Omar Akhouayri

Osteocrin is a specific ligand of the natriuretic Peptide clearance receptor that modulates bone growth.

Osteocrin (Ostn) is a recently discovered secreted protein produced by cells of the osteoblast lineage that shows a well conserved homology with members of the natriuretic peptide (NP) family. We hypothesized that Ostn could interact with the NP receptors, thereby modulating NP actions on the skeleton. Ostn binds specifically and saturably to the NP peptide receptor-C (NPR-C) receptor with a Kd of ∼5 nm with no binding to the GC-A or GC-B receptors. Deletion of several of the residues deemed important for NP binding to NPR-C led to abolition of Ostn binding, confirming the presence of a “natriuretic motif.” Functionally, Ostn was able to augment C-type natriuretic peptide-stimulated cGMP production in both pre-chondrocytic (ATDC5) and osteoblastic (UMR106) cells, suggesting increased NP levels due to attenuation of NPR-C associated NP clearance. Ostn-transgenic mice displayed elongated bones and a marked kyphosis associated with elevated bone cGMP levels, suggesting that elevated natriuretic peptide activity contributed to the increased bone length possibly through an increase in growth plate chondrocyte proliferation. Thus, we have demonstrated that Ostn is a naturally occurring ligand of the NPR-C clearance receptor and may act to locally modulate the actions of the natriuretic system in bone by blocking the clearance action of NPR-C, thus locally elevating levels of C-type natriuretic peptide.

Sequence-Specific DNA Binding by the αNAC Coactivator Is Required for Potentiation of c-Jun-Dependent Transcription of the Osteocalcin Gene

ABSTRACT Since the c-Jun coactivator αNAC was initially identified in a differential screen for genes expressed in differentiated osteoblasts, we examined whether the osteocalcin gene, a specific marker of terminal osteoblastic differentiation, could be a natural target for the coactivating function of αNAC. We had also previously shown that αNAC can specifically bind DNA in vitro, but it remained unclear whether the DNA-binding function of αNAC is expressed in vivo or if it is required for coactivation. We have identified an αNAC binding site within the murine osteocalcin gene proximal promoter region and demonstrated that recombinant αNAC or αNAC from ROS17/2.8 nuclear extracts can specifically bind this element. Using transient transfection assays, we have shown that αNAC specifically potentiated the c-Jun-dependent transcription of the osteocalcin promoter and that this activity specifically required the DNA-binding domain of αNAC. Chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed that αNAC occupies its binding site on the osteocalcin promoter in living osteoblastic cells expressing osteocalcin. Inhibition of the expression of endogenous αNAC in osteoblastic cells by use of RNA interference provoked a decrease in osteocalcin gene transcription. Our results show that the osteocalcin gene is a target for the αNAC coactivating function, and we propose that αNAC is specifically targeted to the osteocalcin promoter through its DNA-binding activity as a means to achieve increased specificity in gene transcription.

Nuclear αNAC Influences Bone Matrix Mineralization and Osteoblast Maturation In Vivo

ABSTRACT Nascent-polypeptide-associated complex and coactivator alpha (αNAC) is a protein shuttling between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Upon phosphorylation at residue serine 43 by integrin-linked kinase, αNAC is translocated to the nuclei of osteoblasts, where it acts as an AP-1 coactivator to increase osteocalcin gene transcription. To determine the physiological role of nuclear αNAC, we engineered a knock-in mouse model with a serine-to-alanine mutation at position 43 (S43A). The S43A mutation resulted in a decrease in the amount of nuclear αNAC with reduced osteocalcin gene promoter occupancy, leading to a significant decrease in osteocalcin gene transcription. The S43A mutant bones also expressed decreased levels of α1(I) collagen mRNA and as a consequence had significantly less osteoid tissue. Transient transfection assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed the α1(I) collagen gene as a novel αNAC target. The reduced quantity of bone matrix in S43A mutant bones was mineralized faster, as demonstrated by the significantly reduced mineralization lag time, producing a lower volume of immature, woven-type bone characterized by poor lamellation and an increase in the number of osteocytes. Accordingly, the expression of the osteocyte differentiation marker genes DMP-1 (dentin matrix protein 1), E11, and SOST (sclerostin) was increased. The accelerated mineralization phenotype was cell autonomous, as osteoblasts isolated from the calvaria of S43A mutant mice mineralized their matrix faster than did wild-type cells. Thus, inhibition of αNAC nuclear translocation results in an osteopenic phenotype caused by reduced expression of osteocalcin and type I collagen, accelerated mineralization, and immature woven-bone formation.

