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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Osteoclast Derivation from Mouse Bone Marrow
Published on: November 6, 2014
Phosphodiesterase inhibitors stimulate osteoclast formation via TRANCE/RANKL expression in osteoblasts: possible
Masamichi Takami1, Eun Sook Cho, Soo Young Lee
1Department of Biochemistry, School of Dentistry, Showa University, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan.
Abstract:
Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are enzymes that degrade intracellular cAMP. In the present study, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) and pentoxifylline, PDE inhibitors, induced osteoclast formation in cocultures of mouse bone marrow cells and calvarial osteoblasts. These inhibitors induced the expression of the osteoclast differentiation factor, TNF-related activation induced cytokine (TRANCE, identical to RANKL, ODF, and OPGL), in calvarial osteoblasts. IBMX induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in osteoblasts. Induction of TRANCE expression by IBMX was partially suppressed by the inhibitors of protein kinase A (PKA), ERK, and p38 MAPK, suggesting that activation of ERK and p38 MAPK, as well as PKA, is involved in TRANCE expression by IBMX. Osteoblasts expressed PDE4, a PDE subtype, and rolipram, a selective inhibitor of PDE4, induced TRANCE expression. These results suggest that PDE4 is a key regulator of TRANCE expression in osteoblasts, which in turn controls osteoclast formation.
Insights
Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) regulates osteoclast formation by controlling the expression of TNF-related activation induced cytokine (TRANCE) in osteoblasts. PDE4 inhibition promotes osteoclast differentiation via TRANCE signaling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Bone Biology
Background:
- Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) regulate intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels.
- Osteoclast formation is crucial for bone remodeling and is tightly regulated.
- The TNF-related activation induced cytokine (TRANCE), also known as RANKL, is a key mediator of osteoclast differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of phosphodiesterases (PDEs) in osteoclast formation.
- To elucidate the signaling pathways involved in PDE-induced osteoclast differentiation.
- To identify specific PDE subtypes regulating TRANCE expression in osteoblasts.
Main Methods:
- Coculture of mouse bone marrow cells and calvarial osteoblasts.
- Treatment with PDE inhibitors (e.g., IBMX, pentoxifylline, rolipram).
- Analysis of TRANCE expression, osteoclast formation, and intracellular signaling pathways (ERK, p38 MAPK, PKA).
Main Results:
- PDE inhibitors (IBMX, pentoxifylline) induced osteoclast formation and TRANCE expression in osteoblasts.
- IBMX treatment activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in osteoblasts.
- TRANCE expression induction by IBMX was partially dependent on protein kinase A (PKA), ERK, and p38 MAPK signaling.
- Osteoblasts express PDE4, and its selective inhibitor, rolipram, also induced TRANCE expression.
Conclusions:
- PDE4 is a critical regulator of TRANCE expression in osteoblasts.
- PDE4 activity influences osteoclast formation through TRANCE-dependent mechanisms.
- Targeting PDE4 may offer a therapeutic strategy for modulating bone resorption.
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