PLC gamma 2: where bone and immune cells find their common ground

Identifying common signaling pathways to bone and immune system may lead to better therapeutic approaches in diseases such as inflammatory arthritis. In this context, PLC gamma 2 seems to be a promising target. PLC gamma 2 modulates bone homeostasis by affecting osteoclast recruitment and function. Via its catalytic activity and the adapter domains, PLC gamma 2 controls RANKL and alpha v beta 3 integrin-dependent signaling pathways in the resorbing cell. Thus, mice lacking PLC gamma 2 are osteopetrotic. PLC gamma 2 also regulates neutrophil degranulation after beta 2 integrin-dependent attachment. Indeed PLC-gamma 2(-/-) mice are protected from K/BxN serum transfer arthritis, which is known to require neutrophil activation. These studies position PLC gamma 2 as a critical regulator of the cellular and molecular mechanisms occurring in bone and immune cells during autoimmune inflammation.