TGF-β1 impairs mechanosensation of human osteoblasts via HDAC6-mediated shortening and distortion of primary cilia.

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is a critical regulator of bone density owing to its multiple effects on cell growth and differentiation. Recently, we have shown that TGF-β1 effectively blocks bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) induced maturation of osteoblasts by upregulating histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity. The current study aimed at investigating the effect of rhTGF-β1 treatment on the expression of specific HDACs and their cellular effects, e.g., microtubule structures (primary cilia) and mechanosensation. Exposure to TGF-β1 most significantly induced expression of HDAC6 both on gene and protein level. Being most abundant in the cytoplasm HDAC6 effectively deacetylates microtubule structures. Thus, TGF-β1-induced expression of HDAC6 led to deformation and shortening of primary cilia as well as to reduced numbers of ciliated cells. Primary cilia are described to sense mechanical stimuli. Thus, fluid flow was applied to the cells, which stimulated osteoblast function (AP activity and matrix mineralization). Compromised primary cilia in TGF-β1-treated cells were associated with reduced osteogenic function, despite exposure to fluid flow conditions. Chemical inhibition of HDAC6 with Tubacin restored primary cilium structure and length. These cells showed improved osteogenic function especially under fluid flow conditions. Summarizing our results, TGF-β1 impairs human osteoblast maturation partially via HDAC6-mediated distortion and/or shortening of primary cilia. This knowledge opens up new treatment options for trauma patients with chronically elevated TGF-β1-levels (e.g., diabetics), which frequently suffer from delayed fracture healing despite adequate mechanical stimulation. KEY MESSAGES: Exposure to TGF-β1 induces expression of HDAC6 in human osteoblasts. TGF-β1 exposed human osteoblasts show less and distorted primary cilia. TGF-β1 exposed human osteoblasts are less sensitive towards mechanical stimulation. Mechanosensation can be recovered by HDAC6 inhibitor Tubacin in human osteoblasts.