Primary Osteoblast Cultures Research Articles

Phytochemical investigation of Kigelia pinnata leaves and identification of osteogenic agents

Phytochemical investigation of n-butanol fraction of Kigelia pinnata leaves lead to the isolation of six known compounds. Among them two compounds polybotrin (4), scutellarin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (6) have been isolated for the first time from this plant. The structure of compounds was elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods, including one-dimensional, two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance experiments, and mass spectrometry analysis. All the isolated compounds (1–6) were assessed for osteogenic activity in primary calvarial osteoblast cultures. Compound 6 increased alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization at 10 nM and 1 μM concentrations, respectively.

Lgr4 Expression in Osteoblastic Cells Is Suppressed by Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment.

LGR4 is expressed in bone and has been shown to be involved in bone metabolism. Oxidative stress is one of the key issues in pathophysiology of osteoporosis. However, the link between Lgr4 and oxidative stress has not been known. Therefore, effects of hydrogen peroxide on Lgr4 expression in osteoblasts were examined. Hydrogen peroxide treatment suppressed the levels of Lgr4 mRNA expression in an osteoblastic cell line, MC3T3-E1. The suppressive effects were not obvious at 0.1 mM, while 1 mM hydrogen peroxide suppressed Lgr4 expression by more than 50%. Hydrogen peroxide treatment suppressed Lgr4 expression within 12 h and this suppression lasted at least up to 48 h. Hydrogen peroxide suppression of Lgr4 expression was still observed in the presence of a transcription inhibitor but was no longer observed in the presence of a protein synthesis inhibitor. Although Lgr4 expression in osteoblasts is enhanced by BMP2 treatment as reported before, hydrogen peroxide treatment suppressed Lgr4 even in the presence of BMP2. Finally, hydrogen peroxide suppressed Lgr4 expression in primary cultures of osteoblasts similarly to MC3T3-E1 cells. These date indicate that hydrogen peroxide suppresses Lgr4 expression in osteoblastic cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1761-1766, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Glucose Transporter-4 Facilitates Insulin-Stimulated Glucose Uptake in Osteoblasts.

Recent studies have identified the osteoblast as an insulin responsive cell that participates in global energy homeostasis. Here, we show that glucose transporter-4 (Glut4) is required for insulin-dependent uptake and oxidation of glucose in mature osteoblasts. In primary cultures of mouse osteoblasts, insulin increased uptake and oxidation of 14C-glucose in a dose-dependent fashion but did not significantly affect uptake or oxidation of 14C-oleate. In vitro, undifferentiated osteoblasts expressed 3 high-affinity Gluts: Glut1, Glut4, and Glut3. However, although levels of Glut1 and Glut3 remained constant during the course of osteoblast differentiation, Glut4 expression increased by 5-fold in association with enhanced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Glut4 ablation in osteoblasts in vitro eliminated insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, reduced proliferation and diminished measures of osteoblast maturation. In vivo, Glut4 expression was observed in osteoblasts, osteocytes, and chondrocytes at a level approaching that observed in adjacent skeletal muscle. To determine the importance of Glut4 in bone in vivo, we generated mice lacking Glut4 in osteoblasts and osteocytes (ΔGlut4). ΔGlut4 mice exhibited normal bone architecture but exhibited an increase in peripheral fat in association with hyperinsulinemia, β-cell islet hypertrophy, and reduced insulin sensitivity. Surprisingly, the expression of insulin target genes in liver, muscle, and adipose from ΔGlut4 mice were unchanged or increased, indicating that alterations in glucose homeostasis were the result of reduced clearance by bone. These findings suggest that Glut4 mediates insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by mature osteoblasts/osteocytes and that the magnitude of glucose use by bone cells is sufficient to impact global glucose disposal in the mouse.

Peripheral serotonin-mediated system suppresses bone development and regeneration via serotonin 6 G-protein-coupled receptor.

