Glycan degradation promotes macroautophagy.

Macroautophagy promotes cellular homeostasis by delivering cytoplasmic constituents to lysosomes for degradation [Mizushima, Nat. Cell Biol. 20, 521-527 (2018)]. However, while most studies have focused on the mechanisms of protein degradation during this process, we report here that macroautophagy also depends on glycan degradation via the glycosidase, α-l-fucosidase 1 (FUCA1), which removes fucose from glycans. We show that cells lacking FUCA1 accumulate lysosomal glycans, which is associated with impaired autophagic flux. Moreover, in a mouse model of fucosidosis-a disease characterized by inactivating mutations in FUCA1 [Stepien et al., Genes (Basel) 11, E1383 (2020)]-glycan and autophagosome/autolysosome accumulation accompanies tissue destruction. Mechanistically, using lectin capture and mass spectrometry, we identified several lysosomal enzymes with altered fucosylation in FUCA1-null cells. Moreover, we show that the activity of some of these enzymes in the absence of FUCA1 can no longer be induced upon autophagy stimulation, causing retardation of autophagic flux, which involves impaired autophagosome-lysosome fusion. These findings therefore show that dysregulated glycan degradation leads to defective autophagy, which is likely a contributing factor in the etiology of fucosidosis.

PLEKHM1 regulates autophagosome-lysosome fusion through HOPS complex and LC3/GABARAP proteins.

The lysosome is the final destination for degradation of endocytic cargo, plasma membrane constituents, and intracellular components sequestered by macroautophagy. Fusion of endosomes and autophagosomes with the lysosome depends on the GTPase Rab7 and the homotypic fusion and protein sorting (HOPS) complex, but adaptor proteins that link endocytic and autophagy pathways with lysosomes are poorly characterized. Herein, we show that Pleckstrin homology domain containing protein family member 1 (PLEKHM1) directly interacts with HOPS complex and contains a LC3-interacting region (LIR) that mediates its binding to autophagosomal membranes. Depletion of PLEKHM1 blocks lysosomal degradation of endocytic (EGFR) cargo and enhances presentation of MHC class I molecules. Moreover, genetic loss of PLEKHM1 impedes autophagy flux upon mTOR inhibition and PLEKHM1 regulates clearance of protein aggregates in an autophagy- and LIR-dependent manner. PLEKHM1 is thus a multivalent endocytic adaptor involved in the lysosome fusion events controlling selective and nonselective autophagy pathways.

End stage renal disease-induced hypercalcemia may promote aortic valve calcification via Annexin VI enrichment of valve interstitial cell derived-matrix vesicles.

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have elevated circulating calcium (Ca) and phosphate (Pi), and exhibit accelerated progression of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). We hypothesized that matrix vesicles (MVs) initiate the calcification process in CAVD. Ca induced rat valve interstitial cells (VICs) calcification at 4.5 mM (16.4-fold; p < 0.05) whereas Pi treatment alone had no effect. Ca (2.7 mM) and Pi (2.5 mM) synergistically induced calcium deposition (10.8-fold; p < 0.001) in VICs. Ca treatment increased the mRNA of the osteogenic markers Msx2, Runx2, and Alpl (p < 0.01). MVs were harvested by ultracentrifugation from VICs cultured with control or calcification media (containing 2.7 mM Ca and 2.5 mM Pi) for 16 hr. Proteomics analysis revealed the marked enrichment of exosomal proteins, including CD9, CD63, LAMP-1, and LAMP-2 and a concomitant up-regulation of the Annexin family of calcium-binding proteins. Of particular note Annexin VI was shown to be enriched in calcifying VIC-derived MVs (51.9-fold; p < 0.05). Through bioinformatic analysis using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), the up-regulation of canonical signaling pathways relevant to cardiovascular function were identified in calcifying VIC-derived MVs, including aldosterone, Rho kinase, and metal binding. Further studies using human calcified valve tissue revealed the co-localization of Annexin VI with areas of MVs in the extracellular matrix by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Together these findings highlight a critical role for VIC-derived MVs in CAVD. Furthermore, we identify calcium as a key driver of aortic valve calcification, which may directly underpin the increased susceptibility of ESRD patients to accelerated development of CAVD.

Osteoclast-poor human osteopetrosis due to mutations in the gene encoding RANKL.

