartrate Resistant Acid Phosphatase (TRAP) activity in RAW264.7 cells. The ADP-induced TRAP could be inhibited by clopidogrel a P2Y₁₂ inhibitor. ATP, ADP, UTP, UDP and UDPG also induced osteoclastogenesis as evident from fused multinucleate cells and expression of osteoclast markers (TRAP, Cathepsin K [CTSK]) as determined by Q-PCR. Apyrase (APY) a nucleotidase and an enzyme that is used to modulate extracellular nucleotide concentration is sufficient to induce osteoclastogenesis. Taken together our results show that nucleotides modulate synoviocyte proliferation and macrophage differentiation into osteoclast and play an important role in RA. Nucleotide receptors might be potential therapeutic targets in RA.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-03052-8.

Breast cancer-derived GM-CSF regulates arginase 1 in myeloid cells to promote an immunosuppressive microenvironment

Tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells contribute to the development of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Myeloid cell expression of arginase 1 (ARG1) promotes a protumor phenotype by inhibiting T cell function and depleting extracellular l-arginine, but the mechanism underlying this expression, especially in breast cancer, is poorly understood. In breast cancer clinical samples and in our mouse models, we identified tumor-derived GM-CSF as the primary regulator of myeloid cell ARG1 expression and local immune suppression through a gene-KO screen of breast tumor cell-produced factors. The induction of myeloid cell ARG1 required GM-CSF and a low pH environment. GM-CSF signaling through STAT3 and p38 MAPK and acid signaling through cAMP were required to activate myeloid cell ARG1 expression in a STAT6-independent manner. Importantly, breast tumor cell-derived GM-CSF promoted tumor progression by inhibiting host antitumor immunity, driving a significant accumulation of ARG1-expressing myeloid cells compared with lung and melanoma tumors with minimal GM-CSF expression. Blockade of tumoral GM-CSF enhanced the efficacy of tumor-specific adoptive T cell therapy and immune checkpoint blockade. Taken together, we show that breast tumor cell-derived GM-CSF contributes to the development of the immunosuppressive breast cancer microenvironment by regulating myeloid cell ARG1 expression and can be targeted to enhance breast cancer immunotherapy.

Endothelium-specific depletion of LRP1 improves glucose homeostasis through inducing osteocalcin

The vascular endothelium is present within metabolic organs and actively regulates energy metabolism. Here we show osteocalcin, recognized as a bone-secreted metabolic hormone, is expressed in mouse primary endothelial cells isolated from heart, lung and liver. In human osteocalcin promoter-driven green fluorescent protein transgenic mice, green fluorescent protein signals are enriched in endothelial cells lining aorta, small vessels and capillaries and abundant in aorta, skeletal muscle and eye of adult mice. The depletion of lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 induces osteocalcin through a Forkhead box O -dependent pathway in endothelial cells. Whereas depletion of osteocalcin abolishes the glucose-lowering effect of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 depletion, osteocalcin treatment normalizes hyperglycemia in multiple mouse models. Mechanistically, osteocalcin receptor-G protein-coupled receptor family C group 6 member A and insulin-like-growth-factor-1 receptor are in the same complex with osteocalcin and required for osteocalcin-promoted insulin signaling pathway. Therefore, our results reveal an endocrine/paracrine role of endothelial cells in regulating insulin sensitivity, which may have therapeutic implications in treating diabetes and insulin resistance through manipulating vascular endothelium.

Application of Ligature-Induced Periodontitis in Mice to Explore the Molecular Mechanism of Periodontal Disease

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the destruction of the periodontium. In the last decade, a new murine model of periodontitis has been widely used to simulate alveolar bone resorption and periodontal soft tissue destruction by ligation. Typically, 3-0 to 9-0 silks are selected for ligation around the molars in mice, and significant bone loss and inflammatory infiltration are observed within a week. The ligature-maintained period can vary according to specific aims. We reviewed the findings on the interaction of systemic diseases with periodontitis, periodontal tissue destruction, the immunological and bacteriological responses, and new treatments. In these studies, the activation of osteoclasts, upregulation of pro-inflammatory factors, and excessive immune response have been considered as major factors in periodontal disruption. Multiple genes identified in periodontal tissues partly reflect the complexity of the pathogenesis of periodontitis. The effects of novel treatment methods on periodontitis have also been evaluated in a ligature-induced periodontitis model in mice. This model cannot completely represent all aspects of periodontitis in humans but is considered an effective method for the exploration of its mechanisms. Through this review, we aimed to provide evidence and enlightenment for future studies planning to use this model.

Platelet-Cancer Interplay: Molecular Mechanisms and New Therapeutic Avenues

Although platelets are critically involved in thrombosis and hemostasis, experimental and clinical evidence indicate that platelets promote tumor progression and metastasis through a wide range of physical and functional interactions between platelets and cancer cells. Thrombotic and thromboembolic events are frequent complications in patients with solid tumors. Hence, cancer modulates platelet function by directly inducing platelet-tumor aggregates and triggering platelet granule release and altering platelet turnover. Also, platelets enhance tumor cell dissemination by activating endothelial cell function and recruiting immune cells to primary and metastatic tumor sites. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the complex interactions between platelets and tumor cells and the host microenvironment. We also critically discuss the potential of anti-platelet agents for cancer prevention and treatment.

