The free fatty acid receptor G protein-coupled receptor 40 (GPR40) protects from bone loss through inhibition of osteoclast differentiation

J Biol Chem. 2013 Mar 1;288(9):6542-51. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M112.429084. Epub 2013 Jan 18.

Abstract

The mechanisms linking fat intake to bone loss remain unclear. By demonstrating the expression of the free fatty acid receptor G-coupled protein receptor 40 (GPR40) in bone cells, we hypothesized that this receptor may play a role in mediating the effects of fatty acids on bone remodeling. Using micro-CT analysis, we showed that GPR40(-/-) mice exhibit osteoporotic features suggesting a positive role of GPR40 on bone density. In primary cultures of bone marrow, we showed that GW9508, a GRP40 agonist, abolished bone-resorbing cell differentiation. This alteration of the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation occurred via the inhibition of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway as demonstrated by decrease in gene reporter activity, inhibitor of κB kinase (IKKα/β) activation, inhibitor of κB (IkBα) phosphorylation, and nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) expression. The GPR40-dependent effect of GW9508 was confirmed using shRNA interference in osteoclast precursors and GPR40(-/-) primary cell cultures. In addition, in vivo administration of GW9508 counteracted ovariectomy-induced bone loss in wild-type but not GPR40(-/-) mice, enlightening the obligatory role of the GPR40 receptor. Then, in a context of growing prevalence of metabolic and age-related bone disorders, our results demonstrate for the first time in translational approaches that GPR40 is a relevant target for the design of new nutritional and therapeutic strategies to counter bone complications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Resorption / diet therapy
  • Bone Resorption / genetics
  • Bone Resorption / metabolism*
  • Bone Resorption / pathology
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Cell Line
  • Methylamines / pharmacology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • NFATC Transcription Factors / genetics
  • NFATC Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Osteoclasts / metabolism*
  • Osteoclasts / pathology
  • Osteoporosis / diet therapy
  • Osteoporosis / genetics
  • Osteoporosis / metabolism*
  • Osteoporosis / pathology
  • Propionates / pharmacology
  • RANK Ligand / genetics
  • RANK Ligand / metabolism
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / genetics
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / genetics

Substances

  • Ffar1 protein, mouse
  • GW9508
  • Methylamines
  • NFATC Transcription Factors
  • Nfatc1 protein, mouse
  • Propionates
  • RANK Ligand
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Tnfsf11 protein, mouse