George R. Beck

Inorganic phosphate regulates multiple genes during osteoblast differentiation, including Nrf2

The process of osteoblast differentiation and matrix mineralization requires a rise in alkaline phosphatase enzymatic activity resulting in the generation of free phosphate. The ability of inorganic phosphate to regulate gene transcription and cellular function represents a potentially novel extracellular signaling mechanism. Using microarray analysis we have identified a discrete set of genes that are either positively or negatively regulated by increased phosphate in MC3T3-E1 cells. The genes downregulated by phosphate encode for osteoblast-related extracellular factors such as collagens, periostin, and decorin. The genes increased by phosphate encode a novel group of transcription factors that may be important in the later stages of osteoblast development in which the environment is high in phosphate. The transcription factor Nrf2 is one such gene. Elevated phosphate levels stimulate an increase in Nrf2 RNA that is not blocked by the translation inhibitor cycloheximide, suggesting that Nrf2 is an immediate response gene. Cloning of the murine nrf2 promoter reveals that elevated phosphate produces an increase in promoter activity that is both time and dose dependent. This analysis reveals multiple genes regulated by the increase in phosphate associated with osteoblast differentiation, adding to our understanding of the intricate communication between osteoblasts and their extracellular environment.

Analysis of the extracellular matrix vesicle proteome in mineralizing osteoblasts.

Many key processes central to bone formation and homeostasis require the involvement of osteoblasts, cells responsible for accumulation and mineralization of the extracellular matrix (ECM). During this complex and only partially understood process, osteoblasts generate and secrete matrix vesicles (MVs) into the ECM to initiate mineralization. Although they are considered an important component of mineralization process, MVs still remain a mystery. To better understand their function and biogenesis, a proteomic analysis of MVs has been conducted. MVs were harvested by two sample preparation approaches and mass spectrometry was utilized for protein identification. A total of 133 proteins were identified in common from the two MV preparations, among which were previously known proteins, such as annexins and peptidases, along with many novel proteins including a variety of enzymes, osteoblast‐specific factors, ion channels, and signal transduction molecules, such as 14‐3‐3 family members and Rab‐related proteins. To compare the proteome of MV with that of the ECM we conducted a large‐scale proteomic analysis of collagenase digested mineralizing osteoblast matrix. This analysis resulted in the identification of 1,327 unique proteins. A comparison of the proteins identified from the two MV preparations with the ECM analysis revealed 83 unique, non‐redundant proteins identified in all three samples. This investigation represents the first systematic proteomic analysis of MVs and provides insights into both the function and origin of these important mineralization‐regulating vesicles. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 325–335, 2007.

A Combined Proteome and Microarray Investigation of Inorganic Phosphate-induced Pre-osteoblast Cells

Inorganic phosphate, which is generated during osteoblast differentiation and mineralization, has recently been identified as an important signaling molecule capable of altering signal transduction pathways and gene expression. A large scale quantitative proteomic investigation of pre-osteoblasts stimulated with inorganic phosphate for 24 h resulted in the identification of 2501 proteins, of which 410 (16%) had an altered abundance ratio of greater than or equal to 1.75-fold, either up or down, revealing both novel and previously defined osteoblast-regulated proteins. A pathway/function analysis of these proteins revealed an increase in cell cycle and proliferation that was subsequently verified by conventional biochemical means. To further analyze the mechanisms by which inorganic phosphate regulates cellular protein levels, we undertook a mRNA microarray analysis of pre-osteoblast cells at 18, 21, and 24 h after inorganic phosphate exposure. Comparison of the mRNA microarray data with the 24-hour quantitative proteomic data resulted in a generally weak overall correlation; the 21-hour RNA sample showed the highest correlation to the proteomic data. However, an analysis of osteoblast relevant proteins revealed a much higher correlation at all time points. A comparison of the microarray and proteomic datasets allowed for the identification of a number of candidate proteins that are post-transcriptionally regulated by elevated inorganic phosphate, including Fra-1, a member of the activator protein-1 family of transcription factors. The analysis of the data presented here not only sheds new light on the important roles of inorganic phosphate in osteoblast function but also begins to address the contribution of post-transcriptional and post-translational regulation to a cell’s expressed proteome. The ability to accurately measure changes in both protein abundance and mRNA levels on a system-wide scale represents a novel means to extract data from previously one-dimensional datasets.