Control of Macrophage Inflammation by P2Y Purinergic Receptors

Macrophages comprise a phenotypically and functionally diverse group of hematopoietic cells. Versatile macrophage subsets engage to ensure maintenance of tissue integrity. To perform tissue stress surveillance, macrophages express many different stress-sensing receptors, including purinergic P2X and P2Y receptors that respond to extracellular nucleotides and their sugar derivatives. Activation of G protein-coupled P2Y receptors can be both pro- and anti-inflammatory. Current examples include the observation that P2Y14 receptor promotes STAT1-mediated inflammation in pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages as well as the demonstration that P2Y11 receptor suppresses the secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and concomitantly promotes the release of soluble TNF receptors from anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. Here, we review macrophage regulation by P2Y purinergic receptors, both in physiological and disease-associated inflammation. Therapeutic targeting of anti-inflammatory P2Y receptor signaling is desirable to attenuate excessive inflammation in infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Conversely, anti-inflammatory P2Y receptor signaling must be suppressed during cancer therapy to preserve its efficacy.

Transcriptomics-based analysis of the mechanism by which Wang-Bi capsule alleviates joint destruction in rats with collagen-induced arthritis

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease accompanied with joint destruction that often leads to disability. Wang-Bi capsule (WB), a traditional Chinese medicine-based herbs formula, has exhibited inhibition effect on joint destruction of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) animal model in our previous study. But its molecular mechanisms are still obscure.

METHODS

CIA rats were treated intragastrical with WB for eight weeks, and the effect of joints protection were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, safranin O fast green staining, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and micro‑CT scanning analysis. The transcriptomic of tarsal joints were used to investigate how WB alleviated joint destruction.

RESULTS

The histological examination of ankle joints showed WB alleviated both cartilage damage and bone destruction of CIA rats. This protective effect on joints were further evidenced by micro-CT analysis. The transcriptomic analysis showed that WB prominently changed 12 KEGG signaling pathways ("calcium signaling pathway", "cAMP signaling pathway", "cell adhesion molecules", "chemokine signaling pathway", "complement and coagulation cascades", "MAPK signaling pathway", "NF-kappa B signaling pathway", "osteoclast differentiation", "PI3K-Akt signaling pathway", "focal adhesion", "Gap junction" and "Rap1 signaling pathway") associated with bone or cartilage. Several genes (including Il6, Tnfsf11, Ffar2, Plg, Tnfrsf11b, Fgf4, Fpr1, Siglec1, Vegfd, Cldn1, Cxcl13, Chad, Arrb2, Fgf9, Egfr) regulating bone resorption, bone formation and cartilage development were identified by further analysis. Meanwhile, these differentially expressed genes were validated by real-time quantitative PCR.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the protective effect of WB treatment on joint were confirmed in CIA rats, and its basic molecular mechanisms may be associated with regulating some genes (including Il6, Tnfsf11, Ffar2 and Plg etc.) involved in bone resorption, bone formation and cartilage development.

N-cadherin in osteolineage cells modulates stromal support of tumor growth

•

N-cadherin in osteolineage, Osterix+ cells restrains extraskeletal tumor growth.

•

Osterix+ cells are present in the stromal microenvironment of extraskeletal tumors.

•

Osterix+ cells are present in normal tissues frequent sites of metastasis.

•

N-cadherin modulates pro-tumorigenic signaling in tumor associated Osterix+ cells.

Tumor growth and metastases are dependent on interactions between cancer cells and the local environment. Expression of the cell–cell adhesion molecule N-cadherin (Ncad) is associated with highly aggressive cancers, and its expression by osteogenic cells has been proposed to provide a molecular “dock” for disseminated tumor cells to establish in pre-metastatic niches within the bone. To test this biologic model, we conditionally deleted the Ncad gene (Cdh2) in osteolineage cells using Osx-cre (cKO). Contrary to expectations, the metastatic breast cancer cell line PyMT-BO1 was able to form tumors in bone and to induce osteolysis in cKO as well as in control mice. Despite absence of Ncad, bone marrow stromal cells isolated from cKO mice were able to engage in direct cell–cell interactions with tumor cells expressing either N- or E-cadherin. However, subcutaneous PyMT-BO1 and B16F10 tumors grew larger in cKO relative to control littermates. Cell tracking experiments using the Ai9 reporter revealed the presence of Osx+ and Ncad+ cells in the stroma of extra-skeletal tumors and in a small population of lung cells. Gene expression analysis by RNAseq of Osx+ cells isolated from extra-skeletal tumors revealed alterations of pro-tumorigenic signaling pathways in cKO cells relative to control Osx+ cells. Thus, Ncad in Osx+ cells is not necessary for the establishment of bone metastases, but in extra-skeletal tumors it regulates pro-tumorigenic support by the microenvironment.

P2Y Receptors in Bone - Anabolic, Catabolic, or Both?

P2Y receptors, including eight subtypes, are G protein-coupled receptors that can be activated by extracellular nucleotides. Nearly all P2Y receptors are expressed in bone cells, suggesting their involvements in bone physiology and pathology. However, their exact roles in bone homeostasis are not entirely clear. Therefore, this mini review summarizes new research developments regarding individual P2Y receptors and their roles in bone biology, particularly detailing those which execute both anabolic and catabolic functions. This dual function has highlighted the conundrum of pharmacologically targeting these P2Y receptors in bone-wasting diseases. Further research in finding more precise targeting strategy, such as promoting anabolic effects via combining with physical exercise, should be prioritized.