Serotonin is important in brain functions and involved in neurological diseases. It is also drawn considerable attention in bone disease since it mainly produced by the gut. Serotonin 6 G-protein-coupled receptor (5-HT6R) is clinical targets for the treatment of neurological diseases. However, 5-HT6R as a therapeutic target in bone has not been reported. Herein, we found that 5-HT6R showed higher expression in bone, and its expression was increased during bone remodeling and osteoblast differentiation. The activation of 5-HT6R by ST1936 caused the inhibition of ALP activity and mineralization in primary osteoblast cultures, which was antagonized by SB258585, an antagonist and by the knockdown of 5-HT6R. Further investigation indicated that 5-HT6R inhibited osteoblast differentiation via Jab1 in BMP2 signaling but not PKA and ERK1/2. In vivo studies showed that the activation of 5-HT6R inhibited bone regeneration in the calvarial defect mice and also delayed bone development in newborn mice; this response was antagonized by SB258585. Therefore, our findings indicate a key role of 5-HT6R in bone formation through serotonin originating in the peripheral system, and suggest that it is a novel therapeutic target for drug development in the bone repair and bone diseases.

Osteoprotective effects of osthole in a mouse model of 5/6 nephrectomy through inhibiting osteoclast formation.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of osthole on osteoclast formation and bone loss in a mouse model of 5/6 nephrectomy. The mice in control and osthole groups were treated 1month following 5/6 nephrectomy with either a placebo or osthole, respectively. At 2months post‑nephrectomy, the L4 vertebrae were harvested. The bone mineral density (BMD) of cancellous bone was measured using micro‑CT and tartrate‑resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was performed to evaluate osteoclast formation. Immunohistochemistry staining and reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed to detect the expression of nuclear factor of activated T‑cells, cytoplasmic‑1 (NFATc‑1), c‑Fos, cathepsinK, Trap, matrix metalloproteinase9 (Mmp9), osteoprotegerin (Opg) and receptor activator for nuclear factor‑κB ligand (Rankl). Bone marrow cells were cultured with osthole, and osteoclast formation was shown by TRAP staining. Primary calvaria osteoblasts were cultured with osthole, and expression levels of Opg and Rankl were detected. Compared with the sham group, the BMD of mice in model group was significantly reduced. The numbers of osteoclasts and the expression levels of NFATc‑1, c‑Fos, cathepsinK and Mmp9 were significantly increased. Compared with the control group, the mice in the osthole group exhibited increased BMD of the L4 vertebrae, a reduction in osteoclast numbers and decreased expression levels of NFATc‑1, c‑Fos, cathepsinK and Mmp9. Invitro experiments also showed that osteoclast formation was decreased following treatment with osthole. Osteoprotegerin (Opg)/receptor activator for nuclear factor‑κB ligand (Rankl) was upregulated by osthole treatment in the L4 vertebrae and in primary cultures of calvarial osteoblasts. Osthole inhibited osteoclast formation and partially reversed the bone loss induced by 5/6 nephrectomy in mice through the upregulation of OPG/RANKL.

Overexpression of KH-type splicing regulatory protein regulates proliferation, migration, and implantation ability of osteosarcoma.

Osteosarcoma is a common malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents. The current 5-year survival rate is ~60% and that seems to be reaching a plateau. In order to improve treatment outcomes of osteosarcoma, a better understanding of tumorigenesis and underlying molecular mechanisms is required for searching out possible new treatment targets. This study aimed to identify the potential proteins involving the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma using a proteomics approach. Proteins extracted from primary cell culture of osteosarcoma (n=7) and osteoblasts of cancellous bone (n=7) were studied. Using 2-DE based proteomics and LC-MS/MS analysis, we successfully determined seven differentially expressed protein spots. Four upregulated proteins and three downregulated proteins were observed in this study in which KH-type splicing regulatory protein (KSRP) was selected for further exploration. KSRP was significantly upregulated in osteosarcoma cells compared to osteoblasts using western blot assay. In addition, immunohistochemistry demonstrated that KSRP was also highly expressed in osteosarcoma tissue of independent cases from the experimental group. More importantly, KSRP silencing of osteosarcoma cell lines significantly decreased cell proliferation, migration ability, as well as implantation and growth ability in chick chorioallantoic membrane assay. Taken together, these findings demonstrate, that KSRP plays important roles in regulatory controls of osteosarcoma pathogenesis and serves as a potentially therapeutic target of osteosarcoma.

Peptide drugs accelerate BMP-2-induced calvarial bone regeneration and stimulate osteoblast differentiation through mTORC1 signaling.

