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Steroid sulfatase mediated growth Sof human MG-63 pre-osteoblastic cells
1Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Steroids
|July 22, 2014
Summary
This study shows that steroid sulfatase (STS) in human bone cells converts inactive sulfates into active estrogens. This process stimulates bone cell growth, potentially helping maintain bone density in postmenopausal women.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Bone Biology
Background:
- Estrogen is crucial for bone density maintenance.
- Postmenopausal women experience low estrogen but high levels of sulfated steroids like estrone sulfate (E1S) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS).
- The enzyme steroid sulfatase (STS) converts these sulfated steroids into active forms in peripheral tissues, including bone, but its role in bone function is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate steroid sulfatase (STS) activity and expression in human pre-osteoblastic MG-63 cells.
- To determine if sulfated steroids can stimulate the growth of these bone cells.
- To elucidate the mechanism by which sulfated steroids influence bone cell proliferation.
Main Methods:
- Assessed STS activity in MG-63 cells and microsomes, using STS inhibitors (EMATE, 667 Coumate).
- Confirmed STS expression via RT-PCR using STS-specific primers.
- Evaluated the effect of estradiol-17β, E1S, and DHEAS on MG-63 cell growth in steroid-free medium.
- Investigated the role of STS and estrogen receptors by using STS inhibitor (667 Coumate) and estrogen receptor blocker (ICI 182,780).
- Determined the presence of estrogen receptor alpha and beta mRNA in MG-63 cells using RT-PCR.
Main Results:
- MG-63 cells and microsomes exhibited STS activity, inhibited by EMATE and 667 Coumate.
- RT-PCR confirmed the presence of STS mRNA in MG-63 cells.
- Estradiol-17β, E1S, and DHEAS all stimulated MG-63 cell growth.
- E1S-induced cell growth was inhibited by both STS inhibitor 667 Coumate and estrogen receptor blocker ICI 182,780.
- MG-63 cells express mRNA for both estrogen receptor alpha and estrogen receptor beta.
Conclusions:
- Steroid sulfatase (STS) is present and active in human pre-osteoblastic bone cells (MG-63).
- STS facilitates the conversion of inactive sulfated steroids (like E1S) into active estrogens.
- This estrogenic activity, mediated via estrogen receptor alpha or beta, stimulates bone cell growth, suggesting a role for STS in maintaining bone density.
