Human Osteoblasts (human + osteoblast)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Kinds of Human Osteoblasts

  • normal human osteoblast
  • primary human osteoblast

  • Terms modified by Human Osteoblasts

  • human osteoblast cell

  • Selected Abstracts


    Focal Adhesion Kinase pp125FAK Interacts With the Large Conductance Calcium-Activated hSlo Potassium Channel in Human Osteoblasts: Potential Role in Mechanotransduction,

    JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 10 2003
    Roger Rezzonico
    Abstract Molecular events of mechanotransduction in osteoblasts are poorly defined. We show that the mechanosensitive BK channels open and recruit the focal adhesion kinase FAK in osteoblasts on hypotonic shock. This could convert mechanical signals in biochemical events, leading to osteoblast activation. Introduction: Mechanical strains applied to the skeleton influence bone remodeling and architecture mainly through the osteoblast lineage. The molecular mechanisms involved in osteoblastic mechanotransduction include opening of mechanosensitive cation channels and the activation of protein tyrosine kinases, notably FAK, but their interplay remains poorly characterized. The large conductance K+ channel (BK) seems likely as a bone mechanoreceptor candidate because of its high expression in osteoblasts and its ability to open in response to membrane stretch or hypotonic shock. Propagation of the signals issued from the mechanosensitivity of BK channels inside the cell likely implies complex interactions with molecular partners involved in mechanotransduction, notably FAK. Methods: Interaction of FAK with the C terminus of the hSlo ,-subunit of BK was investigated using the yeast two-hybrid system as well as immunofluorescence microscopy and coimmunoprecipitation experiments with a rabbit anti-hslo antibody on MG63 and CAL72 human osteosarcoma cell lines and on normal human osteoblasts. Mapping of the FAK region interacting with hSlo was approached by testing the ability of hSlo to recruit mutated ot truncated FAK proteins. Results: To the best of our knowledge, we provide the first evidence of the physical association of FAK with the intracellular part of hslo. We show that FAK/hSlo interaction likely takes place through the Pro-1-rich domain situated in the C-terminal region of the kinase. FAK/hSlo association occurs constitutively at a low, but appreciable, level in human osteosarcoma cells and normal human osteoblasts that express endogenous FAK and hSlo. In addition, we found that application of an hypo-osmotic shock to these cells induced a sustained activation of BK channels associated to a marked increase in the recruitment of FAK on hSlo. Conclusions: Based on these data, we propose that BK channels might play a triggering role in the signaling cascade induced by mechanical strains in osteoblasts. [source]


    Thiazide Diuretics Affect Osteocalcin Production in Human Osteoblasts at the Transcription Level Without Affecting Vitamin D3 Receptors

    JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 5 2000
    D. Lajeunesse
    Abstract Besides their natriuretic and calciuretic effect, thiazide diuretics have been shown to decrease bone loss rate and improve bone mineral density. Clinical evidence suggests a specific role of thiazides on osteoblasts, because it reduces serum osteocalcin (OC), an osteoblast-specific protein, yet the mechanisms implicated are unknown. We therefore investigated the role of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) on OC production by the human osteoblast-like cell line MG-63. HCTZ dose-dependently (1,100 ,M) inhibited 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3]- induced OC release by these cells (maximal effect, ,40,50% and p < 0.005 by analysis of variance [ANOVA]) as measured by ELISA. This effect of HCTZ on OC release was caused by a direct effect on OC gene expression because Northern blot analysis revealed that OC messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were reduced in the presence of increasing doses of the diuretic (,47.2 ± 4.0%; p < 0.0001 by paired ANOVA with 100 ,M HCTZ). HCTZ (100 ,M) also stimulated calcium (Ca2+) uptake (8.26 ± 1.78 pmol/mg protein/15 minutes vs. 13.6 ± 0.49 pmol/mg protein/15 minutes; p < 0.05) in MG-63 cells. Reducing extracellular Ca2+ concentration with 0.5 mM EDTA or 0.5 mM ethylene glycol-bis(,-amino ethyl ether)- N,N,N',N' -tetraacetic acid (EGTA) only partly prevented the inhibitory effect of the diuretic on OC secretion (maximal effect, ,22.5 ± 6.9%), suggesting that thiazide-dependent Ca2+ influx is not sufficient to elicit the inhibition of OC secretion. Because OC production is strictly dependent on the presence of 1,25(OH)2D3 in human osteoblasts, we next evaluated the possible role of HCTZ on vitamin D3 receptors (VDR) at the mRNA and protein levels. Both Northern and Western blot analyses showed no effect of HCTZ (1,100 ,M) on VDR levels. The presence of EGTA in the culture media reduced slightly the VDR mRNA levels under basal condition but this was not modified in the presence of increasing levels of HCTZ. The OC gene promoter also is under the control of transcription factors such as Yin Yang 1 (YY1) and cFOS. Western blot analysis revealed no changes in YY1 levels in response to HCTZ either in the presence or in the absence of 0.5 mM EGTA in the culture media. In contrast, HCTZ induced a dose-dependent increase in cFOS levels (p < 0.002 by ANOVA), a situation prevented by incubation with EGTA. These studies indicate that HCTZ inhibits OC mRNA expression independently of an effect on VDR, YY1, or extracellular Ca2+ levels but involves changes in cFOS levels. As OC retards bone formation/mineralization, the inhibition of OC production by HCTZ could explain its preventive role in bone loss rate. (J Bone Miner Res 2000;15:894,901) [source]


    Growth of osteoblast-like cells on biomimetic apatite-coated chitosan scaffolds

    JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, Issue 1 2008
    I. Manjubala
    Abstract Porous scaffold materials that can provide a framework for the cells to adhere, proliferate, and create extracellular matrix are considered to be suitable materials for bone regeneration. Interconnected porous chitosan scaffolds were prepared by freeze-drying method, and were mineralized by calcium and phosphate solution by double-diffusion method to form nanoapatite in chitosan matrix. The mineralized chitosan scaffold contains hydroxyapatite nanocrystals on the surface and also within the pore channels of the scaffold. To assess the effect of apatite and porosity of the scaffolds on cells, human osteoblast (SaOS-2) cells were cultured on unmineralized and mineralized chitosan scaffolds. The cell growth on the mineralized scaffolds and on the pure chitosan scaffold shows a similar growth trend. The total protein content and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity of the cells grown on scaffolds were quantified, and were found to increase over time in mineralized scaffold after 1 and 3 weeks of culture. The electron microscopy of the cell-seeded scaffolds showed that most of the outer macropores became sealed off by a continuous layer of cells. The cells spanned around the pore wall and formed extra cellular matrix, consisting mainly of collagen in mineralized scaffolds. The hydroxyproline content also confirmed the formation of the collagen matrix by cells in mineralized scaffolds. This study demonstrated that the presence of apatite nanocrystals in chitosan scaffolds does not significantly influence the growth of cells, but does induce the formation of extracellular matrix and therefore has the potential to serve for bone tissue engineering. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008 [source]


