Skeletal abnormalities caused by a Connexin43R239Q mutation in a mouse model for autosomal recessive craniometaphyseal dysplasia

TL;DR

A mouse model with a specific Connexin43 mutation shows bone abnormalities similar to a rare human bone disorder, revealing new insights into its causes.

Contribution

A novel mouse model with a CX43R239Q mutation reveals both loss-of-function and a potential dominant mechanism in autosomal recessive CMD.

Findings

Cx43KI/KI mice show increased cortical bone thickness and expanded bone marrow cavity due to altered osteoclast activity.

Cx43R239Q mutation causes mislocalization of CX43 and reduced osteocyte dendrite formation with lower expression of key signaling molecules.

Female Cx43KI/KI mice exhibit a more severe CMD-like phenotype that worsens with age.

Abstract

Craniometaphyseal dysplasia (CMD), a rare craniotubular disorder, occurs in an autosomal dominant (AD) or autosomal recessive (AR) form. CMD is characterized by hyperostosis of craniofacial bones and flaring metaphyses of long bones. Many patients with CMD suffer from neurological symptoms. To date, the pathogenesis of CMD is not fully understood. Treatment is limited to decompression surgery. Here, we report a knock in (KI) mouse model for AR CMD carrying a R239Q mutation in CX43. Cx43KI/KI mice replicate many features of AR CMD in craniofacial and long bones. In contrast to Cx43+/+ littermates, Cx43KI/KI mice exhibit periosteal bone deposition and increased osteoclast (OC) numbers in the endosteum of long bones, leading to an expanded bone marrow cavity and increased cortical bone thickness. Although formation of Cx43+/+ and Cx43KI/KI resting OCs are comparable, on bone chips the actively resorbing Cx43KI/KI OCs resorb less bone. Cortical bones of Cx43KI/KI mice have an increase in degenerating osteocytes and empty lacunae. Osteocyte dendrite formation is decreased with reduced expression levels of Fgf23, Sost, Tnf-α, IL-1β, Esr1, Esr2, and a lower Rankl/Opg ratio. Female Cx43KI/KI mice display a more severe phenotype. Sexual dimorphism in bone becomes more evident as mice age. Our data show that the CX43R239Q mutation results in mislocalization of CX43 protein and impairment of gap junction and hemichannel activity. Different from CX43 ablation mouse models, the CX43R239Q mutation leads to the AR CMD-like phenotype in Cx43KI/KI mice not only by loss-of-function but also via a not yet revealed dominant function.

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