Expression of typical osteoclast markers by PBMCs after PEG-induced fusion as a model for studying osteoclast differentiation.

Bone is a metabolically active organ subjected to continuous remodeling process that involves resorption by osteoclast and subsequent formation by osteoblasts. Osteoclast involvement in this physiological event is regulated by macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL). Fusion of mono-nuclear pre-osteoclasts is a critical event for osteoclast differentiation and for bone resorption. Here we show that PBMCs can be successfully fused with polyethylenglicol (PEG) in order to generated viable osteoclast-like cells that exhibit tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and bone resorptive activities. PEG-fused PBMCs expressed additional markers compatible with osteoclastogenic differentiation such as carbonic anhydrase II (CAII), calcitonin receptor (CR), cathepsin K (Cat K), vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase) subunit C1 (V-ATPase), integrin ß3, RANK and cell surface aminopeptidase N/CD13. Actin redistribution in PEG-fused cells was found to be affected by cell cycle synchronization at G0/G1 or G2/M phases. PEG-induced fusion also led to expression of tyrosine kinases c-Src and Syk in their phosphorylated state. Scanning electron microscopy images showed morphological features typical of osteoclast-like cells. The results here shown allow concluding that PEG-induced fusion of PBMCs provides a suitable model system for understanding the mechanisms involved in osteoclastogenesis and for assaying new therapeutic strategies.

Bone resorptive activity of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells after fusion with polyethylene glycol.

The bone remodeling process occurs through bone formation by osteoblasts and bone resorption by osteoclasts, a process involving the contribution of endocrine and nervous systems. The mechanisms associated to differentiation and proliferation of osteoclasts and osteoblasts are considered a potential therapeutic target for treating some erosive bone diseases. The aim of the present study is to explore the feasibility of generating active osteoclast-like cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) following polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced fusion. PEG-fused PBMCs showed TRAP+-multinucleated cells and bone resorption activity, and were also positive for osteoclast markers such as carbonic anhydrase II, calcitonin receptor, vacuolar ATPase, and cathepsin K, when examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, immunochemistry and Western blotting. TRAP expression and bone resorptive activity were higher in whole PEG-fused PBMCs than in separated T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes or monocytes. Both TRAP expression and bone resorptive activity were also higher in osteogenesis imperfecta patients compared to PEG-fused PBMCs from healthy individuals. PEG-induced fusion was more efficient in inducing TRAP and bone resorptive activities than macrophage colony-stimulating factor or dexamethasone treatment. Bone resorptive activity of PEG-fused PMBCs was inhibited by bisphosphonates. Evidence is provided that the use of PEG-based cell fusion is a straightforward and amenable method for studying human osteoclast differentiation and testing new therapeutic strategies.