Parathyroid hormone-related protein(1-34) regulates Phex expression in osteoblasts through the protein kinase A pathway

Phex (a phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases on the X chromosome) is expressed predominantly in bone in which it has been implicated in the mineralization process. Multiple factors and hormones, including PTHrP, regulate formation, development, and/or homeostasis of bone. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether PTHrP( 1 - 34) regulates Phex expression and identify the signaling pathway used. Phex mRNA and protein levels were analyzed by RT-PCR and immunoblotting, respectively. In UMR-106 cells, PTHrP(1-34) caused a time- and concentration-dependent decrease in Phex expression. Forskolin, an adenylate cyclase activator, had the same effect. Dibutiryl cAMP also decreased Phex expression, and its effect was blocked by H89, a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor. In contrast, 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate, a protein kinase C (PKC) activator, increased Phex expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner. This effect was reversed by bisindolylmaleimide I, a PKC inhibitor. Bovine PTH(3-34), which activates PKC but not PKA, had no effect. On the contrary, human PTH(1 - 31), which activates PKA but not PKC, decreased Phex expression. H89 but not bisindolylmaleimide I blocked the effect of PTHrP( 1 - 34). PTHrP( 1 - 34) also decreased Phex expression in cultures of fetal rat calvaria cells at d 7 of culture but not at later stages. These data demonstrate that PTHrP(1 - 34), through PKA, down-regulates Phex expression in osteoblasts.