Objective
CD97, a member of the EGF-TM7 family of adhesion GPCR, is expressed on various cell types. We report here the contradictory role of CD97 in osteoclastogenesis in both basal and response to TNF treatment. We found that RANKL induced CD97 in FACS sorted osteoclast precursor cells. To elucidate the functions of CD97 in bone and inflammation, we examined the role of CD97 on osteoclastogenesis in vitro, the skeletal phenotype of CD97-deficient mice (CD97 KO), and responses to TNFα.
Methods
CD97 KO mouse model and TNF challenge were used to investigate the role in bone and inflammation in vivo. The effects of CD97 in bone and inflammation were assessed using histomorphometric analysis, in vitro cultures, RT-PCR and multiplex analysis of serum.
Results
In vitro, RANKL induced CD97 expression in bone marrow macrophages (BMM). In vivo, trabecular bone volume in the femurs of CD97 deficient female mice was increased and was associated with a decrease in osteoclast number. CD97 KO mice have reduced potential to form osteoclast-like cells (OCL) in vitro. Further, TNFα treatment augmented osteoclast formation in calvaria of CD97 KO mice in vivo by increasing the production of RANKL and other cytokines and chemokines and by reducing OPG by calvarial cells
Conclusion
Our findings demonstrate that CD97 is a positive regulator of OCL differentiation, influencing bone homeostasis. However, CD97 may be essential to suppress initial osteoclastogenesis in response to acute and local inflammatory stimuli.