    Role of TIEG1 in biological processes and disease states

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2007
    Malayannan Subramaniam
    Abstract A novel TGF, Inducible Early Gene-1 (TIEG1) was discovered in human osteoblast (OB) cells by our laboratory. Over the past decade, a handful of laboratories have revealed a multitude of organismic, cellular, and molecular functions of this gene. TIEG1 is now classified as a member of the 3 zinc finger family of Krüppel-like transcription factors (KLF10). Other closely related factors [TIEG2 (KLF11) and TIEG3/TIEG2b] have been reported and are briefly compared. As described in this review, TIEG1 is shown to play a role in regulating estrogen and TGF, actions, the latter through the Smad signaling pathway. In both cases, TIEG1 acts as an inducer or repressor of gene transcription to enhance the TGF,/Smad pathway, as well at other signaling pathways, to regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. This review outlines TIEG1's molecular functions and roles in skeletal disease (osteopenia/osteoporosis), heart disease (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), and cancer (breast and prostate). J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 539,548, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    The Wnt antagonist secreted frizzled-related protein-1 controls osteoblast and osteocyte apoptosis

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2005
    Peter V.N. Bodine
    Abstract Mechanisms controlling human bone formation remain to be fully elucidated. We have used differential display-polymerase chain reaction analysis to characterize osteogenic pathways in conditionally immortalized human osteoblasts (HOBs) representing distinct stages of differentiation. We identified 82 differentially expressed messages and found that the Wnt antagonist secreted frizzled-related protein (sFRP)-1 was the most highly regulated of these. Transient transfection of HOBs with sFRP-1 suppressed canonical Wnt signaling by 70% confirming its antagonistic function in these cells. Basal sFRP-1 mRNA levels increased 24-fold during HOB differentiation from pre-osteoblasts to pre-osteocytes, and then declined in mature osteocytes. This expression pattern correlated with levels of cellular viability such that the pre-osteocytes, which had the highest levels of sFRP-1 mRNA, also had the highest rate of cell death. Basal sFRP-1 mRNA levels also increased 29-fold when primary human mesenchymal stem cells were differentiated to osteoblasts supporting the developmental regulation of the gene. Expression of sFRP-1 mRNA was induced 38-fold following prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) treatment of pre-osteoblasts and mature osteoblasts that had low basal message levels. In contrast, sFRP-1 expression was down-regulated by as much as 80% following transforming growth factor (TGF)-,1 treatment of pre-osteocytes that had high basal mRNA levels. Consistent with this, treatment of pre-osteoblasts and mature osteoblasts with PGE2 increased apoptosis threefold, while treatment of pre-osteocytes with TGF-,1 decreased cell death by 50%. Likewise, over-expression of sFRP-1 in HOBs accelerated the rate of cell death threefold. These results establish sFRP-1 as an important negative regulator of human osteoblast and osteocyte survival. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Activation of JNK and PAK2 is essential for citrinin-induced apoptosis in a human osteoblast cell line

    ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY, Issue 4 2009
    Yu-Ting Huang
    Abstract The mycotoxin citrinin (CTN), a natural contaminant in foodstuffs and animal feeds, exerts cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on various mammalian cells. CTN causes cell injury, including apoptosis. Previous studies by our group showed that CTN triggers apoptosis in mouse embryonic stem cells, as well as embryonic developmental injury. Here, we investigated the precise mechanisms governing this apoptotic effect in osteoblasts. CTN induced apoptotic biochemical changes in a human osteoblast cell line, including activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and caspase-3 and p21-activated protein kinase 2 (PAK2) activation. Experiments using a JNK-specific inhibitor, SP600125, and antisense oligonucleotides against JNK reduced CTN-induced activation of both JNK and caspase-3 in osteoblasts, indicating that JNK is required for caspase activation in this apoptotic pathway. Experiments using caspase-3 inhibitors and antisense oligonucleotides against PAK2 revealed that active caspase-3 is essential for PAK2 activation. Moreover, both caspase-3 and PAK2 require activation for CTN-induced apoptosis of osteoblasts. Interestingly, CTN stimulates two-stage activation of JNK in human osteoblasts. Early-stage JNK activation is solely ROS-dependent, whereas late-stage activation is dependent on ROS-mediated caspase activity, and regulated by caspase-induced activation of PAK2. On the basis of these results, we propose a signaling cascade model for CTN-induced apoptosis in human osteoblasts involving ROS, JNK, caspases, and PAK2. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009. [source]


    Association of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the steroid and xenobiotic receptor (SXR) gene (IVS1-579A/G) with bone mineral density

    GERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2007
    Tomohiko Urano
    Vitamin K2 plays an important role in the bone metabolism. The steroid and xenobiotic receptor (SXR) as a nuclear receptor activated by vitamin K2 as well as rifampicin could increase bone markers such as alkaline phosphatase in human osteoblastic cells. Thus, the SXR could mediate vitamin K2 signaling pathway in bone cells. Therefore, we analyzed expression of the SXR mRNA in human primary osteoblasts and chondrocytes. We also studied association of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the SXR gene with bone mineral density (BMD). Expression levels of the SXR mRNA were analyzed during the culture course of human primary osteoblasts and chondrocytes. Association of a SNP in the SXR gene in intron 1 (IVS1-579A>G) with BMD was examined in 294 healthy postmenopausal Japanese women. The SXR mRNA increased at day 5 and then decreased at day 10 in human primary osteoblasts. Its mRNA gradually increased in human primary chondrocytes until day 10. As an association study of a SNP in the SXR gene (IVS1-579A/G), the subjects without the A allele (GG; n = 47) had significantly higher total BMD than the subjects bearing at least one A allele (AA + AG; n = 247) (Z score ± SD; 0.635 ± 1.031 versus 0.268 ± 1.061; P = 0.0298). The SXR mRNA was expressed and regulated in primary human osteoblasts and chondrocytes. A genetic variation at the SXR gene locus is associated with BMD, suggesting an involvement of the SXR gene in human bone metabolism. [source]


    Krüppel-Like Zinc Finger Protein Glis3 Promotes Osteoblast Differentiation by Regulating FGF18 Expression,

    JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 8 2007
    Ju Youn Beak
    Abstract The zinc finger protein Glis3 is highly expressed in human osteoblasts and acts synergistically with BMP2 and Shh in enhancing osteoblast differentiation in multipotent C3H10T1/2 cells. This induction of osteoblast differentiation is at least in part caused by the induction of FGF18 expression. This study supports a regulatory role for Glis3 in osteoblast differentiation. Introduction: Gli-similar 3 (Glis3) is closely related to members of the Gli subfamily of Krüppel-like zinc finger proteins, transcription factors that act downstream of sonic hedgehog (Shh). In this study, we analyzed the expression of Glis3 in human osteoblasts and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Moreover, we examined the regulatory role of Glis3 in the differentiation of multipotent C3H10T1/2 cells into osteoblasts and adipocytes. Materials and Methods: Microarray analysis was performed to identify genes regulated by Glis3 in multipotent C3H10T1/2 cells. Reporter and electrophoretic mobility shift assays were performed to analyze the regulation of fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF18) by Glis3. Results: Glis3 promotes osteoblast differentiation in C3H10T1/2 cells as indicated by the induction of alkaline phosphatase activity and increased expression of osteopontin, osteocalcin, and Runx2. In contrast, Glis3 expression inhibits adipocyte differentiation. Glis3 acts synergistically with BMP2 and Shh in inducing osteoblast differentiation. Deletion analysis indicated that the carboxyl-terminal activation function of Glis3 is needed for its stimulation of osteoblast differentiation. Glis3 is highly expressed in human osteoblasts and induced in MSCs during differentiation along the osteoblast lineage. Microarray analysis identified FGF18 as one of the genes induced by Glis3 in C3H10T1/2 cells. Promoter analysis and electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicated that a Glis3 binding site in the FGF18 promoter flanking region is important in its regulation by Glis3. Conclusions: Our study showed that Glis3 positively regulates differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells into osteoblasts and inhibits adipocyte differentiation. Glis3 acts synergistically with BMP2 and Shh in inducing osteoblast differentiation. The promotion of osteoblast differentiation by Glis3 involves increased expression of FGF18, a positive regulator of osteogenesis. This, in conjunction with the induction of Glis3 expression during osteoblast differentiation in MSCs and its expression in osteoblasts, suggests that Glis3 is an important modulator of MSC differentiation. [source]


    Focal Adhesion Kinase pp125FAK Interacts With the Large Conductance Calcium-Activated hSlo Potassium Channel in Human Osteoblasts: Potential Role in Mechanotransduction,

    JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 10 2003
    Roger Rezzonico
    Abstract Molecular events of mechanotransduction in osteoblasts are poorly defined. We show that the mechanosensitive BK channels open and recruit the focal adhesion kinase FAK in osteoblasts on hypotonic shock. This could convert mechanical signals in biochemical events, leading to osteoblast activation. Introduction: Mechanical strains applied to the skeleton influence bone remodeling and architecture mainly through the osteoblast lineage. The molecular mechanisms involved in osteoblastic mechanotransduction include opening of mechanosensitive cation channels and the activation of protein tyrosine kinases, notably FAK, but their interplay remains poorly characterized. The large conductance K+ channel (BK) seems likely as a bone mechanoreceptor candidate because of its high expression in osteoblasts and its ability to open in response to membrane stretch or hypotonic shock. Propagation of the signals issued from the mechanosensitivity of BK channels inside the cell likely implies complex interactions with molecular partners involved in mechanotransduction, notably FAK. Methods: Interaction of FAK with the C terminus of the hSlo ,-subunit of BK was investigated using the yeast two-hybrid system as well as immunofluorescence microscopy and coimmunoprecipitation experiments with a rabbit anti-hslo antibody on MG63 and CAL72 human osteosarcoma cell lines and on normal human osteoblasts. Mapping of the FAK region interacting with hSlo was approached by testing the ability of hSlo to recruit mutated ot truncated FAK proteins. Results: To the best of our knowledge, we provide the first evidence of the physical association of FAK with the intracellular part of hslo. We show that FAK/hSlo interaction likely takes place through the Pro-1-rich domain situated in the C-terminal region of the kinase. FAK/hSlo association occurs constitutively at a low, but appreciable, level in human osteosarcoma cells and normal human osteoblasts that express endogenous FAK and hSlo. In addition, we found that application of an hypo-osmotic shock to these cells induced a sustained activation of BK channels associated to a marked increase in the recruitment of FAK on hSlo. Conclusions: Based on these data, we propose that BK channels might play a triggering role in the signaling cascade induced by mechanical strains in osteoblasts. [source]


    Osteoblastic Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase: Its Potential Role in the Molecular Mechanism of Osteogenic Action of Fluoride,

    JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 10 2003
    K-H William Lau
    Abstract Although type 5 TRACP is recognized as a histochemical and biochemical marker of osteoclasts, there is evidence that bone forming cells, osteoblasts, and osteocytes also express a type 5 TRACP. Accordingly, an osteoblastic type 5 TRACP has been purified from human osteoblasts and from bovine cortical bone matrices. Comparison of biochemical properties of osteoblastic type 5 TRACP with those of osteoclastic type 5 TRACP suggests that osteoblastic type 5 TRACP is a different isoenzyme from osteoclastic type 5 TRACP. Two properties of osteoblastic type 5 TRACP may be relevant to its physiological functions: (1) it acts as a protein-tyrosine phosphatase (protein tyrosine phosphorylation) under physiologically relevant conditions, and (2) it is sensitive to inhibition by clinically relevant concentrations of fluoride. Because fluoride is a stimulator of osteoblastic proliferation and differentiation and a potent osteogenic agent and because protein tyrosine phosphorylation plays an important regulatory role in cell proliferation and differentiation, these unique properties and other evidence summarized in this review led to the proposal that the osteogenic action of fluoride is mediated, at least in part, by the fluoride-mediated inhibition of osteoblastic type 5 TRACP/protein tyrosine phosphorylation, which leads to a stimulation of osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, and subsequently, an increase in bone formation. [source]


    Cytokines, Osteoprotegerin, and RANKL In Vitro and Histomorphometric Indices of Bone Turnover in Patients With Different Bone Diseases,

    JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2003
    Heide Siggelkow
    Abstract Cytokines are supposed to play an essential role in the regulation of the bone metabolic unit. However, information on cytokine production of primary human osteoblasts from patients with metabolic bone disease is scarce, and few attempts have been made to correlate such data to histomorphometric parameters of individual patients. We investigated 11 patients with metabolic bone disease referred to our outpatient department for bone biopsy and analyzed interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and TNF-, protein release and gene expression in primary osteoblast cultures. Compared with four controls, five patients showed normal cytokine protein release, whereas six patients showed much higher levels of interleukin-6 (26-fold) and TNF-, (84-fold). All three cytokines were strongly correlated concerning gene expression and/or protein levels (r = 0.72,0.96). Histomorphometric analysis of the bone samples showed that eroded surface (ES/BS) as a parameter of bone resorption was significantly associated with TNF-,. In addition, RANKL gene expression was positively associated with ES/BS and osteoclast surface (Oc.S/BS). Finally, the formation parameters osteoid volume and osteoid surface were negatively associated with TNF-,. In conclusion, in an in vitro-ex vivo model of bone cells obtained from a group of 11 patients with different forms of metabolic bone disease, cytokine release in conditioned medium was significantly associated with bone resorption and bone formation, as quantified by histomorphometry. TNF-, seemed to be the more important cytokine; its effect on bone resorption could be mediated by RANKL. [source]


