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Biomedical subjects

Y Abu-Amer

Publications and source records attributed to Y Abu-Amer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Map kinase c-JUN N-terminal kinase mediates PMMA induction of osteoclasts.

Erosive osteolysis induced by implant-derived wear debris is mediated by recruitment and activation of osteoclasts in a pro-inflammatory microenvironment that is enriched with osteoclastogenic and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as RANKL and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). These cytokines activate the transcription factor NF-kappaB and MAP kinases, including c-Jun, Erks, and p38, all known to be essential for the development of osteoclasts. We have recently documented that TNF and RANKL play a pivotal role in the development of inflammatory osteolysis. We have also found that polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) particles stimulate osteoclastogenesis, at least in part, by induction of RANKL, TNF, and by activation of NF-kappaB and MAP kinases. More importantly, our data indicate that inhibitors of NF-kappaB and the MAP kinases p38 and ERK abrogate particle-induced osteoclastogenesis. In the current study, we investigated if inhibition of c-Jun N-Terminal kinase (JNK) pathway alters PMMA-induced osteoclastogenesis. Our findings point out that PMMA particles activate the JNK pathway in wild-type and TLR4-null (endotoxin-resistant) osteoclast precursors. This activation was selectively blocked in a dose-dependent fashion by the JNK inhibitor SP600125. Most importantly, we provide evidence that SP600125 inhibits osteoclast formation in a reversible manner. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that activation of the JNK pathway is essential for basal and PMMA-stimulated osteoclastogenesis, and buttress the potential significance of targeting the JNK pathway to inhibit osteolysis.

Animals↗

Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases mediate PMMA-induction of osteoclasts.

Inflammatory osteolysis induced by implant-derived wear debris is associated with infiltration of various cell-types to the implant-bone interface leading to abundant secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and activation of proteinases that together lead to propagation of the localized inflammatory response and periprosthetic bone erosion. Tumor necrosis factor family members are considered to be direct mediators of inflammation and osteolysis. These cytokines exert their osteoclastic effects via activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB and certain MAP kinases, including c-Jun, Erks and p38, all known to be essential for the development of osteoclasts. We have recently documented that the osteoclastogenic cytokines TNF and RANKL play a pivotal role in the development of inflammatory osteolysis. We have also found that PMMA particles stimulate osteoclastogenesis, at least in part, by induction of RANKL, TNF, and by activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB. More importantly, our data indicate that inhibitors of the osteoclastogenic factors, TNF and RANKL abrogate particle-induced osteoclastogenesis. In the current study, we investigated if PMMA particles activate MAP kinases, and the potential role of these kinases as mediators of osteolysis. Using kinase assays, we show that in osteoclast precursors, PMMA particles markedly and rapidly activate p38 and ERK MAP kinases. This activation was specific, evident by complete blockade with specific inhibitory compounds. Similarly, we show that PMMA particles activate the JNK pathway, which is known to be involved in inflammatory and osteoclastogenic events. We also show that p38 MAP kinase regulates PMMA-activation of NF-kappaB, thus providing a possible mechanism for particle action in osteoclast precursors. Finally, we provide evidence that specific inhibitors of MAP kinases are capable of inhibiting PMMA-stimulated osteoclastogenesis. These data provide evidence that MAP kinases are potent mediators of particle-induced osteoclastogenesis.

Animals↗

TAT fusion proteins containing tyrosine 42-deleted IkappaBalpha arrest osteoclastogenesis.

In most circumstances, NF-kappaB, which is essential for osteoclastogenesis, is activated following serine 32/36 phosphorylation of its cytosolic inhibitory protein, IkappaBalpha. In contrast to other cell types, IkappaBalpha, in bone marrow macrophages (BMMs), which are osteoclast precursors, is tyrosine-phosphorylated by c-Src kinase. To address the role of IkappaBalpha phosphorylation in osteoclastogenesis, we generated TAT fusion proteins containing wild-type IkappaBalpha (TAT-WT-IkappaB), IkappaBalpha lacking its NH(2)-terminal 45 amino acids (TAT-IkappaB(46-317)), and IkappaBalpha in which tyrosine residue 42, the c-Src target, is mutated into phenylalanine (TAT-IkappaB(Y42F)). TAT-IkappaB efficiently enters BMMs, and the NF-kappaB-inhibitory protein, once intracellular, is functional. While TAT-WT-IkappaB only slightly inhibits osteoclastogenesis, osteoclast recruitment is diminished >80% by TAT-IkappaB(46-317), an event mirrored by dentin resorption. The fact that TAT alone does not impact osteoclastogenesis, which also resumes following withdrawal of TAT-IkappaB(46-317), establishes that the mutant's anti-osteoclastogenic properties do not reflect toxicity. Affirming a functional role for IkappaB(Tyr(42)) in osteoclastogenesis, TAT-IkappaB(Y42F) is as efficient as TAT-IkappaB(46-317) in blocking osteoclast differentiation. Thus, dominant-negative IkappaBalpha constructs block osteoclastogenesis, and Tyr(42) is essential to the process, increasing the possibility that nonphosphorylatable forms of IkappaBalpha may be a means of preventing pathological bone loss.

