Runx2 Controls Bone Resorption through the Down-Regulation of the Wnt Pathway in Osteoblasts

The transcription factor Runx2 and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway are major regulators of bone formation. Our aim was to assess the interactions between the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and Runx2 that contribute to bone resorption. Our results indicate that the activity of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway depends on Runx2. Runx2 overexpression inhibited β-catenin levels and activity in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of Gsk3b using lithium chloride in Runx2-overexpressing osteoporotic female mice rescued the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in vivo and completely restored trabecular bone volume by increasing bone formation and decreasing bone resorption. The activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by lithium chloride treatment reduced the number and activity of bone marrow-derived osteoclast-like cells in vitro, suggesting that the restoration of trabecular bone in vivo was due to decreased bone resorption, consistent with the reduced receptor activator of NF-κB ligand/osteoprotegerin ratio in Runx2-overexpressing osteoblasts. Lithium chloride also increased osteoblast differentiation and activity in vitro in agreement with the increase in mineral apposition rate and osteocalcin expression detected in vivo. Our results indicate that the activity of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway in osteoblast is modulated by Runx2. To conclude, our in vivo and in vitro results highlight the role of Runx2 as a negative regulator of Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity in osteoblasts and indicate that the abnormal Wnt/β-catenin activity seen in Runx2 transgenic mice affects both osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation and activity.