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Li B, Li F, Ma L, Yang J, Wang C, Wang D, Gao C. Poly(lactide-co-glycolide)/Fibrin Gel Construct as a 3D Model to Evaluate Gene Therapy of Cartilage in Vivo. Mol Pharm 2014; 11:2062-70. [DOI: 10.1021/mp5000136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Li
- MOE
Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization,
Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Feifei Li
- MOE
Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization,
Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Lie Ma
- MOE
Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization,
Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Junzhou Yang
- MOE
Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization,
Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Chunfen Wang
- MOE
Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization,
Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Dongan Wang
- Division of Bioengineering, School of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, N1.3-B2-13, 637457 Singapore
| | - Changyou Gao
- MOE
Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization,
Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
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Cartilage tissue engineering: molecular control of chondrocyte differentiation for proper cartilage matrix reconstruction. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2014; 1840:2414-40. [PMID: 24608030 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2014.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2013] [Revised: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Articular cartilage defects are a veritable therapeutic problem because therapeutic options are very scarce. Due to the poor self-regeneration capacity of cartilage, minor cartilage defects often lead to osteoarthritis. Several surgical strategies have been developed to repair damaged cartilage. Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) gives encouraging results, but this cell-based therapy involves a step of chondrocyte expansion in a monolayer, which results in the loss in the differentiated phenotype. Thus, despite improvement in the quality of life for patients, reconstructed cartilage is in fact fibrocartilage. Successful ACI, according to the particular physiology of chondrocytes in vitro, requires active and phenotypically stabilized chondrocytes. SCOPE OF REVIEW This review describes the unique physiology of cartilage, with the factors involved in its formation, stabilization and degradation. Then, we focus on some of the most recent advances in cell therapy and tissue engineering that open up interesting perspectives for maintaining or obtaining the chondrogenic character of cells in order to treat cartilage lesions. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Current research involves the use of chondrocytes or progenitor stem cells, associated with "smart" biomaterials and growth factors. Other influential factors, such as cell sources, oxygen pressure and mechanical strain are considered, as are recent developments in gene therapy to control the chondrocyte differentiation/dedifferentiation process. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE This review provides new information on the mechanisms regulating the state of differentiation of chondrocytes and the chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells that will lead to the development of new restorative cell therapy approaches in humans. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Matrix-mediated cell behaviour and properties.
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Pei C, Ma B, Kang QY, Qin L, Cui LJ. Effects of transforming growth factor β2 and connective tissue growth factor on induction of epithelial mesenchymal transition and extracellular matrix synthesis in human lens epithelial cells. Int J Ophthalmol 2013; 6:752-7. [PMID: 24392320 DOI: 10.3980/j.issn.2222-3959.2013.06.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the effects of transforming growth factor β2 (TGF-β2) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) on transdifferentiation of human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) cultured in vitro and synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM). METHODS HLECs were treated with TGF-β2 (0, 0.5, 1.0, 5, 10µg/L) and CTGF (0, 15, 30, 60, 100µg/L) for different times (0, 24, 48, 72h) in vitro and the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), the main component of the extracellular matrix type I collagen (Col-1) and fibronectin (Fn) were measured by using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western-blot. RESULTS TGF-β2 and CTGF significantly increased expression of α-SMA mRNA and protein (P<0.05, P<0.001), Fn mRNA and protein (P<0.001), Col-1 mRNA and protein (P<0.001). TGF-β2 could induce HLECs expression of CTGF mRNA and protein in dose-dependent manner (P<0.05, P<0.001). TGF-β2 and CTGF could induce HLECs to express α-SMA, Fn and Col-1 in time-dependent manner. Each time of TGF-β2 and CTGF induced HELCs expression of α-SMA, Fn, Col-1 mRNA and protein was significant increase compared with control (P<0.05, P<0.001). CONCLUSION TGF-β2 and CTGF could induce HLECs epithelial mesenchymal transition and ECM synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Pei
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Bo Ma
- Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Qian-Yan Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Li Qin
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Li-Jun Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
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Gao HGL, Fisher PW, Lambi AG, Wade CK, Barr-Gillespie AE, Popoff SN, Barbe MF. Increased serum and musculotendinous fibrogenic proteins following persistent low-grade inflammation in a rat model of long-term upper extremity overuse. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71875. [PMID: 24015193 PMCID: PMC3756034 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
We examined the relationship between grip strength declines and muscle-tendon responses induced by long-term performance of a high-repetition, low-force (HRLF) reaching task in rats. We hypothesized that grip strength declines would correlate with inflammation, fibrosis and degradation in flexor digitorum muscles and tendons. Grip strength declined after training, and further in weeks 18 and 24, in reach limbs of HRLF rats. Flexor digitorum tissues of reach limbs showed low-grade increases in inflammatory cytokines: IL-1β after training and in week 18, IL-1α in week 18, TNF-α and IL-6 after training and in week 24, and IL-10 in week 24, with greater increases in tendons than muscles. Similar cytokine increases were detected in serum with HRLF: IL-1α and IL-10 in week 18, and TNF-α and IL-6 in week 24. Grip strength correlated inversely with IL-6 in muscles, tendons and serum, and TNF-α in muscles and serum. Four fibrogenic proteins, TGFB1, CTGF, PDGFab and PDGFbb, and hydroxyproline, a marker of collagen synthesis, increased in serum in HRLF weeks 18 or 24, concomitant with epitendon thickening, increased muscle and tendon TGFB1 and CTGF. A collagenolytic gelatinase, MMP2, increased by week 18 in serum, tendons and muscles of HRLF rats. Grip strength correlated inversely with TGFB1 in muscles, tendons and serum; with CTGF-immunoreactive fibroblasts in tendons; and with MMP2 in tendons and serum. Thus, motor declines correlated with low-grade systemic and musculotendinous inflammation throughout task performance, and increased fibrogenic and degradative proteins with prolonged task performance. Serum TNF-α, IL-6, TGFB1, CTGF and MMP2 may serve as serum biomarkers of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, although further studies in humans are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen G. L. Gao
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Paul W. Fisher
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Alex G. Lambi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Christine K. Wade
- Department of Physical Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ann E. Barr-Gillespie
- College of Health Professions, Pacific University, Hillsboro, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Steven N. Popoff
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Mary F. Barbe
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Huang H, Peng Y, Long XD, Liu Z, Wen X, Jia M, Liang Y, Huang A. Tonsillar CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells from IgA nephropathy patients have decreased immunosuppressive activity in experimental IgA nephropathy rats. Am J Nephrol 2013; 37:472-80. [PMID: 23635548 DOI: 10.1159/000350533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells are of critical importance for maintenance of tolerance. We showed that the number of CD4+CD25+ Treg cells was significantly lower in tonsils of patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN); however, the function of tonsillar CD4+CD25+ Treg cells in IgAN has not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tonsillar CD4+CD25+ Treg cells of IgAN patients on experimental IgAN in rats. METHODS Tonsillar CD4+CD25+ Treg cells were isolated by magnetic beads. A total of 2 × 10(6) CD4+CD25+ Treg cells were transferred into rats that were previously orally immunized over a period of 14 weeks and subsequently received an injection of BSA into the tail vein on 3 consecutive days. Urine protein and erythrocytes were measured. Glomerular injury was assessed by histopathology. Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), interleukin (IL)-6 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in mesangial cells of rats were examined by reverse transcription PCR. Serum IgA and C3 and supernatants of IL-2, IL-4 and IL-6 in splenic cells were analysed by ELISA. Transferred tonsillar CD4+CD25+ Treg cells were tracked by reverse transcription PCR and flow cytometry. RESULTS IgA deposition in the mesangial region and the glomerular planar area and the number of cells, levels of serum IgA and supernatant IL-2, IL-4 and IL-6 in splenic cells and PAI-1, IL-6 and TGF-β1 expression in renal mesangial cells of rats that received CD4+CD25+ Treg cells from IgAN patients were significantly higher than in rats that received CD4+CD25+ Treg cells from the control group, although they were dramatically lower compared with rats treated without CD4+CD25+ Treg cells. Transferred tonsillar CD4+CD25+ Treg cells migrated predominantly to secondary lymphoid organs but not to the kidneys. CONCLUSION Dysfunction of tonsillar CD4+CD25+ Treg cells may be an important cause of IgAN progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongdong Huang
- Division of Nephrology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China.
