Central control of bone remodeling by neuromedin U

Abstract

Bone remodeling, the function affected in osteoporosis, the most common of bone diseases, comprises two phases: bone formation by matrix-producing osteoblasts1 and bone resorption by osteoclasts2. The demonstration that the anorexigenic hormone leptin3,4,5 inhibits bone formation through a hypothalamic relay6,7 suggests that other molecules that affect energy metabolism in the hypothalamus could also modulate bone mass. Neuromedin U (NMU) is an anorexigenic neuropeptide that acts independently of leptin through poorly defined mechanisms8,9. Here we show that Nmu-deficient (Nmu−/−) mice have high bone mass owing to an increase in bone formation; this is more prominent in male mice than female mice. Physiological and cell-based assays indicate that NMU acts in the central nervous system, rather than directly on bone cells, to regulate bone remodeling. Notably, leptin- or sympathetic nervous system–mediated inhibition of bone formation6,7 was abolished in Nmu−/− mice, which show an altered bone expression of molecular clock genes (mediators of the inhibition of bone formation by leptin). Moreover, treatment of wild-type mice with a natural agonist for the NMU receptor decreased bone mass. Collectively, these results suggest that NMU may be the first central mediator of leptin-dependent regulation of bone mass identified to date. Given the existence of inhibitors and activators of NMU action10, our results may influence the treatment of diseases involving low bone mass, such as osteoporosis.

Cite this article

Sato, S., Hanada, R., Kimura, A. et al. Central control of bone remodeling by neuromedin U. Nat Med 13, 1234–1240 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/nm1640

View full text

>> Full Text:   Central control of bone remodeling by neuromedin U