Taurine inhibits osteoclastogenesis through the taurine transporter

Amino Acids. 2010 Jun;39(1):89-99. doi: 10.1007/s00726-009-0380-2. Epub 2009 Nov 14.

Abstract

Several studies have suggested a direct link between taurine and bone homeostasis. However, the mechanisms of taurine on the regulation of bone metabolism have not been elucidated. Using a coculture of osteoblasts and bone marrow cells as a model for the study of osteoclastogenesis, RANKL-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and M-CSF- and RANKL-induced bone marrow macrophages were investigated to elucidate the possible roles of taurine in osteoclastogenesis. Taurine inhibited osteoclastogenesis in the coculture of osteoblasts and bone marrow cells, but did not influence the expression of OPG and RANKL in osteoblasts. The taurine transporter (TAUT) expressed by RAW264.7 and bone marrow macrophages exhibited typical taurine uptake activity. Taurine directly reduced osteoclastogenesis in RANKL-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and M-CSF- and RANKL-induced bone marrow macrophages, while TAUT siRNA relieved this effect. Our study demonstrated that taurine directly inhibited osteoclastogenesis through the taurine transporter. Taken together, these data suggest that taurine plays a direct role in bone homeostasis by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Marrow Cells / drug effects*
  • Bone Marrow Cells / metabolism
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Macrophages / drug effects
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Male
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism*
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Osteoclasts / drug effects*
  • Osteoclasts / metabolism
  • Osteogenesis / drug effects*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Taurine / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • taurine transporter
  • Taurine