BMP-2 modulates β-catenin signaling through stimulation of Lrp5 expression and inhibition of β-TrCP expression in osteoblasts

Canonical BMP and Wnt signaling pathways play critical roles in regulation of osteoblast function and bone formation. Recent studies demonstrate that BMP-2 acts synergistically with β-catenin to promote osteoblast differentiation. To determine the molecular mechanisms of the signaling cross-talk between canonical BMP and Wnt signaling pathways, we have used primary osteoblasts and osteoblast precursor cell lines 2T3 and MC3T3-E1 cells to investigate the effect of BMP-2 on β-catenin signaling. We found that BMP-2 stimulates Lrp5 expression and inhibits the expression of β-TrCP, the F-box E3 ligase responsible for β-catenin degradation and subsequently increases β-catenin protein levels in osteoblasts. In vitro deletion of the β-catenin gene inhibits osteoblast proliferation and alters osteoblast differentiation and reduces the responsiveness of osteoblasts to the BMP-2 treatment. These findings suggest that BMP-2 may regulate osteoblast function in part through modulation of the β-catenin signaling.