FIAT is co-expressed with its dimerization target ATF4 in early osteoblasts, but not in osteocytes.

FIAT represses osteocalcin gene transcription by heterodimerizing with ATF4 and preventing it from binding to DNA. We report here the expression profiles of FIAT and ATF4 during osteoblastogenesis. Messenger RNA levels for the osteoblast transcriptional regulators Satb2, Runx2, Fiat, and Atf4 were quantified using real-time reverse-transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and respective protein levels monitored by immunodetection in differentiating primary osteoblast cultures. Satb2, Fiat, and Atf4 mRNA levels remained constant throughout the differentiation sequence, whereas Runx2 transcript levels were significantly increased by 12 days post-confluency. Using immunofluorescence, the SATB2, RUNX2, and ATF4 signals appeared to increase as a function of time in culture. FIAT protein expression was readily detected in early cultures, but signal intensity decreased thereafter. When immunoblotting was used to quantify the relative amounts of FIAT and ATF4 proteins, the expression levels of the two proteins were found to be inversely correlated. The decrease in FIAT protein levels coincided with increased binding of ATF4 to the osteocalcin gene promoter, and with increased osteocalcin expression measured by RT-qPCR or immunoblotting. Immunohistochemistry of long bones from mice at E16.5 and 2 days post-natal revealed that both proteins are initially expressed in osteoblasts. In adult bone, FIAT was detected in osteocytes, while ATF4 expression was observed in active osteoblasts and lining cells, but not in osteocytes. Taken together, these data support the idea that a stoichiometric excess of ATF4 over FIAT in mature osteoblasts releases ATF4 from sequestration by FIAT, thereby allowing ATF4 homodimerization and subsequent transactivation of the osteocalcin gene.

Differential Mechanisms of Transcriptional Regulation of the Mouse Osteocalcin Gene by Jun Family Members

The osteocalcin gene encodes an osteoblast-specific protein that is induced with the onset of mineralization at late stages of differentiation. Several transcriptional regulators have been characterized that control the transcription of osteocalcin, including activator protein 1 (AP-1) family members such as the Fra2/JunD heterodimer. We have previously shown that the c-Jun homodimer activates transcription from the murine osteocalcin proximal promoter and that this response is potentiated by the α chain of the nascent polypeptide-associated complex (αNAC) transcriptional coactivator. We now further explore the mechanisms involved and show that c-Jun binds two cryptic AP-1 sites within the proximal promoter of osteocalcin and that this binding is strictly αNAC-dependent. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) confirmed that c-Jun occupies its binding sites within the osteocalcin 5′-flanking region in living osteoblasts. Interestingly, the ChIP assay revealed that both JunB and JunD also bind the osteocalcin promoter. JunD, but not JunB, stimulated osteocalcin gene transcription in transient transfection assays, but this effect was not potentiated by αNAC. Thus, the c-Jun and JunD family members utilize distinct mechanisms that implicate differential interaction with transcriptional coactivators to regulate osteocalcin expression.

The PTH-Gαs-protein kinase A cascade controls αNAC localization to regulate bone mass.

