Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) modulate BMP2 osteogenic bioactivity in C2C12 cells

Cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) have been implicated in bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-mediated morphogenesis by regulating BMP activity and gradient formation. However, the direct role of HSPGs in BMP signaling is poorly understood. Here we show that HSPGs directly regulate BMP2-mediated transdifferentiation of C2C12 myoblasts into osteoblasts. HSPGs sequester BMP2 at the cell surface and mediate BMP2 internalization. Depletion of cell surface HSPGs by heparinase III treatment or decreased glycosaminoglycan chain sulfation with sodium chlorate enhances BMP2 morphogenetic bioactivity. The addition of exogenous heparin, a widely used anticoagulant, reduced BMP2 signaling. Our results suggest that cell surface HSPGs mediate BMP2 internalization and modulate BMP2 osteogenic activity.