The ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 2 promotes early osteoblast differentiation and mineralization in stromal stem cells.

The phosphodiesterase enzymes mediate calcium-phosphate deposition in various tissues, although which enzymes are active in bone mineralization is unclear. Using gene array analysis, we found that a member of ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase family, ENPP2, was strongly down-regulated with age in stromal stem cells that produce osteoblasts and make bone. This is in keeping with reduced bone formation in older animals. Thus, we hypothesized that ENPP2 is, at least in part, an early mediator of bone formation and thus may reflect reduced bone formation with age. Since ENPP2 has not previously been shown to have a role in osteoblast differentiation, we studied its effect on bone differentiation from stromal stem cells, verified by flow cytometry for stem cell antigens. In these remarkably uniform osteoblast precursors, we did transfection with ENPP2 DsiRNA, scrambled DsiRNA, or no transfection to make cells with normal or greatly reduced ENPP2 and analyzed osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. Osteoblast differentiation down-regulation was shown by alizarin red binding, silver staining, and alkaline phosphatase activity. Differences were confirmed by real-time PCR for alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), osteocalcin (BGLAP), and ENPP2 and by Western Blot for Enpp2. These were decreased, ∼50%, in osteoblasts transfected with ENPP2 DsiRNA compared with cells transfected with a scrambled DsiRNA or not transfected (control) cells. This finding is the first evidence for the role of ENPP2 in osteoblast differentiation and mineralization.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We report the discovery that the ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase, ENPP2, is an important regulator of early differentiation of bone-forming osteoblasts.

Age-related decline in bone mineral transport and bone matrix proteins in osteoblasts from stromal stem cells.

We studied osteoblast bone mineral transport and matrix proteins as a function of age. In isolated bone marrow cells from long bones of young (3 or 4 mo) and old (18 or 19 mo) mice, age correlated with reduced mRNA of mineral transport proteins: alkaline phosphatase (ALP), ankylosis (ANK), the Cl-/H+ exchanger ClC3, and matrix proteins collagen 1 (Col1) and osteocalcin (BGLAP). Some proteins, including the neutral phosphate transporter2 (NPT2), were not reduced. These are predominately osteoblast proteins, but in mixed cell populations. Remarkably, in osteoblasts differentiated from preparations of stromal stem cells (SSCs) made from bone marrow cells in young and old mice, differentiated in vitro on perforated polyethylene terephthalate membranes, mRNA confirmed decreased expression with age for most transport-related and bone matrix proteins. Additional mRNAs in osteoblasts in vitro included ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1), unchanged, and ENPP2, reduced with age. Decrease with age in ALP activity and protein by Western blot was also significant. Transport protein findings correlated with micro-computed tomography of lumbar vertebra, showing that trabecular bone of old mice is osteopenic relative to young mice, consistent with other studies. Pathway analysis of osteoblasts differentiated in vitro showed that cells from old animals had reduced Erk1/2 phosphorylation and decreased suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic 2 (Smad2) mRNA, consistent with TGFß pathway, and reduced ß-catenin mRNA, consistent with WNT pathway regulation. Our results show that decline in bone density with age reflects selective changes, resulting effectively in a phenotype modification. Reduction of matrix and mineral transport protein expression with age is regulated by multiple signaling pathways.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This work for the first time showed that specific enzymes in bone mineral transport, and matrix synthesis proteins, in the epithelial-like bone-forming cell layer are downregulated with aging. Results were compared using cells extracted from long bones of young and old mice, or in essentially uniform osteoblasts differentiated from stromal stem cells in vitro. The age effect showed memory in the stromal stem cells, a remarkable finding.

Epithelial-like transport of mineral distinguishes bone formation from other connective tissues.