ABSTRACT The binding of PTH to its receptor induces Gαs-dependent cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation to turn on effector kinases, including protein kinase A (PKA). The phenotype of mice with osteoblasts specifically deficient for Gαs is mimicked by a mutation leading to cytoplasmic retention of the transcriptional coregulator αNAC, suggesting that Gαs and αNAC form part of a common genetic pathway. We show that treatment of osteoblasts with PTH(1–34) or the PKA-selective activator N6-benzoyladenosine cAMP (6Bnz-cAMP) leads to translocation of αNAC to the nucleus. αNAC was phosphorylated by PKA at serine 99 in vitro. Phospho-S99-αNAC accumulated in osteoblasts exposed to PTH(1–34) or 6Bnz-cAMP but not in treated cells expressing dominant-negative PKA. Nuclear accumulation was abrogated by an S99A mutation but enhanced by a phosphomimetic residue (S99D). Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis showed that PTH(1–34) or 6Bnz-cAMP treatment leads to accumulation of αNAC at the Osteocalcin (Ocn) promoter. Altered gene dosages for Gαs and αNAC in compound heterozygous mice result in reduced bone mass, increased numbers of osteocytes, and enhanced expression of Sost. Our results show that αNAC is a substrate of PKA following PTH signaling. This enhances αNAC translocation to the nucleus and leads to its accumulation at target promoters to regulate transcription and affect bone mass.

1α,24(S)(OH)2D2 normalizes bone morphology and serum parathyroid hormone without hypercalcemia in 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1-hydroxylase (CYP27B1)-deficient mice, an animal model of vitamin D deficiency with secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Background: Vitamin D compounds are effective in managing elevated PTH levels in secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) of renal failure. However, undesired increases in serum calcium and phosphorus associated with compounds such as calcitriol [1,25(OH)2D3] has prompted a search for compounds with improved safety profiles. 1α,24(S)(OH)2D2 (1,24(OH)2D2) is a vitamin D2 metabolite with low calcium-mo bilizing activity in vivo. We studied the efficacy of 1,24(OH)2D2 in mice lacking the CYP27B1 enzyme [25-hydroxyvitamin D-1α-hydroxylase (1α-OHase)], a novel vitamin D deficiency model with SHPT. Materials and methods: 1α-OHase-deficient (−/−) mice and normal (+/−) heterozygous littermates received 1,24(OH)2D2 (100, 300, 1000, and 3000 pg/g/day) or 1,25(OH)2D3 (30, 300, and 500 pg/g/day) for 5 weeks via daily sc injection. Control groups received vehicle. Results: Vehicle-treated 1α-OHase-deficient mice were hypocalcemic and had greatly elevated serum PTH. 1,24(OH)2D2 at doses above 300 pg/g/day normalized serum calcium, serum PTH, bone growth plate morphology, and other bone parameters. No hypercalcemia was observed at any dose of 1,24(OH)2D2 in normal or 1α-OHase-deficient animals. In contrast, 1,25(OH)2D2 at only 30 pg/g/day normalized calcemia, serum PTH, and bone parameters, but at higher doses completely suppressed PTH and caused hypercalcemia in both 1α-OHase-deficient and normal mice. Treatment with 500 pg/g/day of 1,25(OH)2D3 also induced osteomalacia in normal animals. Conclusion: 1,25(OH)2D3 was maximally active at 10-fold lower doses than 1,24(OH)2D2, but induced hypercalcemia and osteomalacia at high doses. 1,24(OH)2D2 normalized serum calcium, serum PTH, and bone histomorphometry without hypercalcemia in 1α-OHase-deficient mice with SHPT.

SUMOylated αNAC potentiates transcriptional repression by FIAT.

