Knockdown of Tcirg1 inhibits large-osteoclast generation by down-regulating NFATc1 and IP3R2 expression

PLoS One. 2020 Aug 13;15(8):e0237354. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237354. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

The TCIRG1 gene encodes the a3 isoform of vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase), which forms a proton transport channel in osteoclasts. Defects in this gene lead to functional impairment of osteoclasts and increased bone mass; however, the molecular mechanisms of TCIRG1 loss have not been fully elucidated. In the current study, we transfected mouse bone marrow-derived monocytes with control or Tcirg1-knockdown lentiviruses to further investigate the mechanisms of TCIRG1. Our results demonstrate that knockdown of Tcirg1 inhibits large-osteoclast (>100 μm) generation by decreasing the expression of nuclear factor of activated T-cells 1 (NFATc1) and inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor 2 (IP3R2). The decreased IP3R2 reduces intracellular calcium levels, which limits the nuclear translocation of NFATc1 in RANKL-induced mouse bone marrow-derived monocytes. These findings provide a mechanism to explain the effects of TCIRG1 impairment, with potential implications for the development of therapies for osteopetrosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Down-Regulation*
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors / genetics*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • NFATC Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Osteoclasts / cytology
  • Osteoclasts / metabolism
  • Osteogenesis*
  • Vacuolar Proton-Translocating ATPases / genetics*

Substances

  • Atp6ap1 protein, mouse
  • Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors
  • Ip3r2 protein, mouse
  • NFATC Transcription Factors
  • Nfatc1 protein, mouse
  • Vacuolar Proton-Translocating ATPases

Grants and funding

This work was supported by Natural Science Foundation of Shandong province (http://kjt.shandong.gov.cn/) through grant ZR2017PH075, awarded to DZ.