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Glucosamine Suppresses Osteoclast Differentiation through the Modulation of Glycosylation Including O-GlcNAcylation

Tomoharu Takeuchi1, Aya Sugimoto, Nao Imazato

  • 1Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University.

Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin
|March 3, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Glucosamine (GlcN) effectively suppresses bone-resorbing osteoclastogenesis by modulating cellular glycosylation. This nutrient inhibits key osteoclast genes and cell formation more than N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc).

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Bone Biology

Background:

  • Osteoclasts are the primary cells responsible for bone resorption.
  • Glucosamine (GlcN) is a nutrient supplement often used for joint pain and bone loss.
  • Previous studies indicated N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) inhibits osteoclast differentiation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of glucosamine (GlcN) on osteoclastogenesis in murine macrophage-like RAW264 cells.
  • To compare the efficacy of GlcN with GlcNAc in suppressing osteoclast differentiation.
  • To elucidate the underlying mechanism of GlcN's effect on osteoclastogenesis, focusing on protein glycosylation.

Main Methods:

  • Murine macrophage-like RAW264 cells were cultured and treated with GlcN or GlcNAc.
  • Osteoclastogenesis was assessed by measuring the expression of osteoclast-specific genes (TRAP, cathepsin K, MMP-9, NFATc1).
  • Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-dependent TRAP activity and multinucleated cell formation were evaluated.
  • Western blotting was used to assess O-GlcNAcylation levels.
  • Lectin blotting was employed to analyze other glycosylation patterns, specifically α2,6-linked sialic acid modification.

Main Results:

  • Glucosamine (GlcN) significantly suppressed the upregulation of osteoclast-specific genes and RANKL-dependent TRAP activity.
  • GlcN was more effective than N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) in inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and multinucleated cell formation.
  • GlcN treatment led to increased O-GlcNAcylation of cellular proteins.
  • GlcN also resulted in decreased α2,6-linked sialic acid modification on cellular proteins.

Conclusions:

  • Glucosamine (GlcN) effectively inhibits osteoclastogenesis, surpassing the effects of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc).
  • The suppressive mechanism of GlcN involves the modulation of protein glycosylation, specifically increasing O-GlcNAcylation and decreasing α2,6-linked sialic acid.
  • These glycan modifications represent a potential pathway through which GlcN exerts its bone-protective effects.

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