Molecular pharmacology of P2Y receptor subtypes

Professor Geoffrey Burnstock proposed the concept of purinergic signaling via P1 and P2 receptors. P2Y receptors are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) for extracellular adenine and uracil nucleotides. Eight mammalian P2Y receptor subtypes have been identified. They are divided into two subgroups (P2Y₁, P2Y₂, P2Y₄, P2Y₆, and P2Y₁₁) and (P2Y₁₂, P2Y₁₃, and P2Y₁₄). P2Y receptors are found in almost all cells and mediate responses in physiology and pathophysiology including pain and inflammation. The antagonism of platelet P2Y₁₂ receptors by cangrelor, ticagrelor or active metabolites of the thienopyridine compounds ticlopidine, clopidogrel and prasugrel reduces the ADP-induced platelet aggregation in patients with thrombotic complications of vascular diseases. The nucleotide agonist diquafosol acting at P2Y₂ receptors is used for the treatment of the dry eye syndrome. Structural information obtained by crystallography of the human P2Y₁ and P2Y₁₂ receptor proteins, site-directed mutagenesis and molecular modeling will facilitate the rational design of novel selective drugs.

Prediction of Targets of Curculigoside A in Osteoporosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Using Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification

Purpose

Network pharmacology is considered to be the next-generation drug development model that uses bioinformatics to predict and identify multiple drug targets and interactions in diseases. Here, network pharmacology was used to investigate the mechanism by which Curculigoside A (CA) acts in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoporosis.

Methods

First, TCMSP and SwissADME were applied to predict the druggability of CA. Then, potential targets were identified from overlapping data in SwissTarget and TargetNet, and targets were analyzed using Genemania and DAVID6.8 to obtain information about the GO and KEGG pathways. Ultimately, the drug-target-pathway network was identified after using Cytoscape 3.0 for visualization. Besides, qPCR was used to validate the predicted five major genes targets (EGFR, MAP2K1, MMP2, FGFR1, and MCL1).

Results

The results of TCMSP and SwissADME demonstrated that CA exhibits good druggability; 26 potential protein targets were classified by SwissTarget and TargetNet. The results of Genemania and DAVID6.8 indicated that CA probably caused anti-osteoporosis and anti-RA effects by regulating some biological pathways, especially nitrogen metabolism, estrogen signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Besides, the result of Cytoscape 3.0 showed that the 26 targets participate in osteoporosis and RA-related pathways, metabolism, and other physiological processes. In vitro induced inflammation cell model experiments, the qPCR results showed that CA pretreatment significantly decreased the expression of EGFR, MAP2K1, MMP2, FGFR1, and MCL1 genes.

Conclusion

These results suggested that network pharmacology may provide possible mechanism of how CA exerts therapeutic effects in osteoporosis and RA.

Multitasking by the OC Lineage during Bone Infection: Bone Resorption, Immune Modulation, and Microbial Niche

Bone infections, also known as infectious osteomyelitis, are accompanied by significant inflammation, osteolysis, and necrosis. Osteoclasts (OCs) are the bone-resorbing cells that work in concert with osteoblasts and osteocytes to properly maintain skeletal health and are well known to respond to inflammation by increasing their resorptive activity. OCs have typically been viewed merely as effectors of pathologic bone resorption, but recent evidence suggests they may play an active role in the progression of infections through direct effects on pathogens and via the immune system. This review discusses the host- and pathogen-derived factors involved in the in generation of OCs during infection, the crosstalk between OCs and immune cells, and the role of OC lineage cells in the growth and survival of pathogens, and highlights unanswered questions in the field.

Hepatic lipids promote liver metastasis

Obesity predisposes to cancer and a virtual universality of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the impact of hepatic steatosis on liver metastasis is enigmatic. We find that while control mice were relatively resistant to hepatic metastasis, those which were lipodystrophic or obese, with NAFLD, had a dramatic increase in breast cancer and melanoma liver metastases. NAFLD promotes liver metastasis by reciprocal activation initiated by tumor-induced triglyceride lipolysis in juxtaposed hepatocytes. The lipolytic products are transferred to cancer cells via fatty acid transporter protein 1, where they are metabolized by mitochondrial oxidation to promote tumor growth. The histology of human liver metastasis indicated the same occurs in humans. Furthermore, comparison of isolates of normal and fatty liver established that steatotic lipids had enhanced tumor-stimulating capacity. Normalization of glucose metabolism by metformin did not reduce steatosis-induced metastasis, establishing the process is not mediated by the metabolic syndrome. Alternatively, eradication of NAFLD in lipodystrophic mice by adipose tissue transplantation reduced breast cancer metastasis to that of control mice, indicating the steatosis-induced predisposition is reversible.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease promotes liver metastasis in mice, likely due to lipid transfer to tumor cells.

