The Effect of Yes-Associated Protein on the Interaction Between the MEK/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase and Hippo Pathways in Osteoblasts Co-Cultured With Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2-Mutated Dura Cells

Background: C342Y (Cys342Tyr) point mutation of FGFR2 (fibroblast growth factor receptor 2) is closely associated with the pathogenesis of Crouzon syndrome. The dura mater plays an important role in mediating the closure of cranial sutures. However, the underlying mechanisms of these pathological processes have been rarely investigated. in this study, the authors analyzed the effects of dura cells with FGFR2 mutations on the biological function of osteoblasts. Methods: Dura cells and cranial osteoblasts from C57BL/6 mice were extracted and cultured. C342Y-FGFR2 mutant constructs were established via lentivirus and applied to infect dura cells. A co-cultured trans-well system with dura cells and osteoblasts was established. Three experimental groups were set up: oste group, Oste + Dura-vector group, and Oste + Dura-C342Y group. The expression levels of key factors in MEK (Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase, MAPKK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Hippo pathway were detected by western blot and RT-qPCR (Real Time Quantitative PCR). Finally, a rescue experiment was carried out with small interference RUA. Results: The proliferation level of osteoblasts in Oste + Dura- C342Y group was significantly up-regulated. Our studies indicated that the activation of MEK/ERK pathway in Oste + Dura-C342Y group could inhibit the Hippo pathway, lead to down-regulation of large tumor suppressor 1 and promote the activation and nuclear localization of yes-associated protein, and the results of rescue experiments showed a reverse expression trend, further confirming the effects of C342Y-FGFR2 mutation in dura cells on osteoblasts and its potential mechanism. Conclusions: This study suggested that the C342Y-FGFR2 mutation in dura cells could promote osteoblastic proliferation, and shown the crosstalk between MEK/ERK and Hippo pathways. As the regulatory machinery center, yes-associated protein might play a bridging role in these pathways, and might influence the pathogenesis of craniosynostosis by activating downstream transcriptional factors.