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Lambi AG, Pankratz TL, Mundy C, Gannon M, Barbe MF, Richtsmeier JT, Popoff SN. The skeletal site-specific role of connective tissue growth factor in prenatal osteogenesis. Dev Dyn 2012; 241:1944-59. [PMID: 23073844 PMCID: PMC3752831 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.23888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) is a matricellular protein that is highly expressed during bone development. Mice with global CTGF ablation (knockout, KO) have multiple skeletal dysmorphisms and perinatal lethality. A quantitative analysis of the bone phenotype has not been conducted. RESULTS We demonstrated skeletal site-specific changes in growth plate organization, bone microarchitecture, and shape and gene expression levels in CTGF KO compared with wild-type mice. Growth plate malformations included reduced proliferation zone and increased hypertrophic zone lengths. Appendicular skeletal sites demonstrated decreased metaphyseal trabecular bone, while having increased mid-diaphyseal bone and osteogenic expression markers. Axial skeletal analysis showed decreased bone in caudal vertebral bodies, mandibles, and parietal bones in CTGF KO mice, with decreased expression of osteogenic markers. Analysis of skull phenotypes demonstrated global and regional differences in CTGF KO skull shape resulting from allometric (size-based) and nonallometric shape changes. Localized differences in skull morphology included increased skull width and decreased skull length. Dysregulation of the transforming growth factor-β-CTGF axis coupled with unique morphologic traits provides a potential mechanistic explanation for the skull phenotype. CONCLUSIONS We present novel data on a skeletal phenotype in CTGF KO mice, in which ablation of CTGF causes site-specific aberrations in bone formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex G. Lambi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Talia L. Pankratz
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Christina Mundy
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Maureen Gannon
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Division of Diabetes, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Mary F. Barbe
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Joan T. Richtsmeier
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Steven N. Popoff
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Jiang Q, Qiu YT, Chen MJ, Zhang ZY, Yang C. Synovial TGF-β1 and MMP-3 levels and their correlation with the progression of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis combined with disc displacement: A preliminary study. Biomed Rep 2012; 1:218-222. [PMID: 24648922 DOI: 10.3892/br.2012.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2012] [Accepted: 10/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a slow progressing degenerative disease that affects the joints, including the temporomandibular joint. In the present study, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) in synovial fluid (SF) were examined in detecting cartilage synthesis and degradation in progression of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ OA) combined with disc displacement (DD) diseases. SF was obtained from 16 patients with TMJ OA combined with DD and 10 normal volunteers. TGF-β1 and MMP-3 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, TMJ OA combined with DD was classified into three stages based on radiographic signs on the preoperative tomograms and surgical findings at operation, and different treatment options were administered according to the stages. SF from TMJs with TMJ OA combined with DD showed higher levels of TGF-β1 and MMP-3 compared with the asymptomatic control TMJs. With the progression of TMJ OA combined with DD, TGF-β1 levels in SF were lower, while MMP-3 levels in SF were significantly higher. In conclusion, these data suggest that MMP-3 is not only involved in the pathological destruction process of TMJ OA combined with DD initially, but also has a positive correlation with the degree of pathological changes. Furthermore, a significant increase of TGF-β1 levels was found in the SF that were able to counteract the deleterious effects of MMP-3 at the early stage of TMJ OA combined DD, providing the scientific basis on repositioning displaced disc as early as possible for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Jiang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Ya-Ting Qiu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Min-Jie Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Chi Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
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TGFβ inhibition during expansion phase increases the chondrogenic re-differentiation capacity of human articular chondrocytes. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2012; 20:1152-60. [PMID: 22772045 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2012.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2012] [Revised: 05/30/2012] [Accepted: 06/21/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Autologous chondrocyte implantation is a cell-based treatment to repair articular cartilage defects, relying on the availability of expanded (de-differentiated) chondrocytes. Unfortunately, the expansion process causes several phenotypical changes, requiring re-establishment of the native chondrogenic phenotype to sustain proper repair. Among other proteins, transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) is known to influence the chondrogenic re-differentiation of human articular chondrocytes (HACs) and their matrix deposition. Thus we investigated the effects of TGFβ-depletion during the expansion phase. DESIGN HACs were isolated from articular cartilage and expanded in the canonical serum-supplemented medium [fetal calf serum (FCS)] or in a chemically-defined (CD) medium, with or without anti-TGFβ antibody administration. The re-differentiation potential of the cells was assessed by pellet cultures, gene expression analysis and histology. RESULTS Cell proliferation proceeded more rapidly in CD-medium than in FCS-medium; it was not affected by the use of anti-TGFβ antibody but was further increased by addition of exogenous TGFβ1, via increased p-Smad1/5/8. Conversely, in FCS-medium, addition of anti-TGFβ antibody decreased both proliferation and p-Smad1/5/8 level. Challenging either FCS- or CD-medium with anti-TGFβ antibody during expansion enhanced chondrogenesis in the subsequent pellet cultures. Moreover, TGFβ-depletion during expansion in CD-medium inhibited mRNA expression of hypertrophic markers, collagen type-X (COL10) and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13). Interestingly, the TGFβ1 level detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent sandwich assay (ELISA) during cell expansion was correlated with COL10 mRNA expression after re-differentiation. CONCLUSION TGFβ-depletion during expansion improves the re-differentiation capacity of chondrocytes and inhibits hypertrophy. These results indicate the importance of the expansion medium composition to improve chondrogenic re-differentiation and to inhibit hypertrophy.