We review unique properties of bone formation including current understanding of mechanisms of bone mineral transport. We focus on formation only; mechanism of bone degradation is a separate topic not considered. Bone matrix is compared to other connective tissues composed mainly of the same proteins, but without the specialized mechanism for continuous transport and deposition of mineral. Indeed other connective tissues add mechanisms to prevent mineral formation. We start with the epithelial-like surfaces that mediate transport of phosphate to be incorporated into hydroxyapatite in bone, or in its ancestral tissue, the tooth. These include several phosphate producing or phosphate transport-related proteins with special expression in large quantities in bone, particularly in the bone-surface osteoblasts. In all connective tissues including bone, the proteins that constitute the protein matrix are mainly type I collagen and γ-carboxylate-containing small proteins in similar molar quantities to collagen. Specialized proteins that regulate connective tissue structure and formation are surprisingly similar in mineralized and non-mineralized tissues. While serum calcium and phosphate are adequate to precipitate mineral, specialized mechanisms normally prevent mineral formation except in bone, where continuous transport and deposition of mineral occurs.

The function of the calcium channel Orai1 in osteoclast development.

To determine the intrinsic role of Orai1 in osteoclast development, Orai1-floxed mice were bred with LysMcre mice to delete Orai1 from the myeloid lineage. PCR, in situ labelling and Western analysis showed Orai1 deletion in myeloid-lineage cells, including osteoclasts, as expected. Surprisingly, bone resorption was maintained in vivo, despite loss of multinucleated osteoclasts; instead, a large number of mononuclear cells bearing tartrate resistant acid phosphatase were observed on cell surfaces. An in vitro resorption assay confirmed that RANKL-treated Orai1 null cells, also TRAP-positive but mononuclear, degraded matrix, albeit at a reduced rate compared to wild type osteoclasts. This shows that mononuclear osteoclasts can degrade bone, albeit less efficiently. Further unexpected findings included that Orai1fl/fl -LysMcre vertebrae showed slightly reduced bone density in 16-week-old mice, despite Orai1 deletion only in myeloid cells; however, this mild difference resolved with age. In summary, in vitro analysis showed a severe defect in osteoclast multinucleation in Orai1 negative mononuclear cells, consistent with prior studies using less targeted strategies, but with evidence of resorption in vivo and unexpected secondary effects on bone formation leaving bone mass largely unaffected.

Growth and mineralization of osteoblasts from mesenchymal stem cells on microporous membranes: Epithelial-like growth with transmembrane resistance and pH gradient.

Osteoblasts in vivo form an epithelial-like layer with tight junctions between cells. Bone formation involves mineral transport into the matrix and acid transport to balance pH levels. To study the importance of the pH gradient in vitro, we used Transwell inserts composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) membranes with 0.4 µm pores at a density of (2 ± 0.4) x 106 pores per cm2. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) prepared from murine bone marrow were used to investigate alternative conditions whereby osteoblast differentiation would better emulate in vivo bone development. MSCs were characterized by flow cytometry with more than 90% CD44 and 75% Sca-1 labeling. Mineralization was validated with paracellular alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen birefringence, and mineral deposition confirming MSCs identity. We demonstrate that MSCs cultured and differentiated on PET inserts form an epithelial-like layer while mineralizing. Measurement of the transepithelial resistance was ∼1400 Ω•cm2 at three weeks of differentiation. The pH value of the media above and under the cells were measured while cells were in proliferation and differentiation. In mineralizing cells, a difference of 0.145 pH unit was observed between the medium above and under the cells indicating a transepithelial gradient. A significant difference in pH units was observed between the medium above and below the cells in proliferation compared to differentiation. Data on pH below membranes were confirmed by pH-dependent SNARF1 fluorescence. Control cells in proliferative medium did not form an epithelial-like layer, displayed low transepithelial resistance, and there was no significant pH gradient. By transmission electron microscopy, membrane attached osteoblasts in vitro had abundant mitochondria consistent with active transport that occurs in vivo by surface osteoblasts. In keeping with osteoblastic differentiation, scanning electron microscopy identified deposition of extracellular collagen surrounded by hydroxyapatite. This in vitro model is a major advancement in modeling bone in vivo for understanding of osteoblast bone matrix production.

