Human osteogenic protein-1 induces chondroblastic, osteoblastic, and/or adipocytic differentiation of clonal murine target cells

Osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1, BMP-7), a bone morphogenetic protein in the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily, induces endochondral bone formation in vivo, but the mechanism of action of OP-1 in osteogenesis is not yet established. Three murine clonal cell lines in different stages of differentiation exhibit graded responses to recombinant human OP-1: the mouse embryonal carcinoma ATDC5 cell, with potential for chondroblastic differentiation; the osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cell derived from mouse calvaria; and the multipotent fibroblastic C3H10T1/2 cell derived from mouse embryo connective tissue. We show that OP-1 acts on early stage mesenchymal progenitor cells (ATDC5, C3H10T1/2) to induce chondroblastic differentiation, while OP-1 strongly enhances the osteoblastic phenotype of committed osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1), possibly explaining its induction of the endochondral ossification cascade in vivo. Markers of osteoblastic, chondroblastic, and adipocytic differentiation are compared. OP-1 is strongly mitogenic for ATDC5, showing dose-dependent (2.5-80 ng/ml) induction of Alcian blue staining, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mRNA expression for collagen types II and IX, and matrix Gla protein. MC3T3-E1 cells do not proliferate or stain with Alcian blue in response to OP-1, but express elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin. While low-dose OP-1 treatment of C3H10T1/2 induces only adipocyte-like cells filled with lipid droplets, a high dose (500 ng/ml) causes the same cells to also exhibit chondrocytic properties. Thus, OP-1 can induce differentiation along elements of the endochondral ossification pathway according to the stage and potential of the target cell.

Induction of cementogenesis by recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 (hop-1/bmp-7) in the baboon (Papio ursinus)

Recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 (hOP-1), a member of the bone morphogenetic protein family, was examined for its efficacy in periodontal regeneration. Twelve furcation defects, surgically prepared in the first and second mandibular molars, were treated with bovine insoluble collagenous matrix in conjunction with 0.0 (control), 100 and 500 mu g of recombinant hOP-1 per g of matrix. After 60 days of healing, histological and histometric analyses on serial, undemineralized sections cut at 7 mu m showed substantial cementogenesis on the exposed dentine of furcations treated with both doses of hOP-1 (p < 0.01 vs control). Foci of nascent mineralization were seen within the newly deposited cementoid along the coronal areas of hOP-1-treated defects. Within the furcations, there were substantial amounts of residual collagenous carrier, interspersed with a mineralized matrix having histological features of cementum. This mineralized cementum-like material was predominantly deposited around the carrier, and blended into newly formed cementum along the root surfaces. In the apical area, the cementum-like material and the remaining alveolar bony housing were not connected; indeed the two components were separated by a fibrovascular tissue that had numerous features of the periodontal ligament space. Formation and insertion of Sharpey's fibres into newly formed root cementum were also observed. It is likely that the expression of specific cell phenotypes by hOP-1 is regulated, in part, by the extracellular matrix microenvironment, including dentine. Thus, exposed dentine, in the presence of exogenous hOP-1 at the doses tested, may preferentially modulate the expression of the cementogenic phenotype. These findings in a non-human primate show that hOP-1, at the doses tested, induced cementogenesis on surgically denuded root surfaces, indicating a specific function during repair and regeneration of periodontal tissues.

Complete regeneration of bone in the baboon by recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 (hOP-1, bone morphogenetic protein-7)

We examined the efficacy of a single application of recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 (hOP-1, bone morphogenetic protein-7) for its ability to regenerate large calvarial defects in adult male baboons (Papio ursinus). Recombinant hOP-1, in conjunction with baboon or bovine guanidinium-extracted insoluble collagenous bone matrix (0.1, 0.5 and 2.5 mg per g of collagenous matrix as carrier), was implanted in 46 calvarial defects surgically prepared in 14 baboons, whilst 18 defects were implanted with the carrier matrix without hOP-1. Specimens were harvested on d 15, 30, 90 and 365 and subjected to histomorphometry on serial undecalcified sections cut at 7 microm to study the temporal sequence of tissue morphogenesis after the single application of hOP-1. Histological analysis indicated that the induction of new bone formation proceeded from the periphery to the central core of hOP-1 treated specimens after rapid angiogenesis and mesenchymal cell migration in apposition to the collagenous matrix. Whilst chondrogenesis was limited, newly formed bone has already filled with fully differentiated bone marrow elements as early as d 15, even with the 0.1 mg dose of hOP-1. On d 30 and 90, doses of 0.1 and 0.5 mg of hOP-1 showed greater amounts of bone than controls, and on d 90, they induced complete regeneration of the defects. Doses of 2.5 mg hOP-1 per g of matrix induced extensive osteogenesis initially with heterotopic ossification and displacement of the temporalis muscle above the defects. One year after implantation of hOP-1 there was restoration of the internal and external cortices of the calvaria. These results show that hOP-1 induces complete regeneration of calvarial bone in the adult primate, and suggest that the optimal activity of hOP-1 to achieve regeneration is between 100 and 500 microg of hOP-1 per g of matrix. These results in the primate may form the scientific basis for future clinical applications of hOP-1.

