Proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR(2)) and mouse osteoblasts: Regulation of cell function and lack of specificity of PAR(2)-activating peptides

Abstract

1. Using synthetic proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR(2))-activating peptides (PAR(2)APs) corresponding to the tethered ligand domain of the extracellular N-terminus of PAR(2) to mimic the actions of activating proteinases and using primary cultures of calvarial osteoblasts derived from both wild-type (WT) and PAR(2)-null (KO) mice, we investigated the potential role of PAR(2) in regulating osteoblast function. 2. Primary calvarial osteoblasts from WT and KO mice were evaluated for their growth kinetics and mineralization in the absence of PAR(2) agonists and for their responses in a variety of functional assays to the PAR(2)APs Ser-Leu-Ile-Gly-Arg-Leu-amide (SLIGRL-NH(2)) and 2-furoyl-Leu..