    Matrix Regulation of Skeletal Cell Apoptosis II: Role of Arg-Gly-Asp-Containing Peptides

    JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 1 2002
    Robert L. Perlot Jr.
    Abstract This investigation was based on the assumption that arg-gly-asp (RGD)-containing peptides are released from the extracellular matrix of bone and cartilage during the remodeling cycle. We asked the question: Can RGD peptides influence skeletal cell viability? Primary human osteoblasts, mouse MC-3T3-E1 cells, and chick chondrocytes were incubated with purified RGD-containing peptides and cell viability was determined. The RGD peptide did not kill osteoblasts, chondrocytes, or MC-3T3-E1 cells. In contrast, RGDS and GRGDSP peptides killed all three cell types. Osteoblast death was quite rapid, occurring within 6 h of treatment. transferase uridyl mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis indicated that death was mediated by apoptosis. To learn if mitochondria transduced the death signal, cells were treated with RGDS and organelle function was evaluated using a voltage-sensitive fluorescent probe. It was observed that there was no net loss of fluorescence and, hence, it was concluded that mitochondria were not the primary effectors of the apoptotic response. Experiments were performed with enzyme inhibitors to determine the import of the caspase pathway on RGDS-mediated osteoblast apoptosis. Results of these studies, as well as a study conducted using a fluorescent substrate, pointed to caspase 3 mediating the effector stage of the apoptotic process. Finally, using a purified labeled-RGDS peptide, we showed that the molecule was not restricted by the plasma membrane because it was accumulated in the cytosolic compartment. Results of the investigation support the view that resorption of the extracellular matrix generates peptide products that can induce apoptosis of vicinal cells. [source]


    Characterization of Tissue Transglutaminase in Human Osteoblast-like Cells

    JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 8 2001
    Deborah J. Heath
    Abstract Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) is a calcium-dependent and guanosine 5,-triphosphate (GTP) binding enzyme, which catalyzes the post-translational modification of proteins by forming intermolecular ,(,-glutamyl)lysine cross-links. In this study, human osteoblasts (HOBs) isolated from femoral head trabecular bone and two osteosarcoma cell lines (HOS and MG-63) were studied for their expression and localization of tTG. Quantitative evaluation of transglutaminase (TG) activity determined using the [1,414C]-putrescine incorporation assay showed that the enzyme was active in all cell types. However, there was a significantly higher activity in the cell homogenates of MG-63 cells as compared with HOB and HOS cells (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the activity of the enzyme in HOB and HOS cells. All three cell types also have a small amount of active TG on their surface as determined by the incorporation of biotinylated cadaverine into fibronectin. Cell surface-related tTG was further shown by preincubation of cells with tTG antibody, which led to inhibition of cell attachment. Western blot analysis clearly indicated that the active TG was tTG and immunocytochemistry showed it be situated in the cytosol of the cells. In situ extracellular enzyme activity also was shown by the cell-mediated incorporation of fluorescein cadaverine into extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. These results clearly showed that MG-63 cells have high extracellular activity, which colocalized with the ECM protein fibronectin and could be inhibited by the competitive primary amine substrate putrescine. The contribution of tTG to cell surface/matrix interactions and to the stabilization of the ECM of osteoblast cells therefore could by an important factor in the cascade of events leading to bone differentiation and mineralization. [source]


    Down-Regulation of Procollagen ,1[I] Messenger RNA by Titanium Particles Correlates with Nuclear Factor ,B (NF-,B) Activation and Increased Rel A and NF-,B1 Binding to the Collagen Promoter

    JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2001
    Kenneth A. Roebuck
    Abstract Previously, we showed that exposure of human osteoblasts to titanium particles stimulates protein tyrosine phosphorylation (PTP), activates the transcription factor nuclear factor ,B (NF-,B), and causes an approximately 50% decrease in the steady-state messenger RNA (mRNA) level of procollagen ,1[I]. In this study, we identify three NF-,B binding sites within the human procollagen ,1[I] gene promoter, show that titanium particles stimulate their binding of the NF-,B subunits Rel A (p65) and NF-,B1 (p50), and find NF-,B activation correlates with collagen gene suppression by titanium particles in osteoblasts. Protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitors, which significantly reduce the suppressive effect of titanium particles on collagen gene expression, inhibited NF-,B binding activity showing that titanium particle stimulation of PTK signals in osteoblasts are critical for both NF-,B activation and collagen gene expression. The antioxidant pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), which also inhibits the titanium particle suppression of collagen, abrogated the titanium particle activation of NF-,B, suggesting the involvement of redox signals in NF-,B-mediated collagen gene expression. The RNA polymerase II inhibitor actinomycin D (Act D) decreased procollagen ,1[I] mRNA expression and effectively blocked the titanium-induced suppressive effect, suggesting that titanium particles activate a cascade of signals in osteoblasts, which result in a suppression of procollagen ,1[I] mRNA. Collectively, these results show that titanium particles can activate NF-,B signaling in osteoblasts and suggest that NF-,B binding to the collagen gene promoter has a functional role in the down-regulation of procollagen ,1[I] gene transcription. [source]


    A Dominant Negative Cadherin Inhibits Osteoblast Differentiation,

    JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 12 2000
    Su-Li Cheng
    Abstract We have previously indicated that human osteoblasts express a repertoire of cadherins and that perturbation of cadherin-mediated cell-cell interaction reduces bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) stimulation of alkaline phosphatase activity. To test whether inhibition of cadherin function interferes with osteoblast function, we expressed a truncated N-cadherin mutant (NCad,C) with dominant negative action in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells. In stably transfected clones, calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion was decreased by 50%. Analysis of matrix protein expression during a 4-week culture period revealed that bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, and type I collagen were substantially inhibited with time in culture, whereas osteopontin transiently increased. Basal alkaline phosphatase activity declined in cells expressing NCad,C, relative to control cells, after 3 weeks in culture, and their cell proliferation rate was reduced moderately (17%). Finally,45Ca uptake, an index of matrix mineralization, was decreased by 35% in NCad,C-expressing cells compared with control cultures after 4 weeks in medium containing ascorbic acid and ,-glycerophosphate. Similarly, BMP-2 stimulation of alkaline phosphatase activity and bone sialoprotein and osteopontin expression also were curtailed in NCad,C cells. Therefore, expression of dominant negative cadherin results in decreased cell-cell adhesion associated with altered bone matrix protein expression and decreased matrix mineralization. Cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion is involved in regulating the function of bone-forming cells. [source]


