Dramatic inhibition of osteoclast sealing ring formation and bone resorption in vitro by a WASP-peptide containing pTyr294 amino acid

Wiskott Aldrich Syndrome protein (WASP) has a unique regulatory role in sealing ring formation and bone resorption in osteoclasts. Here, using the TAT-transduction method, we show the possible role of WASP domain(s) in sealing ring formation and bone resorption. Transduction of TAT-fused full-length WASP peptide induced Arp2/3 complex formation, F-actin content, sealing ring formation and bone resorption. Transduction of WASP peptides containing basic, verpolin-central, pTyr294, and proline-rich regions inhibited the processes listed above at various levels. The ability to resorb bone by WASP peptides containing basic, verpolin-central, and proline-rich regions was reduced and the resorbed area matched the size of the sealing ring. However, osteoclasts transduced with WASP peptide containing pTyr294aa demonstrated the following: a) a considerable decrease in the interaction and phosphorylation of c-Src with endogenous WASP; b) total loss of sealing ring-like structures; c) formation of actin-rich patches at the peripheral edge that contains filopodia-like projections; d) reduced capacity for bone resorption in vitro. These findings suggest that modulation of phosphorylation state of pTyr294aa assists in integrating multiple signaling molecule and pathways that partake in the assembly of sealing ring.