Both W9 and OP3‐4 were known to bind the receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL), inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. Recently, both peptides were shown to stimulate osteoblast differentiation; however, the mechanism underlying the activity of these peptides remains to be clarified. A primary osteoblast culture showed that rapamycin, an mTORC1 inhibitor, which was recently demonstrated to be an important serine/threonine kinase for bone formation, inhibited the peptide‐induced alkaline phosphatase activity. Furthermore, both peptides promoted the phosphorylation of Akt and S6K1, an upstream molecule of mTORC1 and the effector molecule of mTORC1, respectively. In the in vivo calvarial defect model, W9 and OP3‐4 accelerated BMP‐2‐induced bone formation to a similar extent, which was confirmed by histomorphometric analyses using fluorescence images of undecalcified sections. Our data suggest that these RANKL‐binding peptides could stimulate the mTORC1 activity, which might play a role in the acceleration of BMP‐2‐induced bone regeneration by the RANKL‐binding peptides.

Rictor/mTORC2 loss in osteoblasts impairs bone mass and strength

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a Ser/Thr kinase conserved through evolution that coordinates extra cellular signals associated with cell growth. Main functions of mTOR present in the form of two complexes, namely mTORC1 and mTORC2, which are distinct in their unique components, raptor and rictor. In the current study, using a Cre/loxp system, we found an anabolic effect of mTORC2 signaling on skeleton. Osteoblast differentiation was reduced, with down-regulation of mTORC2 signaling activity in primary cultures of osteoblasts that did not contain rictor. Mice with a specific deletion of rictor in mature osteoblasts showed a significant reduction in lean mass and bone mineral density by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry analysis. Micro-computed tomography, histomorphometric, and molecular biological analyses revealed a marked impairment of the cortical bone mass and microarchitecture, as well as minor changes in trabecular bone, of the Rictorob-/- mice. Cortical bone mass and thickness of the femoral mid-shaft were dramatically reduced, with unusual increases in porosity and marrow area in Rictorob-/- mice. Thinner trabeculae were found in the L4 vertebrae with relatively normal structural indices of trabecular numbers and separation. A lower rate of bone turnover was observed, as the consequence of the decreased individual osteoblast activity and bone resorption. Furthermore, these changes were associated with significantly decreased bone biomechanical properties. In conclusion, expression of rictor in osteoblasts is essential for the maintenance of normal bone remodeling and microarchitecture, especially for the maintenance of the cortical bone.

Primary osteoblast culture from red fox (Vulpes Vulpes)

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences on calcified tissues ISSN 2052-1219 (online)

Primary osteoblast culture from domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences on calcified tissues ISSN 2052-1219 (online)

L-Carnitine facilitates mitochondrial activity and osteogenic differentiation in human primary osteoblast culture

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences on calcified tissues ISSN 2052-1219 (online)

Increased miR-155-5p and reduced miR-148a-3p contribute to the suppression of osteosarcoma cell death.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common cancer of bone and the 5th leading cause of cancer-related death in young adults. Currently, 5-year survival rates have plateaued at ~70% for patients with localized disease. Those with disseminated disease have an ~20% 5-year survival. An improved understanding of the molecular genetics of OS may yield new approaches to improve outcomes for OS patients. To this end, we applied murine models that replicate human OS to identify and understand dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) in OS. miRNA expression patterns were profiled in murine primary osteoblasts, osteoblast cultures and primary OS cell cultures (from primary and paired metastatic locations) isolated from two genetically engineered murine models of OS. The differentially expressed miRNA were further assessed by a cross-species comparison with human osteoblasts and OS cultures. We identified miR-155-5p and miR-148a-3p as deregulated in OS. miR-155-5p suppression or miR-148a-3p overexpression potently reduced proliferation and induced apoptosis in OS cells, yet strikingly, did not impact normal osteoblasts. To define how these miRNAs regulated OS cell fate, we used an integrated computational approach to identify putative candidate targets and then correlated these with the cell biological impact. Although we could not resolve the mechanism through which miR-148a-3p impacts OS, we identified that miR-155-5p overexpression suppressed its target Ripk1 (receptor (TNFRSF)-interacting serine-threonine kinase 1) expression, and miR-155-5p inhibition elevated Ripk1 levels. Ripk1 is directly involved in apoptosis/necroptosis. In OS cells, small interfering RNA against Ripk1 prevented cell death induced by the sequestration of miR-155-5p. Collectively, we show that miR-148a-3p and miR-155-5p are species-conserved deregulated miRNA in OS. Modulation of these miRNAs was specifically toxic to tumor cells but not normal osteoblasts, raising the possibility that these may be tractable targets for miRNA-based therapies for OS.

