The NIH projects that 61.4 million people in the U.S. will suffer from osteoporosis and/or low bone mass by the year 2020. This research on osteoactivin was conducted in search for a novel approach for a treatment. Osteoactivin, also known as glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB) is a transmembrane protein present in bone cells. Discovered in 2001 by Dr. Fayez F. Safadi and colleagues it was shown to play a role in both osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation and function. The original research utilized an osteopetrotic rat model and differential display analysis – a technique for analyzing gene expression. Today the research is being further advanced by observing the role of osteoactivin and its interactions on bone cells through an animal model; that being CD44-/- (knockout) and CD44+/+ (wild type) mice. The purpose of this research is to confirm that osteoactivin attaches to receptor CD44 (a novel receptor in bone cells) and also demonstrates osteogenesis. Differentiation of bone cells was performed in vitro. ALP staining (alkaline phosphatase) and Von Kossa staining are used to determine osteoblast differentiation. TRAP staining (tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase) is used as the standard biomarker for the detection of osteoclasts. The experimental results support the attachment of osteoactivin to the CD44 receptor and stimulates osteoblast differentiation while inhibiting osteoclast differentiation.<br/>

Role of osteoactivin on bone formation

251st National Meeting (2016)

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