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Cathepsin expression during skeletal development
M Söderström1, H Salminen, V Glumoff
1Skeletal Research Program, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FIN-20520, Turku, Finland.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|July 9, 1999
Summary
Cysteine cathepsins (B, H, K, L, S) are expressed in most tissues, with cathepsin K prominent in bone and cartilage. These enzymes play roles in matrix degradation during endochondral ossification.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Cysteine proteinases, including cathepsins B, H, K, L, and S, are involved in various physiological and pathological processes.
- Understanding their gene expression is crucial for deciphering their roles in development and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically analyze the gene expression profiles of mouse and human cysteine cathepsins.
- To investigate the specific roles of cathepsin mRNAs during endochondral ossification in mouse long bones.
Main Methods:
- Production of cDNA clones for mouse and human cysteine cathepsins.
- Northern blot analysis of RNA from diverse human and mouse tissues.
- In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry to localize cathepsin mRNA and proteins in mouse long bones.
Main Results:
- Cathepsin B, H, K, L, and S mRNAs are present in most analyzed tissues with distinct expression patterns.
- Cathepsin K mRNA levels are highest in bone and cartilage.
- In situ hybridization revealed cathepsin K mRNA predominantly in chondroclastic and osteoclastic cells, while other cathepsin mRNAs were found in osteoclasts and chondrocytes during endochondral ossification.
Conclusions:
- All studied cysteine cathepsins exhibit distinct tissue-specific expression patterns.
- Cathepsins are expressed in cells involved in matrix degradation during endochondral ossification.
- These findings suggest a collective role for cysteine cathepsins in matrix remodeling during bone development.