Osteogenic protein-1 binds to activin type II receptors and induces certain activin-like effects

Proteins in the TGF-beta superfamily transduce their effects through binding to type I and type II serine/threonine kinase receptors. Osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1, also known as bone morphogenetic protein-7 or BMP-7), a member of the TGF-beta superfamily which belongs to the BMP subfamily, was found to bind activin receptor type I (ActR-I), and BMP receptors type IA (BMPR-IA) and type IB (BMPR-IB) in the presence of activin receptors type II (ActR-II) and type IIB (ActR-IIB). The binding affinity of OP-1 to ActR-II was two- to threefold lower than that of activin A. A transcriptional activation signal was transduced after binding of OP-1 to the complex of ActR-I and ActR-II, or that of BMPR-IB and ActR-II. These results indicate that ActR-II can act as a functional type II receptor for OP-1, as well as for activins. Some of the known biological effects of activin were observed for OP-1, including growth inhibition and erythroid differentiation induction. Compared to activin, OP-1 was shown to be a poor inducer of mesoderm in Xenopus embryos. Moreover, follistatin, an inhibitor of activins, was found to inhibit the effects of OP-1, if added at a 10-fold excess. However, certain effects of activin, like induction of follicle stimulating hormone secretion in rat pituitary cells were not observed for OP-1. OP-1 has overlapping binding specificities with activins, and shares certain but not all of the functional effects of activins. Thus, OP-1 may have broader effects in vivo than hitherto recognized.

Effects of recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 on the differentiation of osteoclast-like cells and bone resorption

Recombinant human OP-1 stimulated the formation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated cells (MNCs) significantly and in a dose-dependent manner in rat bone marrow cell culture. Newly formed MNCs either induced by hOP-1 alone or with 1,25(OH)2D3 were also positive for vitronectin receptor and carbonic anhydrase II. Moreover, OP-1 markedly increased the capacity of 1,25(OH)2D3 to induce osteoclast-like cell formation and bone resorption in bone marrow cultures. 25 pg/ml of calcitonin significantly inhibited both OP-1- and vitamin D3-induced TRAP-positive MNC-formation in marrow cultures, indicating that in both cases the MNC formation was calcitonin sensitive. OP-1 at 5-100 ng/ml did not have any significant effect on bone resorption as studied by pit formation assay. These studies that OP-1 in concert with 1,25(OH)2D3 could have an important role in bone remodeling by exhibiting its effects not only on osteoblast growth and differentiation but also on the recruitment of osteoclasts.

Regulation of insulin-like growth factor system components by osteogenic protein-1 in human bone cells

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have the unique ability to convert mesenchymal cells into matrix-producing osteoblasts. To understand the mechanism(s) by which a BMP produces a multitude of effects on bone cells, we examined the effects of recombinant human osteogenic protein (OP)-1 (referred to as BMP-7) on the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) regulatory system, an important growth factor system in bone. After 48 h of treatment, OP-1 increased the level of IGF-II (3- and 2-fold, respectively, at 100 ng/ml) in the conditioned medium (CM) of SaOS-2 and TE85 human osteosarcoma cells with osteoblastic characteristics, whereas IGF-I levels were low to undetectable in the CM of either cell type. OP-1 treatment had no significant effect on the messenger RNA (mRNA) level for type 1 and type 2 IGF receptors. In TE85 and SaOS-2 cells, 100 ng/ml OP-1 increased the level of IGF binding protein (BP)-3 more than 10-fold, decreased the IGFBP-4 level by 50%, and increased the level of the 29-32.5 kDa IGFBP-5 3-fold in the CM as determined by analysis with Western ligand blot, Western immunoblot, and RIA. The effect of OP-1 on IGFBP production was time and dose dependent. The OP-1 induced changes in the levels of IGFBPs were associated with decreased IGFBP-3 and -5 protease activity (29% and 71%, respectively) and proportional changes in IGFBP mRNA levels. OP-1 increased the level of IGFBP-3 mRNA (2- and 10-fold, respectively, after 4 and 24 h of treatment at 100 ng/ml) and of IGFBP-5 mRNA (more than 5-fold after 24 h of treatment) but decreased the level of IGFBP-4 mRNA (> 50% after 24 h at 100 ng/ml). OP-1 treatment had no effect on IGFBP-4 protease activity. These results collectively demonstrate that OP-1 can act locally by modulating the IGF regulatory system, suggesting that the mitogenic/differentiative effect of OP-1 on human bone cells may in part be mediated via IGF-II by increasing its secretion, and by regulating the balance between the stimulatory (e.g. IGFBP-5) and inhibitory (e.g. IGFBP-4) classes of IGFBPs both at the level of production (mRNA) and at the level of degradation but not by up-regulating the IGF receptor.

Osteogenic protein-1 promotes growth and maturation of chick sternal chondrocytes in serum-free cultures

We examined the effect of recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1, or bone morphogenetic protein-7), a member of the bone morphogenetic protein family, on growth and maturation of day 11, 15 and 17 chick sternal chondrocytes in high density monolayers, suspension and agarose cultures for up to 5 weeks. OP-1 dose-dependently (10-50 ng/ml) promoted chondrocyte maturation associated with enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity, and increased mRNA levels and protein synthesis of type X collagen in both the presence and absence of serum. In serum-free conditions, OP-1 promoted cell proliferation and chondrocyte maturation, without requiring either thyroid hormone or insulin, agents known to support chick chondrocyte differentiation in vitro. When grown in agarose under the same conditions, TGF-beta 1 and retinoic acid neither initiated nor promoted chondrocyte differentiation. The results demonstrate that OP-1, as the sole medium supplement, supports the maturation of embryonic chick sternal chondrocytes in vitro.

Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic data of recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 (hOP-1)

We have obtained trigonal crystals of recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 (hOP-1), a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily. hOP-1 (also referred to as BMP-7) is a bone morphogenetic protein and is active as a dimer of M(r) 32 to 36 kDa. The crystals have the symmetry of space group P3(1)21 or the enantiomorph P3(2)21 with unit cell dimensions of a = b = 99.46 A, c = 42.09 A. The crystals diffract to 2.2 A resolution and there is one hOP-1 monomer per asymmetric unit. In this paper we describe the first crystallization of a bone morphogenetic protein and present the results of preliminary X-ray diffraction data from the native protein and two heavy-atom derivatives.

Osteogenic protein-1, a bone morphogenic protein member of the TGF-beta superfamily, shares chemotactic but not fibrogenic properties with TGF-beta

We have previously shown that recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 (rhOP-1), a bone morphogenetic protein member of the TGF-beta superfamily, can induce new bone formation when implanted with an appropriate carrier at subcutaneous sites in rats and can restore completely large diaphyseal segmental defects in laboratory animals. The role of OP-1 in the early events of bone induction viz, chemotaxis of phagocytic leukocytes, and fibroblastic mesenchymal cells is currently unknown. In the present study, we examined the effect of rhOP-1 on chemotaxis of phagocytic leukocytes (human neutrophils and monocytes) and fibroblastic mesenchymal cells (infant foreskin fibroblasts). Since OP-1 is structurally related to TGF-beta 1, we assessed the effects of OP-1 on several other fibroblast functions (in addition to chemotaxis) known to be modulated by TGF-beta 1. Our results demonstrated that rhOP-1, like TGF-beta 1, is a potent chemoattractant for human neutrophils, monocytes, and fibroblasts. However, in contrast to TGF-beta 1, OP-1 does not to stimulate fibroblast mitogenesis, matrix synthesis [collagen and hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan)], or production of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP), i.e., fibroblast functions associated with fibrogenesis. These results clearly demonstrate a dichotomy between these two members of the TGF-beta superfamily with a regard to fibrogenic effects on fibroblasts but a similarity in their chemotactic properties.

Evidence that human bone cells in culture contain binding sites for osteogenic protein-1

Recent studies have shown that osteogenic protein (OP)-1 or bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-7 increases proliferation and differentiation of human bone cells (HBCs) in culture and modulates production of IGF system components. In order to study the mechanism by which OP-1 causes these effects, we sought to test the hypothesis that the effects of OP-1 are mediated at least in part by specific receptors (for OP-1) in HBCs. Binding studies with serum-free cultures of normal HBCs and human osteosarcoma cells showed a maximum binding of 15-25% for [125I]OP-1; the binding was time- and temperature-dependent in different experiments. Scatchard analysis of [125]OP-1 binding to TE85 human osteosarcoma cells showed at least two binding sites, about 30,000 and 60,000 per cell with apparent Kd of 2.5 x 10(-10)M and 1 x 10(-9)M, respectively. [125]OP-1 binding to TE85 cells was displaced by unlabeled OP-1 (16-1000 ng/ml), with a 50% displacement at 250 ng/ml. BMP-2 effectively displaced [125]OP-1 binding to HBCs while TGF-beta 1 did not. Affinity cross-linking studies showed that [125]OP-1 interacted specifically with three binding sites with apparent M(r) of 34, 65 and > 205kDa. The findings of this study demonstrate that the effects of OP-1 on HBCs may be mediated in part via BMP-specific receptors.

Identification of type I receptors for osteogenic protein-1 and bone morphogenetic protein-4

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multifunctional proteins, structurally related to transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and activin. TGF-beta and activin exert their effects by forming heteromeric complexes of type I and type II serine/threonine kinase receptors. We have previously identified a series of type I serine/threonine kinase receptors, termed activin receptor-like kinase (ALK)-1 to -6. ALK-5 is a TGF-beta type I receptor, whereas ALK-2 and ALK-4 are activin type I receptors. Here we investigated the binding of proteins in the BMP family to ALKs. In transfected COS cells, the binding of osteogenic protein (OP)-1 and BMP-4 to certain ALKs was observed in the absence of type II receptors, and their binding was increased after co-transfection of a BMP type II receptor from Caenorhabditis elegans, DAF-4. OP-1 bound to ALK-2 and ALK-6 efficiently, and to ALK-3 less efficiently, whereas BMP-4 bound to ALK-3 and ALK-6 efficiently. Similarly, OP-1 bound to ALK-2, ALK-3, and/or ALK-6 in various nontransfected cell lines, although the binding profiles were different between different cell types. BMP-4 bound to ALK-3 in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts and human foreskin fibroblasts. These results suggest that ALK-3 and ALK-6 are type I receptors for OP-1 and BMP-4; in addition, ALK-2 is a type I receptor shared by activin and OP-1, but not by BMP-4.

