Effect of interferon-γ on the fusion of mononuclear osteoclasts into bone-resorbing osteoclasts

Abstract

Osteoclasts are multinucleated cells that are formed by the fusionof pre-fusion osteoclasts (pOCs). The fusion of pOCs isknown to be important for osteoclastic bone resorption. Here,we examined the effect of IFN-γ on the fusion of pOCs. IFN-γgreatly increased the fusion of pOCs in a dose-dependentmanner. Furthermore, IFN-γ induced pOC fusion even in hydroxyapatite-coated plates used as a substitute for bone. Theresorption area of pOCs stimulated with IFN-γ was significantlyhigher than that of the control cells. IFN-γ induced theexpression of dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein(DC-STAMP), which is responsible for the fusion of pOCs.IFN-γ enhanced DC-STAMP expression in a dose-dependentmanner. The mRNA expression of c-Fos and nuclear factor ofactivated T cells (NFAT) c1 was enhanced in the pOCs treatedwith IFN-γ. Taken together, these results provide a new insightinto the novel role of IFN-γ on the fusion of pOCs. [BMB reports2012; 45(5): 281-286]

Keywords

• Fusion
• Interferon
• Osteoclasts