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Cell adhesion is a prerequisite for osteoclast survival.
H Sakai1, Y Kobayashi, E Sakai
1Department of Pharmacology, Nagasaki University School of Dentistry, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan. h-sakai@net.nagasaki-u.ac.jp
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|February 7, 2001
Summary
Osteoclast survival depends on cell adhesion. Loss of adhesion triggers anoikis, a form of apoptosis, which can be prevented by specific inhibitors, highlighting adhesion
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Osteoclast Biology
- Apoptosis Research
Background:
- Osteoclasts are crucial for bone remodeling.
- Cell adhesion plays a role in cell survival.
- Anoikis is a form of programmed cell death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of cell adhesion in osteoclast survival.
- To determine if osteoclasts undergo anoikis.
- To identify mechanisms involved in osteoclast anoikis.
Main Methods:
- Purified mature rabbit osteoclasts were cultured on plastic and in suspension.
- Apoptosis was assessed in cultured osteoclasts.
- Inhibitors of mitochondrial permeability transition (bongkrekic acid) and caspases (z-VAD-FMK) were used.
- Survival factors (CSF-1, RANKL, calcitonin) were tested.
Main Results:
- Approximately 25% of osteoclasts underwent apoptosis after 18 hours of culture on plastic.
- Suspension culture significantly increased osteoclast death rate (more than twofold).
- Bongkrekic acid and z-VAD-FMK significantly prevented osteoclast anoikis.
- CSF-1, RANKL, and calcitonin protected adherent osteoclasts but not floating ones.
Conclusions:
- Cell adhesion is essential for osteoclast survival.
- Osteoclasts undergo anoikis upon loss of cell adhesion.
- Mitochondrial permeability transition and caspase activation are involved in osteoclast anoikis.
- Survival factors do not prevent anoikis in detached osteoclasts.