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Abdelmagid SM, Barr AE, Rico M, Amin M, Litvin J, Popoff SN, Safadi FF, Barbe MF. Performance of repetitive tasks induces decreased grip strength and increased fibrogenic proteins in skeletal muscle: role of force and inflammation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e38359. [PMID: 22675458 PMCID: PMC3364991 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0038359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2012] [Accepted: 05/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study elucidates exposure-response relationships between performance of repetitive tasks, grip strength declines, and fibrogenic-related protein changes in muscles, and their link to inflammation. Specifically, we examined forearm flexor digitorum muscles for changes in connective tissue growth factor (CTGF; a matrix protein associated with fibrosis), collagen type I (Col1; a matrix component), and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1; an upstream modulator of CTGF and collagen), in rats performing one of two repetitive tasks, with or without anti-inflammatory drugs. METHODOLOGY/RESULTS To examine the roles of force versus repetition, rats performed either a high repetition negligible force food retrieval task (HRNF), or a high repetition high force handle-pulling task (HRHF), for up to 9 weeks, with results compared to trained only (TR-NF or TR-HF) and normal control rats. Grip strength declined with both tasks, with the greatest declines in 9-week HRHF rats. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analyses of HRNF muscles showed increased expression of Col1 in weeks 3-9, and CTGF in weeks 6 and 9. Immunohistochemistry confirmed PCR results, and also showed greater increases of CTGF and collagen matrix in 9-week HRHF rats than 9-week HRNF rats. ELISA, and immunohistochemistry revealed greater increases of TGFB1 in TR-HF and 6-week HRHF, compared to 6-week HRNF rats. To examine the role of inflammation, results from 6-week HRHF rats were compared to rats receiving ibuprofen or anti-TNF-α treatment in HRHF weeks 4-6. Both treatments attenuated HRHF-induced increases in CTGF and fibrosis by 6 weeks of task performance. Ibuprofen attenuated TGFB1 increases and grip strength declines, matching our prior results with anti-TNFα. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Performance of highly repetitive tasks was associated with force-dependent declines in grip strength and increased fibrogenic-related proteins in flexor digitorum muscles. These changes were attenuated, at least short-term, by anti-inflammatory treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir M. Abdelmagid
- Department of Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Division, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ann E. Barr
- College of Health Professions, Pacific University, Hillsboro, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Mario Rico
- Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Mamta Amin
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Judith Litvin
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Musculoskeletal Research Group, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Steven N. Popoff
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Musculoskeletal Research Group, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Fayez F. Safadi
- Musculoskeletal Research Group, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Rootstown, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Mary F. Barbe
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Musculoskeletal Research Group, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Shi L, Chang Y, Yang Y, Zhang Y, Yu FSX, Wu X. Activation of JNK signaling mediates connective tissue growth factor expression and scar formation in corneal wound healing. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32128. [PMID: 22363806 PMCID: PMC3283717 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) and Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) are key growth factors in regulating corneal scarring. Although CTGF was induced by TGF-β1 and mediated many of fibroproliferative effects of TGF-β1, the signaling pathway for CTGF production in corneal scarring remains to be clarified. In the present study, we firstly investigated the effects of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) on CTGF expression induce by TGF-β1 in Telomerase-immortalized human cornea stroma fibroblasts (THSF). Then, we created penetrating corneal wound model and determined the effect of JNK in the pathogenesis of corneal scarring. TGF-β1 activated MAPK pathways in THSF cells. JNK inhibitor significantly inhibited CTGF, fibronectin and collagen I expression induced by TGF-β1 in THSF. In corneal wound healing, the JNK inhibitor significantly inhibited CTGF expression, markedly improved the architecture of corneal stroma and reduced corneal scar formation, but did not have a measurable impact on corneal wound healing in vivo. Our results indicate that JNK mediates the expression of CTGF and corneal scarring in corneal wound healing, and might be considered as specific targets of drug therapy for corneal scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongmei Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Fu-Shin X. Yu
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, United States of America
| | - Xinyi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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Arnott JA, Lambi AG, Mundy C, Hendesi H, Pixley RA, Owen TA, Safadi FF, Popoff SN. The role of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) in skeletogenesis. Crit Rev Eukaryot Gene Expr 2012; 21:43-69. [PMID: 21967332 DOI: 10.1615/critreveukargeneexpr.v21.i1.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a 38 kDa, cysteine rich, extracellular matrix protein composed of 4 domains or modules. CTGF has been shown to regulate a diverse array of cellular functions and has been implicated in more complex biological processes such as angiogenesis, chondrogenesis, and osteogenesis. A role for CTGF in the development and maintenance of skeletal tissues first came to light in studies demonstrating its expression in cartilage and bone cells, which was dramatically increased during skeletal repair or regeneration. The physiological significance of CTGF in skeletogenesis was confirmed in CTGF-null mice, which exhibited multiple skeletal dysmorphisms as a result of impaired growth plate chondrogenesis, angiogenesis, and bone formation/mineralization. Given the emerging importance of CTGF in osteogenesis and chondrogenesis, this review will focus on its expression in skeletal tissues, its effects on osteoblast and chondrocyte differentiation and function, and the skeletal implications of ablation or over-expression of CTGF in knockout or transgenic mouse models, respectively. In addition, this review will examine the role of integrin-mediated signaling and the regulation of CTGF expression as it relates to skeletogenesis. We will emphasize CTGF studies in bone or bone cells, and will identify opportunities for future investigations concerning CTGF and chondrogenesis/osteogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Arnott
- Basic Sciences Department, The Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton, PA, USA
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Arosarena OA, Del Carpio-Cano FE, Dela Cadena RA, Rico MC, Nwodim E, Safadi FF. Comparison of bone morphogenetic protein-2 and osteoactivin for mesenchymal cell differentiation: effects of bolus and continuous administration. J Cell Physiol 2011; 226:2943-52. [PMID: 21302290 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Current osteoinductive protein therapy utilizes bolus administration of large doses of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), which is costly, and may not replicate normal bone healing. The limited in vivo biologic activity of BMPs requires the investigation of growth factors that may enhance this activity. In this study, we utilized the C3H10T1/2 murine mesenchymal stem cell line to test the hypotheses that osteoactivin (OA) has comparable osteoinductive effects to bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), and that sustained administration of either growth factor would result in increased osteoblastic differentiation as compared to bolus administration. Sustained release biodegradable hydrogels were designed, and C3H10T1/2 cells were grown on hydrogels loaded with BMP-2 or OA. Controls were grown on unloaded hydrogels, and positive controls were exposed to bolus growth factor administration. Cells were harvested at several time points to assess osteoblastic differentiation. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and activity, and gene expression of ALP and osteocalcin were assessed. Treatment with OA or BMP-2 resulted in comparable effects on osteoblastic marker expression. However, cells grown on hydrogels demonstrated osteoblastic differentiation that was not as robust as cells treated with bolus administration. This study shows that OA has comparable effects to BMP-2 on osteoblastic differentiation using both bolus administration and continuous release, and that bolus administration of OA has a more profound effect than administration using hydrogels for sustained release. This study will lead to a better understanding of appropriate delivery methods of osteogenic growth factors like OA for repair of fractures and segmental bone defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oneida A Arosarena
- Department of Otolaryngology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, USA.