Enhanced and suppressed mineralization by acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate in osteoblast cultures

It is known that diabetes aggravates alveolar bone loss associated with periodontitis. While insulin depletion increases the blood concentration of ketone bodies, i.e., acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate, their roles in bone metabolism have not been much studied until today. We investigated the effects of acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate on mineralization of extracellular matrix in cultures of mouse osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells and primary mouse osteoblasts in the presence and absence of bone morphogenetic protein-2. Acetoacetate potentiated alkaline phosphatase activity in MC3T3-E1 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, ranging from physiological to pathological concentrations (0.05–5 mmol/L). In contrast, β-hydroxybutyrate lowered it in the same experimental settings. Mineralization in cultures of these cells was also up-regulated by acetoacetate and down-regulated by β-hydroxybutyrate. Similar results were obtained in cultures of mouse primary osteoblasts. Neither alkaline phosphatase mRNA nor its protein expression in MC3T3-E1 cells was affected by acetoacetate or β-hydroxybutyrate, indicating that these ketone bodies control the enzyme activity of alkaline phosphatase in osteoblasts and hence their mineralization bi-directionally. Finally, either gene silencing of monocarboxylate transporter-1, a major transmembrate transporter for ketone bodies, nullified the effects of ketone bodies on alkaline phosphatase activity in MC3T3-E1 cells. Collectively, we found that ketone bodies bidirectionally modulates osteoblast functions, which suggests that ketone bodies are important endogenous factors that regulate bone metabolism in both physiological and pathological situations.

Regulation of CYP27B1 mRNA Expression in Primary Human Osteoblasts.

The enzyme 1α-hydroxylase (gene CYP27B1) catalyzes the synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D in both renal and bone cells. While renal 1α-hydroxylase is tightly regulated by hormones and 1,25(OH)2D itself, the regulation of 1α-hydroxylase in bone cells is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate in a primary human osteoblast culture whether parathyroid hormone (PTH), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), calcitonin, calcium, phosphate, or MEPE affect mRNA levels of CYP27B1. Our results show that primary human osteoblasts in the presence of high calcium concentrations increase their CYP27B1 mRNA levels by 1.3-fold. CYP27B1 mRNA levels were not affected by PTH1-34, rhFGF23, calcitonin, phosphate, and rhMEPE. Our results suggest that the regulation of bone 1α-hydroxylase is different from renal 1α-hydroxylase. High calcium concentrations in bone may result in an increased local synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D leading to an enhanced matrix mineralization. In this way, the local synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D may contribute to the stimulatory effect of calcium on matrix mineralization.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00223-016-0131-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Potential application of nano-hydroxyapatite in treatment of osteoporotic bone healing - a preliminary study

Event Abstract Back to Event Potential application of nano-hydroxyapatite in treatment of osteoporotic bone healing - a preliminary study Xiao Yang1, Pengfei Xie1, Xuening Chen1, Xiangdong Zhu1, Yujiang Fan1 and Xingdong Zhang1 1 Sichuan University, National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, China Osteoporotic fracture is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly population. Delayed bone union or nonunion often occurred in clinical osteoporotic fracture. Natural osteoporotic bone hydroxyapatite crystal is within nano-dimension[1]. Thus, we hypothesized that material which contains hydroxyapatite nano particles (HANP) would have good biocompatibility with osteoporotic bone derived osteoblast (bone forming cell). HANP is made by traditional two-step synthesis method and later confirmed by TEM and XRD. Primary osteoblast culture is isolated from osteoporotic and healthy rat long bones. The osteoblasts are treated with different concentration of HANP, ranging from 0 to 500 ug/ml. MTT, confocal imaging, ELISA and RT-PCR were done to characterize cellular response to HANP. We found that 100 ug/ml HANP treated osteoporotic osteoblast had larger cell spread area (+48%, p=0.034) and higher bone related protein secretion (alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin etc.). At this concentration of HANP, bone forming marker genes: bsp, ocn, alp and osx mRNA expression is significantly increased (p<0.05 vs. 0 ug/ml). These positive alterations may attribute to a higher cellular calcium ion concentration, measured by flow cytometry. Significant increase in cellular sodium-potassium ATPase level with exposure to 100 ug/ml HANP played an important role in cellular calcium intake. Animal bone defect model showed that with 100 ug/ml injection of HANP, ovariectomized rat had faster bone healing rate as compare with non-treated control. We conclude that below 500 ug/ml, HANP is non-toxic and could effectively promote osteoporotic osteoblast differentiation, as well as bone integration process. Materials delivering HANP would be a promising solution for osteoporotic bone nonunion. National Science and Technology Supporting Project, Grant No. 2012BAI17B01