Opposite effects of osteogenic protein and transforming growth factor beta on chondrogenesis in cultured long bone rudiments

Osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1, also called BMP-7) is a bone morphogenetic member of the TGF-beta superfamily. In the present study, we examined the effect of recombinant human OP-1 on cartilage and bone formation in organ cultures of metatarsal long bones of mouse embryos and compared the OP-1 effects with those of human TGF-beta 1 and porcine TGF-beta 1 and beta 2. Cartilage formation was determined by measurement of longitudinal growth of whole bone rudiments during culture and by the incorporation of 35SO4 into glycosaminoglycans. Mineralization was monitored by 45Ca incorporation in the acid-soluble fraction and by measuring the length of the calcifying center of the rudiment. Toluidine blue-stained histologic sections were used for quantitative histomorphometric analysis. We found that OP-1 stimulated cartilage growth as determined by sulfate incorporation and that it increased remarkably the width of the long bones ends compared with controls. This effect was partly caused by differentiation of perichondrial cells into chondrocytes, resulting in increased appositional growth. In contrast to OP-1, TGF-beta 1 and beta 2 inhibited cartilage growth and reduced the length of whole bone rudiments compared with controls. In the ossifying center of the bone rudiments, both OP-1 and TGF-beta inhibited cartilage hypertrophy, growth of the bone collar, and matrix mineralization. These data demonstrate that OP-1 and TGF-beta exhibit opposite effects on cartilage growth but similar effects on osteogenesis in embryonic mouse long bone cultures. Since both OP-1 and TGF-beta have been demonstrated in embryonic cartilage and bone, these results suggest that they act as autocrine or paracrine regulators of embryonic bone development.

The effect of recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 on healing of large segmental bone defects

A rabbit ulnar non-union model was used to evaluate the effect of recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 on the healing of a large segmental osteoperiosteal defect. A 1.5-centimeter segmental defect was created in the mid-part of the ulnar shaft of adult rabbits. The defect was filled with an implant containing either recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 or naturally occurring bovine osteogenic protein. The recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 implants consisted of a carrier of 125 milligrams of demineralized, guanidine-extracted, insoluble rabbit bone matrix (the collagen carrier), reconstituted with 3.13, 6.25, 12.5, twenty-five, fifty, 100, 200, 300, or 400 micrograms of recombinant human osteogenic protein-1. Animals that received recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 were compared with animals that received an implant of 250 micrograms of a preparation of naturally occurring bovine osteogenic protein mixed with the collagen carrier. Limbs that served as controls received either the collagen carrier alone or no implant at all. The treated and the untreated defects were examined radiographically and histologically at eight or twelve weeks after implantation. Mechanical testing was performed on six animals. All implants of recombinant human osteogenic protein-1, except for those containing 3.13 micrograms of the substance, induced complete radiographic osseous union within eight weeks. The defects that were treated with an implant of bovine osteogenic protein also healed within this time-period. The bone induced by both types of implants had new cortices with advanced remodeling and marrow elements. Histological evaluation of this new bone at eight weeks postoperatively revealed primarily lamellar bone, with the formation of new cortices and normal-appearing marrow elements. The average torsional strength and energy-absorption capacity of the union induced by recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 was comparable with that of intact bone. The control defects that had been implanted with collagen carrier alone and those with no implant showed no bridging of the defect.

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-7 induces healing in a canine long-bone segmental defect model

An ulnar segmental defect model was used in adult male dogs to examine the effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-7 (recombinant human Osteogenic Protein-1 [rhOP-1]; Creative Biomolecules, Hopkinton, Massachusetts) on new bone induction and healing, and to test the mechanical strength of healed 2.5-cm segmental bone defects. The rhOP-1 composites consisted of a carrier of 500 mg of demineralized, guanidine-extracted, insoluble bovine bone matrix (collagen carrier), reconstituted with rhOP-1. Six animals received 1200 micrograms rhOP-1 unilaterally and were killed at 12 weeks for torsional load-to-failure testing using the contralateral side as a control. Two further animals received varying amounts of rhOP-1 bilaterally and were studied histologically. All defect sites receiving rhOP-1 were completely bridged radiographically by eight weeks. A control composite, containing no rhOP-1, failed to induce new bone formation at any time. Histologically, rhOP-1-treated sites examined at 16 weeks had formation of new cortical and cancellous bone, with normal appearing marrow elements in the reconstituted medullary canal. The torsional strength of the rhOP-1-implanted ulnae averaged 72% of control (range, 30-99%). The angular deformation to failure averaged 92% of control (range, 39-122%). The energy absorption to failure averaged 67% of control (range, 27-111%). This study demonstrates the efficacy of rhOP-1 in healing segmental osteoperiosteal defects in a canine model.

Localization of osteogenic protein-1 (bone morphogenetic protein-7) during human embryonic development: high affinity binding to basement membranes

Osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1) is a member of the bone morphogenetic protein subfamily of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily. Since members of the TGF-beta superfamily have a role in tissue development the distribution of OP-1 in developing human embryos (gestational age 5-14 weeks) was examined by immunohistochemical methods. Positive staining for OP-1 was observed in: sclerotome, hypertrophied chondrocytes, osteoblasts, periosteum, epithelial cells of the adrenal "provisional cortex" and the convoluted tubules of developing kidneys. In the developing lungs, pancreas and skin, OP-1 was localized in basement membranes underlying the epithelium. In vitro binding studies of 125I-OP-1 to various extracellular matrix components revealed high affinity of OP-1 for type IV collagen and less for heparin, collagen types I and VI. Present findings suggest that, in addition to bone formation, OP-1 could have other important regulatory roles in human embryogenesis with high binding affinity to a basement membrane component.

