Identification of mechanosensitive genes in osteoblasts by comparative microarray studies using the rotating wall vessel and the random positioning machine

Cell mechanosensitivity: mechanical properties and interaction with gravitational field

This paper addressed the possible mechanisms of primary reception of a mechanical stimulus by different cells. Data concerning the stiffness of muscle and nonmuscle cells as measured by atomic force microscopy are provided. The changes in the mechanical properties of cells that occur under changed external mechanical tension are presented, and the initial stages of mechanical signal transduction are considered. The possible mechanism of perception of different external mechanical signals by cells is suggested.

Phenotypic characterization of Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans grown under simulated microgravity using a three-dimensional clinostat

The living and working environments of spacecraft become progressively contaminated by a number of microorganisms. A large number of microorganisms, including pathogenic microorganisms, some of which are fungi, have been found in the cabins of space stations. However, it is not known how the characteristics of microorganisms change in the space environment. To predict how a microgravity environment might affect fungi, and thus how their characteristics could change on board spacecraft, strains of the pathogenic fungi Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans were subjected to on-ground tests in a simulated microgravity environment produced by a three-dimensional (3D) clinostat. These fungi were incubated and cultured in a 3D clinostat in a simulated microgravity environment. No positive or negative differences in morphology, asexual reproductive capability, or susceptibility to antifungal agents were observed in cultures grown under simulated microgravity compared to those grown in normal earth gravity (1 G). These results strongly suggest that a microgravity environment, such as that on board spacecraft, allows growth of potentially pathogenic fungi that can contaminate the living environment for astronauts in spacecraft in the same way as they contaminate residential areas on earth. They also suggest that these organisms pose a similar risk of opportunistic infections or allergies in astronauts as they do in people with compromised immunity on the ground and that treatment of fungal infections in space could be the same as on earth.

Osteogenic effects of a potent Src-over-Abl-selective kinase inhibitor in the mouse

Src-null mice have higher bone mass because of decreased bone resorption and increased bone formation, whereas Abl-null mice are osteopenic, because of decreased bone formation. Compound I, a potent inhibitor of Src in an isolated enzyme assay (IC(50) 0.55 nM) and a Src-dependent cell growth assay, with lower activity on equivalent Abl-based assays, potently, but biphasically, accelerated differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells to an osteoblast phenotype (1-10 nM). Compound I (≥0.1 nM) also activated osteoblasts and induced bone formation in isolated neonatal mouse calvariae. Compound I required higher concentrations (100 nM) to inhibit differentiation and activity of osteoclasts. Transcriptional profiling (TxP) of calvaria treated with 1 μM compound I revealed down-regulation of osteoclastic genes and up-regulation of matrix genes and genes associated with the osteoblast phenotype, confirming compound I's dual effects on bone resorption and formation. In addition, calvarial TxP implicated calcitonin-related polypeptide, β (β-CGRP) as a potential mediator of compound I's osteogenic effect. In vivo, compound I (1 mg/kg s.c.) increased vertebral trabecular bone volume 21% (microcomputed tomography) in intact female mice. Increased trabecular volume was also detected histologically in a separate bone, the femur, particularly in the secondary spongiosa (100% increase), which underwent a 171% increase in bone formation rate, a 73% increase in mineralizing surface, and a 59% increase in mineral apposition rate. Similar effects were observed in ovariectomized mice with established osteopenia. We conclude that the Src inhibitor compound I is osteogenic, presumably because of its potent stimulation of osteoblast differentiation and activation, possibly mediated by β-CGRP.

Role of osteoglycin in the linkage between muscle and bone

The interaction between muscle tissues and bone metabolism is incompletely understood. We hypothesized that there might be some humoral factors that are produced in muscle tissues and exhibit bone anabolic activity. We, therefore, performed comparative DNA microarray analysis between mouse myoblastic C2C12 cells transfected with either stable empty vector or ALK2 (R206H), the mutation that constitutively activates the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor, to search for muscle-derived bone anabolic factors. Twenty-five genes whose expression was decreased to <1/4, were identified; these included osteoglycin (OGN). Stable overexpression of OGN significantly decreased the levels of Runx2 and Osterix mRNA compared with those in cells transfected with vector alone in MC3T3-E1 cells. On the other hand, it significantly enhanced the levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), type I collagen (Col1), and osteocalcin (OCN) mRNA as well as β-catenin and mineralization. A reduction in endogenous OGN level showed the opposite effects to those of OGN overexpression in MC3T3-E1 and mouse calvarial osteoblastic cells. Transient OGN overexpression significantly suppressed the levels of Runx2, Osterix, ALP, Col1, and OCN mRNA induced by BMP-2 in C2C12 cells. The conditioned medium from OGN-overexpressed and OGN-suppressed myoblastic cells enhanced and decreased, respectively, the levels of ALP, Col1, and β-catenin in MC3T3-E1 cells. Moreover, OGN increased Smad3/4-responsive transcriptional activity as well as Col1 mRNA levels independently of endogenous TGF-β in these cells. In conclusion, this study suggests that OGN may be a crucial humoral bone anabolic factor that is produced by muscle tissues.

Microarray profile of gene expression during osteoclast differentiation in modelled microgravity

Microgravity (µXg) leads to a 10-15% loss of bone mass in astronauts during space flight. Osteoclast (OCL) is the multinucleated bone-resorbing cell. In this study, we used the NASA developed ground-based rotating wall vessel bioreactor (RWV), rotary cell culture system (RCCS) to simulate µXg conditions and demonstrated a significant increase (2-fold) in osteoclastogenesis compared to normal gravity control (Xg). Gene expression profiling of RAW 264.7 OCL progenitor cells in modelled µXg by Agilent microarray analysis revealed significantly increased expression of critical molecules such as cytokines/growth factors, proteases and signalling proteins, which play an important role in enhanced OCL differentiation/function. Transcription factors such as c-Jun, MITF and CREB implicated in OCL differentiation are upregulated; however no significant change in the levels of NFATc1 expression in preosteoclast cells subjected to modelled µXg. We also identified high-level expression of calcium-binding protein, S100A8 (calcium-binding protein molecule A8/calgranulin A) in preosteoclast cells under µXg. Furthermore, modelled µXg stimulated RAW 264.7 cells showed elevated cytosolic calcium (Ca(2+)) levels/oscillations compared to Xg cells. siRNA knock-down of S100A8 expression in RAW 264.7 cells resulted in a significant decrease in modelled µXg stimulated OCL differentiation. We also identified elevated levels of phospho-CREB in preosteoclast cells subjected to modelled µXg compared to Xg. Thus, modelled µXg regulated gene expression profiling in preosteoclast cells provide new insights into molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets of enhanced OCL differentiation/activation to prevent bone loss and fracture risk in astronauts during space flight missions.

Activation of nervous system development genes in bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells following spaceflight exposure

Stalled cell division in precursor bone cells and reduced osteoblast function are considered responsible for the microgravity-induced bone loss observed during spaceflight. However, underlying molecular mechanisms remain unraveled. Having overcome technological difficulties associated with flying cells in a space mission, we present the first report on the behavior of the potentially osteogenic murine bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) in a 3D culture system, flown inside the KUBIK aboard space mission ISS 12S (Soyuz TMA-8 + Increment 13) from March 30 to April 8, 2006 (experiment "Stroma-2"). Flight 1g control cultures were performed in a centrifuge located within the payload. Ground controls were maintained on Earth in another KUBIK payload and in Petri dishes. Half of the cultures were stimulated with osteo-inductive medium. Differences in total RNA extracted suggested that cell proliferation was inhibited in flight samples. Affymetrix technology revealed that 1,599 genes changed expression after spaceflight exposure. A decreased expression of cell-cycle genes confirmed the inhibition of cell proliferation in space. Unexpectedly, most of the modulated expression was found in genes related to various processes of neural development, neuron morphogenesis, transmission of nerve impulse and synapse, raising the question on the lineage restriction in BMSC.

Effects of oriented substrates on cell morphology, the cell cycle, and the cytoskeleton in Ros 17/2.8 cells

Absence of gravity or microgravity influences the cellular functions of bone forming osteoblasts. The underlying mechanism, however, of cellular sensing and responding to the gravity vector is poorly understood. This work quantified the impact of vector-directional gravity on the biological responses of Ros 17/2.8 cells grown on upward-, downward- or edge-on-oriented substrates. Cell morphology and nuclear translocation, cell proliferation and the cell cycle, and cytoskeletal reorganization were found to vary significantly in the three orientations. All of the responses were duration-dependent. These results provide a new insight into understanding how osteoblasts respond to static vector-directional gravity.

