Fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling in maturing osteoblasts controls cell-matrix interactions critical for osteocyte survival

Abstract

The terminal differentiation of osteoblasts into osteocytes, the most abundant cell type in cortical bone, is critical for skeletal homeostasis. Osteocyte loss is a hallmark of bone aging and fragility, yet the mechanisms regulating osteocyte formation and survival are poorly understood. We show that inactivation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (Fgfr1) in the mature osteoblast lineage results in extensive osteocyte death, identifying FGFR1 signaling as essential for osteocyte viability and bone integrity. Lineage tracing and analysis of endogenous and induced appositional bone formation revealed that newly embedded osteocytes fail to survive without FGFR1. These osteocytes exhibited ectopic expression of osteocalcin and podoplanin within sclerostin-positive, TUNEL-reactive lacunae, along with defective dendrite formation and disruption of the local lacunocanalicular network. RNA sequencing of cortical bone demonstrated reduced expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) genes and neuronal regulatory genes, while histological and ultrastructural analyses showed disorganized collagen fibrils, diminished osteoid, and abnormal mineralization. In vitro, FGF signaling in Ocy454 cells regulated gene programs involved in development, axon guidance, and bone ECM organization, highlighting a dual function for FGF signaling in which it controls both matrix-dependent and intrinsic cell differentiation mechanisms during the osteoblast-to-osteocyte transition. We propose that FGFR1 deficiency causes ECM disorganization and impaired dendrite formation, disrupting osteocyte communication with neighboring bone and vascular cells, ultimately leading to cell death. These findings establish FGFR signaling as a critical regulator of osteocyte differentiation, viability of bone-embedded osteocytes, and bone homeostasis.

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Funding

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)(R01 AR079246)

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases)(DK007028)

M.N.W. acknowledges funding support from the Smith Family Foundation Odyssey Award and the Chen Institute Massachusetts General Hospital Research Scholar (2024-2029) award.

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