Abstract
Activation of osteoclast formation and function is crucial for the development of osteolytic diseases such as osteoporosis. RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand) activates NF-κB (nuclear factor κB), MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase), and NFATc1 (nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1) signaling pathways to induce osteoclastogenesis. In this study, we demonstrated that SB239063, a p38-specific inhibitor, suppressed osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption via inhibiting phosphorylation of MEF2C (myocyte enhancer factor 2C) and subsequently leading to MEF2C degradation by ubiquitination. Knockdown of MEF2C impaired osteoclast formation due to decreased c-Fos expression. Furthermore, MEF2C can directly bind to the promoter region of c-Fos to initiate its transcription. Interestingly, overexpression of either MEF2C or c-Fos can partially rescue the inhibitory effect of SB239063 on osteoclastogenesis. In addition, in vivo data proved that SB239063 also played a preventive role in both LPS (lipopolysaccharide)- and OVX (ovariectomy)-induced bone loss in mice. In conclusion, our results show that SB239063 can be a potential therapy for osteolytic diseases, and a novel p38/MEF2C/c-Fos axis is essential for osteoclastogenesis.