The effect of simulated microgravity on human mesenchymal stem cells cultured in an osteogenic differentiation system: a bioinformatics study

One proposed strategy for bone regeneration involves ex vivo tissue engineering, accomplished using bone-forming cells, biodegradable scaffolds, and dynamic culture systems, with the goal of three-dimensional tissue formation. Rotating wall vessel bioreactors generate simulated microgravity conditions ex vivo, which lead to cell aggregation. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have been extensively investigated and shown to possess the potential to differentiate into several cell lineages. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effect of simulated microgravity on all genes expressed in hMSCs, with the underlying hypothesis that many important pathways are affected during culture within a rotating wall vessel system. Gene expression was analyzed using a whole genome microarray and clustering with the aid of the National Institutes of Health's Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery database and gene ontology analysis. Our analysis showed 882 genes that were downregulated and 505 genes that were upregulated after exposure to simulated microgravity. Gene ontology clustering revealed a wide variety of affected genes with respect to cell compartment, biological process, and signaling pathway clusters. The data sets showed significant decreases in osteogenic and chondrogenic gene expression and an increase in adipogenic gene expression, indicating that ex vivo adipose tissue engineering may benefit from simulated microgravity. This finding was supported by an adipogenic differentiation assay. These data are essential for further understanding of ex vivo tissue engineering using hMSCs.

Hind limb unloading of mice modulates gene expression at the protein and mRNA level in mesenchymal bone cells

Background

We investigated the extent, modalities and reversibility of changes at cellular level in the expression of genes and proteins occurring upon Hind limb unloading (HU) in the tibiae of young C57BL/6J male mice. We focused on the effects of HU in chondrogenic, osteogenic, and marrow mesenchymal cells.

Methods

We analyzed for expression of genes and proteins at two time points after HU (7 and 14 days), and at 14 days after recovery from HU. Levels of mRNAs were tested by in situ hybridization. Protein levels were tested by immunohistochemistry. We studied genes involved in osteogenesis (alkaline phosphatase (AP), osteocalcin (OC), bonesialoprotein (BSP), membrane type1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP)), in extracellular matrix (ECM) formation (procollagenases (BMP1), procollagenase enhancer proteins (PCOLCE)) and remodeling (metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), RECK), and in bone homeostasis (Stro-1, CXCL12, CXCR4, CD146).

Results

We report the following patterns and timing of changes in gene expression induced by HU: 1) transient or stable down modulations of differentiation-associated genes (AP, OC), genes of matrix formation, maturation and remodelling, (BMP1, PCOLCEs MMP9) in osteogenic, chondrogenic and bone marrow cells; 2) up modulation of MT1-MMP in these same cells, and uncoupling of its expression from that of AP; 3) transient down modulation of the osteoblast specific expression of BSP; 4) for genes involved in bone homeostasis, up modulation in bone marrow cells at distal epiphysis for CXCR4, down modulation of CXCL12, and transient increases in osteoblasts and marrow cells for Stro1. 14 days after limb reloading expression returned to control levels for most genes and proteins in most cell types, except AP in all cells, and CXCL12, only in bone marrow.

Conclusions

HU induces the coordinated modulation of gene expression in different mesenchymal cell types and microenvironments of tibia. HU also induces specific patterns of expression for homeostasis related genes and modulation of mRNAs and proteins for ECM deposition, maturation and remodeling which may be key factors for bone maintenance.

Bacillus thuringiensis conjugation in simulated microgravity

Spaceflight experiments have suggested a possible effect of microgravity on the plasmid transfer among strains of the Gram-positive Bacillus thuringiensis, as opposed to no effect recorded for Gram-negative conjugation. To investigate these potential effects in a more affordable experimental setup, three ground-based microgravity simulators were tested: the Rotating Wall Vessel (RWV), the Random Positioning Machine (RPM), and a superconducting magnet. The bacterial conjugative system consisted in biparental matings between two B. thuringiensis strains, where the transfer frequencies of the conjugative plasmid pAW63 and its ability to mobilize the nonconjugative plasmid pUB110 were assessed. Specifically, potential plasmid transfers in a 0 g position (simulated microgravity) were compared to those obtained under 1 g (normal gravity) condition in each device. Statistical analyses revealed no significant difference in the conjugative and mobilizable transfer frequencies between the three different simulated microgravitational conditions and our standard laboratory condition. These important ground-based observations emphasize the fact that, though no stimulation of plasmid transfer was observed, no inhibition was observed either. In the case of Gram-positive bacteria, this ability to exchange plasmids in weightlessness, as occurs under Earth's conditions, should be seen as particularly relevant in the scope of spread of antibiotic resistances and bacterial virulence.

Evidence for a calcification process in the trabecular meshwork

The human trabecular meshwork (TM) expresses many genes that have been associated with physiological (bone, cartilage, teeth) and pathological (vascular systems, kidney) calcification. In particular, the TM highly expresses the inhibitor of calcification Matrix Gla (MGP) gene, which encodes a vitamin K-dependent protein that requires post-translational activation to inhibit the formation of calcium precipitates. TM cells have high activity of the activating gamma-carboxylase enzyme and produce active MGP. Silencing MGP increases the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), an enzyme of the matrix vesicles and marker of calcification. Overexpressing MGP reduces the ALP activity induced by bone morphogenetic 2 (BMP2), a potent inducer of calcification. In this review we gathered evidence for the existence of a mineralization process in the TM. We selected twenty regulatory calcification genes, reviewed their functions in their original tissues and looked at their relative abundance in the TM by heat maps derived from existing microarrays. Although results are not yet fully conclusive and more experiments are needed, examining TM expression in the light of the calcification literature brings up many similarities. One such parallel is the role of mechanical forces in bone induction and the high levels of mineralization inhibitors found in the constantly mechanically stressed TM. During the next few years, examination of other calcification-related regulatory genes and pathways, as well as morphological examination of knockout animals, would help to elucidate the relevance of a calcification process to TM's overall function.

Global expression of simulated microgravity-responsive genes in Xenopus liver cells

The random positioning machine (RPM) is a method used to generate a simulated-microgravity environment at approximately 0 g. Using an RPM, we analyzed the global gene expression of A8 cells derived from the liver of adult Xenopus laevis. A range of genes on a Xenopus 44K-scale microarray were up- or downregulated two-fold or more: 43 genes (up, 36 genes; down, 7 genes) on culture day 5 in RPM, 74 genes (up, 48 genes; down, 26 genes) on day 8, 105 genes (up, 71 genes; down, 34 genes) on day 10, and 132 genes (up, 98 genes; down, 34 genes) on day 15. Five genes were upregulated two-fold or more throughout culturing in RPM, while only one gene was downregulated over the entire time. We then compared the expression patterns of the RPM-dependent genes in the A8 cells with those in A6 cells established from the kidney of adult Xenopus laevis. Six upregulated genes and three downregulated genes showed the same expression patterns throughout the culturing of A6 and A8 cells in RPM. Such globally responsive genes may play a common role in the cell response to simulated microgravity. We were particularly interested in the downregulation of SPARC in both cell types in RPM, which supported previous observations from simulated-microgravity experiments on earth or microgravity in space. We conclude that SPARC is plays a key role in the response of a cell to microgravity.

Low magnitude and high frequency mechanical loading prevents decreased bone formation responses of 2T3 preosteoblasts

Bone loss due to osteoporosis or disuse such as in paraplegia or microgravity is a significant health problem. As a treatment for osteoporosis, brief exposure of intact animals or humans to low magnitude and high frequency (LMHF) mechanical loading has been shown to normalize and prevent bone loss. However, the underlying molecular changes and the target cells by which LMHF mechanical loading alleviate bone loss are not known. Here, we hypothesized that direct application of LMHF mechanical loading to osteoblasts alters their cell responses, preventing decreased bone formation induced by disuse or microgravity conditions. To test our hypothesis, preosteoblast 2T3 cells were exposed to a disuse condition using the random positioning machine (RPM) and intervened with an LMHF mechanical load (0.1-0.4 g at 30 Hz for 10-60 min/day). Exposure of 2T3 cells to the RPM decreased bone formation responses as determined by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization even in the presence of a submaximal dose of BMP4 (20 ng/ml). However, LMHF mechanical loading prevented the RPM-induced decrease in ALP activity and mineralization. Mineralization induced by LMHF mechanical loading was enhanced by treatment with bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4) and blocked by the BMP antagonist noggin, suggesting a role for BMPs in this response. In addition, LMHF mechanical loading rescued the RPM-induced decrease in gene expression of ALP, runx2, osteomodulin, parathyroid hormone receptor 1, and osteoglycin. These findings suggest that preosteoblasts may directly respond to LMHF mechanical loading to induce differentiation responses. The mechanosensitive genes identified here provide potential targets for pharmaceutical treatments that may be used in combination with low level mechanical loading to better treat osteoporosis or disuse-induced bone loss.