Animals↗

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) stimulates RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis via coupling of TNF type 1 receptor and RANK signaling pathways.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) and the ligand for receptor activator of NF-kappaB (RANKL) are abundant in sites of inflammatory bone erosion. Because these cytokines are potent osteoclastogenic factors and because their signaling pathways are considerably overlapping, we postulated that under pro-inflammatory conditions RANKL and TNF might synergistically orchestrate enhanced osteoclastogenesis via cooperative mechanisms. We found TNF, via TNF type 1 receptor (TNFr1), prompts robust osteoclastogenesis by osteoclast precursors pretreated with RANKL, and deletion of TNFr1 abrogates this response. Enhanced osteoclastogenesis is associated with high expression of otherwise TNF and RANKL-induced mediators, including c-Src, TRAF2, TRAF6, and MEKK-1, levels of which were notably reduced in TNFr1 knockouts. Recruitment of TRAFs and MEKK1 leads to activation of downstream pathways, primarily I kappa B/NF-kappa B, ERKs, and cJun/AP-1. Consistent with impaired osteoclastogenesis and reduced expression of TRAFs and MEKK1, we found that phosphorylation and activation of I kappa B, NF-kappa B, ERKs, and cJun/AP-1 are severely reduced in RANKL-treated TNFr1-null osteoclast precursors compared with wild type counterparts. Finally, we found that TNF and RANKL synergistically up-regulate RANK expression in wild type precursors, whereas basal and stimulated levels of RANK are significantly lower in TNFr1 knockout cells. Our data suggest that exuberant TNF-induced osteoclastogensis is the result of coupling between RANK and TNFr1 and is dependent upon signals transmitted by the latter receptor.

Animals↗

IL-4 abrogates osteoclastogenesis through STAT6-dependent inhibition of NF-kappaB.

IL-4, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, inhibits osteoclast differentiation, but the basis of this effect has been unclear. Osteoclastogenesis requires activation of RANK, which exerts its biologic effect via activation of NF-kappaB. NF-kappaB activation is manifested by nuclear translocation and binding to DNA, events secondary to phosphorylation and dissociation of IkappaBalpha. It is shown here that IL-4 reduces NF-kappaB nuclear translocation by inhibiting IkappaB phosphorylation, thus markedly inhibiting NF-kappaB DNA binding activity and blocking osteoclastogenesis entirely. Residual translocation of NF-kappaB in the presence of IL-4, however, suggests that nuclear mechanisms must primarily account for inhibition of NF-kappaB DNA binding and blockade of osteoclastogenesis. To address this issue, this study examined whether IL-4-induced STAT6 transcription factor blocks NF-kappaB transactivation. The results show that excess unlabeled consensus sequence STAT6, but not its mutated form, inhibits NF-kappaB binding. Furthermore, exogenously added STAT6 protein inhibits NF-kappaB/DNA interaction. Further supporting a role for STAT6 in this process are the findings that IL-4 fails to block osteoclastogenesis in STAT6(-/-) mice but that this blockade can be restored with addition of exogenous STAT6. Thus, IL-4 obliterates osteoclast differentiation by antagonizing NF-kappaB activation in a STAT6-dependent manner.

Animals↗

Tumor necrosis factor receptors types 1 and 2 differentially regulate osteoclastogenesis.