Role of UDP-Sugar Receptor P2Y14 in Murine Osteoblasts

The purinergic (P2) receptor P2Y₁₄ is the only P2 receptor that is stimulated by uridine diphosphate (UDP)-sugars and its role in bone formation is unknown. We confirmed P2Y₁₄ expression in primary murine osteoblasts (CB-Ob) and the C2C12-BMP2 osteoblastic cell line (C2-Ob). UDP-glucose (UDPG) had undiscernible effects on cAMP levels, however, induced dose-dependent elevations in the cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) in CB-Ob, but not C2-Ob cells. To antagonize the P2Y₁₄ function, we used the P2Y₁₄ inhibitor PPTN or generated CRISPR-Cas9-mediated P2Y₁₄ knockout C2-Ob clones (Y14_KO). P2Y₁₄ inhibition facilitated calcium signalling and altered basal cAMP levels in both models of osteoblasts. Importantly, P2Y₁₄ inhibition augmented Ca²⁺ signalling in response to ATP, ADP and mechanical stimulation. P2Y₁₄ knockout or inhibition reduced osteoblast proliferation and decreased ERK1/2 phosphorylation and increased AMPKα phosphorylation. During in vitro osteogenic differentiation, P2Y₁₄ inhibition modulated the timing of osteogenic gene expression, collagen deposition, and mineralization, but did not significantly affect differentiation status by day 28. Of interest, while P2ry14^-/- mice from the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium were similar to wild-type controls in bone mineral density, their tibia length was significantly increased. We conclude that P2Y₁₄ in osteoblasts reduces cell responsiveness to mechanical stimulation and mechanotransductive signalling and modulates osteoblast differentiation.

Update of P2Y receptor pharmacology: IUPHAR Review 27

Eight G protein-coupled P2Y receptor subtypes respond to extracellular adenine and uracil mononucleotides and dinucleotides. P2Y receptors belong to the δ group of rhodopsin-like GPCRs and contain two structurally distinct subfamilies: P2Y₁ , P2Y₂ , P2Y₄ , P2Y₆ , and P2Y₁₁ (principally G_q protein-coupled P2Y₁ -like) and P2Y_12-14 (principally G_i protein-coupled P2Y₁₂ -like) receptors. Brain P2Y receptors occur in neurons, glial cells, and vasculature. Endothelial P2Y₁ , P2Y₂ , P2Y₄ , and P2Y₆ receptors induce vasodilation, while smooth muscle P2Y₂ , P2Y₄ , and P2Y₆ receptor activation leads to vasoconstriction. Pancreatic P2Y₁ and P2Y₆ receptors stimulate while P2Y₁₃ receptors inhibits insulin secretion. Antagonists of P2Y₁₂ receptors, and potentially P2Y₁ receptors, are anti-thrombotic agents, and a P2Y₂ /P2Y₄ receptor agonist treats dry eye syndrome in Asia. P2Y receptor agonists are generally pro-inflammatory, and antagonists may eventually treat inflammatory conditions. This article reviews recent developments in P2Y receptor pharmacology (using synthetic agonists and antagonists), structure and biophysical properties (using X-ray crystallography, mutagenesis and modelling), physiological and pathophysiological roles, and present and potentially future therapeutic targeting.

P2Y12 Inhibition beyond Thrombosis: Effects on Inflammation

The P2Y₁₂ receptor is a key player in platelet activation and a major target for antithrombotic drugs. The beneficial effects of P2Y₁₂ receptor antagonists might, however, not be restricted to the primary and secondary prevention of arterial thrombosis. Indeed, it has been established that platelet activation also has an essential role in inflammation. Additionally, nonplatelet P2Y₁₂ receptors present in immune cells and vascular smooth muscle cells might be effective players in the inflammatory response. This review will investigate the biological and clinical impact of P2Y₁₂ receptor inhibition beyond its platelet-driven antithrombotic effects, focusing on its anti-inflammatory role. We will discuss the potential molecular and cellular mechanisms of P2Y₁₂-mediated inflammation, including cytokine release, platelet–leukocyte interactions and neutrophil extracellular trap formation. Then we will summarize the current evidence on the beneficial effects of P2Y₁₂ antagonists during various clinical inflammatory diseases, especially during sepsis, acute lung injury, asthma, atherosclerosis, and cancer.

Signaling of the Purinergic System in the Joint

The joint is a complex anatomical structure consisting of different tissues, each with a particular feature, playing together to give mobility and stability at the body. All the joints have a similar composition including cartilage for reducing the friction of the movement and protecting the underlying bone, a synovial membrane that produces synovial fluid to lubricate the joint, ligaments to limit joint movement, and tendons for the interaction with muscles. Direct or indirect damage of one or more of the tissues forming the joint is the foundation of different pathological conditions. Many molecular mechanisms are involved in maintaining the joint homeostasis as well as in triggering disease development. The molecular pathway activated by the purinergic system is one of them.The purinergic signaling defines a group of receptors and intermembrane channels activated by adenosine, adenosine diphosphate, adenosine 5’-triphosphate, uridine triphosphate, and uridine diphosphate. It has been largely described as a modulator of many physiological and pathological conditions including rheumatic diseases. Here we will give an overview of the purinergic system in the joint describing its expression and function in the synovium, cartilage, ligament, tendon, and bone with a therapeutic perspective.

Aspirin inhibits platelets from reprogramming breast tumor cells and promoting metastasis

It is now recognized that compounds released from tumor cells can activate platelets, causing the release of platelet-derived factors into the tumor microenvironment. Several of these factors have been shown to directly promote neovascularization and metastasis, yet how the feedback between platelet releasate and the tumor cell affects metastatic phenotype remains largely unstudied. Here, we identify that breast tumor cells secrete high levels of interleukin 8 (IL-8, CXCL8) in response to platelet releasate, which promotes their invasive capacity. Furthermore, we found that platelets activate the Akt pathway in breast tumor cells, and inhibition of this pathway eliminated IL-8 production. We therefore hypothesized inhibiting platelets with aspirin could reverse the prometastatic effects of platelets on tumor cell signaling. Platelets treated with aspirin did not activate the Akt pathway, resulting in reduced IL-8 secretion and impaired tumor cell invasion. Of note, patients with breast cancer receiving aspirin had lower circulating IL-8, and their platelets did not increase tumor cell invasion compared with patients not receiving aspirin. Our data suggest platelets support breast tumor metastasis by inducing tumor cells to secrete IL-8. Our data further support that aspirin acts as an anticancer agent by disrupting the communication between platelets and breast tumor cells.

