Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 deficiency decreases bone mineralization

Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 is a component of the ubiquitin proteasome system, which evidences unique biological activities. In this study, we report the pattern of UCH-L1 expression, and show that it regulates bone mineralization in osteogenesis. UCH-L1 was expressed in osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and hematopoietic precursor cells of bone marrow in the metaphysis and diaphysis of the femora. To further assess the involvement of UCH-L1 in the regulation of bone mineralization, we evaluated the bone mineral density (BMD) rate of gad mice, using the Latheta computed tomography system. Male gad mice evidenced a significantly decreased BMD rate in the metaphysis and diaphysis of the femora. These findings of decreased BMD rate in the bones of gad mice may suggest that UCH-L1 function regulates bone mineralization during osteogenesis.