The potent osteoclastogenic agent, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), exerts its biological effects via two receptors, namely TNF receptors 1 (p55r) and 2 (p75r), each present on osteoclast precursors. Thus, we asked if p55r and p75r differentially impact the osteoclastogenic process. Marrow derived from mice expressing only p55r generates substantially more osteoclasts, in the basal state, than does wild type, while marrow expressing only p75r, produces substantially fewer. Reflecting its preferential activation of p55r, exogenous TNF stimulates osteoclast formation by p55r(+/+)p75r(-/-), but not p55r(-/-)p75r(+/+), marrow. Consistent with the fact that NF-kappaB is essential for osteoclastogenesis, this transcription complex is activated, relative to wild type, in p55r(+/+)p75r(-/-) osteoclast precursors and suppressed in those expressing only p75r. Because p55r enhances, and p75r suppresses, osteoclastogenesis, we asked if their principal ligands, namely soluble and membrane-residing TNF, respectively, differentially impact basal osteoclast recruitment. We find, in contrast to the significant level of osteoclast formation in wild type marrow, osteoclastogenesis by that derived from mice expressing membrane, but not soluble, TNF, is negligible. Thus, optimal therapeutic inhibition of bone resorption may entail selective TNF receptor modulation and/or arrested cleavage of membrane TNF to its soluble form.

Animals↗

Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma pathway inhibits osteoclast differentiation.

The nuclear receptor and transcription factor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma), regulates the activity of other transcription factors in the adipogenic differentiation and inflammatory response pathways. We examined the possible function of the PPAR-gamma pathway in osteoclast (Ocl) formation from CD34(+) hematopoietic stem cells (CD34(+) HSCs), using a co-culture system comprised of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and CD34(+) HSCs, both derived from bone marrow. Ocl formation in this co-culture system is enhanced by the addition of exogenous osteoprotegerin ligand (OPGL), an essential Ocl differentiation factor, and macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF). The data indicate that soluble OPGL (sOPGL) and M-CSF stimulate Ocl formation in the co-cultures up to 4-fold compared with CD34(+) HSCs alone treated with sOPGL and M-CSF. CD34(+) HSCs, but not hMSCs, express PPAR-gamma, and 15-deoxy-Delta(12, 14)-prostaglandin-J2 (15d-PG-J2), a PPAR-gamma agonist, completely blocked the effects of sOPGL and M-CSF on Ocl formation and activity. The inhibitory effect of 15d-PG-J2 is specific to the Ocl lineage in both human and mouse models of osteoclastogenesis. Accordingly, parallel experiments demonstrate that sOPGL activates the NF-kappaB pathway within mouse Ocl progenitors, and this effect was abolished by 15d-PG-J2. These data establish a link between PPAR-gamma and OPGL signaling within Ocl progenitors, and support a role for PPAR-gamma pathway in the modulation of osteoclastogenesis.

Animals↗

Tumor necrosis factor alpha regulates alpha(v)beta5 integrin expression by osteoclast precursors in vitro and in vivo.

Early osteoclast precursors, in the form of murine bone marrow macrophages (BMMs), while expressing no detectable alpha(v)beta3 integrin, contain abundant alpha(v)beta5 and attach to matrix in an alpha(v) integrin-dependent manner. Furthermore, alpha(v)beta5 expression by osteoclast precursors progressively falls as they assume the resorptive phenotype. We find the osteoclastogenic agent, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, (TNF) down-regulates alpha(v)beta5 expression by BMMS via attenuation of beta5 messenger RNA (mRNA) t1/2. Using BMMs from TNF receptor knockout mice we establish the p55 receptor transmits the beta5 suppressive effect. The functional implications of TNF-mediated alpha(v)beta5 down-regulation are underscored by the capacity of an alpha(v) inhibitory peptide mimetic to prevent spreading by BMMs expressing abundant alpha(v)beta5 while failing to impact those in which the integrin has been diminished by TNF. Finally, beta5 mRNA in BMMs of wild-type mice administered lipopolysaccharide (LPS) progressively falls with time of in vivo treatment. Alternatively, beta5 mRNA does not decline in BMMs of LPS-treated mice lacking both TNF receptors, documenting down-regulation of the beta5 integrin subunit, in vivo, is mediated by TNF. Thus, matrix attachment of osteoclast precursors and mature osteoclasts are governed by distinct alpha(v) integrins which are differentially regulated by specific cytokines.

Animals↗

1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 and dexamethasone induce the cyclooxygenase 1 gene in osteoclast-supporting stromal cells.

