1-α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 potentiates avian osteoclast activation by increasing the formation of zipper-like structure via Src/Rac1 signaling

Avian bone metabolism diseases affect the development and production of chickens, and many of these diseases can be prevented and controlled by balanced nutrition and hormone medicine. The steroid hormone 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 plays a key role in maintaining the balance of avian bone metabolism. Clinically, 1α,25-(OH)2D3 has been used to treat several bone diseases. Although several previous studies have investigated the effects of 1α,25-(OH)2D3 on osteoclastogenesis, the mechanisms underpinning osteoclast (OC) activity remain largely unknown. Herein, we used molecular and cell biology approaches to demonstrate that 1α,25-(OH)2D3 increases avian OC formation and activity, and upregulates bone resorption-related genes. Moreover, 1α,25-(OH)2D3 regulates the OC cytoskeleton by increasing the formation of zipper-like structure in OC precursor cells to potentiate OC activity via the Src/Rac1 signaling pathway. These findings provide new insight into the role of 1α,25-(OH)2D3 in OC activity. •1α,25-(OH)2D3 potentiates the formation and activation of avian osteoclasts.•1α,25-(OH)2D3 promotes the formation of the zipper-like structure in OC precursors.•1α,25-(OH)2D3 stimulates zipper-like structure formation via Src/Rac1 signaling.