Lrp4 Mediates Bone Homeostasis and Mechanotransduction through Interaction with Sclerostin In Vivo

Wnt signaling plays a key role in regulating bone remodeling. In vitro studies suggest that sclerostin's inhibitory action on Lrp5 is facilitated by the membrane-associated receptor Lrp4. We generated an Lrp4 R1170W knockin mouse model (Lrp4(KI)), based on a published mutation in patients with high bone mass (HBM). Lrp4(KI) mice have an HBM phenotype (assessed radiographically), including increased bone strength and formation. Overexpression of a Sost transgene had osteopenic effects in Lrp4-WT but not Lrp4(KI) mice. Conversely, sclerostin inhibition had blunted osteoanabolic effects in Lrp4(KI) mice. In a disuse-induced bone wasting model, Lrp4(KI) mice exhibit significantly less bone loss than wild-type (WT) mice. In summary, mice harboring the Lrp4-R1170W missense mutation recapitulate the human HBM phenotype, are less sensitive to altered sclerostin levels, and are protected from disuse-induced bone loss. Lrp4 is an attractive target for pharmacological targeting aimed at increasing bone mass and preventing bone loss due to disuse.