Knockout and Knock-in Mouse Models to Study Purinergic Signaling

Purinergic signaling involves extracellular purines and pyrimidines acting upon specific cell surface purinoceptors classified into the P1, P2X, and P2Y families for nucleosides and nucleotides. This widespread signaling mechanism is active in all major tissues and influences a range of functions in health and disease. Orthologs to all but one of the human purinoceptors have been found in mouse, making this laboratory animal a useful model to study their function. Indeed, analyses of purinoceptors via knock-in or knockout approaches to produce gain or loss of function phenotypes have revealed several important therapeutic targets. None of the homozygous purinoceptor knockouts proved to be developmentally lethal, which suggest that either these receptors are not involved in key developmental processes or that the large number of receptors in each family allowed for functional compensation. Different models for the same purinoceptor often show compatible phenotypes but there have been examples of significant discrepancies. These revealed unexpected differences in the structure of human and mouse genes and emphasized the importance of the genetic background of different mouse strains. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the current knowledge and new trends in the modifications of purinoceptor genes in vivo. We discuss the resulting phenotypes, their applications and relative merits and limitations of mouse models available to study purinoceptor subtypes.

Effect of clopidogrel in bone healing-experimental study in rabbits

BACKGROUND

Clopidogrel is a widely prescribed drug for prevention of myocardial infarction and stroke in patients at risk. It inhibits thrombus formation via inhibition of the P2Y12 purinergic receptor on platelets, which is important in their activation by ADP. However, the P2Y12 receptor has also been found to be expressed in both osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Accumulated evidence suggests that purinergic receptors regulate important functions of bone turnover. Previous studies on the effect of clopidogrel on bone metabolism indicated potential harmful effects, but their results remain conflicting. Thus, clopidogrel treatment may affect bone healing, but it has not yet been studied.

AIM

To evaluate if continuous perioperative clopidogrel treatment has any negative effect on bone healing in the rabbit calvarial defect model.

METHODS

Sixteen male white New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned in two groups: One group received daily 3 mg/kg of clopidogrel per os and the other group received the vehicle alone for a week prior to the surgical procedures; the treatments were continued for another 6 wk postoperatively. The surgical procedures included generation of two circular calvarial defects 11 mm in diameter in every animal. After the 6-wk period of healing, postmortem radiographic and histomorphometric evaluation of the defects was performed.

RESULTS

Both the surgical procedures and the postoperative period were uneventful and well tolerated by all the animals, without any surgical wound dehiscence, signs of infection or other complication. New bone was formed either inwards from the defect margins or in the central portion of the defect as separated bony islets. While defect healing was still incomplete in both groups, the clopidogrel group had significantly improved radiographic healing scores. Moreover, the histomorphometric analysis showed that bone regeneration (%) was 28.07 ± 7.7 for the clopidogrel group and 19.47 ± 4.9 for the control group, showing a statistically significant difference between them (P = 0.018). Statistically significant difference was also found in the defect bridging (%), i.e. 72.17 ± 21.2 for the clopidogrel group and 41.17 ± 8.5 for the control group, respectively (P = 0.004), whereas there was no statistical difference in bone tissue density between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that maintenance of perioperative clopidogrel treatment does not negatively affect bone healing but rather promotes it. Further research is needed in order to find useful applications of this finding.

HTLV-1 viral oncogene HBZ drives bone destruction in adult T cell leukemia

Osteolytic bone lesions and hypercalcemia are common, serious complications in adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL), an aggressive T cell malignancy associated with human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection. The HTLV-1 viral oncogene HBZ has been implicated in ATL tumorigenesis and bone loss. In this study, we evaluated the role of HBZ on ATL-associated bone destruction using HTLV-1 infection and disease progression mouse models. Humanized mice infected with HTLV-1 developed lymphoproliferative disease and continuous, progressive osteolytic bone lesions. HTLV-1 lacking HBZ displayed only modest delays to lymphoproliferative disease but significantly decreased disease-associated bone loss compared with HTLV-1-infected mice. Gene expression array of acute ATL patient samples demonstrated increased expression of RANKL, a critical regulator of osteoclasts. We found that HBZ regulated RANKL in a c-Fos-dependent manner. Treatment of HTLV-1-infected humanized mice with denosumab, a monoclonal antibody against human RANKL, alleviated bone loss. Using patient-derived xenografts from primary human ATL cells to induce lymphoproliferative disease, we also observed profound tumor-induced bone destruction and increased c-Fos and RANKL gene expression. Together, these data show the critical role of HBZ in driving ATL-associated bone loss through RANKL and identify denosumab as a potential treatment to prevent bone complications in ATL patients.

