Conditional disruption of calcineurin B1 in osteoblasts increases bone formation and reduces bone resorption.

We recently reported that the pharmacological inhibition of calcineurin (Cn) by low concentrations of cyclosporin A increases osteoblast differentiation in vitro and bone mass in vivo. To determine whether Cn exerts direct actions in osteoblasts, we generated mice lacking Cnb1 (Cn regulatory subunit) in osteoblasts (DeltaCnb1(OB)) using Cre-mediated recombination methods. Transgenic mice expressing Cre recombinase, driven by the human osteocalcin promoter, were crossed with homozygous mice that express loxP-flanked Cnb1 (Cnb1(f/f)).

Cyclosporin A elicits dose-dependent biphasic effects on osteoblast differentiation and bone formation.

Cyclosporin A (CsA) is thought to prevent immune reactions after organ transplantation by inhibiting calcineurin (Cn) and its substrate, the Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells (NFAT). A dichotomy exists in describing the effects of CsA on bone formation. The concept that the suppression of Cn/NFAT signaling by CsA inhibits bone formation is not entirely supported by many clinical reports and laboratory animal studies.