The y6 receptor suppresses bone resorption and stimulates bone formation in mice via a suprachiasmatic nucleus relay

The neuropeptide Y system is known to play an important role in the regulation of bone homeostasis and while the functions of its major receptors, Y1R and Y2R, in this process have become clearer, the contributions of other Y-receptors, like the y6 receptor (y6R), are unknown. Y6R expression is restricted to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, an area known to regulate circadian rhythms, and the testis. Here we show that lack of y6R signalling, results in significant reduction in bone mass, but no changes in bone length. Male and female y6R knockout (KO) mice display reduced cortical and cancellous bone volume in axial and appendicular bones. Mechanistically, the reduction in cancellous bone is the result of an uncoupling of bone remodelling, leading to an increase in osteoclast surface and number, and a reduction in osteoblast number, osteoid surface, mineralizing surface and bone formation rate. y6R KO mice displayed increased numbers of osteoclast precursors and produced greater numbers of osteoclasts in RANKL-treated cultures. They also produced fewer CFU-ALP osteoblast precursors in the marrow and showed reduced mineralization in primary osteoblastic cultures, as well as reduced expression for the osteoblast lineage marker, alkaline phosphatase, in bone isolates. The almost exclusive location of y6Rs in the hypothalamus suggests a critical role of central neuronal pathways controlling this uncoupling of bone remodelling which is in line with known actions or other Y-receptors in the brain. In conclusion, y6R signalling is required for maintenance of bone mass, with loss of y6R uncoupling bone remodelling and resulting in a negative bone balance. This study expands the scope of hypothalamic regulation of bone, highlighting the importance for neural/endocrine coordination and their marked effect upon skeletal homeostasis.

Peroxisomes in Different Skeletal Cell Types during Intramembranous and Endochondral Ossification and Their Regulation during Osteoblast Differentiation by Distinct Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors

Ossification defects leading to craniofacial dysmorphism or rhizomelia are typical phenotypes in patients and corresponding knockout mouse models with distinct peroxisomal disorders. Despite these obvious skeletal pathologies, to date no careful analysis exists on the distribution and function of peroxisomes in skeletal tissues and their alterations during ossification. Therefore, we analyzed the peroxisomal compartment in different cell types of mouse cartilage and bone as well as in primary cultures of calvarial osteoblasts. The peroxisome number and metabolism strongly increased in chondrocytes during endochondral ossification from the reserve to the hypertrophic zone, whereas in bone, metabolically active osteoblasts contained a higher numerical abundance of this organelle than osteocytes. The high abundance of peroxisomes in these skeletal cell types is reflected by high levels of Pex11β gene expression. During culture, calvarial pre-osteoblasts differentiated into secretory osteoblasts accompanied by peroxisome proliferation and increased levels of peroxisomal genes and proteins. Since many peroxisomal genes contain a PPAR-responsive element, we analyzed the gene expression of PPARɑ/ß/ɣ in calvarial osteoblasts and MC3T3-E1 cells, revealing higher levels for PPARß than for PPARɑ and PPARɣ. Treatment with different PPAR agonists and antagonists not only changed the peroxisomal compartment and associated gene expression, but also induced complex alterations of the gene expression patterns of the other PPAR family members. Studies in M3CT3-E1 cells showed that the PPARß agonist GW0742 activated the PPRE-mediated luciferase expression and up-regulated peroxisomal gene transcription (Pex11, Pex13, Pex14, Acox1 and Cat), whereas the PPARß antagonist GSK0660 led to repression of the PPRE and a decrease of the corresponding mRNA levels. In the same way, treatment of calvarial osteoblasts with GW0742 increased in peroxisome number and related gene expression and accelerated osteoblast differentiation. Taken together, our results suggest that PPARß regulates the numerical abundance and metabolic function of peroxisomes via Pex11ß in parallel to osteoblast differentiation.

BMP-2 Enhances Lgr4 Gene Expression in Osteoblastic Cells.

