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.

FEBS Letters
|January 27, 2005
PubMed

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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