Support of bone mineral deposition by regulation of pH.

Osteoblasts secrete collagen and isolate bone matrix from extracellular space. In the matrix, alkaline phosphatase generates phosphate that combines with calcium to form mineral, liberating 8 H+ per 10 Ca+2 deposited. However, pH-dependent hydroxyapatite deposition on bone collagen had not been shown. We studied the dependency of hydroxyapatite deposition on type I collagen on pH and phosphate by surface plasmon resonance in 0-5 mM phosphate at pH 6.8-7.4. Mineral deposition saturated at <1 mM Ca2+ but was sensitive to phosphate. Mineral deposition was reversible, consistent with amorphous precipitation; stable deposition requiring EDTA removal appeared with time. At pH 6.8, little hydroxyapatite deposited on collagen; mineral accumulation increased 10-fold at pH 7.4. Previously, we showed high expression Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) and ClC transporters in osteoblasts. We hypothesized that, in combination, these move protons across osteoblasts to the general extracellular space. We made osteoblast membrane vesicles by nitrogen cavitation and used acridine orange quenching to characterize proton transport. We found H+ transport dependent on gradients of chloride or sodium, consistent with apical osteoblast ClC family Cl-,H+ antiporters and basolateral osteoblast NHE family Na+/H+ exchangers. Little, if any, active H+ transport, supported by ATP, occurred. Major transporters include cariporide-sensitive NHE1 in basolateral membranes and ClC3 and ClC5 in apical osteoblast membranes. The mineralization inhibitor levamisole reduced bone formation and expression of alkaline phosphatase, NHE1, and ClC5. We conclude that mineral deposition in bone collagen is pH-dependent, in keeping with H+ removal by Cl-,H+ antiporters and Na+/H+-exchangers. Periodic orientation hydroxyapatite is organized on type I collagen-coiled coils.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 enhance human osteogenesis in vitro by synergistically accelerating the expression of bone-specific genes.

To improve definition of the physical and hormonal support of bone formation, we studied differentiation of human osteoblasts in vitro at varying combinations of ACTH, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D), and extracellular calcium, with and without added cortisol. Bone mineralization, alkaline phosphatase activity, and osteoblast-specific markers RunX2, osterix, and collagen I increased with 10 pM ACTH, 10 nM 1,25(OH)2D, or at 2 mM calcium with important synergistic activity of combinations of any of these stimuli. Signals induced by ACTH at 10-30 min included cAMP, TGF-ß, and Erk1/2 phosphorylation. Affymetrix gene expression analysis showed that 2 h treatment of ACTH or 1,25(OH)2D increased the expression of bone regulating and structural mRNAs, including collagen I, biglycan, the vitamin D receptor, and TGF-ß. Accelerating expression of these bone-specific genes was confirmed by quantitative PCR. Expression of 1,25(OH)2D 1α-hydroxylase (1α-hydroxylase) increased with 1,25(OH)2D, ACTH, and extracellular calcium from 0.5 to 2 mM. Unlike renal 1α-hydroxylase, in osteoblasts, 1α-hydroxylase activity is independent of parathyroid hormone. In keeping with calcium responsivity, calcium-sensing receptor RNA and protein increased with 10 nM ACTH or 1,25(OH)2D. Inclusion of 200 nM cortisol or 10 nM ACTH in differentiation media blunted osteoblasts alkaline phosphatase response to 1,25(OH)2D and calcium. Our results point to the importance of ACTH in bone maintenance and that extra skeletal (renal) 1,25(OH)2D is required for bone mineralization despite 1α-hydroxylase expression by osteoblasts.

Chloride/proton antiporters ClC3 and ClC5 support bone formation in mice.