Osteoporosis is one of the most prevalent diseases and the number of patients suffering from this disease is soaring due to the increase in the aged population in the world. The severity of bone loss in osteoporosis is based on the levels of impairment in the balance between bone formation and bone resorption, two arms of the bone metabolism, and bone remodeling. However, determination of bone formation levels is under many layers of control that are as yet fully defined. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) plays a key role in regulation of bone formation while its downstream targets are still incompletely understood. Lgr4 gene encodes an orphan receptor and has been identified as a genetic determinant for bone mass in osteoporotic patients. Here, we examine the effects of BMP on the expression of Lgr4 in osteoblastic cells. Lgr4 gene is expressed in an osteoblastic cell line, MC3T3E1 in a time dependent manner during the culture. BMP treatment enhances Lgr4 mRNA expression at least in part via transcriptional event. When Lgr4 mRNA is knocked down, the levels of BMP-induced increase in alkaline phosphatase (Alp) activity and Alp mRNA are suppressed. BMP enhancement of Lgr4 gene expression is suppressed by FGF and reversed by dexamethasone. BMP also enhances Lgr4 expression in primary cultures of calvarial osteoblasts. These data indicate that Lgr4 gene is regulated by BMP and is required for BMP effects on osteoblastic differentiation. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 887-895, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Prunetin signals via G-protein-coupled receptor, GPR30(GPER1): Stimulation of adenylyl cyclase and cAMP-mediated activation of MAPK signaling induces Runx2 expression in osteoblasts to promote bone regeneration

Prunetin is found in red clover and fruit of Prunus avium (red cherry). The effect of prunetin on osteoblast function, its mode of action and bone regeneration in vivo were investigated. Cultures of primary osteoblasts, osteoblastic cell line and HEK293T cells were used for various in vitro studies. Adult female rats received drill-hole injury at the femur diaphysis to assess the bone regenerative effect of prunetin. Prunetin at 10nM significantly (a) increased proliferation and differentiation of primary cultures of osteoblasts harvested from rats and (b) promoted formation of mineralized nodules by bone marrow stromal/osteoprogenitor cells. At this concentration, prunetin did not activate any of the two nuclear estrogen receptors (α and β). However, prunetin triggered signaling via a G-protein-coupled receptor, GPR30/GPER1, and enhanced cAMP levels in osteoblasts. G15, a selective GPR30 antagonist, abolished prunetin-induced increases in osteoblast proliferation, differentiation and intracellular cAMP. In osteoblasts, prunetin up-regulated runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) protein through cAMP-dependent Erk/MAP kinase activation that ultimately resulted in the up-regulation of GPR30. Administration of prunetin at 0.25mg/kg given to rats stimulated bone regeneration at the site of drill hole and up-regulated Runx2 expression in the fractured callus and the effect was comparable to human parathyroid hormone, the only clinically used osteogenic therapy. We conclude that prunetin promotes osteoinduction in vivo and the mechanism is defined by signaling through GPR30 resulting in the up-regulation of the key osteogenic gene Runx2 that in turn up-regulates GPR30.

2,4,5-Trimethoxyldalbergiquinol promotes osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization via the BMP and Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Dalbergia odorifera has been traditionally used as a medicine to treat many diseases. However, the role of 2,4,5-trimethoxyldalbergiquinol (TMDQ) isolated and extracted from D. odorifera in osteoblast function and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and possible underlying mechanisms of TMDQ on osteoblastic differentiation of primary cultures of mouse osteoblasts as an in vitro assay system. TMDQ stimulated osteoblastic differentiation, as assessed by the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, ALP staining, mineralized nodule formation, and the levels of mRNAs encoding the bone differentiation markers, including ALP, bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteopontin, and osteocalcin. TMDQ upregulated the expression of Bmp2 and Bmp4 genes, and increased the protein level of phospho-Smad1/5/8. Furthermore, TMDQ treatment showed the increased mRNA expression of Wnt ligands, phosphorylation of GSK3, and the expression of β-catenin protein. The TMDQ-induced osteogenic effects were abolished by Wnt inhibitor, Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist, noggin. TMDQ-induced runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) expression was attenuatted by noggin and DKK1. These data suggest that TMDQ acts through the activation of BMP, Wnt/β-catenin, and Runx2 signaling to promote osteoblast differentiation, and we demonstrate that TMDQ could be a potential agent for the treatment of bone loss-associated diseases such as osteoporosis.