Antibodies against ClC7 inhibit extracellular acidification-induced Cl currents and bone resorption activity in

Kimiko Ohgi1, Fujio Okamoto, Hiroshi Kajiya

  • 1Department of Physiological Science and Molecular Biology, Fukuoka Dental College, Japan.

Insights

New antibodies targeting the ClC7 chloride channel show promise for treating osteoporosis. These antibodies specifically block ClC7 function in osteoclasts, reducing bone resorption activity.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Physiology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Chloride channel 7 (ClC7) is vital for osteoclast bone resorption.
  • Dysfunctional ClC7 is implicated in autosomal dominant osteopetrosis type II.
  • ClC7 represents a potential therapeutic target for osteoporosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and evaluate anti-ClC7 antibodies for therapeutic potential.
  • To investigate the effects of anti-ClC7 antibodies on ClC7 channel activity.
  • To assess the impact of anti-ClC7 antibodies on osteoclast bone resorption.

Main Methods:

  • Generation of polyclonal antibodies against ClC7 peptide sequences (G215, P249, R286).
  • Whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology to measure Cl⁻ currents in mouse osteoclasts and Raw264.7 cells.
  • Assay of bone resorption activity in mouse osteoclasts.

Main Results:

  • Antibodies targeting intracellular G215 (Ab-G215) and extracellular P249 (Ab-P249) or R286 (Ab-R286) inhibited acid-activated Cl⁻ currents.
  • These antibodies specifically suppressed ClC7-mediated currents, not other ion currents.
  • Extracellular antibodies (Ab-P249, Ab-R286) significantly reduced osteoclast bone resorption activity.

Conclusions:

  • Developed antibodies specifically block ClC7 chloride channel function in osteoclasts.
  • Anti-ClC7 antibodies demonstrate potential for treating osteoporosis by inhibiting bone resorption.
  • Targeting ClC7 with antibodies offers a promising therapeutic strategy for bone diseases.