The role of GPCRs in bone diseases and dysfunctions

The superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) contains immense structural and functional diversity and mediates a myriad of biological processes upon activation by various extracellular signals. Critical roles of GPCRs have been established in bone development, remodeling, and disease. Multiple human GPCR mutations impair bone development or metabolism, resulting in osteopathologies. Here we summarize the disease phenotypes and dysfunctions caused by GPCR gene mutations in humans as well as by deletion in animals. To date, 92 receptors (5 glutamate family, 67 rhodopsin family, 5 adhesion, 4 frizzled/taste2 family, 5 secretin family, and 6 other 7TM receptors) have been associated with bone diseases and dysfunctions (36 in humans and 72 in animals). By analyzing data from these 92 GPCRs, we found that mutation or deletion of different individual GPCRs could induce similar bone diseases or dysfunctions, and the same individual GPCR mutation or deletion could induce different bone diseases or dysfunctions in different populations or animal models. Data from human diseases or dysfunctions identified 19 genes whose mutation was associated with human BMD: 9 genes each for human height and osteoporosis; 4 genes each for human osteoarthritis (OA) and fracture risk; and 2 genes each for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), periodontitis, osteosarcoma growth, and tooth development. Reports from gene knockout animals found 40 GPCRs whose deficiency reduced bone mass, while deficiency of 22 GPCRs increased bone mass and BMD; deficiency of 8 GPCRs reduced body length, while 5 mice had reduced femur size upon GPCR deletion. Furthermore, deficiency in 6 GPCRs induced osteoporosis; 4 induced osteoarthritis; 3 delayed fracture healing; 3 reduced arthritis severity; and reduced bone strength, increased bone strength, and increased cortical thickness were each observed in 2 GPCR-deficiency models. The ever-expanding number of GPCR mutation-associated diseases warrants accelerated molecular analysis, population studies, and investigation of phenotype correlation with SNPs to elucidate GPCR function in human diseases.

Pharmacology of P2Y receptors

P2Y receptors are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) for extracellular nucleotides. There are eight mammalian P2Y receptor subtypes divided into two subgroups (P2Y₁, P2Y₂, P2Y₄, P2Y₆, and P2Y₁₁) and (P2Y₁₂, P2Y₁₃, and P2Y₁₄). The P2Y receptors are expressed in various cell types and play important roles in physiology and pathophysiology including inflammatory responses and neuropathic pain. The antagonism of P2Y₁₂ receptors is used in pharmacotherapy for the prevention and therapy of cardiovascular events. The nucleoside analogue ticagrelor and active metabolites of the thienopyridine compounds ticlopidine, clopidogrel and prasugrel inhibit platelet P2Y₁₂ receptors and reduce thereby platelet aggregation. The P2Y₂ receptor agonist diquafosol is used for the treatment of the dry eye syndrome. The P2Y receptor subtypes differ in their amino acid sequences, their pharmacological profiles and their signaling transduction pathways. Recently, selective receptor ligands have been developed for all subtypes. The published crystal structures of the human P2Y₁ and P2Y₁₂ receptors as well as receptor models will facilitate the development of novel drugs for pharmacotherapy.

P2RY12:rs7637803 TT variant genotype increases coronary artery aneurysm risk in Kawasaki disease in a southern Chinese population

BACKGROUND

Activated-platelet increases the risk of thrombosis in Kawasaki disease (KD) patients with a coronary artery aneurysm (CAA). The ADP pathway is one of the platelet activation and aggregation pathways. The P2RY12 gene encodes the ADP receptor that is highly concentrated on platelets. However, few studies have reported on P2RY12 in relation to KD susceptibility with or without CAA.

METHODS

We recruited 1335 healthy controls and 776 KD patients, including 103 with CAA, and selected five P2RY12 polymorphisms: rs9859538, rs1491974, rs7637803, rs6809699 and rs2046934. The present study focused on the relationship between the P2RY12 polymorphisms and KD with or without CAA.

RESULTS

Among all of the selected polymorphisms, single-locus analysis showed no significant association between the P2RY12 polymorphism and KD susceptibility. However, we found a significant relationship between rs7637803 and CAA risk in KD patients [CT versus CC: odds ratio (OR) = 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.22-0.75; p = 0.0041; TT versus CC: OR = 2.90, 95% CI = 1.12-7.46; p = 0.0276]. Stratification analysis by age in KD patients indicated that the rs7637803 TT genotype increased CAA formation risk among children aged (OR = 3.90, 95% CI = 1.42-10.69; p = 0.0081) and increased the onset risk of CAA in males (OR = 6.28, 95% CI = 2.01-19.65; p = 0.0016). The combined effect of the five selected P2RY12 risk genotypes with the KD patients compared to non-mutated P2RY12 genotypes (score: 0) showed that patients with P2RY12 genotype polymorphisms (score: 1-5) had a significantly increased CAA risk (p = 0.0086). Stratification analysis for the severity of CAA found that the rs7637803 TT genotype reduced giant CAA (GCAA) risk (OR = 4.60, 95% CI = 1.70-12.41; p = 0.0026).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study indicate that the P2RY12 rs7637803 genotype might be used as a biomarker to predict the occurrence of GCAA.