Autosomal recessive osteopetrosis is usually associated with normal or elevated numbers of nonfunctional osteoclasts. Here we report mutations in the gene encoding RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor-KB ligand) in six individuals with autosomal recessive osteopetrosis whose bone biopsy specimens lacked osteoclasts. These individuals did not show any obvious defects in immunological parameters and could not be cured by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; however, exogenous RANKL induced formation of functional osteoclasts from their monocytes, suggesting that they could, theoretically, benefit from exogenous RANKL administration.

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase is not essential for nitric oxide production by osteoblasts subjected to fluid shear stress in vitro.

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) has long been held responsible for NO production by mechanically stimulated osteoblasts, but this has recently been disputed. We investigated whether one of the three known NOS isoforms is essential for NO production by mechanically stimulated osteoblasts in vitro and revisited the bone phenotype of the eNOS-/- mouse. Osteoblasts, obtained as outgrowths from mouse calvaria or long bones of wild-type (WT), eNOS-/-, inducible NOS-/- (iNOS-/-), or neuronal NOS-/- (nNOS-/-) mice, were subjected to mechanical stimulation by means of pulsating fluid flow (PFF); and NO production was determined. Tibiae and femora from 8-week-old mice were subjected to µCT and three-point bending tests. Deletion of single NOS isoforms did not lead to significant upregulation of alternate isoforms in cultured osteoblasts from WT, eNOS-/-, iNOS-/-, or nNOS-/- mice. Expression of eNOS mRNA in osteoblasts was below our detection limit, and no differences in growth between WT and eNOS-/- osteoblasts were found. PFF increased NO production by approximately fourfold in WT and eNOS-/- osteoblasts and significantly stimulated NO production in iNOS-/- and nNOS-/- osteoblasts. Tibiae and femora from WT and eNOS-/- mice showed no difference in bone volume and architecture or in mechanical parameters. Our data suggest that mechanical stimuli can enhance NO production by cultured osteoblasts singly deficient for each known NOS isoform and that lack of eNOS does not significantly affect bone mass and strength at 8 weeks of age. Our data challenge the notion that eNOS is a key effector of mechanically induced bone maintenance.

A class III semaphorin (Sema3e) inhibits mouse osteoblast migration and decreases osteoclast formation in vitro.

Originally identified as axonal guidance cues, semaphorins are expressed throughout many different tissues and regulate numerous non-neuronal processes. We demonstrate that most class III semaphorins are expressed in mouse osteoblasts and are differentially regulated by cell growth and differentiation: Sema3d expression is increased and Sema3e expression decreased during proliferation in culture, while expression of Sema3a is unaffected by cell density but increases in cultures of mineralizing osteoblasts. Expression of Sema3a, -3e, and -3d is also differentially regulated by osteogenic stimuli; inhibition of GSK3ß decreased expression of Sema3a and -3e, while 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) increased expression of Sema3e. Parathyroid hormone had no effect on expression of Sema3a, -3b, or -3d. Osteoblasts, macrophages, and osteoclasts express the Sema3e receptor PlexinD1, suggesting an autocrine and paracrine role for Sema3e. No effects of recombinant Sema3e on osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, or mineralization were observed; but Sema3e did inhibit the migration of osteoblasts in a wound-healing assay. The formation of multinucleated, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive osteoclasts was decreased by 81% in cultures of mouse bone marrow macrophages incubated with 200 ng/mL Sema3e. Correspondingly, decreased expression of osteoclast markers (Itgb3, Acp5, Cd51, Nfatc1, CalcR, and Ctsk) was observed by qPCR in macrophage cultures differentiated in the presence of Sema3e. Our results demonstrate that class III semaphorins are expressed by osteoblasts and differentially regulated by differentiation, mineralization, and osteogenic stimuli. Sema3e is a novel inhibitor of osteoclast formation in vitro and may play a role in maintaining local bone homeostasis, potentially acting as a coupling factor between osteoclasts and osteoblasts.

Human osteoclast-poor osteopetrosis with hypogammaglobulinemia due to TNFRSF11A (RANK) mutations.