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63
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Defining the earliest transcriptional steps of chondrogenic progenitor specification during the formation of the digits in the embryonic limb. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24546. [PMID: 21931747 PMCID: PMC3172225 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2011] [Accepted: 08/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The characterization of genes involved in the formation of cartilage is of key importance to improve cell-based cartilage regenerative therapies. Here, we have developed a suitable experimental model to identify precocious chondrogenic events in vivo by inducing an ectopic digit in the developing embryo. In this model, only 12 hr after the implantation of a Tgfβ bead, in the absence of increased cell proliferation, cartilage forms in undifferentiated interdigital mesoderm and in the course of development, becomes a structurally and morphologically normal digit. Systematic quantitative PCR expression analysis, together with other experimental approaches allowed us to establish 3 successive periods preceding the formation of cartilage. The “pre-condensation stage”, occurring within the first 3 hr of treatment, is characterized by the activation of connective tissue identity transcriptional factors (such as Sox9 and Scleraxis) and secreted factors (such as Activin A and the matricellular proteins CCN-1 and CCN-2) and the downregulation of the galectin CG-8. Next, the “condensation stage” is characterized by intense activation of Smad 1/5/8 BMP-signaling and increased expression of extracellular matrix components. During this period, the CCN matricellular proteins promote the expression of extracellular matrix and cell adhesion components. The third period, designated the “pre-cartilage period”, precedes the formation of molecularly identifiable cartilage by 2–3 hr and is characterized by the intensification of Sox 9 gene expression, along with the stimulation of other pro-chondrogenic transcription factors, such as HifIa. In summary, this work establishes a temporal hierarchy in the regulation of pro-chondrogenic genes preceding cartilage differentiation and provides new insights into the relative roles of secreted factors and cytoskeletal regulators that direct the first steps of this process in vivo.
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64
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Rico MC, Rough JJ, Manns JM, Del Carpio-Cano F, Safadi FF, Kunapuli SP, DeLa Cadena RA. Assembly of the prothrombinase complex on the surface of human foreskin fibroblasts: Implications for connective tissue growth factor. Thromb Res 2011; 129:801-6. [PMID: 21889790 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2011.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2011] [Revised: 05/17/2011] [Accepted: 08/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Activated factor X (FXa) and thrombin can up-regulate gene expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) on fibroblasts. Since tissue factor (TF) is expressed on these cells, we hypothesized that they may assemble the prothrombinase complex leading to CTGF/CCN2 upregulation. In addition, the effect of thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) on this reaction was evaluated. Human foreskin fibroblasts were incubated with purified factor VII (FVII), factor X (FX), factor V (FV), prothrombin and calcium in the presence and absence of TSP1. Generation of FXa and of thrombin were assessed using chromogenic substrates. SMAD pathway phosphorylation was detected via Western-blot analysis. Pre-incubation of fibroblasts with FVII led to its auto-activation by cell-surface expressed TF, which in turn in the presence of FX, FVa, prothrombin and calcium led to FXa (9.7±0.8nM) and thrombin (7.9±0.04 U/mL×10-3) generation. Addition of TSP1 significantly enhanced thrombin (23.3±0.7 U/mL×10-3) but not FXa (8.5±0.6nM) generation. FXa and thrombin generation leads to upregulation of CTGF/CCN2. TSP1 alone upregulated CTGF/CCN2, an effect mediated via activation of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) as shown by phosphorylation of the SMAD pathway, an event blunted by using a TGFβ receptor I inhibitor (TGFβRI). FXa- and thrombin-induced upregulation of CTGF/CCN2 was not blocked by TGFβRI. In summary, assembly of the prothrombinase complex occurs on fibroblast's surface leading to serine proteases generation, an event enhanced by TSP1 and associated with CTGF/CCN2 upregulation. These mechanisms may play an important role in human diseases associated with fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario C Rico
- Department of Physiology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States.