Bioactive silica-based nanoparticles stimulate bone-forming osteoblasts, suppress bone-resorbing osteoclasts, and enhance bone mineral density in vivo

Bone is a dynamic tissue that undergoes renewal throughout life in a process whereby osteoclasts resorb worn bone and osteoblasts synthesize new bone. Imbalances in bone turnover lead to bone loss and development of osteoporosis and ultimately fracture, a debilitating condition with high morbidity and mortality. Silica is a ubiquitous biocontaminant that is considered to have high biocompatibility. The authors report that silica nanoparticles (NPs) mediate potent inhibitory effects on osteoclasts and stimulatory effects on osteoblasts in vitro. The mechanism of bioactivity is a consequence of an intrinsic capacity to antagonize activation of NF-κB, a signal transduction pathway required for osteoclastic bone resorption but inhibitory to osteoblastic bone formation. We further demonstrate that silica NPs promote a significant enhancement of bone mineral density (BMD) in mice in vivo, providing a proof of principle for the potential application of silica NPs as a pharmacological agent to enhance BMD and protect against bone fracture.

The c-myc Gene Is a Direct Target of Mammalian SWI/SNF–Related Complexes during Differentiation-Associated Cell Cycle Arrest

The activity of mammalian SWI/SNF-related chromatin remodeling complexes is crucial for differentiation, development, and tumor suppression. Cell cycle-regulating activities dependent on the complexes include induction of the p21(WAF1/CIP1) kinase inhibitor and repression of E2F-responsive promoters. These responses are linked through effects on pRb phosphorylation, but the direct role of the SWI/SNF-related complexes in their regulation is not fully understood. Results presented here reveal that the complexes are required for regulation of a distinct pathway of proliferation control involving repression of c-myc expression in differentiating cells. This involves direct promoter targeting of the c-myc gene by the complexes. Induction of p21(WAF1/CIP1) is specifically dependent on prior repression of c-myc, but repression of E2F-responsive genes is dissociable from the regulation of c-myc and p21(WAF1/CIP1).

Antagonistic Roles for BRM and BRG1 SWI/SNF Complexes in Differentiation*♦

The mammalian SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex is essential for the multiple changes in gene expression that occur during differentiation. However, the basis within the complex for specificity in effecting positive versus negative changes in gene expression has only begun to be elucidated. The catalytic core of the complex can be either of two closely related ATPases, BRM or BRG1, with the potential that the choice of alternative subunits is a key determinant of specificity. Short hairpin RNA-mediated depletion of the ATPases was used to explore their respective roles in the well characterized multistage process of osteoblast differentiation. The results reveal an unexpected role for BRM-specific complexes. Instead of impeding differentiation as was seen with BRG1 depletion, depletion of BRM caused accelerated progression to the differentiation phenotype. Multiple tissue-specific differentiation markers, including the tightly regulated late stage marker osteocalcin, become constitutively up-regulated in BRM-depleted cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis of the osteocalcin promoter as a model for the behavior of the complexes indicates that the promoter is a direct target of both BRM- and BRG1-containing complexes. BRG1 complexes, which are required for activation, are associated with the promoter well before induction, but the concurrent presence of BRM-specific complexes overrides their activation function. BRM-specific complexes are present only on the repressed promoter and are required for association of the co-repressor HDAC1. These findings reveal an unanticipated degree of specialization of function linked with the choice of ATPase and suggest a new paradigm for the roles of the alternative subunits during differentiation.

Diabetes and fractures: an overshadowed association.

Purpose of reviewTo review recent literature on fracture risk in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Recent findingsObservational and population studies have reported a higher risk of fractures in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, especially at the hip. Type 2 diabetic patients have a higher bone mineral density compared with the general population, and yet, remain unprotected from fractures. Type 1 diabetic patients have a greater risk of fractures and a lower bone mineral density compared with the general population. Their lower bone mineral density, however, does not fully account for the raised fracture risk. Therefore, impaired bone quality rather than lower bone density appears to mediate the increased fracture risk in patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes.Recently, studies have shown an association between advanced glycation end products with increased fracture risk in diabetic patients. These studies support the hypothesis of poor glycemic control and chronic hyperglycemia having a direct detrimental effect on bone quality. In addition, increased fracture risk has been reported in patients with peripheral and autonomic neuropathy, recurrent hypoglycemic events, vitamin D deficiency, and those receiving thiazolidinedione therapy. SummaryDiabetes is associated with an increased risk of fractures in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Appropriate measures aimed at fracture prevention should be considered in the complex care of the diabetic patient.