The role of P2Y12 receptor in ischemic stroke of atherosclerotic origin

Atherosclerosis is a chronic and progressive disease of the arterial walls and a leading cause of non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke. P2Y12 is a well-recognized receptor that is expressed on platelets and is a target of thienopyridine-type antiplatelet drugs. In the last few decades, P2Y12 receptor inhibitors, such as clopidogrel, have been applied for the secondary prevention of non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke. Recent clinical studies have suggested that these P2Y12 receptor inhibitors may be more effective than other antiplatelet drugs in patients with ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack of atherosclerotic origin. Moreover, animal studies have also shown that the P2Y12 receptor may participate in atherogenesis by promoting the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial dysfunction, and affecting inflammatory cell activities in addition to amplifying and maintaining ADP-induced platelet activation and platelet aggregation. P2Y12 receptor inhibitors may also exert neuroprotective effects after ischemic stroke. Thus, P2Y12 receptor inhibitors may be a better choice for secondary prevention in patients with atherosclerotic ischemic stroke subtypes because of their triple functions (i.e., their anti-atherosclerotic, anti-platelet aggregation, and neuroprotective activities), and the P2Y12 receptor may also serve as a noval therapeutic target for atherosclerosis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the P2Y12 receptor and its key roles in atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke of atherosclerotic origin.

The purinergic receptor P2X5 contributes to bone loss in experimental periodontitis

Purinergic receptor signaling is increasingly recognized as an important regulator of inflammation. The P2X family purinergic receptors P2X5 and P2X7 have both been implicated in bone biology, and it has been suggested recently that P2X5 may be a significant regulator of inflammatory bone loss. However, a role for P2X5 in periodontitis is unknown. The present study aimed to evaluate the functional role of P2X5 in ligature-induced periodontitis in mice. Five days after placement of ligature, analysis of alveolar bone revealed decreased bone loss in P2rx5^−/− mice compared to P2rx7^−/− and WT control mice. Gene expression analysis of the gingival tissue of ligated mice showed that IL1b, IL6, IL17a and Tnfsf11 expression levels were significantly reduced in P2rx5^−/− compared to WT mice. These results suggest the P2X5 receptor may regulate bone loss related to periodontitis and it may thus be a novel therapeutic target in this oral disease.

Small Molecules Enhance Scaffold-Based Bone Grafts via Purinergic Receptor Signaling in Stem Cells

The need for bone grafts is high, due to age-related diseases, such as tumor resections, but also accidents, risky sports, and military conflicts. The gold standard for bone grafting is the use of autografts from the iliac crest, but the limited amount of accessible material demands new sources of bone replacement. The use of mesenchymal stem cells or their descendant cells, namely osteoblast, the bone-building cells and endothelial cells for angiogenesis, combined with artificial scaffolds, is a new approach. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be obtained from the patient themselves, or from donors, as they barely cause an immune response in the recipient. However, MSCs never fully differentiate in vitro which might lead to unwanted effects in vivo. Interestingly, purinergic receptors can positively influence the differentiation of both osteoblasts and endothelial cells, using specific artificial ligands. An overview is given on purinergic receptor signaling in the most-needed cell types involved in bone metabolism-namely osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and endothelial cells. Furthermore, different types of scaffolds and their production methods will be elucidated. Finally, recent patents on scaffold materials, as wells as purinergic receptor-influencing molecules which might impact bone grafting, are discussed.

Structure, Pharmacology and Roles in Physiology of the P2Y12 Receptor

P2Y receptors are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) for extracellular nucleotides. The platelet ADP-receptor which has been denominated P2Y₁₂ receptor is an important target in pharmacotherapy. The receptor couples to G_αi2 mediating an inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation and additional downstream events including the activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase and Rap1b proteins. The nucleoside analogue ticagrelor and active metabolites of the thienopyridine compounds ticlopidine, clopidogrel and prasugrel block P2Y₁₂ receptors and, thereby, inhibit ADP-induced platelet aggregation. These drugs are used for the prevention and therapy of cardiovascular events such as acute coronary syndromes or stroke. The recently published three-dimensional crystal structures of the human P2Y₁₂ receptor in complex with agonists and antagonists will facilitate the development of novel therapeutic agents with reduced adverse effects. P2Y₁₂ receptors are also expressed on vascular smooth muscle cells and may be involved in the pathophysiology of atherogenesis. P2Y₁₂ receptors on microglial cells operate as sensors for adenine nucleotides released during brain injury. A recent study indicated the involvement of microglial P2Y₁₂ receptors in the activity-dependent neuronal plasticity. Interestingly, there is evidence for changes in P2Y₁₂ receptor expression in CNS pathologies including Alzheimer's diseases and multiple sclerosis. P2Y₁₂ receptors may also be involved in systemic immune modulating responses and the susceptibility to develop bronchial asthma.

C/ebpα controls osteoclast terminal differentiation, activation, function, and postnatal bone homeostasis through direct regulation of Nfatc1

Osteoclast lineage commitment and differentiation have been studied extensively, although the mechanism by which transcription factor(s) control osteoclast terminal differentiation, activation, and function remains unclear. CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/ebpα) has been reported to be a key regulator of osteoclast cell lineage commitment, yet C/ebpα's roles in osteoclast terminal differentiation, activation and function, and bone homeostasis, under physiological or pathological conditions, have not been studied because newborn C/ebpα-null mice die within several hours after birth. Furthermore, the function of C/ebpα in osteoclast terminal differentiation, activation, and function is largely unknown. Herein, we generated and analyzed an osteoclast-specific C/ebpα conditional knockout (CKO) mouse model via Ctsk-Cre mice and found that C/ebpα-deficient mice exhibited a severe osteopetrosis phenotype due to impaired osteoclast terminal differentiation, activation, and function, including mildly reduced osteoclast number, impaired osteoclast polarization, actin formation, and bone resorption, which demonstrated the novel function of C/ebpα in cell function and terminal differentiation. Interestingly, C/ebpα deficiency did not affect bone formation or monocyte/macrophage development. Our results further demonstrated that C/ebpα deficiency suppressed the expression of osteoclast functional genes, e.g. encoding cathepsin K (Ctsk), Atp6i (Tcirg1), and osteoclast regulator genes, e.g. encoding c-fos (Fos), and nuclear factor of activated T-cells 1 (Nfatc1), while having no effect on Pu.1 (Spi1) expression. Promoter activity mapping and ChIP assay defined the critical cis-regulatory element (CCRE) in the promoter region of Nfatc1, and also showed that the CCREs were directly associated with C/ebpα, which enhanced the promoter's activity. The deficiency of C/ebpα in osteoclasts completely blocked ovariectomy-induced bone loss, indicating that C/ebpα is a promising new target for the treatment of osteolytic diseases. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