Osteogenic protein-1 (BMP-7) inhibits cell proliferation and stimulates the expression of markers characteristic of osteoblast phenotype in rat osteosarcoma (17/2.8) cells

We recently showed that osteogenic protein-1(OP-1), a bone morphogenetic protein member of TGF-beta superfamily, induces endochondral bone formation in vivo, and stimulates growth and differentiation of osteoblasts in rat calvarial-derived cell cultures. In the present study, we examined the effect of OP-1 on cell growth and expression of markers that are characteristic of osteoblast phenotype using the clonal rat osteosarcoma cells (ROS 17/2.8). A comparison of OP-1 and TGF-beta 1 effects on cell growth showed that, both OP-1 and TGF-beta 1 inhibited DNA synthesis up to 90 percent and 60 percent of the controls at concentrations of 10 ng/ml and 1 ng/ml, respectively, in serum-free medium. In the presence of 5% serum, TGF-beta 1 did not have any significant inhibitory effects while 40 ng OP-1/ml inhibited the DNA synthesis up to 80% of the controls. Examination of collagen synthesis showed that 40 ng OP-1/ml increased the expression of type I collagen mRNA, and thus increased collagen synthesis (4-fold), as examined by collagenase-digestible protein. Evaluation of markers that are characteristic of the osteoblast phenotype demonstrated that OP-1 stimulated cAMP production in response to PTH (10-fold at 200 ng/ml), alkaline phosphatase specific activity (ALPase) (4-fold at 80 ng/ml), and osteocalcin (OC) synthesis (4.5-fold at 40 ng/ml). Northern blot analysis revealed that OP-1 increased mRNA expression for both ALPase and OC in a dose-dependent manner. These data collectively demonstrate that OP-1 suppresses cell proliferation and stimulates the expression of markers characteristic of osteoblast phenotype in rat clonal osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells (ROS 17/2.8).

Bovine articular chondrocytes do not undergo hypertrophy when cultured in the presence of serum and osteogenic protein-1

Osteogenic protein-1 (hOP-1, BMP-7) is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily. We have recently shown that hOP-1 induces and promotes maturation and hypertrophy of chick sternal chondrocytes, cultured in monolayer or suspension in the presence or absence of serum. In the present study we demonstrate that bovine articular chondrocytes, grown for up to 5 weeks in the presence of 0.5% or 10% serum in combination with 30 ng/ml hOP-1, do not undergo hypertrophy, as determined by cell size, the absence of type X collagen expression and synthesis, and of alkaline phosphatase activity. Treatment with hOP-1 (30 ng/ml) resulted in increased matrix synthesis as measured by [35S]sulfate incorporation and by collagen type II synthesis and expression, without influencing cell proliferation. These data suggest that primary mammalian articular chondrocytes are not able to undergo hypertrophy in conditions previously shown to be permissive for hypertrophy of both chick sternal and chick articular chondrocytes.

Human osteogenic protein-1 induces both chondroblastic and osteoblastic differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells derived from newborn rat calvaria

Osteogenetic protein-1 (OP-1), a member of the TGF-beta superfamily, induces endochondrial bone formation at subcutaneous sites in vivo and stimulates osteoblastic phenotypic expression in vitro. Primary cultures of newborn rat calvarial cells contain a spectrum of osteogenic phenotypes ranging from undifferentiated mesenchymal osteoprogenitor cells to parathyroid hormone (PTH)-responsive osteoblasts. We examined whether treatment of this cell population with recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 could induce chondrogenesis in vitro. Markers of chondroblastic versus osteoblastic differentiation included alcian blue staining at pH 1, alkaline phosphatase-specific activity, osteocalcin radioimmunoassay, and expression of collagen mRNAs. 6 d of treatment (culture days 1-7) with 4-100 ng OP-1/ml caused dose-dependent increases in alcian blue staining intensity and alkaline phosphatase activity (4.7- and 3.4-fold, respectively, at 40 ng/ml), while osteocalcin production decreased twofold. Clusters of round, refractile, alcian blue-stained cells appeared by day 3, increased in number until day 7, and then became hypertrophic and gradually became less distinct. Histochemically, the day 7 clusters were associated with high alkaline phosphatase activity and became mineralized. mRNA transcripts for collagen types II and IX were increased by OP-1, peaking at day 4, while type X collagen mRNA was detectable only on day 7 in OP-1-treated cultures. Delay of OP-1 exposure until confluence (day 7) amplifies expression of the normal osteoblastic phenotype and accelerates its developmental maturation. In contrast, early OP-1 treatment commencing on day 1 strongly amplifies chondroblastic differentiation. In the same protocol, TGF-beta 1 alone at 0.01-40 ng/ml fails to induce any hypertrophic chondrocytes, and in combination with OP-1, TGF-beta 1 blocks OP-1-dependent chondroinduction. OP-1 is believed to act on a subpopulation of primitive osteoprogenitor cells to induce endochondrial ossification, but does not appear to reverse committed osteoblasts to the chondrocyte phenotype.