The p270 (ARID1A/SMARCF1) Subunit of Mammalian SWI/SNF-Related Complexes Is Essential for Normal Cell Cycle Arrest

Mammalian SWI/SNF-related complexes are ATPase-powered nucleosome remodeling assemblies crucial for proper development and tissue-specific gene expression. The ATPase activity of the complexes is also critical for tumor suppression. The complexes contain seven or more noncatalytic subunits; only one of which, hSNF5/Ini1/BAF47, has been individually identified as a tumor suppressor thus far. The noncatalytic subunits include p270/ARID1A, which is of particular interest because tissue array analysis corroborated by screening of tumor cell lines indicates that p270 may be deficient in as many as 30% of renal carcinomas and 10% of breast carcinomas. The complexes can also include an alternative ARID1B subunit, which is closely related to p270, but the product of an independent gene. The respective importance of p270 and ARID1B in the control of cell proliferation was explored here using a short interfering RNA approach and a cell system that permits analysis of differentiation-associated cell cycle arrest. The p270-depleted cells fail to undergo normal cell cycle arrest on induction, as evidenced by continued synthesis of DNA. These lines fail to show other characteristics typical of arrested cells, including up-regulation of p21 and down-regulation of cyclins. The requirement for p270 is evident separately in both the up-regulation of p21 and the down-regulation of E2F-responsive products. In contrast, the ARID1B-depleted lines behaved like the parental cells in these assays. Thus, p270-containing complexes are functionally distinct from ARID1B-containing complexes. These results provide a direct biological basis to support the implication from tumor tissue screens that deficiency of p270 plays a causative role in carcinogenesis.

Poly(ester amine)-mediated, Aerosol-delivered Akt1 Small Interfering RNA Suppresses Lung Tumorigenesis

RATIONALE The low efficiency of conventional therapies in achieving long-term survival of patients with lung cancer calls for the development of novel therapeutic options. Recent advances in aerosol-mediated gene delivery have provided the possibility of an alternative for the safe and effective treatment of lung cancer. OBJECTIVES To demonstrate the feasibility and emphasize the importance of noninvasive aerosol delivery of Akt1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) as an effective and selective option for lung cancer treatment. METHODS Nanosized poly(ester amine) polymer was synthesized and used as a gene carrier. An aerosol of poly(ester amine)/Akt1 siRNA complex was delivered into K-ras(LA1) and urethane-induced lung cancer models through a nose-only inhalation system. The effects of Akt1 siRNA on lung cancer progression and Akt-related signals were evaluated. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The aerosol-delivered Akt1 siRNA suppressed lung tumor progression significantly through inhibiting Akt-related signals and cell cycle. CONCLUSIONS The use of poly(ester amine) serves as an effective carrier, and aerosol delivery of Akt1 siRNA may be a promising approach for lung cancer treatment and prevention.

Bioactive Silica Nanoparticles Promote Osteoblast Differentiation through Stimulation of Autophagy and Direct Association with LC3 and p62

We recently identified an engineered bioactive silica-based nanoparticle formulation (designated herein as NP1) that stimulates in vitro differentiation and mineralization of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation, and increases bone mineral density in young mice in vivo. The results demonstrate that these nanoparticles have intrinsic biological activity; however, the intracellular fate and a complete understanding of the mechanism(s) involved remains to be elucidated. Here we investigated the cellular mechanism(s) by which NP1 stimulates differentiation and mineralization of osteoblasts. We show that NP1 enters the cells through a caveolae-mediated endocytosis followed by stimulation of the mitogen activated protein kinase ERK1/2 (p44/p42). Our findings further revealed that NP1 stimulates autophagy including the processing of LC3β-I to LC3β-II, a key protein involved in autophagosome formation, which is dependent on ERK1/2 signaling. Using a variant of NP1 with cobalt ferrite magnetic metal core (NP1-MNP) to pull down associated proteins, we found direct binding of LC3β and p62, two key proteins involved in autophagosome formation, with silica nanoparticles. Interestingly, NP1 specifically interacts with the active and autophagosome associated form of LC3β (LC3β-II). Taken together, the stimulation of autophagy and associated signaling suggests a cellular mechanism for the stimulatory effects of silica nanoparticles on osteoblast differentiation and mineralization.