Acid transport is required for bone synthesis by osteoblasts. The osteoblast basolateral surface extrudes acid by Na+/H+ exchange, but apical proton uptake is undefined. We found high expression of the Cl-/H+ exchanger ClC3 at the bone apical surface. In mammals ClC3 functions in intracellular vesicular chloride transport, but when we found Cl- dependency of H+ transport in osteoblast membranes, we queried whether ClC3 Cl-/H+ exchange functions in bone formation. We used ClC3 knockout animals, and closely-related ClC5 knockout animals: In vitro studies suggested that both ClC3 and ClC5 might support bone formation. Genotypes were confirmed by total exon sequences. Expression of ClC3, and to a lesser extent of ClC5, at osteoblast apical membranes was demonstrated by fluorescent antibody labeling and electron microscopy with nanometer gold labeling. Animals with ClC3 or ClC5 knockouts were viable. In ClC3 or ClC5 knockouts, bone formation decreased ~40 % by calcein and xylenol orange labeling in vivo. In very sensitive micro-computed tomography, ClC5 knockout reduced bone relative to wild type, consistent with effects of ClC3 knockout, but varied with specific histological parameters. Regrettably, ClC5-ClC3 double knockouts are not viable, suggesting that ClC3 or ClC5 activity are essential to life. We conclude that ClC3 has a direct role in bone formation with overlapping but probably slightly smaller effects of ClC5. The mechanism in mineral formation might include ClC H+ uptake, in contrast to ClC3 and ClC5 function in cell vesicles or other organs.

Creatine energy substrate increases bone density in the Pahenu2 classical PKU mouse in the context of phenylalanine restriction.

Pathophysiology of osteopenia in phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficient phenylketonuria (PKU) is poorly characterized. The Pahenu2 mouse is universally osteopenic where dietary phenylalanine (Phe) management with amino acid defined chow does not improve bone density. We previously demonstrated Pahenu2 osteopenia owes to a skeletal stem cell (SSC) developmental deficit mediated by energy dysregulation and oxidative stress. This investigation demonstrates complexity of Pahenu2 SSC energy dysregulation. Creatine use by bone tissue is recognized. In vitro Pahenu2 SSCs in osteoblast differentiation respond to creatine with increased in situ alkaline phosphatase activity and increased intracellular ATP content. Animal studies applied a 60-day creatine regimen to Pahenu2 and control cohorts. Control cohorts include unaffected littermates (wt/wt), Pahenu2 receiving no intervention, and dietary Phe restricted Pahenu2. Experimental cohorts (Phe unrestricted Pahenu2, Phe restricted Pahenu2) were provided 1% creatine ad libitum in water. After 60 days, microcomputed tomography assessed bone metrics. Equivalent osteopenia occurs in Phe-restricted and untreated Pahenu2 control cohorts. In Phe unrestricted Pahenu2, creatine was without effect as bone density remained equivalent to Pahenu2 control cohorts. Alternatively, Phe-restricted Pahenu2 receiving creatine present increased bone density. We hypothesize small molecule dysregulation in untreated Pahenu2 disallows creatine utilization; therefore, osteopenia persisted. Dietary Phe restriction enables creatine utilization to enhance SSC osteoblast differentiation and improve in vivo bone density. PKU intervention singularly focused on Phe reduction enables residual disease including osteopenia and neurologic elements. Intervention concurrently addressing Phe homeostasis and energy dysregulation will improve disease elements refractory to standard of care Phe reduction mono-therapy.

The calcium channel Orai1 is required for osteoblast development: Studies in a chimeric mouse with variable in vivo Runx-cre deletion of Orai-1.

