D-alanine suppressed osteoclastogenesis derived from bone marrow macrophages and downregulated ERK/p38 signalling pathways.

OBJECTIVES: D-alanine is a residue of the backbone structure of Type Ⅰ Lipoteichoic acid (LTA), which is a virulence factor in inflammation caused by gram-positive bacteria. However, the role of D-alanine in infectious bone destruction has not been investigated. We aimed to explore the role of D-alanine in the proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation of osteoclasts.

DESIGN: Mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) were isolated as osteoclast precursors and stimulated with D-alanine. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected using CCK-8 and flow cytometry, respectively. The formation of osteoclasts morphologically observed by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining (TRAP) and immunofluorescence staining. The expressions of osteoclastogenic genes were measured by real-time RT-PCR. The protein expressions of osteoclastogenic markers, p38, and ERK1/2 MAPK signalling were measured by western blot. The expression level of soluble Sema4D was detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS: The cell proliferation of BMMs was significantly inhibited by D-alanine in a dose-dependent manner. Apoptosis of BMMs was markedly activated with the stimulation of D-alanine. The differentiation of BMMs into osteoclasts was significantly inhibited by D-alanine, and the gene and protein expressions of NFATc1, c-Fos, and Blimp decreased. Western blot showed that D-alanine inhibited the phosphorylated p38 and ERK1/2 signalling pathways of BMMs. Moreover, the expression level of soluble Sema4D significantly decreased in the supernatant of BMMs due to the D-alanine intervention.

CONCLUSION: D-alanine plays a pivotal role in the inhibition of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and might become a potential therapeutic drug for bone-resorptive diseases.