Identification of the Homeobox Protein Prx1 (MHox, Prrx-1) as a Regulator of Osterix Expression and Mediator of Tumor Necrosis Factor α Action in Osteoblast Differentiation
2011

Prx1 as a Regulator of Osteoblast Differentiation

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Lu Xianghuai, Beck George R Jr, Gilbert Linda C, Camalier Corinne E, Bateman Nicholas W, Hood Brian L, Conrads Thomas P, Kern Michael J, You Shaojin, Chen Hong, Nanes Mark S

Primary Institution: Emory University School of Medicine

Hypothesis

TNF-α inhibits osteoblast differentiation through the regulation of Prx1 expression.

Conclusion

Prx1 is identified as a key mediator of TNF-α inhibition of osteoblast differentiation by suppressing Osx and RUNX2 expression.

Supporting Evidence

  • TNF-α stimulates a 14-fold increase in Prx1 mRNA.
  • Silencing of Prx1 with siRNA abrogated TNF suppression of Osx mRNA.
  • Overexpression of Prx1b and Prx2 inhibited Osx and RUNX2 mRNA levels.

Takeaway

When the body has inflammation, a protein called Prx1 can stop bone-making cells from working properly, which can lead to weaker bones.

Methodology

The study used mass spectrometry, ChIP assays, and quantitative RT-PCR to analyze the effects of TNF-α on Prx1 expression and its role in osteoblast differentiation.

Limitations

The specific in vivo role of Prx1 in osteoblast differentiation remains to be fully elucidated.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1002/jbmr.203

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