    Thiazide Diuretics Affect Osteocalcin Production in Human Osteoblasts at the Transcription Level Without Affecting Vitamin D3 Receptors

    JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 5 2000
    D. Lajeunesse
    Abstract Besides their natriuretic and calciuretic effect, thiazide diuretics have been shown to decrease bone loss rate and improve bone mineral density. Clinical evidence suggests a specific role of thiazides on osteoblasts, because it reduces serum osteocalcin (OC), an osteoblast-specific protein, yet the mechanisms implicated are unknown. We therefore investigated the role of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) on OC production by the human osteoblast-like cell line MG-63. HCTZ dose-dependently (1,100 ,M) inhibited 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3]- induced OC release by these cells (maximal effect, ,40,50% and p < 0.005 by analysis of variance [ANOVA]) as measured by ELISA. This effect of HCTZ on OC release was caused by a direct effect on OC gene expression because Northern blot analysis revealed that OC messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were reduced in the presence of increasing doses of the diuretic (,47.2 ± 4.0%; p < 0.0001 by paired ANOVA with 100 ,M HCTZ). HCTZ (100 ,M) also stimulated calcium (Ca2+) uptake (8.26 ± 1.78 pmol/mg protein/15 minutes vs. 13.6 ± 0.49 pmol/mg protein/15 minutes; p < 0.05) in MG-63 cells. Reducing extracellular Ca2+ concentration with 0.5 mM EDTA or 0.5 mM ethylene glycol-bis(,-amino ethyl ether)- N,N,N',N' -tetraacetic acid (EGTA) only partly prevented the inhibitory effect of the diuretic on OC secretion (maximal effect, ,22.5 ± 6.9%), suggesting that thiazide-dependent Ca2+ influx is not sufficient to elicit the inhibition of OC secretion. Because OC production is strictly dependent on the presence of 1,25(OH)2D3 in human osteoblasts, we next evaluated the possible role of HCTZ on vitamin D3 receptors (VDR) at the mRNA and protein levels. Both Northern and Western blot analyses showed no effect of HCTZ (1,100 ,M) on VDR levels. The presence of EGTA in the culture media reduced slightly the VDR mRNA levels under basal condition but this was not modified in the presence of increasing levels of HCTZ. The OC gene promoter also is under the control of transcription factors such as Yin Yang 1 (YY1) and cFOS. Western blot analysis revealed no changes in YY1 levels in response to HCTZ either in the presence or in the absence of 0.5 mM EGTA in the culture media. In contrast, HCTZ induced a dose-dependent increase in cFOS levels (p < 0.002 by ANOVA), a situation prevented by incubation with EGTA. These studies indicate that HCTZ inhibits OC mRNA expression independently of an effect on VDR, YY1, or extracellular Ca2+ levels but involves changes in cFOS levels. As OC retards bone formation/mineralization, the inhibition of OC production by HCTZ could explain its preventive role in bone loss rate. (J Bone Miner Res 2000;15:894,901) [source]


    Evidence that both 1,,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and 24-hydroxylated D3 enhance human osteoblast differentiation and mineralization

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2006
    M. van Driel
    Abstract Vitamin D plays a major role in the regulation of mineral homeostasis and affects bone metabolism. So far, detailed knowledge on the vitamin D endocrine system in human bone cells is limited. Here we investigated the direct effects of 1,,25-(OH)2D3 on osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. Also, we studied the impact of 24-hydroxylation, generally considered as the first step in the degradation pathway of vitamin D, as well as the role of the nuclear and presumed membrane vitamin D receptor (VDR). For this we used a human osteoblast cell line (SV-HFO) that has the potency to differentiate during culture forming a mineralized extracellular matrix in a 3-week period. Transcriptional analyses demonstrated that both 1,,25-(OH)2D3 and the 24-hydroxylated metabolites 24R,25-(OH)2D3 and 1,,24R,25-(OH)3D3 induced gene transcription. All metabolites dose-dependently increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteocalcin (OC) production (protein and RNA), and directly enhanced mineralization. 1,,24R,25-(OH)3D3 stimulated ALP activity and OC production most potently, while for mineralization it was equipotent to 1,,25-(OH)2D3. The nuclear VDR antagonist ZK159222 almost completely blocked the effects of all metabolites. Interestingly, 1,,25-(OH)2D3, an inhibitor of membrane effects of 1,,25-(OH)2D3 in the intestine, induced gene transcription and increased ALP activity, OC expression and mineralization. In conclusion, not only 1,,25-(OH)2D3, but also the presumed 24-hydroxylated "degradation" products stimulate differentiation of human osteoblasts. 1,,25-(OH)2D3 as well as the 24-hydroxylated metabolites directly enhance mineralization, with the nuclear VDR playing a central role. The intestinal antagonist 1,,25-(OH)2D3 acts in bone as an agonist and directly stimulates mineralization in a nuclear VDR-dependent way. J. Cell. Biochem. 99: 922,935, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    The Wnt antagonist secreted frizzled-related protein-1 controls osteoblast and osteocyte apoptosis

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2005
    Peter V.N. Bodine
    Abstract Mechanisms controlling human bone formation remain to be fully elucidated. We have used differential display-polymerase chain reaction analysis to characterize osteogenic pathways in conditionally immortalized human osteoblasts (HOBs) representing distinct stages of differentiation. We identified 82 differentially expressed messages and found that the Wnt antagonist secreted frizzled-related protein (sFRP)-1 was the most highly regulated of these. Transient transfection of HOBs with sFRP-1 suppressed canonical Wnt signaling by 70% confirming its antagonistic function in these cells. Basal sFRP-1 mRNA levels increased 24-fold during HOB differentiation from pre-osteoblasts to pre-osteocytes, and then declined in mature osteocytes. This expression pattern correlated with levels of cellular viability such that the pre-osteocytes, which had the highest levels of sFRP-1 mRNA, also had the highest rate of cell death. Basal sFRP-1 mRNA levels also increased 29-fold when primary human mesenchymal stem cells were differentiated to osteoblasts supporting the developmental regulation of the gene. Expression of sFRP-1 mRNA was induced 38-fold following prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) treatment of pre-osteoblasts and mature osteoblasts that had low basal message levels. In contrast, sFRP-1 expression was down-regulated by as much as 80% following transforming growth factor (TGF)-,1 treatment of pre-osteocytes that had high basal mRNA levels. Consistent with this, treatment of pre-osteoblasts and mature osteoblasts with PGE2 increased apoptosis threefold, while treatment of pre-osteocytes with TGF-,1 decreased cell death by 50%. Likewise, over-expression of sFRP-1 in HOBs accelerated the rate of cell death threefold. These results establish sFRP-1 as an important negative regulator of human osteoblast and osteocyte survival. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Cobalt ions induce chemokine secretion in primary human osteoblasts,

    JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 7 2009
    J.M. Queally
    Abstract Chemokines are major regulators of the inflammatory response and have been shown to play an important role in periprosthetic osteolysis. Titanium particles have previously been shown to induce IL-8 and MCP-1 secretion in osteoblasts. These chemokines result in the chemotaxis and activation of neutrophils and macrophages, respectively. Despite a resurgence in the use of cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys in metal-on-metal arthroplasty, cobalt and chromium ion toxicity in the periprosthetic area has been insufficiently studied. In this study we investigate the in vitro effect of cobalt ions on primary human osteoblast activity. We demonstrate that cobalt ions rapidly induce the protein secretion of IL-8 and MCP-1 in primary human osteoblasts. This elevated chemokine secretion is preceded by an increase in the transcription of the corresponding chemokine gene. Using a Transwell migration chemotaxis assay we also demonstrate that the chemokines secreted are capable of inducing neutrophil and macrophage migration. Furthermore, cobalt ions significantly inhibit osteoblast function as demonstrated by reduced alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition. In aggregate these data demonstrate that cobalt ions can activate transcription of the chemokine genes IL-8 and MCP-1 in primary human osteoblasts. Cobalt ions are not benign and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of osteolysis by suppressing osteoblast function and stimulating the production and secretion of chemokines that attract inflammatory and osteoclastic cells to the periprosthetic area. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 855,864, 2009 [source]


    Regulation of implant surface cell adhesion: characterization and quantification of S-phase primary osteoblast adhesions on biomimetic nanoscale substrates

    JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 2 2007
    Manus J.P. Biggs
    Abstract Integration of an orthopedic prosthesis for bone repair must be associated with osseointegration and implant fixation, an ideal that can be approached via topographical modification of the implant/bone interface. It is thought that osteoblasts use cellular extensions to gather spatial information of the topographical surroundings prior to adhesion formation and cellular flattening. Focal adhesions (FAs) are dynamic structures associated with the actin cytoskeleton that form adhesion plaques of clustered integrin receptors that function in coupling the cell cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix (ECM). FAs contain structural and signalling molecules crucial to cell adhesion and survival. To investigate the effects of ordered nanotopographies on osteoblast adhesion formation, primary human osteoblasts (HOBs) were cultured on experimental substrates possessing a defined array of nanoscale pits. Nickel shims of controlled nanopit dimension and configuration were fabricated by electron beam lithography and transferred to polycarbonate (PC) discs via injection molding. Nanopits measuring 120 nm diameter and 100 nm in depth with 300 nm center,center spacing were fabricated in three unique geometric conformations: square, hexagonal, and near-square (300 nm spaced pits in square pattern, but with ±50 nm disorder). Immunofluorescent labeling of vinculin allowed HOB adhesion complexes to be visualized and quantified by image software. Perhipheral adhesions as well as those within the perinuclear region were observed, and adhesion length and number were seen to vary on nanopit substrates relative to smooth PC. S-phase cells on experimental substrates were identified with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) immunofluorescent detection, allowing adhesion quantification to be conducted on a uniform flattened population of cells within the S-phase of the cell cycle. Findings of this study demonstrate the disruptive effects of ordered nanopits on adhesion formation and the role the conformation of nanofeatures plays in modulating these effects. Highly ordered arrays of nanopits resulted in decreased adhesion formation and a reduction in adhesion length, while introducing a degree of controlled disorder present in near-square arrays, was shown to increase focal adhesion formation and size. HOBs were also shown to be affected morphologicaly by the presence and conformation of nanopits. Ordered arrays affected cellular spreading, and induced an elongated cellular phenotype, indicative of increased motility, while near-square nanopit symmetries induced HOB spreading. It is postulated that nanopits affect osteoblast,substrate adhesion by directly or indirectly affecting adhesion complex formation, a phenomenon dependent on nanopit dimension and conformation. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25:273,282, 2007 [source]


    Chemokine IL-8 induction by particulate wear debris in osteoblasts is mediated by NF-,B

    JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 6 2005
    Elizabeth A. Fritz
    Abstract Chemokines, or chemotactic cytokines, are major regulators of the inflammatory response and have been identified as pathogenic factors in the periprosthetic soft tissue. Particulate wear debris induced NF-kB activation, the major transcriptional regulator of IL-8 and MCP-1 pro-inflammatory genes and, indeed, both IL-8 and MCP-1 chemokine gene expressions were upregulated in titanium particulate-stimulated human osteoblasts. Here, we demonstrate that phagocytosed particles activate the IL-8 gene promoter via a NF-kB-mediated mechanism. Transfection of a dominant negative mutant IkB, protein that cannot be serine phosphorylated led to suppression of IL-8 promoter activity. The p65/RelA NF-kB subunit activity was affected in both a time- and titanium particle concentration-dependent fashion. Titanium particles led to increased ERK, JNK, and p38 activation in MG-63 osteoblast cells, and IL-8 protein release was suppressed by specific inhibitors of the ERK and p38 MAPK pathways. Together, our results suggest that wear debris particles induce chemokine expression in osteoblasts via NF-kB-mediated transcriptional activation, which is controlled by the MAPK signal transduction pathway. © 2005 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. [source]


    rhBMP-2, rhVEGF165, rhPTN and thrombin-related peptide, TP508 induce chemotaxis of human osteoblasts and microvascular endothelial cells

    JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 3 2005
    Gang Li
    Abstract Osteogenesis and angiogenesis are inter-linked and tightly regulated processes involved in growth, repair, and bone remodeling. Bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), pleiotrophin (PTN) and thrombin-related peptide, TP508 have all been found to have the ability to promote bone fracture healing by enhancing both the osteogenesis and angiogenesis processes. One of the underlying mechanisms proposed is that mediators for osteogenesis may also be involved in mediating angiogenesis and vice versa. The aim of this study was to examine the chemotactic effects of rhBMP-2, rhVEGF165, rhPTN and TP508 on human osteoblasts and endothelial cells. Using a direct-viewing chemotaxis assay system, we report for the first time, the direct quantitative observation of chemotaxis of both human osteoblastc cells and microvascular endothelial cells towards sources of rhBMP-2, rhVEGF165, rhPTN and TP508. This study confirmed that rhBMP-2, rhVEGF165, rhPTN and TP508 have chemotactic effects on both human osteoblastic and endothelial cells, indicating that these factors are directly involved in promoting angiogenesis and osteogenesis by recruiting osteoblasts and endothelial cells via chemotaxis. © 2005 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. [source]


    Titanium particles induce the immediate early stress responsive chemokines IL-8 and MCP-1 in osteoblasts

    JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 3 2002
    Elizabeth A. Fritz
    Abstract Exposure of human osteoblasts to ultrafine titanium (Ti) particles has been shown to alter osteoblast gene expression. We previously reported that Ti particles can increase IL-6 release and suppress the gene expression of procollagens ,1[I] and ,1[III] in human osteoblasts. In this study, we now demonstrate that Ti particles can rapidly induce the chemotactic cytokines interleukin-8 (IL-8) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), two immediate early stress responsive chemokines important for the activation and chemotaxis of neutrophils and macrophages, respectively. In MG-63 osteosarcoma cells and bone marrow derived primary osteoblasts Ti particles selectively increased the steady state levels of IL-8 and MCP-1 mRNA in a time and concentration dependent manner. The increased chemokine mRNA correlated with increased secretion of IL-8 and MCP-1 protein. Actinomycin D, a potent RNA polymerase II inhibitor, blocked the Ti particle induction of IL-8 and MCP-1 mRNA expression, whereas cycloheximide, which inhibits protein synthesis, failed to inhibit chemokine gene expression suggesting Ti particles directly target activation of chemokine gene transcription. Consistent with a transcriptional mechanism not involving new protein synthesis, we demonstrate that Ti particles induce the binding of the p65 and p50 subunits of the latent transcription factor NF-,B to the IL-8 gene promoter. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Ti particles can activate transcription of the stress responsive chemokine genes IL-8 and MCP-1 in human osteoblasts. © 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. [source]


    Expression of the melatonin receptor (MT) 1 in benign and malignant human bone tumors

    JOURNAL OF PINEAL RESEARCH, Issue 2 2007
    Cyril D. Toma
    Abstract:, The beneficial effects of melatonin on bone homeostasis have been shown in various diseases. As this indoleamine causes dose-dependent modulation of bone-forming osteoblast and bone-resorbing osteoclast activities by receptor-independent and -dependent pathways, we investigated the expression of G-protein-coupled melatonin receptors (MTs) in malignant and non-malignant human bone lesions. By TaqMan polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we analyzed 30 specimens from osteosarcoma and 11 from benign bone tumors for MT1-mRNA expression. Furthermore, we determined mRNA expression levels of the osteoclast activity-stimulating receptor activator of nuclear factor- , B ligand (RANKL) and its counterpart osteoprotegerin (OPG). Although mean MT1-mRNA levels were similar (P = 0.596) in malignant (4.39 ± 4.98-fold) and benign samples (4.64 ± 6.81-fold), the highest MT1-mRNA levels (up to 27-fold) were observed in individual osteosarcomas, particularly, in two specimens of patients with local recurrence of the tumor. Moreover, mean RANKL- and OPG-mRNA levels were similar in malignant and benign specimens (RANKL: 7.38 ± 9.61-fold versus 3.57 ± 3.11-fold, P = 0.207; OPG: 23.45 ± 32.76 versus 8.07 ± 7.23-fold, P = 0.133). Again, highest RANKL- and OPG-mRNA levels (up to 41- and 160-fold, respectively) were observed in individual osteosarcomas. Expression of MT1-mRNA was confirmed in two human osteosarcoma cell lines (HOS, MG63). High expression levels of MT1-mRNA together with low OPG-mRNA were found in both osteosarcoma cell lines, while in normal human osteoblasts and bone marrow stromal cells, high OPG-mRNA levels were associated with low MT1-mRNA levels. These data on the abundant expression of MT1-mRNA in human bone tumors and osteosarcoma cells lines suggest an important role for MT1 in bone pathology. [source]


    The effect of the ionic products of Bioglass® dissolution on human osteoblasts growth cycle in vitro

    JOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE, Issue 4 2007
    Jun-Ying Sun
    Abstract In this study, in order to observe the effect of Bioglass® and its ionic products on human esteoblasts growth cycle in vitro, the ionic products of Bioglass have been introduced to a cell culture medium by dissolving Bioglass particles in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) at 37 °C for 24 h; this was used as the experimental medium, while DMEM without Bioglass modification was used as the control medium. Human osteoblasts isolated from trabecular bone were treated by the two media and the timing of the osteoblast growth cycle was examined. Cell growth curves were derived after 7 days. Also, human osteoblasts were treated for 1,6 days by the two media, and the G1, S, G2 phase percentages of osteoblasts were recorded by flow cytometry every day, resulting in the cell proliferation activity index: SPF (S-phase fraction) and PI (proliferation index). The difference in cell growth was shown after the second day of culture (p < 0.01), and cell growth in the experimental groups was greater than in control groups. The SPF and PI of the experimental groups were also higher than the control groups in 2 days of culture (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01), which indicates that the growth cycle of the human osteoblasts in experimental medium is about 2 days. In conclusion, Bioglass can promote osteoblast proliferation, reducing the human osteoblast growth cycle to pass through G1 and S phase and then enter G2 phase quickly. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Syringetin, a flavonoid derivative in grape and wine, induces human osteoblast differentiation through bone morphogenetic protein-2/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 pathway

    MOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH (FORMERLY NAHRUNG/FOOD), Issue 11 2009
    Ya-Ling Hsu
    Abstract Syringetin (3,5,7,4,-tetrahydroxy-3,,5,dimethoxyflavone), a flavonoid derivative, is present in grape and wine. By means of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteocalcin, and type I collagen ELISA, we have shown that syringetin exhibits a significant induction of differentiation in MC3T3-E1 mouse calvaria osteoblasts and human fetal osteoblastic 1.19 cell line human osteoblasts. ALP and osteocalcin are phenotypic markers for early-stage differentiated osteoblasts and terminally differentiated osteoblasts, respectively. Our results indicate that syringetin stimulates osteoblast differentiation at various stages, from maturation to terminally differentiated osteoblasts. Induction of differentiation by syringetin is associated with increased bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) production. The BMP-2 antagonist noggin blocked syringetin-mediated ALP activity and osteocalcin secretion enhancement, indicating that BMP-2 production is required in syringetin-mediated osteoblast maturation and differentiation. Induction of differentiation by syringetin is associated with increased activation of SMAD1/5/8 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Cotreatment of ERK1/2 inhibitor 2,-amino-3,-methoxyflavone inhibited syringetin-mediated ALP upregulation and osteocalcin production. In conclusion, syringetin increased BMP-2 synthesis, and subsequently activated SMAD1/5/8 and ERK1/2, and this effect may contribute to its action on the induction of osteoblast maturation and differentiation, followed by an increase of bone mass. [source]


