Complete abrogation of key osteoclast markers with a membrane-anchored tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase : a novel approach in the prevention of osteoclastogenesis.

Aims: Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are the endogenous inhibitors of the zinc-dependent matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and A disintegrin and metalloproteinases (ADAM) involved in extracellular matrix modulation. The present study aims to develop the TIMPs as biologics for osteoclast-related disorders.

Methods: We examine the inhibitory effect of a high affinity, glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-anchored TIMP variant named 'T1' on receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation.

Results: Osteoclast progenitor cells transduced with T1 failed to form tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive osteoclasts or exhibit bone-resorbing activity following treatment with RANKL. At the messenger RNA level, T1 strongly attenuated expression of key osteoclast marker genes that included , , osteoclast stimulatory transmembrane protein (), dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (), osteoclast-associated receptor () and ATPase H-transporting V0 subunit d2 () by blocking autoamplification of nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1), the osteoclastogenic transcription factor. T1 selectively extended p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, an action that may have interrupted terminal differentiation of osteoclasts. Inhibition studies with broad-spectrum hydroxamate inhibitors confirmed that the anti-resorptive activity of T1 was not reliant on its metalloproteinase-inhibitory activity.

Conclusion: T1 disrupts the RANKL-NFATc1 signalling pathway, which leads to osteoclast dysfunction. As a novel candidate in the prevention of osteoclastogenesis, the TIMP could potentially be developed for the treatment of osteoclast-related disorders such as osteoporosis.Cite this article:  2022;11(11):763-776.