P2Y12 Receptors in Tumorigenesis and Metastasis

Platelets, beyond their role in hemostasis and thrombosis, may sustain tumorigenesis and metastasis. These effects may occur via direct interaction of platelets with cancer and stromal cells and by the release of several platelet products. Platelets and tumor cells release several bioactive molecules among which a great amount of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP). ADP is also formed extracellularly from ATP breakdown by the ecto-nucleoside-triphosphate-diphosphohydrolases. Under ATP and ADP stimulation the purinergic P2Y₁ receptor (R) initiates platelet activation followed by the ADP-P2Y₁₂R-mediated amplification. P2Y₁₂R stimulation amplifies also platelet response to several platelet agonists and to flow conditions, acting as a key positive feed-forward signal in intensifying platelet responses. P2Y₁₂R represents a potential target for an anticancer therapy due to its involvement in platelet-cancer cell crosstalk. Thus, P2Y₁₂R antagonists, including clopidogrel, ticagrelor, and prasugrel, might represent potential anti-cancer agents, in addition to their role as effective antithrombotic drugs. However, further studies, in experimental animals and patients, are required before the recommendation of the use of P2Y₁₂R antagonists in cancer prevention and progression can be made.

P2Y12 Receptor Antagonist, Clopidogrel, Does Not Contribute to Risk of Osteoporotic Fractures in Stroke Patients

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. It is associated with excessive bone loss and risk of fracture in stroke patients is high. The P2Y12R antagonist and platelet inhibitor, clopidogrel, is widely used for secondary prevention after a stroke. However, recent studies have shown that clopidogrel has negative effects on bone and that long-term clopidogrel use is associated with increased fracture risk. The purpose of the current study was therefore to investigate the association of clopidogrel treatment with risk of fractures in stroke and TIA patients.

Methods: The study was a cohort study including all subjects who were prescribed clopidogrel between 1996 and 2008 in Denmark (n = 77,503). Age- and gender matched controls (n = 232,510) were randomly selected from the background population. The study end-points were occurrence of stroke or TIA and occurrence of fracture. Clopidogrel use was primary exposure.

Results: Ischemic stroke increased risk of fracture by 50% while haemorrhagic stroke and TIA increased the risk by 30%. However, after adjusting for multiple confounders only patients with ischemic stroke and haemorrhagic stroke had increased fracture risk. Clopidogrel use was not associated with increased fracture risk in subjects with ischaemic stroke or TIA. In contrast, after adjusting for multiple confounders clopidogrel treatment was associated with a 10–35% reduced risk of fracture.

Conclusion: Patients with stroke have increased risk of osteoporotic fractures, but clopidogrel treatment does not increase fracture risk. In contrast, patients less adherent to the treatment have lower risk of fractures than non-users and patients with high adherence. However, based on the increased risk in stroke patients, clinicians should consider evaluation of bone status of these patients.

Activation of the P2Y2 receptor regulates bone cell function by enhancing ATP release

Bone cells constitutively release ATP into the extracellular environment where it acts locally via P2 receptors to regulate bone cell function. Whilst P2Y2 receptor stimulation regulates bone mineralisation, the functional effects of this receptor in osteoclasts remain unknown. This investigation used the P2Y2 receptor knockout (P2Y2R-/- ) mouse model to investigate the role of this receptor in bone. MicroCT analysis of P2Y2R-/- mice demonstrated age-related increases in trabecular bone volume (≤48%), number (≤30%) and thickness (≤17%). In vitro P2Y2R-/- osteoblasts displayed a 3-fold increase in bone formation and alkaline phosphatase activity, whilst P2Y2R-/- osteoclasts exhibited a 65% reduction in resorptive activity. Serum cross-linked C-telopeptide levels (CTX, resorption marker) were also decreased (≤35%). The resorption defect in P2Y2R-/- osteoclasts was rescued by the addition of exogenous ATP, suggesting that an ATP deficit could be a key factor in the reduced function of these cells. In agreement, we found that basal ATP release was reduced up to 53% in P2Y2R-/- osteoclasts. The P2Y2 receptor agonists, UTP and 2-thioUTP, increased osteoclast activity and ATP release in wild-type but not in P2Y2R-/- cells. This indicates that the P2Y2 receptor may regulate osteoclast function indirectly by promoting ATP release. UTP and 2-thioUTP also stimulate ATP release from osteoblasts suggesting that the P2Y2 receptor exerts a similar function in these cells. Taken together, our findings are consistent with the notion that the primary action of P2Y2 receptor signalling in bone is to regulate extracellular ATP levels.