Studies of the mode of action of the bisphosphonate alendronate showed that 1 d after the injection of 0.4 mg/kg [3Hjalen-dronate to newborn rats, 72% of the osteoclastic surface, 2% of the bone forming, and 13% of all other surfaces were densely labeled. Silver grains were seen above the osteoclasts and no other cells. 6 d later the label was 600-1,000 itm away from the epiphyseal plate and buried inside the bone, indicating normal growth and matrix deposition on top of alendronate-containing bone. Osteoclasts from adult animals, infused with parathyroid hormone-related peptide (1-34) and treated with 0.4 mg/kg alendronate subcutaneously for 2 d, all lacked ruffled border but not clear zone.In vitro alendronate bound to bone particles with a Kd of -1 mM and a capacity of 100 nmol/mg at pH 7. At pH 3.5 binding was reduced by 50%. Alendronate inhibited bone resorption by isolated chicken or rat osteoclasts when the amount on the bone surface was around 1.3 X 10-3 fmol/Mm2, which would produce a concentration of 0.1-1 mM in the resorption space if 50% were released. At these concentrations membrane leakiness to calcium was observed. These findings suggest that alendronate binds to resorption surfaces, is locally released during acidification, the rise in concentration stops resorption and membrane ruffling, without destroying the osteoclasts. (J.

The P2X7 nucleotide receptor is an ATP-gated ion channel expressed widely in cells of hematopoietic origin. Our purpose was to explore the involvement of the P2X7 receptor in bone development and remodeling by characterizing the phenotype of mice genetically modified to disrupt the P2X7 receptor [knockout (KO)]. Femoral length did not differ between KO and wild-type (WT) littermates at 2 or 9 months of age, indicating that the P2X7 receptor does not regulate longitudinal bone growth. However, KO mice displayed significant reduction in total and cortical bone content and periosteal circumference in femurs, and reduced periosteal bone formation and increased trabecular bone resorption in tibias. Patch clamp recording confirmed expression of functional P2X7 receptors in osteoclasts from WT but not KO mice. Osteoclasts were present in vivo and formed in cultures of bone marrow from KO mice, indicating that this receptor is not essential for fusion of osteoclast precursors. Functional P2X7 receptors were also found in osteoblasts from WT but not KO mice, suggesting a direct role in bone formation. P2X7 receptor KO mice demonstrate a unique skeletal phenotype that involves deficient periosteal bone formation together with excessive trabecular bone resorption. Thus, the P2X7 receptor represents a novel therapeutic target for the management of skeletal disorders such as osteoporosis.

Members of the transforming growth factor-␤ (TGF-␤)superfamily of growth and differentiation factors have been identified in a wide variety of organisms, ranging from invertebrates to mammals. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) constitute a subgroup of proteins belonging to the TGF-␤ superfamily. BMPs were initially identified by their ability to induce endochondral bone formation at ectopic sites, suggesting a critical role for this family in development and regeneration of the skeleton. They are also expressed at a variety of nonskeletal sites during development, suggesting possible extraskeletal roles for these proteins. We cloned a novel member of the BMP family that is expressed at high levels in the placenta and the prostate and that we have designated as prostate-derived factor (PDF). Based on cDNA sequence analysis, the predicted PDF protein contains two cysteines in addition to the seven conserved cysteines that are the hallmark of the members of the TGF-␤ superfamily. In addition, Northern blot hybridization to poly(A) ؉ RNA showed low levels of expression in the kidney and pancreas. We further characterized the expression of this member of the BMP family by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. These results show high expression in the terminal villae of the placenta. The expression of the protein as visualized by immunohistochemistry shows an expression pattern identical to that of the message in the terminal villae of the placenta. In day 18 rat embryos, protein expression was also seen in the skin and in the cartilaginous tissue of developing skeleton. Orchidectomy and dihydrotestosterone treatment of rats revealed that PDF expression is regulated by androgens in the prostate. In addition, subcutaneous implantation of recombinant PDF induced cartilage formation and the early stages of endochondral bone formation. These data indicate that PDF has a functional relationship to the BMPs.