The calcium-selective ion channel Orai1 has a complex role in bone homeostasis, with defects in both bone production and resorption detected in Orai1 germline knock-out mice. To determine whether Orai1 has a direct, cell-intrinsic role in osteoblast differentiation and function, we bred Orai1 flox/flox (Orai1fl/fl) mice with Runx2-cre mice to eliminate its expression in osteoprogenitor cells. Interestingly, Orai1 was expressed in a mosaic pattern in Orai1fl/fl-Runx2-cre bone. Specifically, antibody labeling for Orai1 in vertebral sections was uniform in wild type animals, but patchy regions in Orai1fl/fl-Runx2-cre bone revealed Orai1 loss while in other areas expression persisted. Nevertheless, by micro-CT, bones from Orai1fl/fl-Runx2-cre mice showed reduced bone mass overall, with impaired bone formation identified by dynamic histomorphometry. Cortical surfaces of Orai1fl/fl-Runx2-cre vertebrae however exhibited patchy defects. In cell culture, Orai1-negative osteoblasts showed profound reductions in store-operated Ca2+ entry, exhibited greatly decreased alkaline phosphatase activity, and had markedly impaired substrate mineralization. We conclude that defective bone formation observed in the absence of Orai1 reflects an intrinsic role for Orai1 in differentiating osteoblasts.

Glutamine energy substrate anaplerosis increases bone density in the Pahenu2 classical PKU mouse in the absence of phenylalanine restriction.

Osteopenia is an under-investigated clinical presentation of phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH)-deficient phenylketonuria (PKU). While osteopenia is not fully penetrant in human PKU, the Pahenu2 mouse is universally osteopenic and ideal to study the phenotype. We determined Pahenu2 mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are developmentally impaired in the osteoblast lineage. Moreover, we determined energy dysregulation and oxidative stress contribute to the osteoblast developmental deficit. The MSC preferred substrate glutamine (Gln) was applied to enhance energy homeostasis. In vitro Pahenu2 MSCs, in the context of 1200 µM Phe, respond to Gln with increased in situ alkaline phosphatase activity indicating augmented osteoblast differentiation. Oximetry applied to Pahenu2 MSCs in osteoblast differentiation show Gln energy substrate increases oxygen consumption, specifically maximum respiration and respiratory reserve. For 60 days post-weaning, Pahenu2 animals received either no intervention (standard lab chow), amino acid defined chow maintaining plasma Phe at ~200 µM, or standard lab chow where ad libitum water was a 2% Gln solution. Bone density was assessed by microcomputed tomography and bone growth assessed by dye labeling. Bone density and dye labeling in Phe-restricted Pahenu2 was indistinguishable from untreated Pahenu2. Gln energy substrate provided to Pahenu2, in the context of uncontrolled hyperphenylalaninemia, present increased bone density and dye labeling. These data provide further evidence that Pahenu2 MSCs experience a secondary energy deficit that is responsive both in vitro and in vivo to Gln energy substrate and independent of hyperphenylalaninemia. Energy support may have effect to treat human PKU osteopenia and elements of PKU neurologic disease resistant to standard of care systemic Phe reduction. Glutamine energy substrate anaplerosis increased Pahenu2 bone density and improved in vitro MSC function in the context of hyperphenylalaninemia in the classical PKU range.

A New View of Bone Loss in Phenylketonuria.

Osteopenia is common in phenylalanine hydroxylase deficient phenylketonuria (PKU). PKU is managed by limiting dietary phenylalanine. Osteopenia in PKU might reflect a therapeutic diet, with reduced bone forming materials. However, osteopenia occurs in patients who never received dietary therapy or following short-term therapy. Humans and animal studies find no correlation between bone loss, plasma hyperphenylalaninemia, bone formation, and resorption markers. Work in the Pahenu2 mouse recently showed a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) developmental defect in the osteoblast pathway. Specifically, Pahenu2 MSCs are affected by energy dysregulation and oxidative stress. In PKU, MSCs oximetry and respirometry show mitochondrial respiratory-chain complex 1 deficit and over-representation of superoxide, producing reactive oxygen species affecting mitochondrial function. Similar mechanisms are involved in aging bone and other rare defects including alkaptonuria and homocysteinemia. Novel interventions to support energy and reduce oxidative stress may restore bone formation PKU patients, and in metabolic diseases with related mechanisms.

Loss of mutual protection between human osteoclasts and chondrocytes in damaged joints initiates osteoclast-mediated cartilage degradation by MMPs.

