Extracellular ATP-induced calcium oscillations regulating the differentiation of osteoblasts through aerobic oxidation metabolism pathways.

INTRODUCTION

The increase of ATP concentration in the extracellular space represents one of the effective signals that stimulate the physiological activities of cells when the bone is exposed to external mechanical stimulation such as stretching and shear stress force throughout life. However, the effects of ATP on osteoblast differentiation and related mechanisms are not well understood.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, the roles of extracellular ATP on osteoblast differentiation, intracellular calcium ([Ca]) levels, metabolomics, and the expression of proteins related to energy metabolism were investigated.

RESULTS

Our results showed that 100 μM extracellular ATP initiated intracellular calcium ([Ca]) oscillations via the calcium-sensing receptor (P2R) and promoted the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. Metabolomics analysis showed that the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells depended on aerobic oxidation, but little glycolysis. Moreover, the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells and aerobic oxidation were suppressed with the inhibition of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that calcium oscillations triggered by extracellular ATP can activate aerobic oxidation through AMPK-related signaling pathways and thus promote osteoblast differentiation.