Inhibition of microtubule dynamics affects podosome belt formation during osteoclast induction

Osteoclast is the only cell that can degrade bone tissue in vivo. Recent studies have shown the important role of cytoskeleton dynamics in osteolysis and the formation of podosome belt in osteoclasts. This process is regulated by the dynamic microtubule (MT) network. We treated osteoclast precursor cells Raw264.7 with low concentration of nocodazole (10 nM) and antineoplastic drug taxol (10 nM) to block MT turnover, and used end binding protein 1 fused to GFP to track the movement of microtubules in induced osteoclasts. We show that low concentrations of nocodazole and taxol interfere with the formation of podosome belt, and reduce TRAP activity of induced osteoclasts. These results suggest that the effect of taxol on MT dynamics may be used clinically to reduce osteoclast activity and potentially prevent development of osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases.