Inhibition of lamin A/C attenuates osteoblast differentiation and enhances RANKL-dependent osteoclastogenesis

J Bone Miner Res. 2009 Jan;24(1):78-86. doi: 10.1359/jbmr.080902.

Abstract

Age-related osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass, poor bone quality, and impaired osteoblastogenesis. Recently, the Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), a disease of accelerated aging and premature osteoporosis, has been linked to mutations in the gene encoding for the nuclear lamina protein lamin A/C. Here, we tested the hypothesis that inhibition of lamin A/C in osteoblastic lineage cells impairs osteoblastogenesis and accelerates osteoclastogenesis. Lamin A/C was knocked-down with small interfering (si)RNA molecules in human bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) differentiating toward osteoblasts. Lamin A/C knockdown led to an inhibition of osteoblast proliferation by 26% and impaired osteoblast differentiation by 48% based on the formation of mineralized matrix. In mature osteoblasts, expression levels of runx2 and osteocalcin mRNA were decreased by lamin A/C knockdown by 44% and 78%, respectively. Furthermore, protein analysis showed that osteoblasts with diminished levels of lamin A/C also secreted less osteocalcin and expressed a lower alkaline phosphatase activity (-50%). Lamin A/C inhibition increased RANKL mRNA and protein levels, whereas osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression was decreased, resulting in an increased RANKL/OPG ratio and an enhanced ability to support osteoclastogenesis, as reflected by a 34% increase of TRACP(+) multinucleated cells. Our data indicate that lamin A/C is essential for proper osteoblastogenesis. Moreover, lack of lamin A/C favors an osteoclastogenic milieu and contributes to enhanced osteoclastogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkaline Phosphatase / metabolism
  • Bone Marrow Cells / cytology
  • Bone Resorption
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Lineage
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Humans
  • Lamin Type A / metabolism*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Osteoblasts / cytology*
  • Osteoclasts / metabolism*
  • Progeria / metabolism
  • RANK Ligand / metabolism*

Substances

  • Lamin Type A
  • RANK Ligand
  • lamin C
  • Alkaline Phosphatase