Cutting Edge: EZH2 Promotes Osteoclastogenesis by Epigenetic Silencing of the Negative Regulator IRF8.

ABSTRACT: Osteoclasts are resorptive cells that are important for homeostatic bone remodeling and pathological bone resorption. Emerging evidence suggests an important role for epigenetic mechanisms in osteoclastogenesis. A recent study showed that epigenetic silencing of the negative regulator of osteoclastogenesis Irf8 by DNA methylation is required for osteoclast differentiation. In this study, we investigated the role of EZH2, which epigenetically silences gene expression by histone methylation, in osteoclastogenesis. Inhibition of EZH2 by the small molecule GSK126, or decreasing its expression using antisense oligonucleotides, impeded osteoclast differentiation. Mechanistically, EZH2 was recruited to the IRF8 promoter after RANKL stimulation to deposit the negative histone mark H3K27me3 and dow

SUBMITTER: Fang C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4875854 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature