TRIM33 is essential for osteoblast proliferation and differentiation via BMP pathway

Tripartite motif containing 33 (TRIM33) functions both as a positive and negative regulator of the TGF-beta/BMP pathway in tumors; however, its effect and mechanism during osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, which involves the TGF-beta/BMP pathway is not defined. In this study, we used mouse C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cell line and MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts to investigate the role of TRIM33 during this process. The results demonstrated that the expression of TRIM33 increased during the differentiation. Moreover, the overexpression or knockdown of TRIM33 resulted in both an augmentation or decrease in osteoblast differentiation, which were measured by the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) at the mRNA level, both Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and osteocalcin (OCN) at the protein level, and the formation of mineral modules. To further demonstrate the mechanism of TRIM33 in this process, we found that TRIM33 could positively mediate the BMP pathway by forming TRIM33-Smad1/5 complex. This interaction between TRIM33 and Smad1/5 triggered the phosphorylation of Smad1/5. In addition, the essential role of TRIM33 in osteoblast proliferation was determined in this study by CellCounting Kit (CCK) -8 and cell cycle assays. In summary, we establish the function of TRIM33 as a positive regulator of osteoblast differentiation in BMP pathway, which mediates its effect through its interaction with and activation of Smad1/5. In addition, the results clearly demonstrate that TRIM33 is necessary for osteoblast proliferation by regulating cell cycle. These results suggest that TRIM33 can be a positive target of osteoblast proliferation and differentiation through BMP pathway.