Effect of Lamin A/C Knockdown on Osteoblast Differentiation and Function

Recent studies have associated mutations in lamin A/C, a component of the nuclear lamina, with premature aging and severe bone loss. In this study, we hypothesized that reduced expression of lamin A/C has a negative impact on osteoblastogenesis and bone formation in vitro. We inhibited lamin A/C using increasing doses of lamin A/C siRNA in normal human osteoblasts and differentiating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Untreated cells and cells treated with vehicle but without the siRNA-oligo were used as control. The level of effectiveness of siRNA was determined by RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Nuclear blebbing, a typical finding of lamin A/C inhibition, was quantified using propidium iodine staining, and its effect on cell survival was determined using MTS-formazan. Furthermore, alizarin red and alkaline phosphatase staining were correlated with osteocalcin secretion and levels of expression of osteocalcin, osterix, bone sialoprotein, and Runx2. Finally, the nuclear binding activity of Runx2, an essential transcription factor for osteoblast differentiation, was assessed using ELISA and EMSA. A successful inhibitory effect on the lamin A/C gene at doses of 400-800 nM oligo was obtained without affecting cell survival. Whereas osteoblast function was significantly affected by lamin A/C inhibition, siRNA-treated MSC showed a higher incidence of nuclear changes, lower osteoblast differentiation, and enhanced adipocyte differentiation. Finally, lamin A/C knockdown reduced Runx2 nuclear binding activity without affecting Runx2 expression. In summary, our results indicate that lamin A/C is a new factor needed for osteoblast differentiation that plays an important role in the cellular mechanisms of age-related bone loss.