Slug gene expression supports human osteoblast maturation

Cell Mol Life Sci. 2009 Nov;66(22):3641-53. doi: 10.1007/s00018-009-0149-5. Epub 2009 Sep 11.

Abstract

This study aims to define the function of Slug transcription factor in human normal osteoblasts (hOBs). To date, Slug is considered exclusively a marker of malignancy in bone tissue. Here, we identified, for the first time, a role for Slug in hOBs using a knockdown approach. We demonstrated that Slug is positively correlated with osteoblast markers, including Runx2, osteopontin, osteocalcin, Collagen type 1, Wnt/beta-catenin signaling mediators, and mineral deposition. At the same time, Slug silencing potentiates the expression of Sox-9, a factor indispensable for chondrogenic development. These data, with the finding that Slug is in vivo recruited by the promoters of Runx2 and Sox-9 genes, suggest that, in hOBs, Slug may act both as positive and negative transcriptional regulator of Runx2 and Sox-9 genes, respectively. In summary, our results support the hypothesis that Slug functions as a novel regulator of osteoblast activity and may be considered a new factor required for osteoblast maturation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit / genetics
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit / metabolism
  • Gene Expression / physiology
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteoblasts / metabolism
  • Osteoblasts / physiology*
  • Osteogenesis / genetics
  • Osteogenesis / physiology
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Protein Binding
  • SOX9 Transcription Factor / genetics
  • SOX9 Transcription Factor / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Snail Family Transcription Factors
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors / physiology
  • Wnt Proteins / physiology

Substances

  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit
  • RUNX2 protein, human
  • SNAI1 protein, human
  • SOX9 Transcription Factor
  • SOX9 protein, human
  • Snail Family Transcription Factors
  • Transcription Factors
  • Wnt Proteins