Commitment of members of the monocyte/macrophage family to the bone resorptive phenotype, in vitro, requires contact, of these osteoclast precursors, with osteoblasts or related stromal cells. The osteoclast-inductive properties of these stromal cells are typically expressed, however, only in the presence of steroid hormones such as 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D3) and dexamethasone (DEX). To gain insight into the means by which steroid treated accessory cells induce osteoclast differentiation we asked, using differential RNA display (DRD), if gene expression by this stromal cell population differs from that of their untreated, non-osteoclastogenic counterpart. We identified four known genes specifically expressed by 1,25D3/DEX-treated ST2 stromal cells: 1) a family of rat organic anion transporters, 2) Na/K ATPase ss-subunit, 3) tazarotene-induced gene 2 (TIG2), and 4) prostaglandin G/H synthase I, or cyclooxygenase 1 (Cox-1). The regulation of these genes in 1,25D3/DEX-treated ST2 cells was demonstrated by Northern blot analysis of treated (osteoclast-supporting) and untreated (non-osteoclast-supporting) ST2 cells; the genes have a limited and specific tissue mRNA expression pattern. Northern blot analysis of treated and untreated ST2 cell total RNA using either a DRD-derived Cox-1 cDNA or a Cox-1 specific oligonucleotide confirmed the steroid regulation of Cox-1 mRNA. Surprisingly, there is no detectable expression by untreated or steroid exposed ST2 cells, of Cox-2, the classical regulated cyclooxygenase isoform. In contrast to 1, 25D3/DEX, serum treatment rapidly induces Cox-2 mRNA, substantiating the capacity of ST2 cells to express the gene. These data establish that steroid induction of the osteoclastogenic properties of stromal cells is attended by Cox gene expression, a phenomenon consistent with the capacity of eicosinoids to impact the resorptive process. The response of osteoclast-supporting ST2 cells to 1,25D3/DEX treatment may be one prostaglandin-mediated event which specifically involves Cox-1 regulation.

Animals↗

Cloning and localization of Rab3 isoforms in bovine, rat, and human parathyroid glands.

Rab3 proteins are small GTP-binding proteins known to play a role in regulated exocytosis processes. This study examines the expression of Rab3 mRNA and protein in bovine, rat and human parathyroid glands. mRNAs of several Rab3 isoforms were detected in bovine (Rab3A, Rab3B and Rab3C) and rat (Rab3A, Rab3B and Rab3D) parathyroid glands by RT-PCR and sequencing. Rab3A protein was detected in the cytosolic extract from bovine parathyroid gland by Western blotting using a monoclonal antibody for Rab3A. Rab3A protein was localized to parathyroid hormone-containing chief cells by immunohistochemical staining. Subcellular localization of Rab3A protein by immunogold electron microscopy revealed that the majority of Rab3A protein was not associated with dense-core vesicles, but localized in the cytosol of the chief cells. Altogether, our results demonstrate that Rab3 isoforms are expressed in parathyroid chief cells, suggesting that they may play a role in regulated exocytosis in these cells.

Animals↗

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha mediates orthopedic implant osteolysis.

Osteolysis complicating arthroplasty reflects progressive generation of implant-derived wear particles, which prompt an inflammatory reaction attended by recruitment of osteoclasts to the prosthesis-bone interface. To identify a soluble mediator of periprosthetic osteolysis we first showed that implant particles induce c-src in murine bone marrow macrophages (BMMs), a protein specifically expressed when these cells commit to the osteoclast phenotype. The fact that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) is a potent osteoclastogenic agent while at the same time is the only soluble moiety known to be c-src inductive suggests that this cytokine may mediate implant particle-induced osteoclastogenesis. Consistent with this hypothesis, prosthesis-derived wear particles, recovered at revision arthroplasty, dose-dependently prompt TNF secretion by BMMs. Similarly, particulate polymemthylmethacrylate, the major component of orthopedic implant cement, induces BMM expression of TNF mRNA and protein in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, failure of BMMs derived from mice deleted of both the p55 and p75 TNF receptors to express c-src in response to polymemthyl-methacrylate indicates TNF is an essential mediator of particle induction of this osteoclast specific protein. To test the hypothesis that TNF mediates implant osteolysis, we established an in vivo murine model of this condition that histologically mirrors that of man. Verifying that TNF is essential to development of particle osteolysis, mice failing to express both the p55 and p75 TNF receptors are protected from the profound bone resorption attending polymemthyl-methacrylate particle implantation on calvariae of wild-type animals. Finally, the protective effect of deletion of both TNF receptors is recapitulated in mice lacking only the p55 receptor. Thus, targeting TNF and/or its p55 receptor may arrest wear particle osteolysis.

