Transduction of TAT fusion proteins into osteoclasts and osteoblasts

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2002 Dec 6;299(3):505-9. doi: 10.1016/s0006-291x(02)02664-5.

Abstract

It has been difficult to transduce primary cultures of bone cells with proteins of interest. Here, we report the development and validation of a new technology for transduction of osteoblasts and osteoclasts with peptides and moderately sized proteins. Fusion proteins between TAT, an 11 amino acid Arg-rich sequence derived from the HIV protein, and either hemagglutinin or calcineurin Aalpha were synthesized and purified. Exposure of osteoblasts and osteoclasts in primary culture to either TAT-HA or TAT-calcineurin Aalpha resulted in a rapid (within 10 min) intracellular movement of the fusion protein evident on co-immunostaining. Almost 99% of cells were transduced and the fusion protein was retained in approximately 50% of the cells for up to 5 days. TAT did not abolish the functionality of calcineurin Aalpha; the fusion protein stimulated osteoblast differentiation and inhibited osteoclastic resorption. We expect that our studies will provide a firm basis for the future development of TAT fusion proteins for critical molecules involved in bone cell differentiation and function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Transport / physiology
  • Calcineurin / genetics
  • Calcineurin / metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Gene Products, tat / genetics*
  • Gene Products, tat / metabolism
  • Hemagglutinins / genetics
  • Hemagglutinins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Osteoblasts / cytology
  • Osteoblasts / physiology*
  • Osteoclasts / cytology
  • Osteoclasts / physiology*
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics*
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
  • Transduction, Genetic*

Substances

  • Gene Products, tat
  • Hemagglutinins
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Calcineurin