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65
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Kodama T, Takehara T, Hikita H, Shimizu S, Shigekawa M, Tsunematsu H, Li W, Miyagi T, Hosui A, Tatsumi T, Ishida H, Kanto T, Hiramatsu N, Kubota S, Takigawa M, Tomimaru Y, Tomokuni A, Nagano H, Doki Y, Mori M, Hayashi N. Increases in p53 expression induce CTGF synthesis by mouse and human hepatocytes and result in liver fibrosis in mice. J Clin Invest 2011; 121:3343-56. [PMID: 21747166 DOI: 10.1172/jci44957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2010] [Accepted: 05/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor suppressor p53 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of non-cancer-related conditions such as insulin resistance, cardiac failure, and early aging. In addition, accumulation of p53 has been observed in the hepatocytes of individuals with fibrotic liver diseases, but the significance of this is not known. Herein, we have mechanistically linked p53 activation in hepatocytes to liver fibrosis. Hepatocyte-specific deletion in mice of the gene encoding Mdm2, a protein that promotes p53 degradation, led to hepatocyte synthesis of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF; the hepatic fibrogenic master switch), increased hepatocyte apoptosis, and spontaneous liver fibrosis; concurrent removal of p53 completely abolished this phenotype. Compared with wild-type controls, mice with hepatocyte-specific p53 deletion exhibited similar levels of hepatocyte apoptosis but decreased liver fibrosis and hepatic CTGF expression in two models of liver fibrosis. The clinical significance of these data was highlighted by two observations. First, p53 upregulated CTGF in a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line by repressing miR-17-92. Second, human liver samples showed a correlation between CTGF and p53-regulated gene expression, which were both increased in fibrotic livers. This study reveals that p53 induces CTGF expression and promotes liver fibrosis, suggesting that the p53/CTGF pathway may be a therapeutic target in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Kodama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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66
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Choe HK, Son GH, Chung S, Kim M, Sun W, Kim H, Geum D, Kim K. Maternal stress retards fetal development in mice with transcriptome-wide impact on gene expression profiles of the limb. Stress 2011; 14:194-204. [PMID: 21291317 DOI: 10.3109/10253890.2010.529972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The environment of a pregnant mother has a life-long impact on later life of offspring. Maternal stress is known to cause low birth weight and programs several physiological dysfunctions in offspring. However, the direct effects of maternal stress on the developing fetus remain largely unknown. The present study focused on the effect of chronic maternal stress on the developmental program and its molecular mechanisms. Pregnant mice were given 6-hour immobilization stress every day from 8.5 days post coitum. Fetal body weight was significantly decreased by maternal stress throughout development. Importantly, developmental events were retarded in the stressed fetuses. Around embryonic day 13.5 (E13.5), the developmental increment of somite numbers was delayed, although this difference recovered by E15.5. Limb bud formation and regression of interdigital webbing were also retarded by approximately 0.5 days. Subsequently, transcriptomes of developing limbs were analyzed by cDNA microarrays. Approximately, one-tenth of detected transcripts were significantly influenced by maternal stress. Q-PCR AQ analyses further demonstrated that the expression of a subset of limb development-associated genes, including Igf1, Aldh1a2, and Acta1, was changed in the stressed fetus. In conclusion, our findings suggest that maternal stress can retard limb and somite development in mice, with profound impacts on the developmental genetic program of limb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Kyoung Choe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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67
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Aguiar DP, Coelho-Aguiar JM, Abreu JG. CCN2/CTGF silencing blocks cell aggregation in embryonal carcinoma P19 cell. Braz J Med Biol Res 2011; 44:200-5. [PMID: 21344133 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2011007500019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2010] [Accepted: 01/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF) is a matricellular-secreted protein involved in extracellular matrix remodeling. The P19 cell line is an embryonic carcinoma line widely used as a cellular model for differentiation and migration studies. In the present study, we employed an exogenous source of CCN2 and small interference RNA to address the role of CCN2 in the P19 cell aggregation phenomenon. Our data showed that increasing CCN2 protein concentrations from 0.1 to 20 nM decreased the number of cell clusters and dramatically increased cluster size without changing proliferation or cell survival, suggesting that CCN2 induced aggregation. In addition, CCN2 specific silencing inhibited typical P19 cell aggregation, which could be partially rescued by 20 nM CCN2. The present study demonstrates that CCN2 is a key molecule for cell aggregation of embryonic P19 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P Aguiar
- Programa de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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68
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Shupe T, Petersen BE. Potential applications for cell regulatory factors in liver progenitor cell therapy. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2010; 43:214-21. [PMID: 20851776 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2010.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2009] [Revised: 08/24/2010] [Accepted: 09/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Orthotopic liver transplant represent the state of the art treatment for terminal liver pathologies such as cirrhosis in adults and hemochromatosis in neonates. A limited supply of transplantable organs in relationship to the demand means that many patients will succumb to disease before an organ becomes available. One promising alternative to liver transplant is therapy based on the transplant of liver progenitor cells. These cells may be derived from the patient, expanded in vitro, and transplanted back to the diseased liver. Inborn metabolic disorders represent the most attractive target for liver progenitor cell therapy, as many of these disorders may be corrected by repopulation of only a portion of the liver by healthy cells. Another potential application for liver progenitor cell therapy is the seeding of bio-artificial liver matrix. These ex vivo bioreactors may someday be used to bridge critically ill patients to other treatments. Conferring a selective growth advantage to the progenitor cell population remains an obstacle to therapy development. Understanding the molecular signaling mechanisms and micro-environmental cues that govern liver progenitor cell phenotype may someday lead to strategies for providing this selective growth advantage. The discovery of a population of cells within the bone marrow possessing the ability to differentiate into hepatocytes may provide an easily accessible source of cells for liver therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Shupe
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610-0275, USA.
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69
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Kariya H, Yoshihara Y, Nakao Y, Sakurai N, Ueno M, Hashimoto M, Suda Y. Carboxymethyl-chitin promotes chondrogenesis by inducing the production of growth factors from immune cells. J Biomed Mater Res A 2010; 94:1034-41. [PMID: 20694970 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.32771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Many techniques have been tested for their ability to restore cartilage defects, but several problems still remain in the complete healing of injured cartilage. In our previous study, we found that a carboxymethyl-chitin/beta-tricalcium phosphate (CM-chitin/beta-TCP) composite induced cartilage regeneration in the osteochondral defects of rabbits in vivo. We also found that CM-chitin stimulated peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) in mice and induced several kinds of inflammatory cytokines and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta1). In this study, we examined whether CM-chitin is responsible for the induction of chondrogenesis via the production of TGF-beta1 in vitro. The murine pluripotent cell line C3H10T1/2 was maintained as a micromass culture in conditioned medium prepared from PEC stimulated with and without CM-chitin. CM-chitin-conditioned medium induced RNA expression of the chondrogenic-factor Sox9 and the matrix proteins aggrecan, Col2a1, and Comp. Their expression levels were decreased in the presence of anti-TGF-beta1 antibody. The micromass tissues cultured in CM-chitin conditioned medium at day 21 were clearly stained by Toluidine blue or Alcian blue (histological staining) and collagen II antibody (immunohistological staining), showing the expression of acidic glycosaminoglycan and type II collagen. Similar results were observed in micromass tissue stimulated with TGF-beta1 as a positive control. However, no chondrogenesis occurred when CM-chitin was added directly to a C3H10T1/2 cell culture. These results indicated that CM-chitin is a potent inducer of chondrogenesis via the induction of TGF-beta1 in immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Kariya
- Department of Nanostructure and Advanced Materials, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
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70
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Canalis E, Zanotti S, Beamer WG, Economides AN, Smerdel-Ramoya A. Connective tissue growth factor is required for skeletal development and postnatal skeletal homeostasis in male mice. Endocrinology 2010; 151:3490-501. [PMID: 20534727 PMCID: PMC2940511 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-0145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2010] [Accepted: 05/04/2010] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a member of the cysteine-rich 61 (Cyr 61), CTGF, nephroblastoma overexpressed (NOV) (CCN) family of proteins, is synthesized by osteoblasts, and its overexpression inhibits osteoblastogenesis and causes osteopenia. The global inactivation of Ctgf leads to defective endochondral bone formation and perinatal lethality; therefore, the consequences of Ctgf inactivation on the postnatal skeleton are not known. To study the function of CTGF, we generated Ctgf(+/LacZ) heterozygous null mice and tissue-specific null Ctgf mice by mating Ctgf conditional mice, where Ctgf is flanked by lox sequences with mice expressing the Cre recombinase under the control of the paired-related homeobox gene 1 (Prx1) enhancer (Prx1-Cre) or the osteocalcin promoter (Oc-Cre). Ctgf(+/LacZ) heterozygous mice exhibited transient osteopenia at 1 month of age secondary to decreased trabecular number. A similar osteopenic phenotype was observed in 1-month-old Ctgf conditional null male mice generated with Prx1-Cre, suggesting that the decreased trabecular number was secondary to impaired endochondral bone formation. In contrast, when the conditional deletion of Ctgf was achieved by Oc-Cre, an osteopenic phenotype was observed only in 6-month-old male mice. Osteoblast and osteoclast number, bone formation, and eroded surface were not affected in Ctgf heterozygous or conditional null mice. In conclusion, CTGF is necessary for normal skeletal development but to a lesser extent for postnatal skeletal homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Canalis
- Department of Research, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Hartford, Connecticut 06105-1299, USA.
