MKP1-dependent PTH modulation of bone matrix mineralization in female mice is osteoblast maturation stage specific and involves P-ERK and P-p38 MAPKs

Limited information is available on the role of MAPK phosphatase1 (MKP1) signaling in osteoblasts. We have recently reported distinct roles for MKP1 during osteoblast proliferation, differentiation and skeletal responsiveness to parathyroid hormone (PTH). Since MKP1 regulates the phosphorylation status of MAPKs we investigated the involvement of P-ERK and P-p38 MAPKs in MKP1 knock out (KO) early and mature osteoblasts with respect to mineralization and PTH response. Calvarial osteoblasts from 9–14 week old wild type (WT) and MKP1 KO male and female mice were examined. Western blot analysis revealed down-regulation and sustained expressions of P-ERK and P-p38 with PTH treatment in differentiated osteoblasts derived from KO males and females respectively. Exposure of early osteoblasts to p38 inhibitor, SB203580 (S), markedly inhibited mineralization in WT and KO osteoblasts from both genders as determined by von Kossa assay. In osteoblasts from males, ERK inhibitor U0126 (U), not p38 inhibitor (S), prevented the inhibitory effects of PTH on mineralization in early or mature osteoblasts. In osteoblasts from KO females, PTH sustained mineralization in early osteoblasts and decreased mineralization in mature cells. This effect of PTH was attenuated by S in early osteoblasts, and by U in mature KO cells. Changes in matrix gla protein (MGP) expression with PTH in KO osteoblasts did not correlate with mineralization, indicative of MKP1 dependent additional mechanisms essential for PTH action on osteoblast mineralization. We conclude that PTH regulation of osteoblast mineralization in female mice is maturation stage specific and involves MKP1 modulation of P-ERK and P-p38 MAPKs.