ENPP1 deletion causes mouse osteoporosis via the MKK3/p38 MAPK/PCNA signaling pathway

Qiang Wang1, Zhiqiang Gao1, Kai Guo1

  • 1Department of Spine Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Rd., Shanghai, 200120, China.

Abstract

Insights

Ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (Enpp1) deficiency leads to osteoporosis by inhibiting the MKK3/p38 MAPK/PCNA pathway. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) partially restores pre-osteoblast proliferation in Enpp1 knockout mice.

Area of Science:

  • Bone Biology
  • Molecular Mechanisms of Disease
  • Enzyme Function and Regulation

Background:

  • The mechanism underlying osteoporosis in ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (Enpp1) deficiency remains unclear.
  • This study investigates alterations in bone tissue signaling pathways associated with Enpp1 deficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of Enpp1 deficiency-induced osteoporosis.
  • To identify key signaling pathways affected by Enpp1 deficiency in bone.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of Enpp1 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice, including body weight, bone morphology, and histology.
  • High-throughput quantitative molecular measurements and bioinformatics analysis of humeri from WT and Enpp1 KO mice.
  • Proteomic and immunoblotting analyses of bone and pre-osteoblast proteins to verify differentially expressed pathways.

Main Results:

  • Enpp1 KO mice exhibited reduced body weight and trabecular bone mass compared to WT mice.
  • Enpp1 deletion downregulated the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in bone tissues.
  • Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) activated the MKK3/p38 MAPK/PCNA pathway, promoting pre-osteoblast proliferation in Enpp1 KO mice, an effect suppressed by a p38 MAPK inhibitor.

Conclusions:

  • Inhibition of the MKK3/p38 MAPK/PCNA pathway is crucial in the pathogenesis of Enpp1 deficiency-associated osteoporosis.
  • LPA partially rescues pre-osteoblast proliferation through the MKK3/p38 MAPK/PCNA pathway in the context of Enpp1 deficiency.