Osteogenic protein-1 stimulates proliferation and differentiation of human bone cells in vitro

The effect of recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1) on proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was studied using human bone cells in culture. TE85, osteosarcoma cells with osteoblastic characteristics and normal bone cells derived from mandible (HBM) were used. OP-1 stimulated 3H-thymidine incorporation in a dose dependent manner in TE85 (5-fold over vehicle control at 3-10 ng/ml) and HBM cells (1.8-fold at 100 ng/ml). In TE85 cells, OP-1 also increased cell number (2.4-fold over vehicle control at 3 ng/ml). OP-1 stimulated ALP activity in TE85 cells (4-fold over vehicle control at 30 ng/ml), but moderately inhibited ALP activity in HBM cells (to 67% of vehicle control at 100 ng/ml). Because 1,25(OH)2D3 has been shown to increase ALP activity in many cell types, we also studied if 1,25(OH)2D3 modulates the effects of OP-1 on ALP activity. In the presence of 10(-8) M 1,25(OH)2D3, a biphasic response occurred in TE85 and HBM cells with stimulation of ALP activity at low dose of OP-1 and inhibition at high dose. Thus, the effect of OP-1 on ALP activity appeared to be modulated by 1,25(OH)2D3. Our results suggest that OP-1 could be an important regulator of osteoblast proliferation and differentiation.

Drosophila transforming growth factor beta superfamily proteins induce endochondral bone formation in mammals

Both decapentaplegic (dpp) protein and 60A protein have been implicated in pattern formation during Drosophila melanogaster embryogenesis. Within the C-terminal domain, dpp and 60A are similar to human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (75% identity) and human osteogenic protein 1 (70% identity), respectively. Both recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 and recombinant human osteogenic protein 1 have been shown to induce bone formation in vivo and to restore large diaphyseal segmental defects in various animal models. We examined whether the Drosophila proteins, dpp and 60A, have the capacity to induce bone formation in mammals by using the rat subcutaneous bone induction model. Highly purified recombinant dpp and 60A induced the formation of cartilage, bone, and bone marrow in mammals, as determined by histological observations and by measurements of the specific activity of alkaline phosphatase and calcium content of the implants, thereby demonstrating that related proteins from phylogenetically distant species are capable of inducing bone formation in mammals when placed in sites where progenitor cells are available.

Recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 (hOP-1) induces new bone formation in vivo with a specific activity comparable with natural bovine osteogenic protein and stimulates osteoblast proliferation and differentiation in vitro

We reported previously that a 32-36-kDa osteogenic protein purified from bovine bone matrix is composed of dimers of two members of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta superfamily: the bovine equivalent of human osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1) and bone morphogenetic protein-2a, BMP-2a (BMP-2). In the present study, we produced the recombinant human OP-1 (hOP-1) in mammalian cells as a processed mature disulfide-linked homodimer with an apparent molecular weight of 36,000. Examination of hOP-1 in the rat subcutaneous bone induction model demonstrated that hOP-1 was capable of inducing new bone formation with a specific activity comparable with that exhibited by highly purified bovine osteogenic protein preparations. The half-maximal bone-inducing activity of hOP-1 in combination with a rat collagen matrix preparation was 50-100 ng/25 mg of matrix as determined by the calcium content of day 12 implants. Evaluation of hOP-1 effects on cell growth and collagen synthesis in rat osteoblast-enriched bone cell cultures showed that both cell proliferation and collagen synthesis were stimulated in a dose-dependent manner and increased 3-fold in response to 40 ng of hOP-1/ml. Examination of the expression of markers characteristic of the osteoblast phenotype showed that hOP-1 specifically stimulated the induction of alkaline phosphatase (4-fold increase at 40 ng of hOP-1/ml), parathyroid hormone-mediated intracellular cAMP production (4-fold increase at 40 ng of hOP-1/ml), and osteocalcin synthesis (5-fold increase at 25 ng of hOP-1/ml). In long-term (11-17 day) cultures of osteoblasts in the presence of beta-glycerophosphate and L(+)-ascorbate, hOP-1 markedly increased the rate of mineralization as measured by the number of mineral nodules per well (20-fold increase at 20 ng of hOP-1/ml). Direct comparison of TGF-beta 1 and hOP-1 in these bone cell cultures indicated that, although both hOP-1 and TGF-beta 1 promoted cell proliferation and collagen synthesis, only hOP-1 was effective in specifically stimulating markers of the osteoblast phenotype.

Anti-ischaemic and endothelial protective actions of recombinant human osteogenic protein (hOP-1)

Osteogenic protein one (hOP-1), a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) supergenic family, was studied for its anti-ischaemic properties in rats subjected to myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion. Ten minutes after ligation (i.e., just prior to reperfusion) of the left coronary artery, 2 or 20 micrograms/rat recombinant human (hOP-1) or its vehicle, was given intravenously. hOP-1 at 20 micrograms significantly reduced reperfusion injury 24 h later compared to rats receiving only vehicle (i.e., 0.9% NaCl). hOP-1 was also found to preserve rat coronary endothelial function (i.e., release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor, EDRF) in perfused hearts following global ischaemia and reperfusion. Moreover, hOP-1 also significantly inhibited adherence of rat neutrophils to rat vascular endothelium in vitro. Thus, hOP-1 exerts significant anti-ischaemic effects. Some of this cardioprotection may be related to the ability of hOP-1 to preserve endothelial function and inhibit neutrophil adherence to the endothelium.

