Beta-1 integrins mediate substrate dependent effects of 1α,25(OH)2D3 on osteoblasts

Surface micron-scale and submicron scale features increase osteoblast differentiation and enhance responses of osteoblasts to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1α,25(OH)2D3]. β1 integrin expression is increased in osteoblasts grown on Ti substrates with rough microarchitecture, and it is regulated by 1α,25(OH)2D3 in a surface-dependent manner. To determine if β1 has a role in mediating osteoblast response, we silenced β1 expression in MG63 human osteoblast-like cells using small interfering RNA (siRNA). In addition, MG63 cells were treated with two different monoclonal antibodies to human β1 to block ligand binding. β1-silenced MG63 cells grown on a tissue culture plastic had reduced alkaline phosphatase activity and levels of osteocalcin, transforming growth factor β1, prostaglandin E2, and osteoprotegerin in comparison with control cells. Moreover, β1-silencing inhibited the effects of surface roughness on these parameters and partially inhibited effects of 1α,25(OH)2D3. Anti β1 antibodies decreased alkaline phosphatase but increase osteocalcin; effects of 1α,25(OH)2D3 on cell number and alkaline phosphatase were reduced and effects on osteocalcin were increased. These findings indicate that β1 plays a major and complex role in osteoblastic differentiation modulated by either surface microarchitecture or 1α,25(OH)2D3. The results also show that β1 mediates, in part, the synergistic effects of surface roughness and 1α,25(OH)2D3.