Inhibition of PFKFB3 suppresses osteoclastogenesis and prevents ovariectomy-induced bone loss.

Osteoclasts are multinucleated cells derived from the monocyte/macrophage cell lineage under the regulation of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). In previous studies, stimulation by RANKL during osteoclastogenesis was shown to induce a metabolic switch to enhanced glycolytic metabolism. Thus, we hypothesized that blockage of glycolysis might serve as a novel strategy to treat osteoclast-related diseases. In the present study, 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), an essential regulator of glycolysis, was up-regulated during osteoclast differentiation. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of PFKFB3 in bone marrow-derived macrophages suppressed the differentiation and function of osteoclasts. Moreover, intraperitoneal administration of the PFKFB3 inhibitor PFK15 prevented ovariectomy-induced bone loss. In addition, glycolytic activity characterized by lactate accumulation and glucose consumption in growth medium was reduced by PFKFB3 inhibition. Further investigation indicated that the administration of L-lactate partially reversed the repression of osteoclastogenesis caused by PFKFB3 inhibition and abrogated the inhibitory effect of PFK15 on the activation of NF-κB and MAPK pathways. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that blockage of glycolysis by targeting PFKFB3 represents a potential therapeutic strategy for osteoclast-related disorders.