Runx2 is a master osteoblast transcription factor playing pivotal roles in skeletal development and homeostasis. In humans, Runx2 haplotypes contribute to variations in bone mass. Runx1, which is expressed in osteoblasts and shares similar DNA-binding properties with Runx2, has been implicated in bone metabolism as well. Sex steroid hormones and their receptors (SHRs) also play critical roles in bone health and disease, and are targets for drugs that affect bone mass and fragility either positively or negatively. The proskeletal effects of sex steroids are mediated by anabolic effects in osteoblasts, but more importantly by attenuating bone resorption. The anti-resorptive effects of sex steroids are attributable to both increasing osteoclast apoptosis and indirect inhibition of bone turnover via poorly understood mechanisms in osteoblasts and other mesenchymal cells. We found that the activated estrogen receptor a (ERa) and the androgen receptor (AR) each inhibits Runx2, and that AR, but not ERa, inhibits Runx1. These inhibitory activities are important in light of recent data from transgenic mice whose osteoblasts over-express either Runx2 or a dominant negative form of Runx2. Both mouse models indicate that restraining the activity of Runx2 helps keep bone turnover in check and prevent osteoporosis. We therefore propose to investigate in depth the physical interactions between Runx proteins and SHRs, the mechanisms mediating the resulting inhibition of Runx2 and/or Runx1, and the physiological implications. This will be done by analyses of recombinant and transiently expressed proteins, as well as the endogenous SHR and Runx proteins in osteoblasts, including their associations with each other, with co-regulators, and with genomic Runx targets.
Specific Aim 1 is to dissect the functional and molecular interactions between ERa and Runx2.
Specific Aim 2 is to dissect the functional and molecular interactions between AR and Runx2, as well as between AR and Runx1. Based on our preliminary data, we hypothesize the existence of both similar and unique features for each of these interactions.
Specific Aim 3 is to establish in vivo the requirement for osteoblastic ERa signaling, and the timing during osteoblast differentiation, in which it confers protection on bone, and to test and characterize the anti-Runx2 anti-osteoclastogenic properties of osteoblastic SHR signaling in a co-culture setting. Incorporated into Aims 1-3 are experiments addressing novel mechanisms of action of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). Like estradiol, SERMs promote a physical interaction between ERa and Runx2. However, SERMs elicit different functional outcomes, possibly explaining the variable skeletal effects of these drugs. Our studies will provide novel insights into the regulation of skeletal metabolism by sex hormones, and will reveal commonalities and differences between the genders at the molecular level. They will decipher cryptic mechanisms of action of existing SERMs, and support the rationale development of novel ones, based on their influence on Runx proteins.

Public Health Relevance

This project will unravel fundamental mechanisms of osteoporosis that occurs as sex hormones decline. It is based on the observation that Runx proteins, which control bone metabolism, interact with receptors for both estrogens and androgens. The proposed work can ultimately lead to the development of improved drugs to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DK071122-06
Application #
8292153
Study Section
Skeletal Biology Development and Disease Study Section (SBDD)
Program Officer
Malozowski, Saul N
Project Start
2005-04-01
Project End
2014-06-30
Budget Start
2012-07-01
Budget End
2013-06-30
Support Year
6
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$424,010
Indirect Cost
$145,172
Name
University of Southern California
Department
Orthopedics
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
072933393
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90089
Amzaleg, Yonatan; Ji, Jie; Kittivanichkul, Donlaporn et al. (2018) Estrogens and selective estrogen receptor modulators differentially antagonize Runx2 in ST2 mesenchymal progenitor cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 183:10-17
Martin, Anthony; Yu, Jiali; Xiong, Jian et al. (2017) Estrogens and androgens inhibit association of RANKL with the pre-osteoblast membrane through post-translational mechanisms. J Cell Physiol 232:3798-3807
Morimoto, Eri; Li, Meng; Khalid, Aysha B et al. (2017) Glucocorticoids Hijack Runx2 to Stimulate Wif1 for Suppression of Osteoblast Growth and Differentiation. J Cell Physiol 232:145-53
Yu, Jia-Li; Adisetiyo, Helty; Little, Gillian H et al. (2015) Initial Characterization of Osteoblast Differentiation and Loss of RUNX2 Stability in the Newly Established SK11 Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Cell Line. J Cell Physiol 230:237-41
Martin, Anthony; Xiong, Jian; Koromila, Theodora et al. (2015) Estrogens antagonize RUNX2-mediated osteoblast-driven osteoclastogenesis through regulating RANKL membrane association. Bone 75:96-104
Frenkel, Baruch; White, Wendy; Tuckermann, Jan (2015) Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis. Adv Exp Med Biol 872:179-215
HaDuong, Josephine H; Blavier, Laurence; Baniwal, Sanjeev K et al. (2015) Interaction between bone marrow stromal cells and neuroblastoma cells leads to a VEGFA-mediated osteoblastogenesis. Int J Cancer 137:797-809
Adisetiyo, Helty; Liang, Mengmeng; Liao, Chun-Peng et al. (2014) Dependence of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) stem cells on CRPC-associated fibroblasts. J Cell Physiol 229:1170-6
White, James; Jago, Russell; Thompson, Janice L (2014) Dietary risk factors for the development of insulin resistance in adolescent girls: a 3-year prospective study. Public Health Nutr 17:361-8
Baniwal, Sanjeev K; Chimge, Nyam-Osor; Jordan, V Craig et al. (2014) Prolactin-induced protein (PIP) regulates proliferation of luminal A type breast cancer cells in an estrogen-independent manner. PLoS One 8:e62361

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