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71
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Park MS, Kim YH, Lee JW. FAK mediates signal crosstalk between type II collagen and TGF-beta 1 cascades in chondrocytic cells. Matrix Biol 2010; 29:135-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2009.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2009] [Revised: 10/04/2009] [Accepted: 10/08/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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72
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Chen CH, Zhou YL, Wu YF, Cao Y, Gao JS, Tang JB. Effectiveness of microRNA in Down-regulation of TGF-beta gene expression in digital flexor tendons of chickens: in vitro and in vivo study. J Hand Surg Am 2009; 34:1777-84.e1. [PMID: 19969188 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2009.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2009] [Revised: 07/20/2009] [Accepted: 07/23/2009] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta is considered to be responsible for the formation of scars such as adhesions around healing digital flexor tendons. We proposed to deliver microRNAs (miRNAs) to silence expression of the TGF-beta1 gene and to investigate the effectiveness of miRNAs in down-regulation of the TGF-beta1 gene in vitro and in vivo. METHODS We designed and engineered 4 miRNAs according to genetic sequences of chicken TGF-beta1. Four plasmid vectors harboring the respective engineered miRNAs and 1 control vector were constructed. We transfected 30 wells of cultured tenocytes with these vectors and harvested them 48 hours later. The gene expression levels were quantified using real-time polymerase chain reactions. Subsequently, the miRNA that most effectively silenced TGF-beta gene in vitro was tested on 25 chickens in vivo. The miRNA and control vectors were injected into the injured tendons, respectively. At 1 and 6 weeks after surgery, the tendons were analyzed for gene expression and protein production. RESULTS In both in vitro and in vivo settings, delivery of miRNA to the tendon substantially down-regulated expression of the TGF-beta gene but did not affect expression of the collagen I gene. In the healing tendon, TGF-beta gene expression was significantly down-regulated by 50% to 60% at 1 and 6 weeks. At 6 weeks, the collagen III gene expression was significantly down-regulated by 55% at 6 weeks and the connective tissue growth factor gene was significantly down-regulated by 25%. At 6 weeks, TGF-beta protein was substantially decreased. CONCLUSIONS MicroRNA significantly down-regulates expression of the TGF-beta in vitro and in vivo. Application of miRNA did not down-regulate expression of the collagen I, but downregulated the collagen III gene. Application of miRNA treatment to modulate TGF-beta expression holds great promise in preventing tendon adhesion formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Hao Chen
- Department of Hand Surgery, Hand Surgery Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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73
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van der Kraan PM, Blaney Davidson EN, Blom A, van den Berg WB. TGF-beta signaling in chondrocyte terminal differentiation and osteoarthritis: modulation and integration of signaling pathways through receptor-Smads. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2009; 17:1539-45. [PMID: 19583961 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2009.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2009] [Revised: 06/18/2009] [Accepted: 06/19/2009] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chondrocytes and alteration in chondrocyte differentiation play a central role in osteoarthritis. Chondrocyte differentiation is amongst others regulated by members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily. The major intracellular signaling routes of this family are via the receptor-Smads. This review is focused on the modulation of receptor-Smad signaling and how this modulation can affect chondrocyte differentiation and potentially osteoarthritis development. METHODS Peer reviewed publications published prior to April 2009 were searched in the Pubmed database. Articles that were relevant for the role of TGF-beta superfamily/Smad signaling in chondrocyte differentiation and for differential modulation of receptor-Smads were selected. RESULTS Chondrocyte terminal differentiation is stimulated by Smad1/5/8 activation and inhibited the by Smad2/3 pathway, most likely by modulation of Runx2 function. Several proteins and signaling pathways differentially affect Smad1/5/8 and Smad2/3 signaling. This will result in an altered Smad1/5/8 and Smad2/3 balance and subsequently have an effect on chondrocyte differentiation and osteoarthritis development. CONCLUSION Modulation of receptor-Smads signaling can be expect to play an essential role in both the regulation of chondrocyte differentiation and osteoarthritis development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M van der Kraan
- Experimental Rheumatology & Advanced Therapeutics, Radboud University, Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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74
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JNK1/2 siRNA inhibits transforming-growth factor-beta1-induced connective tissue growth factor expression and fibrotic function in THSFs. Mol Cell Biochem 2009; 335:83-9. [PMID: 19763793 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-009-0245-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2009] [Accepted: 09/02/2009] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Transforming-growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) plays an important role in fibrosis by inducing connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression. In cornea, however, signaling pathway in the process is unclear. In this paper, real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used to examine the expression and TGF-beta1-induced upregulation of CTGF in telomerase-immortalized human cornea stroma fibroblast cells (THSFs). A detailed molecular mechanism for TGF-beta1-mediated cell proliferation and collagen I production was then investigated by detecting the activation of JNK pathway in TGF-beta1-stimulated THSFs and blocking the JNK pathway using JNK1/2 siRNA. Both TGF-beta1 and CTGF clearly induced cell proliferation in THSFs which was inhibited by functional blocking CTGF by anti-CTGF antibody. Blocking JNK pathway by JNK1/2 siRNA significantly inhibited induction of CTGF by TGF-beta1. Taken together, the data indicate that CTGF is critical to the fibrosis process in wounded human cornea, acting via upregulation and activation of JNK signaling pathway.