The transcriptional coregulator αNAC (Nascent polypeptide associated complex And Coregulator alpha) and the transcriptional repressor FIAT (Factor Inhibiting ATF4‐mediated Transcription) interact but the biological relevance of this interaction remains unclear. The activity of αNAC is extensively modulated by post‐translational modifications (PTMs). We identified a novel αNAC PTM through covalent attachment of the Small Ubiquitin‐like MOdifier (SUMO1). Recombinant αNAC was a SUMO1 target in in vitro SUMOylation assays and we confirmed that αNAC is conjugated to SUMO1 in cultured osteoblasts and in calvarial tissue. The amino acid sequence of αNAC contains one copy of the composite “phospho‐sumoyl switch” motif that couples sequential phosphorylation and SUMOylation. We found that αNAC is selectively SUMOylated at lysine residue 127 within the motif and that SUMOylation is enhanced when a phosphomimetic mutation is introduced at the nearby serine residue 132. SUMOylation did not alter the DNA‐binding capacity of αNAC. The S132D, hyper‐SUMOylated αNAC mutant specifically interacted with histone deacetylase‐2 (HDAC2) and enhanced the inhibitory activity of FIAT on ATF4‐mediated transcription from the Osteocalcin gene promoter. This effect required binding of SUMOylated αNAC to the target promoter. We propose that maximal transcriptional repression by FIAT requires its interaction with SUMOylated, HDAC2‐interacting αNAC. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 866–873, 2014.

Differential Effects of Oral Doxercalciferol (Hectorol®) or Paricalcitol (Zemplar®) in the Cyp27b1-Null Mouse Model of Uremia

Background/Aims: Kidney disease patients experience declining calcitriol levels and develop secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). Animal models of uremia based on 5/6 nephrectomy (NTX) do not consistently reproduce this calcitriol deficiency. We developed an animal model, the NTX Cyp27b1-null mouse, which completely lacks endogenous calcitriol, and examined the suitability of this model for evaluation of treatment with vitamin D analogs in uremia. Methods: NTX was performed at 2 months of age. One week post-NTX, animals were treated for 4 weeks with vehicle; doxercalciferol at 30, 100 or 300 pg/g body weight (b.w.); or paricalcitol at 100, 300 or 1,000 pg/g b.w. by gavage 3 times per week. Results: Serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were elevated. Vehicle-treated NTX null mice had hypocalcemia and SHPT. Doxercalciferol at 100 or 300 pg/g b.w. normalized serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. Paricalcitol at 300 or 1,000 pg/g normalized serum calcium, but PTH levels remained elevated. Osteomalacia was corrected by 100 pg/g b.w. of doxercalciferol or 1,000 pg/g b.w. of paricalcitol. The highest dose of doxercalciferol, but not of paricalcitol, significantly reduced osteitis fibrosa. Conclusion: Our results reveal the differential efficacy of doxercalciferol and paricalcitol in this novel animal model incorporating both calcitriol deficiency and renal insufficiency.

Optimal bone fracture repair requires 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and its effector molecule FAM57B2

The biological activity of 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24R,25(OH)2D3] remains controversial, but it has been suggested that it contributes to fracture healing. Cyp24a1–/– mice, synthesizing no 24R,25(OH)2D3, show suboptimal endochondral ossification during fracture repair, with smaller callus and reduced stiffness. These defects were corrected by 24R,25(OH)2D3 treatment, but not by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Microarrays with Cyp24a1–/– callus mRNA identified FAM57B2 as a mediator of the 24R,25(OH)2D3 effect. FAM57B2 produced lactosylceramide (LacCer) upon specific binding of 24R,25(OH)2D3. Fam57b inactivation in chondrocytes (Col2-Cre Fam57bfl/fl) phenocopied the callus formation defect of Cyp24a1–/– mice. LacCer or 24R,25(OH)2D3 injections restored callus volume, stiffness, and mineralized cartilage area in Cyp24a1-null mice, but only LacCer rescued Col2-Cre Fam57bfl/fl mice. Gene expression in callus tissue suggested that the 24R,25(OH)2D3/FAM57B2 cascade affects cartilage maturation. We describe a previously unrecognized pathway influencing endochondral ossification during bone repair through LacCer production upon binding of 24R,25(OH)2D3 to FAM57B2. Our results identify potential new approaches to ameliorate fracture healing.