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Mitf is expressed in osteoclast progenitors in vitro
1Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.
Experimental Cell Research
|October 19, 2000
Summary
Microphthalmia mutant mice show impaired osteoclast formation. This study demonstrates that the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (Mitf) is crucial for osteoclast progenitor differentiation and osteoclastogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Microphthalmia mutant (mi/mi) mice exhibit osteopetrosis due to osteoclastogenesis defects.
- The role of the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (Mitf) in osteoclast differentiation has not been previously studied in vitro using cells from mi/mi mice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Mitf in in vitro osteoclastogenesis using cells derived from mi/mi mice.
- To determine if Mitf expression correlates with osteoclast differentiation markers.
Main Methods:
- Coculture of spleen cells from wild-type and mi/mi mice with stromal cells (ST2 or TM8) in the presence of vitamin D.
- Northern blot analysis to assess Mitf and c-fms expression during osteoclast differentiation.
- Culture of osteoclast-progenitor-like C7 cells and primary spleen cells with M-CSF and RANKL/ODF.
Main Results:
- Cocultures of mi/mi spleen cells showed significantly reduced TRAP-positive cell formation compared to wild-type.
- A positive correlation was observed between c-fms and Mitf expression levels during osteoclast differentiation.
- C7 cells and primary spleen cells expressed Mitf mRNA and protein, indicating its presence in osteoclast progenitors.
Conclusions:
- Mitf is expressed in osteoclast progenitor cells.
- Mitf expression facilitates osteoclastogenesis, suggesting its critical role in the process.