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75
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Lorda-Diez CI, Montero JA, Martinez-Cue C, Garcia-Porrero JA, Hurle JM. Transforming growth factors beta coordinate cartilage and tendon differentiation in the developing limb mesenchyme. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:29988-96. [PMID: 19717568 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.014811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) signaling has an increasing interest in regenerative medicine as a potential tool to repair cartilages, however the chondrogenic effect of this pathway in developing systems is controversial. Here we have analyzed the function of TGFbeta signaling in the differentiation of the developing limb mesoderm in vivo and in high density micromass cultures. In these systems highest signaling activity corresponded with cells at stages preceding overt chondrocyte differentiation. Interestingly treatments with TGFbetas shifted the differentiation outcome of the cultures from chondrogenesis to fibrogenesis. This phenotypic reprogramming involved down-regulation of Sox9 and Aggrecan and up-regulation of Scleraxis, and Tenomodulin through the Smad pathway. We further show that TGFbeta signaling up-regulates Sox9 in the in vivo experimental model system in which TGFbeta treatments induce ectopic chondrogenesis. Looking for clues explaining the dual role of TGFbeta signaling, we found that TGFbetas appear to be direct inducers of the chondrogenic gene Sox9, but the existence of transcriptional repressors of TGFbeta signaling modulates this role. We identified TGF-interacting factor Tgif1 and SKI-like oncogene SnoN as potential candidates for this inhibitory function. Tgif1 gene regulation by TGFbeta signaling correlated with the differential chondrogenic and fibrogenic effects of this pathway, and its expression pattern in the limb marks the developing tendons. In functional experiments we found that Tgif1 reproduces the profibrogenic effect of TGFbeta treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos I Lorda-Diez
- Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander 39011, Spain
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76
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Chang JC, Hsu SH, Chen DC. The promotion of chondrogenesis in adipose-derived adult stem cells by an RGD-chimeric protein in 3D alginate culture. Biomaterials 2009; 30:6265-75. [PMID: 19683810 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2009.07.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2009] [Accepted: 07/30/2009] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic regulation of integrin-binding peptides is crucial for chondrogenic differentiation. Here, we revealed the feasibility for flexible modification of RGD by embedding a large molecular weight and slightly charged (isoelectric point, 6-6.25) RGD-chimeric protein (CBD-RGD) with cellulose-binding domain (CBD) in three dimensional (3D) alginate beads to evaluate the chondrogenesis of adipose-derived adult stem cells (ADAS). The binding of CBD-RGD with cells and its diffusion from alginate beads were studied on fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated CBD-RGD. The increases in gene expression (Sox9, Aggrecan, fibronectin and collagen II), accumulation of chondrogenic matrices and decrease of collagen X gene expression during TGF-beta3 induction were only observed for those beads containing 10mg/g CBD-RGD initially, with 20.18+/-0.73% of that released in a week. The contrary was observed for beads with CBD-RGD 20mg/g initially and having higher persistence (only 8.6+/-2.17% released in a week). The 10mg/g CBD-RGD-mediated enhancement was demonstrated via the activation of integrin alpha5 and beta1-dependent pathway, and especially related to the upregulation of Sox9 gene and the temporary block of fibronectin expression as well as sustained inhibition of RhoA activity in the early differentiation stage. Thus, we speculated that the dynamic mobility of CBD-RGD may account for the enhanced chondrogenesis. It was concluded that the CBD-RGD-alginate culture system promoted the chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells coordinated with TGF-beta3 induction in an RGD dose-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jui-Chih Chang
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
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77
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Woods A, Pala D, Kennedy L, McLean S, Rockel JS, Wang G, Leask A, Beier F. Rac1 signaling regulates CTGF/CCN2 gene expression via TGFbeta/Smad signaling in chondrocytes. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2009; 17:406-13. [PMID: 18760941 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2008.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2008] [Accepted: 07/07/2008] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) has been implicated in regulation of chondrocyte differentiation at multiple steps and has been implicated in the progression of diseases such as scleroderma and osteoarthritis. However, the pathways mediating the expression of CTGF/CCN2 and related factors in cartilage are not fully understood. We have previously shown that the Rho family of proteins and the actin cytoskeleton regulate both early and late chondrocyte differentiation. RESULTS Here we demonstrate that several CTGF/Cyr61/Nov (CCN) family members are differentially affected by either inhibition of actin polymerization (cytochalasin D treatment), promotion of actin polymerization (jasplakinolide treatment), inhibition of RhoA/rho kinase (ROCK) signaling (Y27632 treatment) and Rac1 signaling. We also show that the Smad site in the CTGF/CCN2 promoter is responsive to both Rac1 inhibition and cytochalasin D treatment, suggesting a role of TGFbeta/Smad signaling in mediating the effects of actin dynamics and Rac1. CONCLUSION Collectively, these data show that Rac1 and actin pathways control CTGF/CCN2 expression in chondrocytes which might be relevant to both skeletal development and associated diseases such as osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Woods
- CIHR Group in Skeletal Development and Remodeling, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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Zhu S, Barbe MF, Liu C, Hadjiargyrou M, Popoff SN, Rani S, Safadi FF, Litvin J. Periostin-like-factor in osteogenesis. J Cell Physiol 2009; 218:584-92. [PMID: 19006175 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.21633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Periostin-like-factor (PLF), an isoform related to Periostin, is expressed in bone, heart, and vascular smooth muscle cells. PLF was detected by immunostaining in mesenchymal cells in the periosteum and in osteoblasts lining trabecular bone, suggesting that PLF has a role in osteogenesis. PLF has a signal peptide and is also secreted from osteoblasts in vitro. To study the function of PLF in osteogenesis, we assessed the effect of PLF on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation in vitro and bone formation in vivo. First, to examine whether PLF regulates osteoblast proliferation in vitro, the CyQUANT cell proliferation assay was performed. PLF over-expression by adenovirus resulted in a significantly higher rate of cell proliferation compared to controls. This finding suggests that PLF promotes osteoblast proliferation in vitro. Second, to test whether PLF mediates osteoblast differentiation in vitro, differentiation markers of osteoblasts, were assessed, including alkaline phosphatase staining and activity, von Kossa staining and calcium deposition. Over-expression of PLF resulted in higher expression and activity of alkaline phosphatase and higher amounts of mineralization and calcium deposition compared to controls. These data suggest that PLF promotes osteoblast differentiation in vitro. Third, to investigate the role of PLF in bone formation in vivo, PLF adenovirus was injected into 6-week-old rat femur bone marrow. Over-expression of PLF resulted in increased bone formation within the marrow cavity. Lastly, in a model of fracture healing, PLF expression is robustly upregulated in callus osteoblasts at post-fracture days 7 and 14. Taken together, these findings suggests that PLF induces bone formation in vivo. We conclude that PLF stimulates bone formation in vivo possibly by promoting osteoblast proliferation and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimei Zhu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, USA