Bovine osteogenic protein is composed of dimers of OP-1 and BMP-2A, two members of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily

A bone-inductive protein has been purified from bovine bone and designated as osteogenic protein (OP). The purified OP induces new bone at less than 5 ng with half-maximal bone differentiation activity at about 20 ng/25 mg of matrix implant in a subcutaneous bone induction assay. The purified osteogenic protein is composed of disulfide-linked dimers that migrate on sodium dodecyl sulfate gels as a diffuse band with an apparent molecular weight of 30,000. Upon reduction, the dimers yield two subunits that migrate with molecular weights of 18,000 and 16,000. Both subunits are glycosylated. After chemical or enzymatic deglycosylation, the dimers migrate as a diffuse 27-kDa band that upon reduction yields two polypeptides that migrate at 16 kDa and 14 kDa, respectively. The carbohydrate moiety does not appear to be essential for biological activity since the deglycosylated proteins are capable of inducing bone formation in vivo. Amino acid sequences of peptides generated by proteolytic digestion show that the subunits are distinct but related members of the transforming growth factor-beta super-family. The 18-kDa subunit is the protein product of the bovine equivalent of the human OP-1 gene and the 16-kDa subunit is the protein product of the bovine equivalent of the human BMP-2A gene.

OP-1 cDNA encodes an osteogenic protein in the TGF-beta family

Amino acid sequences of two tryptic peptides derived from enriched bovine osteogenic protein preparations revealed considerable homology to two members of the TGF-beta (transforming growth factor beta) supergene family, DPP (decapentaplegic protein) of Drosophila and Vg-1 (vegetal protein) of Xenopus. Building upon this information we constructed a synthetic consensus gene to use as a probe to screen human genomic libraries. This resulted in the isolation of three interrelated genes. Among these were BMP-2b and BMP-3 which have recently been described by others. The third gene, termed OP-1 (osteogenic protein one), is new and was subsequently shown to encode the human homolog of a major component of bovine osteogenic protein. The genomic clones were used to isolate the corresponding complementary DNA (cDNA) clones. Sequence analysis indicates that OP-1 is a relative of the murine Vgr-1 (Vg-1 related gene). This report describes the cDNA structure and putative amino acid sequence of OP-1.

Isolation of osteogenin, an extracellular matrix-associated, bone-inductive protein, by heparin affinity chromatography

Implantation of demineralized diaphyseal bone matrix in subcutaneous sites induces a sequence of events resulting in the local differentiation of endochondral bone. Demineralized bovine bone matrix was dissociatively extracted in 4.0 M guanidine hydrochloride and the bone-inductive proteins were purified greater than 12,000-fold. The purification steps include affinity chromatography on heparin-Sepharose, hydroxyapatite chromatography, gel filtration, and C18 reverse-phase HPLC. Since the purified protein in conjunction with insoluble collagenous bone matrix induced new bone differentiation in vivo we have designated this component osteogenin. The osteogenic potential is specific for osteogenin and is not exhibited by previously isolated growth factors.

Comparison of bone inductive proteins of rat and porcine bone matrix

Subcutaneous implantation of demineralized bone matrix in allogenic rats induces a sequence of events resulting in de novo formation of cartilage, bone and bone marrow. In the present study endochondral bone formation by demineralized porcine matrix was studied and compared with the rat bone matrix. Endochondral bone formation was induced by 4M guanidine hydrochloride fraction IV (less than 50,000 daltons) of Sepharose CL-6B gel filtration but not by whole extract or by demineralized porcine bone matrix. Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration of the osteoinductive proteins of fraction IV showed the Porcine osteoinductive factor to be associated with protein fraction III (less than 20,000 daltons) whereas the rat with fraction II (between 20,000 and 30,000 daltons) of the chromatographic profile indicating an apparent difference in molecular weight of the osteoinductive factors between these two species.

Extracellular matrix proteins involved in bone induction are vitamin D dependent

Subcutaneous implantation of demineralized diaphyseal bone matrix into allogeneic rats results in local formation of cartilage and bone. However, implantation of demineralized bone matrix obtained from rachitic rats did not induce bone. Rachitic bone matrix was therefore dissociatively extracted with 4 M guanidine HCl and then reconstituted with an inactive collagenous residue of control as carrier. Such reconstituted materials also lacked bone inductive potential. On the other hand, reconstitution of guanidine HCl extracts of control bone matrix with inactive vitamin D deficient matrix did result in bone induction. Partial purification (fractions containing proteins (less than 50,000 daltons) of the guanidine HCl extract from rachitic rats on Sepharose CL-6B followed by reconstitution with inactive collagenous residues resulted in a weak (25% of control) inductive response. These observations imply that bone inductive proteins are vitamin D dependent and are reduced in matrix obtained from rachitic rats.

In vitro transformation of mesenchymal cells derived from embryonic muscle into cartilage in response to extracellular matrix components of bone

Subcutaneous implantation of demineralized diaphyseal bone matrix into rats induces cartilage and bone formation in vivo. When minced skeletal muscle is cultured on hemicylinders of demineralized bone in vitro, mesenchymal cells are transformed into chondrocytes. In the present investigation, the potential of extracellular matrix components of bone to trigger cartilage differentiation in vitro was examined. Extraction of bone hemicylinders with 6 M guanidine X HCl resulted in the absence of chondrogenesis in vitro and endochondral bone formation in vivo. Biologically inactive hemicylinders of bone were then reconstituted with the guanidine extract and also with partially purified components extracted from bone matrix and bioassayed. Reconstitution completely restored the ability to elicit chondrogenesis in vitro and endochondral bone differentiation in vivo. Reconstitution of the whole guanidine extract on Millipore filters coated with gels of tendon collagen (type I) and subsequent culture with minced skeletal muscle also resulted in cartilage induction in vitro. These observations show that the extracellular matrix of bone is a repository of factors that govern local cartilage and bone differentiation.

