RNASeq-based identification of extracellular matrix components impacted by FasL deficiency in osteoblasts

Osteoblasts and osteoclasts are two critical cell populations in bone remodelling. FasL is known from osteoblast-induced osteoclast apoptosis. Notably, FasL deficient (gld) mice display increased bone mass pointing to non-apoptotic functions of FasL. Some key extracellular matrix associated molecules, such as osteoprotegerin, osteocalcin, osteopontin and alkaline phosphatase were reported to be affected by FasL deficiency in osteoblasts but a complex insight has been missing. To fill this gap and provide a robust dataset, gld calva-derived cells were differentiated along with controls and subjected to RNASequencing. The analysis revealed statistically significant changes in expression of 1,710 genes. 15 % (263) out of them were associated with the extracellular matrix. This applied for the collagen components, but also non-collagenous proteoglycans including versican and aggrecan. This report provides enrichment analysis of statistically significant expression changes in calva-derived osteoblastic cells with focus on extracellular matrix components. The dataset further provides a solid background for further functional analyses revealing the exact mechanisms behind and consequences of such dysregulations in pathophysiology.