Autosomal-Recessive Osteopetrosis (ARO) comprises a heterogeneous group of bone diseases for which mutations in five genes are known as causative. Most ARO are classified as osteoclast-rich, but recently a subset of osteoclast-poor ARO has been recognized as due to a defect in TNFSF11 (also called RANKL or TRANCE, coding for the RANKL protein), a master gene driving osteoclast differentiation along the RANKL-RANK axis. RANKL and RANK (coded for by the TNFRSF11A gene) also play a role in the immune system, which raises the possibility that defects in this pathway might cause osteopetrosis with immunodeficiency. From a large series of ARO patients we selected a Turkish consanguineous family with two siblings affected by ARO and hypogammaglobulinemia with no defects in known osteopetrosis genes. Sequencing of genes involved in the RANKL downstream pathway identified a homozygous mutation in the TNFRSF11A gene in both siblings. Their monocytes failed to differentiate in vitro into osteoclasts upon exposure to M-CSF and RANKL, in keeping with an osteoclast-intrinsic defect. Immunological analysis showed that their hypogammaglobulinemia was associated with impairment in immunoglobulin-secreting B cells. Investigation of other patients revealed a defect in both TNFRSF11A alleles in six additional, unrelated families. Our results indicate that TNFRSF11A mutations can cause a clinical condition in which severe ARO is associated with an immunoglobulin-production defect.

ER stress-mediated apoptosis in a new mouse model of osteogenesis imperfecta.

Osteogenesis imperfecta is an inherited disorder characterized by increased bone fragility, fractures, and osteoporosis, and most cases are caused by mutations affecting the type I collagen genes. Here, we describe a new mouse model for Osteogenesis imperfecta termed Aga2 (abnormal gait 2) that was isolated from the Munich N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea mutagenesis program and exhibited phenotypic variability, including reduced bone mass, multiple fractures, and early lethality. The causal gene was mapped to Chromosome 11 by linkage analysis, and a C-terminal frameshift mutation was identified in the Col1a1 (procollagen type I, alpha 1) gene as the cause of the disorder. Aga2 heterozygous animals had markedly increased bone turnover and a disrupted native collagen network. Further studies showed that abnormal proalpha1(I) chains accumulated intracellularly in Aga2/+ dermal fibroblasts and were poorly secreted extracellularly. This was associated with the induction of an endoplasmic reticulum stress-specific unfolded protein response involving upregulation of BiP, Hsp47, and Gadd153 with caspases-12 and -3 activation and apoptosis of osteoblasts both in vitro and in vivo. These studies resulted in the identification of a new model for Osteogenesis imperfecta, and identified a role for intracellular modulation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated unfolded protein response machinery toward osteoblast apoptosis during the pathogenesis of disease.

Osteoclast heterogeneity: lessons from osteopetrosis and inflammatory conditions.

The multinucleated osteoclast has a unique function: degradation of mineralized tissues. It is generally taken that all osteoclasts are alike, independent of the skeletal site where they exert their activity. Recent data, however, question this view as they show that osteoclasts at different bony sites appear to differ, for example in the machinery responsible for resorption. Support for the notion that there may be heterogeneity in osteoclasts is obtained from studies in which osteoclast activity is inhibited and from observations in osteopetrosis and inflammatory bone conditions. In this review we discuss the available evidence and propose the existence of bone-site-specific osteoclast heterogeneity.

Involvement of PLEKHM1 in osteoclastic vesicular transport and osteopetrosis in incisors absent rats and humans.

This study illustrates that Plekhm1 is an essential protein for bone resorption, as loss-of-function mutations were found to underlie the osteopetrotic phenotype of the incisors absent rat as well as an intermediate type of human osteopetrosis. Electron and confocal microscopic analysis demonstrated that monocytes from a patient homozygous for the mutation differentiated into osteoclasts normally, but when cultured on dentine discs, the osteoclasts failed to form ruffled borders and showed little evidence of bone resorption. The presence of both RUN and pleckstrin homology domains suggests that Plekhm1 may be linked to small GTPase signaling. We found that Plekhm1 colocalized with Rab7 to late endosomal/lysosomal vesicles in HEK293 and osteoclast-like cells, an effect that was dependent on the prenylation of Rab7. In conclusion, we believe PLEKHM1 to be a novel gene implicated in the development of osteopetrosis, with a putative critical function in vesicular transport in the osteoclast.

Functional interaction between sequestosome-1/p62 and autophagy-linked FYVE-containing protein WDFY3 in human osteoclasts.