Importance of geometry of the extracellular matrix in endochondral bone differentiation

Subcutaneous implantation of coarse powders (74-420 micron) of demineralized diaphyseal bone matrix resulted in the local differentiation of endochondral bone. However, implantation of matrix with particle size of 44-74 micron (Fine matrix) did not induce bone. We have recently reported that the dissociative extraction of coarse matrix with 4 M guanidine HCl resulted in a complete loss of the ability of matrix to induce endochondral bone; the total loss of biological activity could be restored by reconstitution of extracted soluble components with inactive residue. To determine the possible biochemical potential of fine matrix to induce bone, the matrix was extracted in 4 M guanidine HCl and the extract was reconstituted with biologically inactive 4 M guanidine HCl-treated coarse bone matrix residue. There was a complete restoration of the biological activity by the extract of fine matrix upon reconstitution with extracted coarse matrix. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the extract of fine matrix revealed similar protein profiles as seen for the extract of coarse matrix. Gel filtration of the 4 M guanidine HCl extract of fine powder on Sepharose CL-6B and the subsequent reconstitution of various column fractions with inactive coarse residue showed that fractions with proteins of 20,000-50,000 mol wt induced new bone formation. These observations demonstrate that although fine bone matrix contains, osteoinductive proteins, matrix geometry (size) is a critical factor in triggering the biochemical cascade of endochondral bone differentiation. Mixing of coarse matrix with Fine results in partial response and it was confined to areas in contact with coarse particles. The results imply a role for geometry of extracellular bone matrix in anchorage-dependent proliferation and differentiation of cells.

Distribution of bone inductive proteins in mineralized and demineralized extracellular matrix

Implantation of demineralized extracellular bone matrix results in new bone formation locally. Although the precise molecular mechanisms are not known, the reconstitution of matrix proteins less than 50,000 daltons with collagenous residue results in bone induction. The aim of the present investigation was to ascertain the distribution of the bone inductive protein(s) in various compartments of the tissue. A sequential extraction of mineralized bone matrix was employed: (1) 4 M guanidine HCl to extract proteins that are cell associated and not masked by mineral; (2) 0.5 M EDTA to dissolve the mineral phase; (3) 4 M guanidine HCl to reextract the collagenous matrix-associated proteins under dissociative conditions; (4) 4 M guanidine HCl containing 0.5 M EDTA to release any other residual proteins. This sequential method revealed that about 25% of total biological activity of bone induction is associated with first guanidine extraction, about 15% with the mineral phase and the rest of the activity is tightly associated with the collagenous matrix.

Homology of bone-inductive proteins from human, monkey, bovine, and rat extracellular matrix

Allogeneic implantation of rat extracellular demineralized diaphyseal bone matrix in subcutaneous sites induces a sequence of events resulting in the local differentiation of endochondral bone. However, xenogenic subcutaneous implantation of human, monkey, and bovine extracellular bone matrix into rat showed that bovine matrix had only a weak capacity to induce bone, whereas human and monkey matrix had none at all. This suggested that extracellular matrix-induced bone differentiation is apparently species-specific. We recently reported that the extraction of matrix with 4 M guanidine X HCl resulted in complete removal of the ability to induce endochondral bone differentiation, with the biological activity of the matrix being again restored when the extracted active matrix components (less than 50,000 daltons) were reconstituted with the inactive residue. To define the possible biochemical basis of species specificity, human, monkey, and bovine extracellular bone matrices were extracted with 4 M guanidine X HCl and the extracts were reconstituted with biologically inactive rat residue and bioassayed. The results were similar to those obtained with intact matrices and showed that total extracts of bovine matrix had a weak capacity to induce bone, whereas corresponding extracts of human and monkey matrix did not induce bone. However, partial purification by gel filtration of 4 M guanidine X HCl extracts from each species followed by reconstitution of the different fractions with inactive rat residue resulted in bone induction by all species from fractions containing proteins of less than 50,000 daltons. These observations demonstrate that species specificity of xenogenic extracellular bone matrix is due to immunogenic or inhibitory components (or both) in the guanidine X HCl residue and solubilized extracellular matrix components of greater than 50,000 daltons. These results imply that there is homology in the bone inductive proteins from human, monkey, bovine, and rat extracellular bone matrices.

Dissociative extraction and reconstitution of extracellular matrix components involved in local bone differentiation

Subcutaneous implantation of demineralized diaphyseal bone matrix in allogeneic rats results in the local induction of endochondral bone differentiation. We have explored the potential of three dissociative extractants, 4 M guanidine hydrochloride (Gdn . HCl), 8 M urea/1 M NaCl, and 1% NaDodSO4 at pH 7.4, containing protease inhibitors to solubilize putative inductive molecules in the bone matrix. Extraction of bone matrix with any one of these extracts resulted in the loss of the bone inductive property. The solubilized extracts were then reconstituted with the residue by dialysis against water. The various reconstituted matrices were bioassayed for bone inductive potential by quantitation of alkaline phosphatase activity and 45Ca incorporation on day 12 after implantation. There was complete recovery of biological activity after reconstitution of the residues with each of the three extracts. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the extracts revealed similar protein profiles. Gel filtration of the 4 M Gdn. HCl extract on Sepharose CL-4B showed a heterogeneous broad peak. When fractions of that peak containing proteins less than 50,000 daltons were reconstituted with inactive 4 M Gdn . HCl-treated bone matrix and then implanted, new bone was induced. These observations demonstrate the dissociative extraction and successful biological reconstitution of bone inductive macromolecules in demineralized bone matrix.