ABSTRACT
Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) is a hormone that modulates circulating phosphate (P(i)) levels by controlling P(i) reabsorption from the kidneys. When FGF23 levels are deficient, as in tumoral calcinosis patients, hyperphosphatemia ensues. We show here in a murine model that Fgf23 ablation disrupted morphology and protein expression within the dentoalveolar complex. Ectopic matrix formation in pulp chambers, odontoblast layer disruption, narrowing of periodontal ligament space, and alteration of cementum structure were observed in histological and electron microscopy sections. Because serum P(i) levels are dramatically elevated in Fgf23(-/-), we assayed for apoptosis and expression of members from the small integrin-binding ligand, N-linked glycoprotein (SIBLING) family, both of which are sensitive to elevated P(i) in vitro. Unlike X-linked hypophosphatemic (Hyp) and wild-type (WT) specimens, numerous apoptotic osteocytes and osteoblasts were detected in Fgf23(-/-) specimens. Further, in comparison to Hyp and WT samples, decreased bone sialoprotein and elevated dentin matrix protein-1 protein levels were observed in cementum of Fgf23(-/-) mice. Additional dentin-associated proteins, such as dentin sialoprotein and dentin phosphoprotein, exhibited altered localization in both Fgf23(-/-) and Hyp samples. Based on these results, we propose that FGF23 and (P(i)) homeostasis play a significant role in maintenance of the dentoalveolar complex.
Subject(s)
Alveolar Process/pathology , Fibroblast Growth Factors/genetics , Hyperphosphatemia/pathology , Animals , Extracellular Matrix Proteins/metabolism , Familial Hypophosphatemic Rickets/genetics , Familial Hypophosphatemic Rickets/metabolism , Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 , Genetic Diseases, X-Linked , Humans , Hyperphosphatemia/genetics , Hyperphosphatemia/metabolism , Mice , Mice, Knockout , Osteocytes/metabolism , Phosphates/metabolismABSTRACT
Extracellular inorganic phosphate (ePi) is a key regulator of cementoblast behavior, both in vivo and in vitro, and results in a marked increase in osteopontin expression in vitro. To examine the molecular mechanisms involved in ePi induction of osteopontin gene expression, we transfected a series of osteopontin promoter-luciferase constructs into OCCM-30 cementoblasts. Our results demonstrate that ePi can directly induce osteopontin gene transcription. The region responsive to ePi signaling was localized to a 53-bp region of the promoter between -1454 and -1401 that contains a glucocorticoid response element (GRE). Mutation of the GRE abolished the ePi response, suggesting that glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling is required for ePi-mediated transcription. In addition, treatment of cells with the GR antagonist RU-486 (Mifepristone) prevented promoter activation by ePi. The results presented support a model demonstrating that inorganic phosphate regulates OPN gene transcription in cementoblasts through a pathway that requires a functional GR.
Subject(s)
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/genetics , Osteopontin/genetics , Phosphorus/pharmacology , Transcription, Genetic/genetics , Animals , Base Pairing/genetics , Cells, Cultured , Dental Cementum/metabolism , Dexamethasone/pharmacology , Glucocorticoids/pharmacology , Hormone Antagonists/pharmacology , Mice , Mifepristone/pharmacology , Mutation/genetics , Phosphates/pharmacology , Promoter Regions, Genetic/drug effects , Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics , Receptors, Glucocorticoid/agonists , Receptors, Glucocorticoid/antagonists & inhibitors , Receptors, Glucocorticoid/genetics , Response Elements/genetics , Signal Transduction/genetics , Transfection/methods , Up-Regulation/geneticsABSTRACT
Examination of mutant and knockout phenotypes with altered phosphate/pyrophosphate distribution has demonstrated that cementum, the mineralized tissue that sheathes the tooth root, is very sensitive to local levels of phosphate and pyrophosphate. The aim of this study was to examine the potential regulation of cementoblast cell behavior by inorganic phosphate (P(i)). Immortalized murine cementoblasts were treated with P(i) in vitro, and effects on gene expression (by quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR]) and cell proliferation (by hemacytometer count) were observed. Dose-response (0.1-10 mM) and time-course (1-48 hours) assays were performed, as well as studies including the Na-P(i) uptake inhibitor phosphonoformic acid. Real-time RT-PCR indicated regulation by phosphate of several genes associated with differentiation/mineralization. A dose of 5 mM P(i) upregulated genes including the SIBLING family genes osteopontin (Opn, >300% of control) and dentin matrix protein-1 (Dmp-1, >3,000% of control). Another SIBLING family member, bone sialoprotein (Bsp), was downregulated, as were osteocalcin (Ocn) and type I collagen (Col1). Time-course experiments indicated that these genes responded within 6-24 hours. Time-course experiments also indicated rapid regulation (by 6 hours) of genes concerned with phosphate/pyrophosphate homeostasis, including the mouse progressive ankylosis gene (Ank), plasma cell membrane glycoprotein-1 (Pc-1), tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (Tnap), and the Pit1 Na-P(i) cotransporter. Phosphate effects on cementoblasts were further shown to be uptake-dependent and proliferation-independent. These data suggest regulation by phosphate of multiple genes in cementoblasts in vitro. During formation, phosphate and pyrophosphate may be important regulators of cementoblast functions including maturation and regulation of matrix mineralization.
