VapB as a regulator of osteoclastogenesis via modulation of PLCγ2-Ca2+-NFAT signaling

VapB has been shown to regulate calcium homeostasis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Calcium signaling is also important in metabolic bone diseases, but the role of VapB in the generation of osteoclasts for bone resorption during osteoclastogenesis is not known. Therefore, we investigated the role of VapB in RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation. Interestingly, VapB is induced during osteoclastogenesis, and regulates osteoclast differentiation by modulating NFATc1. The results also suggest that VapB regulates osteoclastogenesis via PLCγ2-Ca2+-NFAT signaling. The involvement of PLCγ2-Ca2+-NFAT signaling in VapB-regulated osteoclastogenesis was confirmed by a pharmacological study. Taken together, the results indicate that VapB positively regulates RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis via PLCγ2-Ca2+-NFAT signaling.

► We investigate the role of VapB in RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation.
► Knock-down of VapB suppressed osteoclastogenesis.
► Over-expression of VapB accelerated RANKL-mediated osteoclast differentiation by induction of NFATc1.
► VapB regulates RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis via PLCγ2-Ca2+-NFAT signaling.