A brief review of bone adaptation to unloading

Weight-bearing bone is constantly adapting its structure and function to mechanical environments. Loading through routine exercises stimulates bone formation and prevents bone loss, but unloading through bed rest and cast immobilization as well as exposure to weightlessness during spaceflight reduces its mass and strength. In order to elucidate the mechanism underlying unloading-driven bone adaptation, ground-based in vitro and in vivo analyses have been conducted using rotating cell culturing and hindlimb suspension. Focusing on gene expression studies in osteoblasts and hindlimb suspension studies, this minireview introduces our recent understanding on bone homeostasis under weightlessness in space. Most of the existing data indicate that unloading has the opposite effects to loading through common signaling pathways. However, a question remains as to whether any pathway unique to unloading (and not to loading) may exist.

Gene expression profiling of human epidermal keratinocytes in simulated microgravity and recovery cultures

Simulated microgravity (SMG) bioreactors and DNA microarray technology are powerful tools to identify “space genes” that play key roles in cellular response to microgravity. We applied these biotechnology tools to investigate SMG and post-SMG recovery effects on human epidermal keratinocytes by exposing cells to SMG for 3, 4, 9, and 10 d using the high aspect ratio vessel bioreactor followed by recovery culturing for 15, 50, and 60 d in normal gravity. As a result, we identified 162 differentially expressed genes, 32 of which were “center genes” that were most consistently affected in the time course experiments. Eleven of the center genes were from the integrated stress response pathways and were coordinately down-regulated. Another seven of the center genes, which are all metallothionein MT-I and MT-II isoforms, were coordinately up-regulated. In addition, HLA-G, a key gene in cellular immune response suppression, was found to be significantly up-regulated during the recovery phase. Overall, more than 80% of the differentially expressed genes from the shorter exposures (≤4 d) recovered in 15 d; for longer (≥9 d) exposures, more than 50 d were needed to recover to the impact level of shorter exposures. The data indicated that shorter SMG exposure duration would lead to quicker and more complete recovery from the microgravity effect.

Molecular genetic studies of gene identification for osteoporosis

This review comprehensively summarizes the most important and representative molecular genetics studies of gene identification for osteoporosis published up to the end of September 2007. It is intended to constitute a sequential update of our previously published reviews covering the available data up to the end of 2004. Evidence from candidate gene-association studies, genome-wide linkage and association studies, as well as functional genomic studies (including gene-expression microarray and proteomics) on osteogenesis and osteoporosis, are reviewed separately. Studies of transgenic and knockout mice models relevant to osteoporosis are summarized. The major results of all studies are tabulated for comparison and ease of reference. Comments are made on the most notable findings and representative studies for their potential influence and implications on our present understanding of genetics of osteoporosis. The format adopted by this review should be ideal for accommodating future new advances and studies.

The application of low shear modeled microgravity to 3-D cell biology and tissue engineering

The practice of cell culture has been virtually unchanged for 100 years. Until recently, life scientists have had to content themselves with two-dimensional cell culture technology. Clearly, living creatures are not constructed in two dimensions and thus it has become widely recognized that in vitro culture systems must become three dimensional to correctly model in vivo biology. Attempts to modify conventional 2-D culture technology to accommodate 3-D cell growth such as embedding cells in extracellular matrix have demonstrated the superiority of concept. Nevertheless, there are serious drawbacks to this approach including limited mass transport and lack of scalability. Recently, a new cell culture technology developed at NASA to study the effects of microgravity on cells has emerged to solve many of the problems of 3-D cell culture. The technology, the Rotating Wall Vessel (RWV) is a single axis clinostat consisting of a fluid-filled, cylindrical, horizontally rotating culture vessel. Cells placed in this environment are suspended by the resolution of the gravitational, centrifugal and Coriolis forces with extremely low mechanical shear. These conditions, which have been called "low shear modeled microgravity", enable cells to assemble into tissue-like aggregates with high mass transport of nutrients, oxygen and wastes. Examples of the use of the RWV for basic cell biology research and tissue engineering applications are discussed.