Understanding the complex mechanisms that control bone formation and bone turnover has major medical implications. Osterix (Osx), which was discovered in our laboratory, is an essential transcription factor in osteoblast differentiation. During bone formation in the embryo Osx commits precursor cells to become fully functioning osteoblasts, which synthesize and secrete the components of the bone matrix. Based on our preliminary results, we hypothesize that Osx continues to have a critical role in osteoblast and osteocyte function beyond embryonic development in the physiological control of bone homeostasis postnatally. To understand this role of Osx after birth, mice have been generated in which Osx is inactivated postnatally. Bones of these mice will be extensively characterized by microCT, histomorphometry and electron microscopy methods as well as by quantitation of molecular markers of osteoblasts, osteocytes and osteoclasts. The mutant mice will also test the hypothesis that Ox is a negative regulator of canonical Wnt signaling in osteoblasts. We have recently identified the chromatin protein NO66 as the first negative regulator of the transcriptional activity of Osx. NO66, which binds to Osx, has a demethylase activity that is targeted to the methylated forms of histone H3K4 and H3K36 markers of transcriptionally active chromatin. This specific histone demethylase activity is needed for the inhibition of the transcription activation function of Osx by NO66. Based on knockdown experiments in osteoblasts we hypothesize that the chromatin protein NO66 has a critical physiological function in osteoblasts. Characterization of mouse mutants in which NO66 is either conditionally inactivated or conditionally overexpressed in Osx expressing cells, is essential to understand the physiological role of NO66 in bones. To gain a mechanistic understanding of the relationship between Osx and NO66, we also propose to examine the dynamics of Osx and NO66 occupancy in the chromatin of Osx target genes during osteoblast differentiation and to investigate whether the dynamics of Osx occupancy in the chromatin of Osx target genes are disrupted in osteoblasts of mice in which NO66 is either conditionally inactivated or overexpressed in these cells. Overall, the proposed experiments should provide considerable new insights in the mechanisms of bone formation by Osx in the homeostatic control of bone remodeling.

Public Health Relevance

Understanding the mechanisms by which bone formation is controlled, is of critical importance for identifying targets for appropriate therapies for bone diseases. Osterix is a transcription factor that is completely required for bone formation during embryonic development. Our hypothesis is that Osterix is also required for the synthesis of components of the bone matrix after birth and throughout life and for the normal function of osteocytes, the cells that are embedded in the bone matrix. We also hypothesize, that in addition Osterix controls the activity of specific signals of cell proliferation in bones. In another part of this project we will test the hypothesis that a specific chromatin protein, which we recently identified, controls the activity of Osterix in bones. ? ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
2R01AR049072-06A1
Application #
7581631
Study Section
Skeletal Biology Structure and Regeneration Study Section (SBSR)
Program Officer
Sharrock, William J
Project Start
2002-09-01
Project End
2013-08-31
Budget Start
2008-09-15
Budget End
2009-08-31
Support Year
6
Fiscal Year
2008
Total Cost
$396,257
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Department
Genetics
Type
Other Domestic Higher Education
DUNS #
800772139
City
Houston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77030
Samsa, William E; Zhou, Xin; Zhou, Guang (2017) Signaling pathways regulating cartilage growth plate formation and activity. Semin Cell Dev Biol 62:3-15
Chen, Qin; Zhang, Liping; de Crombrugghe, Benoit et al. (2015) Mesenchyme-specific overexpression of nucleolar protein 66 in mice inhibits skeletal growth and bone formation. FASEB J 29:2555-65
Chen, Qin; Sinha, Krishna; Deng, Jian Min et al. (2015) Mesenchymal Deletion of Histone Demethylase NO66 in Mice Promotes Bone Formation. J Bone Miner Res 30:1608-17
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Chen, Qin; Liu, Wenbin; Sinha, Krishna M et al. (2013) Identification and characterization of microRNAs controlled by the osteoblast-specific transcription factor Osterix. PLoS One 8:e58104
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Tang, Wanjin; Yang, Fan; Li, Yang et al. (2012) Transcriptional regulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) by osteoblast-specific transcription factor Osterix (Osx) in osteoblasts. J Biol Chem 287:1671-8

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