Glycerol-driven TNAP activation in thermogenesis and mineralization

Tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) promotes skeletal mineralization by hydrolysing pyrophosphate1 and has been linked to uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)-independent adipocyte thermogenesis through the futile creatine cycle through phosphocreatine hydrolysis2,3. Despite TNAP’s broad physiological roles, endogenous regulators of its activity have not been defined. Furthermore, the activation mechanism of UCP1-independent thermogenesis has remained unresolved. Here we identify glycerol as an allosteric activator of TNAP. Glycerol binds to a surface pocket distal to the active site, which we term the glycerol pocket, to enhance TNAP activity. Using biophysical, structural, bioenergetic and physiological approaches, we show that the glycerol pocket is required for TNAP-driven thermogenesis. Through this mechanism, TNAP activates the futile creatine cycle, acting as a physiological complement to UCP1. The glycerol pocket is likewise required for optimal osteoblast-regulated mineralization. Human missense variants in this site reduce TNAP-dependent mineralization in vitro and are associated with lower alkaline phosphatase activity and bone mineral density, providing genetic evidence that its disruption impairs skeletal physiology. Glycerol is an allosteric activator of tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP), activating the futile creatine cycle.