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Plasminogen activator system in osteoclasts
J N Yang1, E H Allan, G I Anderson
1University of Southern California, School of Dentistry, Los Angeles 90089-0641, U.S.A.
Summary
Osteoclasts express key genes of the plasminogen activator (PA) system, including urokinase receptor (uPAR) variants. This suggests a potential functional role for the PA system in osteoclast biology.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The plasminogen activator (PA) system plays crucial roles in extracellular matrix remodeling.
- Osteoclasts are critical cells involved in bone resorption and remodeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of plasminogen activator (PA) system genes in mouse osteoclasts.
- To identify potential functional roles of the PA system in osteoclast activity.
Main Methods:
- Microisolation of mouse osteoclasts.
- Reverse transcribed polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using gene-specific primers.
- In situ hybridization with a urokinase receptor isoform 1 (uPAR1) probe.
Main Results:
- Detected RNAs for tissue-type PA, urokinase-type PA, PA inhibitor-1, PA inhibitor-2, protease nexin, and uPAR1 in mouse osteoclasts.
- Confirmed uPAR RNA expression in osteoclasts via in situ hybridization.
- Identified a novel unspliced uPAR RNA variant alongside uPAR1 in osteoclasts, also found in osteoblasts, kidney, and muscle.
Conclusions:
- Osteoclasts express a comprehensive set of PA system components.
- The presence of these components suggests a significant functional role for the PA system in osteoclasts.
- A novel uPAR RNA variant is expressed in osteoclasts and other mouse tissues.