Expression of mRNA for axon guidance molecules, such as semaphorin-III, netrins and neurotrophins, in human osteoblasts and osteoclasts

In the present study, we demonstrated the constitutive expression of diffus ible axon guidance molecules such as neurotrophins, semaphorin-III, netrin- 1, and netrin-2-like protein, which are known to function as a chemoattract ant and/or chemorepellent for growing nerve fibers. in human osteoblastic a nd osteoclastic cells. The findings, obtained by RT-PCR, ELISA, and Western blot analysis suggest the extension of axons of peripheral sensory and sym pathetic neurons to osteoblastic and osteoclastic cells and the possible ne ural regulation of bone metabolism in these osteogenic cells. (C) 2000 Else vier Science BN. All rights reserved.