Paget's disease of bone (PDB) is a late-onset disorder characterised by focal areas of increased bone resorption, with osteoclasts that are increased in size, multinuclearity, number and activity. PDB-causing missense and nonsense variants in the gene encoding Sequestosome-1/p62 (SQSTM1) have been identified, all of which cluster in and around the ubiquitin-associated (UBA) domain of the protein. SQSTM1 is ubiquitously expressed and there is, as yet, no clear reason why these mutations only appear to cause an osteoclast-related phenotype. Using co-immunoprecipitation and tandem mass spectrometry, we identified a novel interaction in human osteoclast-like cells between SQSTM1 and Autophagy-Linked FYVE domain-containing protein (ALFY/WDFY3). Endogenous ALFY and SQSTM1 both localised within the nuclei of osteoclasts and their mononuclear precursors. When osteoclasts were starved to induce autophagy, SQSTM1 and ALFY relocated to the cytoplasm where they formed large aggregates, with cytoplasmic relocalisation appearing more rapid in mature osteoclasts than in precursors in the same culture. Overexpression of wild-type SQSTM1 in HEK293 cells also resulted in the formation of cytoplasmic aggregates containing SQSTM1 and endogenous ALFY, as did overexpression of a PDB-causing missense mutant form of SQSTM1, indicating that this mutation does not impair the formation of SQSTM1- and ALFY-containing aggregates. Expression of ALFY in bone cells has not previously been reported, and the process of autophagy has not been studied with respect to osteoclast activity. We have identified a functional interaction between SQSTM1 and ALFY in osteoclasts under conditions of cell stress. The difference in response to starvation between mature osteoclasts and their precursors may begin to explain the cell-specific functional effects of SQSTM1 mutations in PDB.

Genetics and aetiology of Pagetic disorders of bone.

Paget's disease of bone (PDB) is a late-onset disorder characterised by focal areas of increased bone turnover containing enlarged hyperactive osteoclasts. The disease has a strong genetic predisposition and mutations in SQSTM1 have been associated with familial and sporadic disease in up to 40% of cases. Additional genetic loci have been associated in other cases, but genes are yet to be identified. Earlier-onset conditions with similar bone pathology (familial expansile osteolysis, expansile skeletal hyperphosphatasia and early-onset PDB) are caused by mutations in TNFRSF11A (RANK). The syndrome of inclusion body myositis, Paget's disease and frontotemporal dementia is caused by mutations in VCP. Despite the increased knowledge about genes involved in PDB and related disorders, the etiology of the diseases remains puzzling. Presence of inclusion bodies appears to link Pagetic diseases mechanistically to diseases associated with presence of misfolded proteins or abnormalities in the ubiquitin-proteasomal, or autophagy pathways. Juvenile PDB, caused by osteoprotegerin deficiency, appears mechanistically distinct from the other Pagetic diseases. This review will discuss evidence from recent studies, including new animal models for Pagetic diseases.

Multicenter blinded analysis of RT-PCR detection methods for paramyxoviruses in relation to Paget's disease of bone.