Osteoclasts are multinucleated, bone-resorbing cells. However, they also digest cartilage during skeletal maintenance, development and in degradative conditions including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and primary bone sarcoma. This study explores the mechanisms behind the osteoclast-cartilage interaction. Human osteoclasts differentiated on acellular human cartilage expressed osteoclast marker genes (e.g. CTSK, MMP9) and proteins (TRAP, VNR), visibly damaged the cartilage surface and released glycosaminoglycan in a contact-dependent manner. Direct co-culture with chondrocytes during differentiation increased large osteoclast formation (p < 0.0001) except when co-cultured on dentine, when osteoclast formation was inhibited (p = 0.0002). Osteoclasts cultured on dentine inhibited basal cartilage degradation (p = 0.012). RNA-seq identified MMP8 overexpression in osteoclasts differentiated on cartilage versus dentine (8.89-fold, p = 0.0133), while MMP9 was the most highly expressed MMP. Both MMP8 and MMP9 were produced by osteoclasts in osteosarcoma tissue. This study suggests that bone-resident osteoclasts and chondrocytes exert mutually protective effects on their 'native' tissue. However, when osteoclasts contact non-native cartilage they cause degradation via MMPs. Understanding the role of osteoclasts in cartilage maintenance and degradation might identify new therapeutic approaches for pathologies characterized by cartilage degeneration.

Phylogeny and chemistry of biological mineral transport.

Three physiologically mineralizing tissues - teeth, cartilage and bone - have critical common elements and important evolutionary relationships. Phylogenetically the most ancient densely mineralized tissue is teeth. In jawless fishes without skeletons, tooth formation included epithelial transport of phosphates, a process echoed later in bone physiology. Cartilage and mineralized cartilage are skeletal elements separate from bone, but with metabolic features common to bone. Cartilage mineralization is coordinated with high expression of tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase and PHOSPHO1 to harvest available phosphate esters and support mineralization of collagen secreted locally. Mineralization in true bone results from stochastic nucleation of hydroxyapatite crystals within the cross-linked collagen fibrils. Mineral accumulation in dense collagen is, at least in major part, mediated by amorphous aggregates - often called Posner clusters - of calcium and phosphate that are small enough to diffuse into collagen fibrils. Mineral accumulation in membrane vesicles is widely suggested, but does not correlate with a definitive stage of mineralization. Conversely mineral deposition at non-physiologic sites where calcium and phosphate are adequate has been shown to be regulated in large part by pyrophosphate. All of these elements are present in vertebrate bone metabolism. A key biological element of bone formation is an epithelial-like cellular organization which allows control of phosphate, calcium and pH during mineralization.

Osteoblast Differentiation and Bone Matrix Formation In Vivo and In Vitro.

We review the characteristics of osteoblast differentiation and bone matrix synthesis. Bone in air breathing vertebrates is a specialized tissue that developmentally replaces simpler solid tissues, usually cartilage. Bone is a living organ bounded by a layer of osteoblasts that, because of transport and compartmentalization requirements, produce bone matrix exclusively as an organized tight epithelium. With matrix growth, osteoblasts are reorganized and incorporated into the matrix as living cells, osteocytes, which communicate with each other and surface epithelium by cell processes within canaliculi in the matrix. The osteoblasts secrete the organic matrix, which are dense collagen layers that alternate parallel and orthogonal to the axis of stress loading. Into this matrix is deposited extremely dense hydroxyapatite-based mineral driven by both active and passive transport and pH control. As the matrix matures, hydroxyapatite microcrystals are organized into a sophisticated composite in the collagen layer by nucleation in the protein lattice. Recent studies on differentiating osteoblast precursors revealed a sophisticated proton export network driving mineralization, a gene expression program organized with the compartmentalization of the osteoblast epithelium that produces the mature bone matrix composite, despite varying serum calcium and phosphate. Key issues not well defined include how new osteoblasts are incorporated in the epithelial layer, replacing those incorporated in the accumulating matrix. Development of bone in vitro is the subject of numerous projects using various matrices and mesenchymal stem cell-derived preparations in bioreactors. These preparations reflect the structure of bone to variable extents, and include cells at many different stages of differentiation. Major challenges are production of bone matrix approaching the in vivo density and support for trabecular bone formation. In vitro differentiation is limited by the organization and density of osteoblasts and by endogenous and exogenous inhibitors.