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79
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Cooperative regulation of chondrocyte differentiation by CCN2 and CCN3 shown by a comprehensive analysis of the CCN family proteins in cartilage. J Bone Miner Res 2008; 23:1751-64. [PMID: 18597638 PMCID: PMC6956620 DOI: 10.1359/jbmr.080615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
CCN2 is best known as a promoter of chondrocyte differentiation among the CCN family members, and its null mice display skeletal dysmorphisms. However, little is known concerning roles of the other CCN members in chondrocytes. Using both in vivo and in vitro approaches, we conducted a comparative analysis of CCN2-null and wildtype mice to study the roles of CCN2 and the other CCN proteins in cartilage development. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the localization of CCN proteins and other chondrocyte-associated molecules in the two types of mice. Moreover, gene expression levels and the effects of exogenous CCN proteins on chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation, and the expression of chondrocyte-associated genes in their primary chondrocytes were evaluated. Ccn3 was dramatically upregulated in CCN2-null cartilage and chondrocytes. This upregulation was associated with diminished cell proliferation and delayed differentiation. Consistent with the in vivo findings, CCN2 deletion entirely retarded chondrocyte terminal differentiation and decreased the expression of several chondrocyte-associated genes in vitro, whereas Ccn3 expression drastically increased. In contrast, the addition of exogenous CCN2 promoted differentiation strongly and induced the expression of the associated genes, whereas decreasing the Ccn3 expression. These findings collectively indicate that CCN2 induces chondrocyte differentiation by regulating the expression of chondrocyte-associated genes but that these effects are counteracted by CCN3. The lack of CCN2 caused upregulation of CCN3 in CCN2-null mice, which resulted in the observed phenotypes, such as the resultant delay of terminal differentiation. The involvement of the PTHrP-Ihh loop in the regulation of CCN3 expression is also suggested.
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Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF=CCN2), one of six members of cysteine-rich, secreted, heparin-binding proteins with a modular structure, is recognized as an important player in fibrogenic pathways as deduced from findings in non-hepatic tissues and emerging results from liver fibrosis. Collectively, the data show strongly increased expression in fibrosing tissues and transforming growth factor (TGF-beta)-stimulated expression in hepatocytes, biliary epithelial cells and stellate cells. Functional activity as a mediator of fibre-fibre, fibre-matrix and matrix-matrix interactions, as an enhancer of profibrogenic TGF-beta and several secondary effects owing to TGF-beta enhancement, and as a down-modulator of the bioactivity of bone morphogenetic protein-7 has been proposed. By changing the activity ratio of TGF-beta to its antagonist bone-morphogenetic protein-7, CTGF is proposed as a fibrogenic master switch for epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Consequently, knockdown of CTGF considerably attenuates experimental liver fibrosis. The spill-over of CTGF from the liver into the blood stream proposes this protein as a non-invasive reporter of TGF-beta bioactivity in this organ. Indeed, CTGF-levels in sera correlate significantly with fibrogenic activity. The data suggest CTGF as a multifaceted regulatory protein in fibrosis, which offers important translational aspects for diagnosis and follow-up of hepatic fibrogenesis and as a target for therapeutic interventions. In addition, CTGF-promoter polymorphism might be of importance as a prognostic genetic marker to predict the progression of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olav A Gressner
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, RWTH-University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
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81
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Arnott JA, Zhang X, Sanjay A, Owen TA, Smock SL, Rehman S, DeLong WG, Safadi FF, Popoff SN. Molecular requirements for induction of CTGF expression by TGF-beta1 in primary osteoblasts. Bone 2008; 42:871-85. [PMID: 18314002 PMCID: PMC2430079 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2008.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2007] [Revised: 11/30/2007] [Accepted: 01/03/2008] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) is a cysteine rich, extracellular matrix protein that acts as an anabolic growth factor to regulate osteoblast differentiation and function. In osteoblasts, CTGF is induced by TGF-beta1 where it acts as a downstream mediator of TGF-beta1 induced matrix production. The molecular mechanisms that control CTGF induction by TGF-beta1 in osteoblasts are not known. To assess the role of individual Smads in mediating the induction of CTGF by TGF-beta1, we used specific Smad siRNAs to block Smad expression. These studies demonstrated that Smads 3 and 4, but not Smad 2, are required for TGF-beta1 induced CTGF promoter activity and expression in osteoblasts. Since the activation of MAPKs (Erk, Jnk and p38) by TGF-beta1 is cell type specific, we were interested in determining the role of individual MAPKs in TGF-beta1 induction of CTGF promoter activity and expression. Using dominant negative (DN) mutants for Erk, Jnk and p38, we demonstrated that the expression of DN-Erk caused a significant inhibition of TGF-beta1 induced CTGF promoter activity. In contrast, the expression of DN-p38 or DN-Jnk failed to inhibit activation of CTGF promoter activity. To confirm the vital role of Erk, we used the Erk inhibitor (PD98059) to block its activation, demonstrating that it prevented TGF-beta1 activation of the CTGF promoter and up-regulation of CTGF expression in osteoblasts. Since Src can also act as a downstream signaling effector for TGF-beta in some cell types, we determined its role in TGF-beta1 induction of CTGF in osteoblasts. Treatment of osteoblasts with a Src family kinase inhibitor, PP2, or the expression of two independent kinase-dead Src mutant constructs caused significant inhibition of TGF-beta1 induced CTGF promoter activity and expression. Additionally, blocking Src activation prevented Erk activation by TGF-beta1 demonstrating a role for Src as an upstream mediator of Erk in regulating CTGF expression in osteoblasts. To investigate the involvement of the TGF-beta1 response element (TRE) and the SMAD binding element (SBE) in CTGF induction, we cloned the rat CTGF proximal promoter (-787 to +1) containing the TRE and SBE motifs into a pGL3-Luciferase reporter construct. Using a combination of CTGF promoter deletion constructs and site-directed mutants, we demonstrated the unique requirement of both the TRE and SBE for CTGF induction by TGF-beta1 in osteoblasts. Electro-mobility shift assays using specific probes containing the TRE, SBE or both showed TGF-beta1 inducible complexes that can be ablated by mutation of the respective motif, confirming their requirement for TGF-beta1 induced CTGF promoter activity. In conclusion, these studies demonstrate that CTGF induction by TGF-beta1 in osteoblasts involves Smads 3 and 4, the Erk and Src signaling pathways, and requires both the TRE and SBE motifs in the CTGF proximal promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Arnott
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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