UNLABELLED: Conflicting results have been reported on the detection of paramyxovirus transcripts in Paget's disease, and a possible explanation is differences in the sensitivity of RT-PCR methods for detecting virus. In a blinded study, we found no evidence to suggest that laboratories that failed to detect viral transcripts had less sensitive RT-PCR assays, and we did not detect measles or distemper transcripts in Paget's samples using the most sensitive assays evaluated. INTRODUCTION: There is conflicting evidence on the possible role of persistent paramyxovirus infection in Paget's disease of bone (PDB). Some workers have detected measles virus (MV) or canine distemper virus (CDV) transcripts in cells and tissues from patients with PDB, but others have failed to confirm this finding. A possible explanation might be differences in the sensitivity of RT-PCR methods for detecting virus. Here we performed a blinded comparison of the sensitivity of different RT-PCR-based techniques for MV and CDV detection in different laboratories and used the most sensitive assays to screen for evidence of viral transcripts in bone and blood samples derived from patients with PDB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participating laboratories analyzed samples spiked with known amounts of MV and CDV transcripts and control samples that did not contain viral nucleic acids. All analyses were performed on a blinded basis. RESULTS: The limit of detection for CDV was 1000 viral transcripts in three laboratories (Aberdeen, Belfast, and Liverpool) and 10,000 transcripts in another laboratory (Manchester). The limit of detection for MV was 16 transcripts in one laboratory (NIBSC), 1000 transcripts in two laboratories (Aberdeen and Belfast), and 10,000 transcripts in two laboratories (Liverpool and Manchester). An assay previously used by a U.S.-based group to detect MV transcripts in PDB had a sensitivity of 1000 transcripts. One laboratory (Manchester) detected CDV transcripts in a negative control and in two samples that had been spiked with MV. None of the other laboratories had false-positive results for MV or CDV, and no evidence of viral transcripts was found on analysis of 12 PDB samples using the most sensitive RT-PCR assays for MV and CDV. CONCLUSIONS: We found that RT-PCR assays used by different laboratories differed in their sensitivity to detect CDV and MV transcripts but found no evidence to suggest that laboratories that previously failed to detect viral transcripts had less sensitive RT-PCR assays than those that detected viral transcripts. False-positive results were observed with one laboratory, and we failed to detect paramyxovirus transcripts in PDB samples using the most sensitive assays evaluated. Our results show that failure of some laboratories to detect viral transcripts is unlikely to be caused by problems with assay sensitivity and highlight the fact that contamination can be an issue when searching for pathogens by sensitive RT-PCR-based techniques.

SNX10 gene mutation leading to osteopetrosis with dysfunctional osteoclasts.

Autosomal recessive osteopetrosis (ARO) is a heterogeneous disorder, characterized by defective osteoclastic resorption of bone that results in increased bone density. We have studied nine individuals with an intermediate form of ARO, from the county of Västerbotten in Northern Sweden. All afflicted individuals had an onset in early infancy with optic atrophy, and in four patients anemia was present at diagnosis. Tonsillar herniation, foramen magnum stenosis, and severe osteomyelitis of the jaw were common clinical features. Whole exome sequencing, verified by Sanger sequencing, identified a splice site mutation c.212 + 1 G > T in the SNX10 gene encoding sorting nexin 10. Sequence analysis of the SNX10 transcript in patients revealed activation of a cryptic splice site in intron 4 resulting in a frame shift and a premature stop (p.S66Nfs * 15). Haplotype analysis showed that all cases originated from a single mutational event, and the age of the mutation was estimated to be approximately 950 years. Functional analysis of osteoclast progenitors isolated from peripheral blood of patients revealed that stimulation with receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) resulted in a robust formation of large, multinucleated osteoclasts which generated sealing zones; however these osteoclasts exhibited defective ruffled borders and were unable to resorb bone in vitro.

An Unbalanced Rearrangement of Chromosomes 4:20 is Associated with Childhood Osteoporosis and Reduced Caspase-3 Levels.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of a chromosome 4:20 imbalance with osteoporosis in three related children. Bone biochemistry, bone turnover markers, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning were performed in all three cases and bone biopsy and histomorphometry in one. The chromosome imbalance was delineated by array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and analyzed for candidate genes. A potential candidate gene within the deleted region is caspase-3, previously linked to low bone mineral density (BMD) in heterozygous mice thus caspase-3 activity was measured in cases and controls. Routine bone biochemistry and markers of bone turnover did not reveal any abnormality. DXA showed reduced total and lumbar spine bone mineral content. aCGH showed an 8 megabase (Mb) deletion of terminal chromosome 4q incorporating a region previously linked to low BMD and a 15 Mb duplication of terminal chromosome 20p. Bone biopsy showed a high bone turnover state, trabecularisation of cortical bone and numerous small osteoclasts coupled with normal bone formation. Basal serum caspase-3 activity was lower in cases compared with controls. We conclude that the early-onset osteoporosis with low basal levels of caspase-3 and abnormal osteoclasts is a feature of this chromosomal translocation. Further investigation of the role of the deleted and duplicated genes and especially caspase-3 is required.

Osteoclast diseases and dental abnormalities.