Bone is accrued and maintained primarily through the coupled actions of bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-resorbing osteoclasts. Cumulative in vitro studies indicated that proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PYK2) is a positive mediator of osteoclast function and activity. However, our investigation of PYK2؊/؊ mice did not reveal evidence supporting an essential function for PYK2 in osteoclasts either in vivo or in culture. We find that PYK2؊/؊ mice have high bone mass resulting from an unexpected increase in bone formation. Consistent with the in vivo findings, mouse bone marrow cultures show that PYK2 deficiency enhances differentiation and activity of osteoprogenitor cells, as does expressing a PYK2-specific short hairpin RNA or dominantly interfering proteins in human mesenchymal stem cells. Furthermore, the daily administration of a small-molecule PYK2 inhibitor increases bone formation and protects against bone loss in ovariectomized rats, an established preclinical model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. In summary, we find that PYK2 regulates the differentiation of early osteoprogenitor cells across species and that inhibitors of the PYK2 have potential as a bone anabolic approach for the treatment of osteoporosis.human mesenchymal stem cell ͉ osteoclast ͉ osteoblast P roline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PYK2) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) are nonreceptor tyrosine kinases, and together they constitute the focal adhesion kinase subfamily (1). Unlike FAK, PYK2 expression is relatively restricted, with highest levels in the brain and the hematopoietic system. PYK2Ϫ/Ϫ mice have been described previously and appear normally developed (2, 3). Characterization of the immune system of PYK2Ϫ/Ϫ animals revealed the absence of marginal zone B cells along and abnormal T cell-independent type II responses (2), as well as altered macrophage morphology, adhesion, and migration (3).Although PYK2 is expressed in both bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-resorbing osteoclasts, the skeletal phenotype of PYK2Ϫ/Ϫ mice has not been described. In vitro studies pointed to a positive role for PYK2 in osteoclast maturation and bone resorption. PYK2 localizes to the podosomes of osteoclasts (4), and, upon integrin binding, cell attachment, and actin ring formation, PYK2 associates with a variety of proteins including p130 CAS (5), Src (4), Cbl (6), integrins (4), gelsolin (7), and paxillin (8). Antisense depletion of PYK2 (9), but not the expression of a kinase inactive dominant negative mutant (10), blocked osteoclast spreading and bone resorption, indicating that PYK2 catalytic activity may be dispensable. The in vitro effects of bone anabolic stimuli suggested that PYK2 might have a positive role in osteoblasts as well. Treatment of osteoblast cells with fluoroaluminate led to increased PYK2 autophosphorylation, Src association, and kinase activity (11) and was associated with increased cell attachment and spreading (12). Likewise, in an anabolic model of mechanical loading, PYK2 autophosphorylation and kinase activity were stimulated in o...

The morbidity and mortality associated with impaired͞delayed fracture healing remain high. Our objective was to identify a small nonpeptidyl molecule with the ability to promote fracture healing and prevent malunions. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) causes significant increases in bone mass and bone strength when administered systemically or locally to the skeleton. However, due to side effects, PGE2 is an unacceptable therapeutic option for fracture healing. PGE2 mediates its tissue-specific pharmacological activity via four different G protein-coupled receptor subtypes, EP1, -2, -3, and -4. The anabolic action of PGE2 in bone has been linked to an elevated level of cAMP, thereby implicating the EP2 and͞or EP4 receptor subtypes in bone formation. We identified an EP2 selective agonist, CP-533,536, which has the ability to heal canine long bone segmental and fracture model defects without the objectionable side effects of PGE2, suggesting that the EP2 receptor subtype is a major contributor to PGE2's local bone anabolic activity. The potent bone anabolic activity of CP-533,536 offers a therapeutic alternative for the treatment of fractures and bone defects in patients.T he skeleton has the unique ability to repair and heal itself after injury (1, 2). This process is a cascade of synchronized events involving many systemic and local signaling molecules (3). However, in Ϸ10% of cases, fractured bones heal more slowly (malunion) or fail to heal (nonunion), requiring additional costly medical intervention to repair the fracture (4). These malunions and nonunions cause significant patient morbidity, significantly limiting quality of life and increasing healthcare costs. New therapies that could ensure rapid healing of fractures and bone defects would lessen the need for further medical intervention and greatly reduce the morbidity and loss of independence associated with immobilization.The discovery of bone morphogenetic proteins has increased our understanding of the cascade of events that takes place during fracture healing. Several clinical studies demonstrate the capability of these proteins to induce and facilitate this process (5-8). However, the cost effectiveness, degree of clinical benefit, and long-term safety of these therapies have not been fully elucidated. These issues prompted us to identify additional mechanisms and pathways involved in bone formation that could be modulated with a nonpeptidyl small molecule. Such a compound could be used as a therapy to promote fracture healing and prevent malunions. Prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) has been shown to have multiple biological effects in many tissues, including bone. PGE 2 causes significant increases in bone mass and bone strength when administered systemically or locally to the skeleton (9-11). However, due to side effects, including diarrhea, lethargy, and flushing, PGE 2 is an unacceptable therapeutic option for bone healing. PGE 2 binds to and elicits its pharmacological activity from four different cell surface receptor subtypes, EP1, -2, -3, and -4 (12-16). T...