    Pressure simulation of orthodontic force in osteoblasts: a pilot study

    ORTHODONTICS & CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH, Issue 1 2004
    U. Baumert
    Structured Abstract Authors , Baumert U, Golan I, Becker B, Hrala BP, Redlich M, Roos HA, Reichenberg E, Palmon A, Müßig D Objectives , To elucidate the RUNX2 gene expression induction in human osteoblasts after mechanical loading. Design , Using a stringent pulse-chase protocol human osteoblasts were exposed to centrifugal pressure force for 30 and 90 min. Untreated control cells were processed in parallel. Before, and at defined times after centrifugation, total RNA was isolated. RUNX2 gene expression was measured using real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The stress/control ratio was used to illustrate possible stimulatory or diminishing effects of force application. Results , Immediately after 30 min of force application the RUNX2 gene expression was induced by a factor of 1.7 ± 0.14 as compared with the negative control. This induction decreased rapidly and reached its pre-load levels within 30 min. Longer force applications (up to 90 min) did not change the RUNX2 gene expression. Conclusion , In mature osteoblasts centrifugal pressure force stimulates RUNX2 gene expression within a narrow time frame: loading of mature cells results in a temporary increase of RUNX2 expression and a fast downregulation back to its pre-load expression level. With this pilot study the gene expression behavior after mechanical stimuli could be determined with a simple laboratory setup. [source]


    Serum-mediated osteogenic effect in traumatic brain-injured patients

    ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 6 2009
    Oliver P. Gautschi
    Abstract Background:, Patients with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and bone fractures often show an enhanced fracture healing, as well as an increased incidence of heterotopic ossifications (HO). It has been suggested that unknown osteoinductive factors may be released by the injured brain into the systemic blood circulation and act peripherally on the affected tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum from TBI patients is osteoinductive. Methods:, Sixty-one consecutive patients were classified into four groups: TBI and long-bone fracture (group I, n = 12), isolated severe TBI (group II, n = 21), isolated long-bone fracture (group III, n = 19) and controls (group IV, n = 9). Blood samples were collected at 6, 24, 72 and 168 h post-injury. The osteogenic potential was determined by measuring the in vitro proliferation rate of the human fetal osteoblastic cell line hFOB1.19, and primary human osteoblasts. Additionally, serum induced osteoblastic differentiation was assessed by measuring the mRNA expression of specific osteoblastic markers, including alkaline phosphatase, runt-related transcription factor 2, cathepsin K and serine protease 7. Results:, The sera of group I induced a higher mean proliferation rate of primary human osteoblasts at all time points of sampling than group III (P < 0.05). Group I had a higher mean proliferation rate of hFOB1.19 cells than all other groups at 6, 24 and 72 h post-injury (P < 0.05). The expression of alkaline phosphatase, cathepsin K and runt-related transcription factor 2 mRNA was increased in group I compared with group III and serine protease 7 was exclusively expressed in group I. Conclusion:, The study results strongly support a humoral mechanism in enhanced fracture healing and the induction of HO after TBI. Increased proliferation of osteoblastic cells and an accelerated differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells may be responsible for increased osteogenesis in TBI. [source]


    Oncostatin M,induced CCL2 transcription in osteoblastic cells is mediated by multiple levels of STAT-1 and STAT-3 signaling: An implication for the pathogenesis of arthritis

    ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 5 2009
    Sang-Heng Kok
    Objective To examine the roles of STATs 1 and 3 in CCL2 production in human osteoblastic cells and their influences on arthritis development. Methods The expression of CCL2 in primary human osteoblasts and U2OS human osteoblastic cells was examined by Northern blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The roles of STAT-1/3 and c-Fos were assessed using short hairpin RNAs (shRNA) to silence their functions. Serine phosphorylation of STATs was assessed by Western blotting. Promoter activities of c-Fos and CCL2 were assessed by chloramphenicol acetyltransferase and luciferase assays, respectively. Interactions of STAT-1, STAT-3, and c-Fos with DNA were evaluated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and immunoprecipitation. The effect of the JAK inhibitor AG-490 on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats was examined using immunohistochemistry. Results Oncostatin M (OSM) stimulated CCL2 expression in primary human osteoblasts and U2OS cells. In U2OS cells, STAT-1 and STAT-3 were involved in OSM-stimulated CCL2 expression, and both the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and MEK/ERK pathways were implicated in the activation of these STATs. STAT-1 and STAT-3 modulated the expression of c-Fos and directly transactivated the CCL2 promoter. Moreover, EMSA showed formation of a DNA,protein complex containing STAT-1, STAT-3, and interestingly, c-Fos. Immunoprecipitation confirmed the binding between c-Fos and STAT-1/3. Reporter assay revealed synergistic attenuation of CCL2 promoter activity by shRNA targeting of STAT-1, STAT-3, and c-Fos. AG-490 suppressed OSM-stimulated activation of STAT-1/3 and synthesis of CCL2 in vitro and diminished the severity of CIA and the number of CCL2-synthesizing osteoblasts in vivo. Conclusion These findings show that multiple levels of STAT-1/3 signaling modulate OSM-stimulated CCL2 expression in human osteoblastic cells. Clinically, this pathway may be related to the pathogenesis of arthritis. [source]


    Epigallocatechin-3-gallate diminishes CCL2 expression in human osteoblastic cells via up-regulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt/Raf-1 interaction: A potential therapeutic benefit for arthritis

    ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 10 2008
    Sze-Kwan Lin
    Objective To assess the effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on oncostatin M (OSM),induced CCL2 synthesis and the associated signaling pathways in human osteoblastic cells. The therapeutic effect of EGCG on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats was also studied. Methods CCL2 and c-Fos messenger RNA expression was analyzed by Northern blotting. The modulating effects of EGCG on the activation of Raf-1, Akt, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) were examined by coimmunoprecipitation, Western blotting, and PI 3-kinase activity assay. Interactions between c-Fos and CCL2 promoter were evaluated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. The effect of EGCG on CIA in rats was examined clinically and immunohistochemically. Results EGCG inhibited OSM-stimulated CCL2 expression in primary human osteoblasts and MG-63 cells. In MG-63 cells, EGCG alleviated the OSM-induced phosphorylation of Raf-1 at Ser338 but restored the dephosphorylation of Raf-1 at Ser259. EGCG increased the activity of PI 3-kinase, the level of phosphorylated Akt (Ser473), and binding between Raf-1 and active Akt. EMSA and ChIP assay revealed that EGCG attenuated activator protein 1 (AP-1),CCL2 promoter interaction, possibly by reducing c-Fos synthesis. Codistribution of CD68+ macrophages and CCL2+ osteoblasts in osteolytic areas was obvious in the CIA model. Administration of EGCG markedly diminished the severity of CIA, macrophage infiltration, and the amount of CCL2-synthesizing osteoblasts. Conclusion By stimulating PI 3-kinase activity, EGCG promoted Akt/Raf-1 crosstalk, resulting in decreased AP-1 binding to CCL2 promoter, and finally reduced CCL2 production in osteoblasts. EGCG alleviated the severity of CIA, probably by suppressing CCL2 synthesis in osteoblasts to diminish macrophage infiltration. Our data support the therapeutic potential of EGCG on arthritis. [source]