Tooth eruption depends on the presence of osteoclasts to create an eruption pathway through the alveolar bone. In diseases where osteoclast formation, or function is reduced, such as the various types of osteopetrosis, tooth eruption is affected. Diseases in which osteoclast formation or activity is increased, such as familiar expansile osteolysis and Paget's disease, are associated with dental abnormalities such as root resorption and premature tooth loss. Less is known about the origin of the dental problems in these conditions as there are no rodent models of these diseases as yet. In this short review, the genes currently known to be mutated in human osteoclast diseases will be reviewed and, where known, the effect of osteoclast dysfunction on dental development described. It will focus on human conditions and only mention rodent disease where no clear data in the human are available.

PLEKHM1 regulates Salmonella-containing vacuole biogenesis and infection.

The host endolysosomal compartment is often manipulated by intracellular bacterial pathogens. Salmonella (Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium) secrete numerous effector proteins, including SifA, through a specialized type III secretion system to hijack the host endosomal system and generate the Salmonella-containing vacuole (SCV). To form this replicative niche, Salmonella targets the Rab7 GTPase to recruit host membranes through largely unknown mechanisms. We show that Pleckstrin homology domain-containing protein family member 1 (PLEKHM1), a lysosomal adaptor, is targeted by Salmonella through direct interaction with SifA. By binding the PLEKHM1 PH2 domain, Salmonella utilize a complex containing PLEKHM1, Rab7, and the HOPS tethering complex to mobilize phagolysosomal membranes to the SCV. Depletion of PLEKHM1 causes a profound defect in SCV morphology with multiple bacteria accumulating in enlarged structures and significantly dampens Salmonella proliferation in multiple cell types and mice. Thus, PLEKHM1 provides a critical interface between pathogenic infection and the host endolysosomal system.

Regulation of bone mass and bone turnover by neuronal nitric oxide synthase.

Nitric oxide (NO) is produced by NO synthase (NOS) and plays an important role in the regulation of bone cell function. The endothelial NOS isoform is essential for normal osteoblast function, whereas the inducible NOS isoform acts as a mediator of cytokine effects in bone. The role of the neuronal isoform of NOS (nNOS) in bone has been studied little thus far. Therefore, we investigated the role of nNOS in bone metabolism by studying mice with targeted inactivation of the nNOS gene. Bone mineral density (BMD) was significantly higher in nNOS knockout (KO) mice compared with wild-type controls, particularly the trabecular BMD (P < 0.01). The difference in BMD between nNOS KO and control mice was confirmed by histomorphometric analysis, which showed a 67% increase in trabecular bone volume in nNOS KO mice when compared with controls (P < 0.001). This was accompanied by reduced bone remodeling, with a significant reduction in osteoblast numbers and bone formation surfaces and a reduction in osteoclast numbers and bone resorption surfaces. Osteoblasts from nNOS KO mice, however, showed increased levels of alkaline phosphatase and no defects in proliferation or bone nodule formation in vitro, whereas osteoclastogenesis was increased in nNOS KO bone marrow cultures. These studies indicate that nNOS plays a hitherto unrecognized but important physiological role as a stimulator of bone turnover. The low level of nNOS expression in bone and the in vitro behavior of nNOS KO bone cells indicate that these actions are indirect and possibly mediated by a neurogenic relay.

A mutation affecting the latency-associated peptide of TGFbeta1 in Camurati-Engelmann disease enhances osteoclast formation in vitro.

Camurati-Engelmann disease (CED) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by bone pain and osteosclerosis affecting the diaphysis of long bones. CED is caused by various missense mutations in the TGFB1 gene that encodes TGFbeta1, the most common of which is an arginine-cysteine amino acid change at codon 218 (R218C) in the latency-associated peptide domain of TGFbeta1. We studied osteoclast formation in vitro from peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from three related CED patients harboring the R218C mutation, in comparison with one family-based and several unrelated controls. Osteoclast formation was enhanced approximately 5-fold (P < 0.001) and bone resorption approximately 10-fold (P < 0.001) in CED patients, and the increase in osteoclast formation was inhibited by soluble TGFbeta type II receptor. Total serum TGFbeta1 levels were similar in affected and unaffected subjects, but concentrations of active TGFbeta1 in conditioned medium of osteoclast cultures was higher in the three CED patients than in the unaffected family member. We concluded that the R218C mutation increases TGFbeta1 bioactivity and enhances osteoclast formation in vitro. The activation of osteoclast activity noted here is consistent with clinical reports that have shown biochemical evidence of increased bone resorption as well as bone formation in CED.