Connexin43 potentiates osteoblast responsiveness to fibroblast growth factor 2 via a protein kinase C-delta/Runx2-dependent mechanism

Mol Biol Cell. 2009 Jun;20(11):2697-708. doi: 10.1091/mbc.e08-10-1079. Epub 2009 Apr 1.

Abstract

In this study, we examine the role of the gap junction protein, connexin43 (Cx43), in the transcriptional response of osteocalcin to fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) in MC3T3 osteoblasts. By luciferase reporter assays, we identify that the osteocalcin transcriptional response to FGF2 is markedly increased by overexpression of Cx43, an effect that is mediated by Runx2 via its OSE2 cognate element, but not by a previously identified connexin-responsive Sp1/Sp3-binding element. Furthermore, disruption of Cx43 function with Cx43 siRNAs or overexpression of connexin45 markedly attenuates the response to FGF2. Inhibition of protein kinase C delta (PKCdelta) with rottlerin or siRNA-mediated knockdown abrogates the osteocalcin response to FGF2. Additionally, we show that upon treatment with FGF2, PKCdelta translocates to the nucleus, PKCdelta and Runx2 are phosphorylated and these events are enhanced by Cx43 overexpression, suggesting that the degree of activation is enhanced by increased Cx43 levels. Indeed, chromatin immunoprecipitations of the osteocalcin proximal promoter with antibodies against Runx2 demonstrate that the recruitment of Runx2 to the osteocalcin promoter in response to FGF2 treatment is dramatically enhanced by Cx43 overexpression. Thus, Cx43 plays a critical role in regulating the ability of osteoblasts to respond to FGF2 by impacting PKCdelta and Runx2 function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Acetophenones / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Benzopyrans / pharmacology
  • Cell Line
  • Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
  • Connexin 43 / genetics
  • Connexin 43 / metabolism*
  • Connexins / genetics
  • Connexins / metabolism
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit / genetics
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit / metabolism*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / pharmacology*
  • Immunoblotting
  • Luciferases / genetics
  • Luciferases / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Osteoblasts / cytology
  • Osteoblasts / drug effects*
  • Osteoblasts / metabolism
  • Osteocalcin / genetics
  • Phosphorylation / drug effects
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics
  • Protein Binding / drug effects
  • Protein Kinase C-delta / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Protein Kinase C-delta / genetics
  • Protein Kinase C-delta / metabolism*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • Rats
  • Transcription, Genetic / drug effects
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Acetophenones
  • Benzopyrans
  • Connexin 43
  • Connexins
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • connexin 45
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
  • Osteocalcin
  • rottlerin
  • Luciferases
  • Protein Kinase C-delta