Animals↗

Expression and regulation of RAB3 proteins in osteoclasts and their precursors.

The ruffled membrane, the resorptive organelle of the osteoclast, is generated by fusion of intracytoplasmic acidifying vesicles with the plasma membrane, an event analogous to regulated exocytosis. While the ruffled membrane is essential to the bone resorptive process, the mechanisms governing its generation are unknown. However, regulated exocytosis is mediated, in part, by isoforms of the Rab3 subset of Rab GTPases. Because of similarities between exocytosis and ruffled membrane formation, we asked if Rab3 proteins are expressed by osteoclasts or their precursors, and if so, are these molecules regulated by agents known to prompt the osteoclast phenotype? We find murine osteoclast precursors, in the form of bone marrow macrophages (BMMs), express at least two Rab3 isoforms, namely A and B/C, which are individually enhanced by a variety of hematopoietic cytokines. Consistent with the osteoclastogenic properties of a number of these cytokines, differentiation of BMMs into osteoclasts, in vitro, is associated with increased expression of both isoforms, particularly Rab3B/C. Finally, Rab3B/C localizes with the avian osteoclast H+ATPase (vacuolar proton pump) and pp60c-src, both intracellularly and within acidifying vesicles derived largely from the ruffled membrane. Thus, expression of specific rab3 proteins, an event which may control formation of the osteoclast ruffled membrane, is modulated by cytokines during osteoclastogenesis.

Animals↗

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha activation of nuclear transcription factor-kappaB in marrow macrophages is mediated by c-Src tyrosine phosphorylation of Ikappa Balpha.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) exerts its transcriptional effects via activation of nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB). NF-kappaB is sequestered in the cytosol by Ikappa Balpha and, in most cells, released upon serine phosphorylation of this inhibitory protein which then undergoes rapid, ubiquitin-dependent degradation. In contrast, we find TNF induction of NF-kappaB in murine bone marrow macrophages (BMMs), is mediated, by c-Src, in a cell, and cytokine specific manner. The non-receptor tyrosine kinase is rapidly mobilized and activated upon TNF exposure. Within the same time frame, TNF induced c-Src associates with Ikappa Balpha in a long lived complex. The proto-oncogene, when associated with Ikappa Balpha phosphorylates the inhibitory protein on tyrosine 42. Consistent with the pivotal role played by c-Src in TNF-induced Ikappa Balpha tyrosine phosphorylation, NF-kappaB activation, by the cytokine, is markedly delayed and reduced in c-src-/- BMMs. Underscoring the physiological significance of c-Src activation of NF-kappaB, TNF induction of IL-6, which is an NF-kappaB mediated event, is substantially diminished in c-src-/- BMMs.

Animals↗

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 regulates pp60c-src activity and expression of a pp60c-src activating phosphatase.

The nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, c-src, and the steroid hormone,1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3(1,25(OH)2D3), are essential to development of the osteoclast phenotype. On the other hand, functional relationships between the activities of c-src and 1,25(OH)2D3 are as yet unknown. To determine if 1,25(OH)2D3 modulates c-src in osteoclastogenesis, we tested the steroid's effect on avian marrow-derived osteoclast precursors. We find c-src mRNA and immunoprecipitable c-src protein (pp60c-src) unaltered by 72 h exposure of these cells to 1,25(OH)2D3 (10(-11) to 10(-9) M). Despite no quantitative change in pp60c-src, in vitro kinase assay of the immune complex reveals 1,25(OH)2D3 dose-dependently accelerates the catalytic activity of pp60c-src, enhancing its autophosphorylation and phosphorylation of exogenous substrate. This observation represents the first documentation, in nontransformed cells, of humoral induction of pp60c-src kinase. Consistent with the fact pp60c-src is activated by dephosphorylation of tyrosine 527 (Y527), the phosphotyrosine content of the pp60c-src immunoprecipitate, measured by immunoblot, is decreased by 1,25(OH)2D3. Alternatively, mRNA and protein levels of c-src kinase (CSK), which inactivates pp60c-src by phosphorylating Y527, are not altered by the steroid. In contrast, 1,25(OH)2D3 enhances mRNA and especially protein levels of avian protein tyrosine phosphatase lambda (PTP lambda), an enzyme specifically activating pp60c-src by dephosphorylating Y527 [Fang et al. (1994): J Biol Chem 269:20194-20200]. Thus, treatment of avian osteoclast precursors with 1,25(OH)2D3 accelerates the catalytic activity of pp60c-src independent of protein expression. Activation of the kinase may occur via the Y527 dephosphorylating enzyme PTP, expression of which, we show for the first time, is regulated.