Suppression of arthritis-induced bone erosion by a CRAC channel antagonist.

OBJECTIVE: We have shown in vitro and in vivo that osteoclast maturation requires calcium-release activated calcium (CRAC) channels. In inflammatory arthritis, osteoclasts mediate severe and debilitating bone erosion. In the current study, we assess the value of CRAC channels as a therapeutic target to suppress bone erosion in acute inflammatory arthritis. METHODS: Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was induced in mice. The CRAC channel inhibitor 3,4-dichloropropionaniline (DCPA) and a placebo was administered 1 day prior to collagen II booster to induce arthritis. Effects on swelling, inflammatory cell invasion in joints, serum cytokines and bone erosion were measured. RESULTS: Assays, by blinded observers, of arthritis severity showed that DCPA, 21 mg/kg/day, suppressed arthritis development over 3 weeks. Bone and cartilage damage in sections of animal feet was reduced approximately 50%; overall swelling of joints was reduced by a similar amount. Effects on bone density by µCT showed clear separation in DCPA-treated CIA animals from CIA without treatment, while differences between controls without CIA and CIA treated with DCPA differed by small amounts and in most cases were not statistically different. Response was not related to anticollagen titres. There were no adverse effects in the treated group on animal weight or activity, consistent with low toxicity. The effect was maximal 12-17 days after collagen booster, during the rapid appearance of arthritis in untreated CIA. At 20 days after treatment (day 40), differences in arthritis score were reduced and tumour necrosis factor α, interleukin (IL)-1, or IL-6 in the serum of the animals were similar in treated and untreated animals. CONCLUSIONS: DCPA, a novel inhibitor of CRAC channels, suppresses bone erosion associated with acute arthritis in mice and might represent a new treatment modality for acute arthrits.

Chloride-hydrogen antiporters ClC-3 and ClC-5 drive osteoblast mineralization and regulate fine-structure bone patterning in vitro.

Osteoblasts form an epithelium-like layer with tight junctions separating bone matrix from extracellular fluid. During mineral deposition, calcium and phosphate precipitation in hydroxyapatite liberates 0.8 mole of H(+) per mole Ca(+2). Thus, acid export is needed for mineral formation. We examined ion transport supporting osteoblast vectorial mineral deposition. Previously we established that Na/H exchangers 1 and 6 are highly expressed at secretory osteoblast basolateral surfaces and neutralize massive acid loads. The Na/H exchanger regulatory factor-1 (NHERF1), a pdz-organizing protein, occurs at mineralizing osteoblast basolateral surfaces. We hypothesized that high-capacity proton transport from matrix into osteoblast cytosol must exist to support acid transcytosis for mineral deposition. Gene screening in mineralizing osteoblasts showed dramatic expression of chloride-proton antiporters ClC-3 and ClC-5. Antibody localization showed that ClC-3 and ClC-5 occur at the apical secretory surface facing the bone matrix and in membranes of buried osteocytes. Surprisingly, the Clcn3(-/-) mouse has only mildly disordered mineralization. However, Clcn3(-/-) osteoblasts have large compensatory increases in ClC-5 expression. Clcn3(-/-) osteoblasts mineralize in vitro in a striking and novel trabecular pattern; wild-type osteoblasts form bone nodules. In mesenchymal stem cells from Clcn3(-/-) mice, lentiviral ClC-5 shRNA created Clcn3(-/-), ClC-5 knockdown cells, validated by western blot and PCR. Osteoblasts from these cells produced no mineral under conditions where wild-type or Clcn3(-/-) cells mineralize well. We conclude that regulated acid export, mediated by chloride-proton exchange, is essential to drive normal bone mineralization, and that CLC transporters also regulate fine patterning of bone.