Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Integrated Bone Formation Through In Vivo Endochondral Ossification Using Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Published on: July 14, 2023
Hyaluronan inhibits bone resorption by suppressing prostaglandin E synthesis in osteoblasts treated with
Michiko Hirata1, Megumi Kobayashi, Morichika Takita
1Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Nakamachi, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan.
Hyaluronan (HA), a large glycosaminoglycan, is a component of the extra-cellular matrix in various tissues. HA is essential for matrix assembly and fluid viscosity in cartilage, but the roles of HA in bone are unclear. Bone resorption associated with inflammation is closely related to prostaglandin E (PGE) synthesis by osteoblasts induced by cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1). In mouse calvarial cultures, HA inhibited osteoclastic bone resorption and PGE production induced by IL-1. In mouse osteoblasts, HA suppressed IL-1-induced expression of cyclooxygenase(COX)-2 and membrane-bound PGE synthase (mPGES)-1 mRNAs, and PGE2 production. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), including MMP-2 and MMP-13, were produced by osteoblasts in response to IL-1, and were clearly suppressed by HA. In osteoblasts, HA suppressed the NFkappaB-dependent transcription in a luciferase assay. Therefore, HA acts on osteoblasts to suppress the production of PGE2 and MMPs, and inhibits bone resorption, suggesting critical roles of HA in pathological bone loss with inflammation.
Hyaluronan (HA), a large glycosaminoglycan, is a component of the extra-cellular matrix in various tissues. HA is essential for matrix assembly and fluid viscosity in cartilage, but the roles of HA in bone are unclear. Bone resorption associated with inflammation is closely related to prostaglandin E (PGE) synthesis by osteoblasts induced by cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1). In mouse calvarial cultures, HA inhibited osteoclastic bone resorption and PGE production induced by IL-1. In mouse osteoblasts, HA suppressed IL-1-induced expression of cyclooxygenase(COX)-2 and membrane-bound PGE synthase (mPGES)-1 mRNAs, and PGE2 production. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), including MMP-2 and MMP-13, were produced by osteoblasts in response to IL-1, and were clearly suppressed by HA. In osteoblasts, HA suppressed the NFkappaB-dependent transcription in a luciferase assay. Therefore, HA acts on osteoblasts to suppress the production of PGE2 and MMPs, and inhibits bone resorption, suggesting critical roles of HA in pathological bone loss with inflammation.
Related Concept Videos
Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Bone Remodeling