Animals↗

Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated osteoclastogenesis is mediated by tumor necrosis factor via its P55 receptor.

Chronic bone infection, as attends periodontitis, is often complicated by severe osteolysis. While LPS is believed to be central to the pathogenesis of the osteolytic lesion, the mechanisms by which this bacteria-derived molecule promotes bone resorption are unknown. We find that LPS induces bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) to express c-src, a protooncogene product that we demonstrate is a specific marker of commitment to the osteoclast phenotype. We next turned to possible soluble mediators of LPS-induced c-src. Of a number of osteoclastogenic cytokines tested, only TNF-alpha mirrors the c-src-enhancing effect of LPS. Suggesting that LPS augmentation of c-src is TNF-mediated, endotoxin sequentially induces BMM expression of TNF, followed by c-src. TNF and c-src expression, by cultured BMMs derived from LPS-injected mice, reflects duration of exposure to circulating endotoxin, intimating that endotoxin's effect in vivo is also mediated by TNF. Consistent with these findings, thalidomide (which antagonizes TNF action) attenuates c-src induction by LPS. An anti-TNF antibody blocks LPS enhancement of c-src mRNA, validating the cytokine's modulating role in vitro. Using BMMs of TNF receptor-deleted mice, we demonstrate that TNF induction of c-src is transmitted through the cytokine's p55, but not p75, receptor. Most importantly, LPS administered to wild-type mice prompts osteoclast precursor differentiation, manifest by profound osteoclastogenesis in marrow cultured ex vivo, and by a profusion of marrow-residing cells expressing the osteoclast marker tartrate resistant acid phosphatase, in vivo. In contrast, LPS does not substantially enhance osteoclast proliferation in mice lacking the p55TNF receptor, confirming that LPS-induced osteoclastogenesis is mediated by TNF in vivo via this receptor. Thus, therapy targeting TNF and/or its p55 receptor presents itself as a means of preventing the osteolysis of chronic bacterial infection.

3T3 Cells↗

Substrate recognition by osteoclast precursors induces C-src/microtubule association.

The osteoclast is distinguished from other macrophage polykaryons by its polarization, a feature induced by substrate recognition. The most striking component of the polarized osteoclast is its ruffled membrane, probably reflecting insertion of intracellular vesicles into the bone apposed plasmalemma. The failure of osteoclasts in c-src-/- osteopetrotic mice to form ruffled membranes indicates pp60(c-src) (c-src) is essential to osteoclast polarization. Interestingly, c-src itself is a vesicular protein that targets the ruffled membrane. This being the case, we hypothesized that matrix recognition by osteoclasts, and their precursors, induces c-src to associate with microtubules that traffic proteins to the cell surface. We find abundant c-src associates with tubulin immunoprecipitated from avian marrow macrophages (osteoclast precursors) maintained in the adherent, but not nonadherent, state. Since the two proteins colocalize only within adherent avian osteoclast-like cells examined by double antibody immunoconfocal microscopy, c-src/tubulin association reflects an authentic intracellular event. C-src/tubulin association is evident within 90 min of cell-substrate recognition, and the event does not reflect increased expression of either protein. In vitro kinase assay demonstrates tubulin-associated c-src is enzymatically active, phosphorylating itself as well as exogenous substrate. The increase in microtubule-associated kinase activity attending adhesion mirrors tubulin-bound c-src and does not reflect enhanced specific activity. The fact that microtubule-dissociating drugs, as well as cold, prevent adherence-induced c-src/tubulin association indicates the protooncogene complexes primarily, if not exclusively, with polymerized tubulin. Association of the two proteins does not depend upon protein tyrosine phosphorylation and is substrate specific, as it is induced by vitronectin and fibronectin but not type 1 collagen. Finally, consistent with cotransport of c-src and the osteoclast vacuolar proton pump to the polarized plasmalemma, the H+-ATPase decorates microtubules in a manner similar to the protooncogene, specifically coimmunoprecipitates with c-src from the osteoclast light Golgi membrane fraction, and is present, with c-src, in preparations enriched with acidifying vesicles reconstituted from the osteoclast ruffled membrane.

Acids↗