TGF-β but not BMP signaling induces prechondrogenic condensation through ATP oscillations during chondrogenesis

Although both TGF-β and BMP signaling enhance expression of adhesion molecules during chondrogenesis, TGF-β but not BMP signaling can initiate condensation of uncondensed mesenchymal cells. However, it remains unclear what causes the differential effects between TGF-β and BMP signaling on prechondrogenic condensation. Our previous report demonstrated that ATP oscillations play a critical role in prechondrogenic condensation. Thus, the current study examined whether ATP oscillations are associated with the differential actions of TGF-β and BMP signaling on prechondrogenic condensation. The result revealed that while both TGF-β1 and BMP2 stimulated chondrogenic differentiation, TGF-β1 but not BMP2 induced prechondrogenic condensation. It was also found that TGF-β1 but not BMP2 induced ATP oscillations and inhibition of TGF-β but not BMP signaling prevented insulin-induced ATP oscillations. Moreover, blockage of ATP oscillations inhibited TGF-β1-induced prechondrogenic condensation. In addition, TGF-β1-driven ATP oscillations and prechondrogenic condensation depended on Ca2+ influx via voltage-dependent calcium channels. This study suggests that Ca2+-driven ATP oscillations mediate TGF-β-induced the initiation step of prechondrogenic condensation and determine the differential effects between TGF-β and BMP signaling on chondrogenesis.

► TGF-β1 but not BMP2 induces both prechondrogenic condensation and ATP oscillations.
► Inhibition of TGF-β but not BMP signaling prevents ATP oscillations during chondrogenesis.
► Blockage of ATP oscillations inhibits TGF-β1-induced condensation.
► TGF-β1-driven ATP oscillations and condensation depend on Ca2+ influx via VDCC.
► ATP oscillations determine differential effects of TGF and BMP on condensation.