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Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death
Published on: December 27, 2016
Advanced glycation end products stimulate osteoblast apoptosis via the MAP kinase and cytosolic apoptotic pathways
Mani Alikhani1, Zoubin Alikhani, Coy Boyd
1Department of Periodontology and Oral Biology, Boston University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
Abstract:
We have previously shown that diabetes significantly enhances apoptosis of osteoblastic cells in vivo and that the enhanced apoptosis contributes to diabetes impaired new bone formation. A potential mechanism is enhanced apoptosis stimulated by advanced glycation end products (AGEs). To investigate this further, an advanced glycation product, carboxymethyl lysine modified collagen (CML-collagen), was injected in vivo and stimulated a 5-fold increase in calvarial periosteal cell apoptosis compared to unmodified collagen. It also induced apoptosis in primary cultures of human or neonatal rat osteoblastic cells or MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro. Moreover, the apoptotic effect was largely mediated through RAGE receptor. CML-collagen increased p38 and JNK activity 3.2- and 4.4-fold, respectively. Inhibition of p38 and JNK reduced CML-collagen stimulated apoptosis by 45% and 59% and by 90% when used together (P<0.05). The predominant apoptotic pathway induced by CML-collagen involved caspase-8 activation of caspase-3 and was independent of NF-kappaB activation. When osteoblastic cells were exposed to a long-term low dose incubation with CML-collagen, there was a higher degree of apoptosis compared to short-term incubation. In more differentiated osteoblastic cultures, apoptosis was enhanced even further. These results indicate that advanced glycation end products, which accumulate in diabetic and aged individuals, may promote apoptosis of osteoblastic cells and contribute to deficient bone formation.
Insights
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) significantly increase osteoblastic cell apoptosis, a key factor in impaired bone formation seen in diabetes. This AGEs-induced apoptosis is mediated by the RAGE receptor and specific signaling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Bone Biology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is associated with impaired bone formation.
- Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulate in diabetic individuals and are implicated in disease pathogenesis.
- Osteoblastic cell apoptosis is a potential mechanism contributing to reduced bone formation in diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in promoting osteoblastic cell apoptosis.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying AGEs-induced osteoblastic cell apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- In vivo studies using carboxymethyl lysine modified collagen (CML-collagen) injection in mice.
- In vitro studies using primary cultures of human and rat osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1).
- Assessment of apoptosis, receptor-mediated signaling (RAGE), kinase activity (p38, JNK), and caspase activation (caspase-8, caspase-3).
Main Results:
- CML-collagen significantly increased calvarial periosteal cell apoptosis in vivo (5-fold) and osteoblastic cell apoptosis in vitro.
- The apoptotic effect was largely mediated through the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE).
- CML-collagen activated p38 and JNK kinases, and inhibition of these pathways significantly reduced apoptosis. The pathway involved caspase-8 and caspase-3 activation, independent of NF-kappaB.
- Long-term, low-dose exposure and exposure to more differentiated cells enhanced apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) directly promote osteoblastic cell apoptosis.
- The RAGE receptor and p38/JNK signaling pathways are critical mediators of AGEs-induced osteoblastic apoptosis.
- AGEs-induced osteoblastic apoptosis may contribute to impaired bone formation in conditions like diabetes and aging.
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