Introduction
Cherubism is a human genetic disorder that causes bilateral symmetrical enlargement of the maxilla and mandible in children. It is caused by mutations in SH3BP2. The exact pathogenesis of the disorder is an area of active research. Sh3bp2 knock-in mice were developed by introducing a Pro416Arg mutation (Pro418Arg in humans) in the mouse genome. The osteoclast phenotype of this mouse model was recently described.
Methods
We examined the bone phenotype of the cherubism mouse model, the role of Sh3bp2 during bone formation, osteoblast differentiation and osteoblast function.
Results
We observed delays in early postnatal development of homozygous Sh3bp2KI/KI mice. Sh3bp2KI/KI mice exhibit increased growth plate thickness and significantly decreased trabecular bone thickness and reduced bone mineral density. Histomorphometric and μ-CT analyses reveal bone loss in cranial and appendicular skeleton. Sh3bp2KI/KI mice also exhibit a significant decrease in osteoid formation that indicates a defect in osteoblast function. Calvarial osteoblast cell cultures exhibit a decrease in alkaline phosphatase expression and mineralization suggesting reduced differentiation potential. Gene expression of osteoblast differentiation markers like collagen type-I, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin are decreased in osteoblast cultures from Sh3bp2KI/KI mice.
Conclusions
These data suggest that Sh3bp2 function regulates bone homeostasis not only through osteoclast-specific effects but also through effects on osteoblast differentiation and function.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.